The Golden Globe [Mass Market Paperback]

The writer obviously admired Heinlein and his libertarian philosophy of small government, economic liberty and few laws. It is not often that a story captivates the reader from the start but in this case that's the only words to describe it. The science fiction is incidental only - aliens destroy all life on Earth and only humans living off the planet survive.
This is the story of Kenneth Valentine, a boy wonder whose father drilled the theater into him from the day he was born.

He finally grows up and his adventures and misadventures are as fun to read about as they are to do. There is almost nothing to criticize as we journey from young lad to superstar to man on the run to the frantic escape from the bad guys. The dog, though silent, was an added bonus as was the imaginary friend who he seemed to have finally banished at the last. The ending, though expected, was "staged" perfectly. Bravo!!!

"The Golden Globe" is his second-most recent work, and it is a complex read that can be taken as a very satisfying actioner, or as a whirlwind tour through a plausible human future. Whichever way you choose to take this, The Golden Globe takes the reader from the outskirts of our solar system, through high-G boost aboard cramped freighters, to a wheelworld near Jupiter, through vacuum and zero-G space, and ultimately to Earth and Luna. Without forgetting hard science at any time, Varley blends juicy mystery and riveting action into a delightful meat pastry of a novel.

This plot revolves around "Sparky" Valentine. Anti-heroic enough, Sparky is a fascinating neurotic, plagued by personal demons and a sordid past, but redeemed by a decency and courage that shows under stress. With the first-person narrative, you will get an intimate view of Sparky's mind.

With an external life that compounds his internal conflicts, Sparky is a fanatic thespian who lives for his craft, and for the roar of the crowd. His ego is actually quite endearing, as it is never malign, and is always self-effacing.

En route to perform in an eminent Shakespearean play, he is pursued by a demonic bounty hunter. This bounty hunter recruits the resources of an entire planet to not only bring Sparky to jail, but to also exact revenge. You see, Sparky happens to be an interplanetary fugitive wanted for murdering his father. Somehow, he also happens to kill a relative of the bounty hunter.

This preposterous plot is an absolute hoot!

Add in a genetically-enhanced bichon frise dog, a swiss-army luggage weapon, two romantic interests, and an interplanetary murder scandal, and you have a story that will please most anyone.

Suspend disbelief, pour yourself a pot of tea, and snuggle up to this book. Guaranteed more fun than the Movie Channel, as much science as the Discovery Channel, and enough sex and violence for you action fans out there.

4.5 stars out of 5.