Books › Double Star
Double Star
243 pages
A tense, theatrical sci-fi thriller where the ultimate acting gig slowly transforms the soul of the performer.
What it feels like
Reading this classic sci-fi thriller feels like stepping onto a high-stakes stage where the curtain never falls. The narrative moves at a brisk, engaging clip, driven by a delightfully pompous yet deeply insecure protagonist whose theatrical inner monologue provides a wry lens on interplanetary politics. Initially, the mood is tense and pulpy, steeped in the claustrophobia of living a high-wire lie. But as the story unfolds, the atmosphere shifts into something surprisingly poignant and earnest. It is less about the mechanics of space travel and more about the psychological weight of leadership and the phenomenon of the mask becoming the face. It will thoroughly delight readers who enjoy character-driven political maneuvering, golden-age sci-fi crispness, and the profound emotional journey of a cynical imposter slowly growing a conscience and stepping into greatness.
- Mood
- tense
- adventurous
- introspective
- Tone
- wry
- theatrical
- pragmatic
- earnest
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- the mask becoming the face · burden of leadership · overcoming prejudice · imposter syndrome · duty and sacrifice
- The writing
- Crisp, first-person narration that perfectly captures the pompous yet highly observant and adaptable voice of a working actor.
- The arc
- Begins in cynical self-interest and theatrical arrogance, gradually deepening into a profound, self-sacrificing commitment to a cause greater than oneself.
- Who it's for
- Readers who love classic political thrillers, golden-age sci-fi, and stories where a reluctant hero is forced to grow into an impossible role.
Content notes
- allegorical prejudice
- alcohol use
- kidnapping
About the book
One minute, down and out actor Lorenzo Smythe was — as usual — in a bar, drinking away his troubles as he watched his career go down the tubes. Then a space pilot bought him a drink, and the next thing Smythe knew, he was shanghaied to Mars.
Suddenly he found himself agreeing to the most difficult role of his career: impersonating an important politician who had been kidnapped. Peace with the Martians was at stake — failure to pull off the act could result in interplanetary war. And Smythe's own life was on the line — for if he wasn't assassinated, there was always the possibility that he might be trapped in his new role forever!
Description from Open Library.
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