John Mantley

The 27th Day is a classic 1950s science fiction novel written with distinct cold war influences.

Set in the late 1950s, aliens abduct five humans and provide each of them with a box, only they can open, which contains 3 golden capsules which can be used to exterminate humanity. They're told that they have 27 days in which to choose to use them, or not use them, and if at the end of that period more than 1/3 of humanity remains they will not colonise Earth. The aliens however are confident that humanity will wipe out more than 2/3rds of itself.

This was an enjoyable read, the distinct picture is painted as America essentially being the beacon of world hope, and Russia being a beacon of evil with a population brainwashed by its leaders. The Russia leader is referred to as Great Leader, which is a little amusing consider that is what North Korea's dictator likes to refer to himself as. At any rate, despite the distinct cold war background to the story, it's quite the romp.

Fans of 1950s science fiction would enjoy.… (mais)