James Hogan generally writes harder science fiction than The Legend That Was Earth, but I’d still class this as a pretty good novel. Just be prepared for aliens that are more humanlike than usual and the technology isn’t all that impressive.

But of course, Hogan’s novels tend to be more about the ideas than the technology in any case. But this time it just doesn’t work as well as it has in the past.

The Hyadeans have come to Earth, and have greatly increased the overall standard of living for many. However, some question what it is they really want and people are oppressed in the process. But since things are good for the wealthy and powerful, those who fight against them are called terrorists.

Of course, Roland Cade, the lead character, goes from being a wealthy socialite enjoying the company of many Hyadeans to discovering just how messed up things are, due to his ex-wife, one of the supposed terrorists.

The story is generally good, but not excellent. Not Hogan’s usual quality. In most cases I can cope with his tendency to overdo the utopian society he loves to promote. This doesn’t have much utopia to it, more on oppressive government, and the story just comes out as average.