The Face of the Deep by Jim Young

Title:  The Face of the Deep
Author:  Jim Young
Format:  PB
Pages:  222
Genre:  Science Fiction
Publisher:  Pocket, 1979
ISBN-13:  978-0671829308
Series:  Stand Alone

Favorite Quote:  For I am opening the great gateway into the center of the galaxy, just as I closed it when a murderous people came through it to lay waste this world and its inhabitants.  But do not think there is no murder in your people, for if I did not open this largest of our channels, you too would be so confined as to become like Cinala's petrified demon and that demon's race.

Synopsis (Back Cover):  The earthly expedition breathlessly awaited it's arrival on Bok II, home of the galaxy's one other intelligent race.  They had wanted to study its medieval culture, view its Citadel God-head, and warn of the impending explosion of its sun.

But the leaders of Bok II -- found no kinship with their visitors, found only danger and threat, and so they brutally imprisoned these brothers of the mind.

With the aid of the friendly aliens of Nalcq, two of the prisoners escaped.  Rafe O'Sullivan and Lea Bennington had one chance to radio for help; they begin a torturous push to the "far speaker" in the city of Vuul.  They did not know that in their path the Citadel waited, the sight of which could instantly kill, or helplessly enslave....

Review:  This book reminds me why I love good Science Fiction.  The aliens are so like us, yet so different.  From the culture, to the religion, to the system of laws, they are alien and yet not.

The main character, Rafe, is believable and likable.  The aliens are wonderful.  The world is not Earth and absolutely enthralling.  This book is a gem and took less than 24 hours to complete.  It is done in the grand old Sci-Fi style only much more approachable and easy to read than some of the better-known authors.  I loved it.  Completely.

Rating:  10 / 10