Goblin Reservation

_I love the idea of a university having a College of Supernatural Phenomenon, as well as, a College of Time travel. That's the sort of place I wish that I had attended- and he locates it right here in Wisconsin. Heck, I could commute.... _There is also so much more that is pure Simak here- drinking moonshine with an educated neanderthal, a domesticated ghost, and a cloned saber-tooth tiger, for instance. Of course there is also the idea of reservations for the Little Folk (fairies, goblins, trolls, banshees, etc.) Then combine it all with commonplace instersteller travel by matter transmitter throughout a vast galactic community of intelligent aliens. All this is just the incidental setting for the main plot, which just happens to be very well crafted mystery story. _I believe that I have read just about everything that Clifford Simak ever published, and I would have to say that this little novel is probably my all time favorite. I just wish that he would have written a sequel or two.

The Goblin Reservation has joined Way Station at the top of my list of favorite Simak novels. It has all the wonderful Simak classical elements-- folksy heros, visitors from the stars, lost knowledge, and gentle good nature. Additionally, Goblin Reservation has some of the wittiest Simak moments that I have read. The pages are full of little touches that bring an unforced smile. Peter Maxwell returns to Earth bearing a mission entrusted to him by a dying race. Once home, he discovers that another version of himself had already returned and died in a strange accident. The mystery of what really happened is linked with the mystery of an object known only as The Artifact. Peter must cope with unsympathetic aliens, academic politics, unfriendly banshees and his own strange mission before a resolution can be reached. Recommended for any fans of intelligent science fiction or fantasy. Simak should also appeal to general readers who are not classic genre fans. Simak never confuses explicit scenes with maturity, and his books are safe for readers of any age.

I love the idea of a university having a College of Supernatural Phenomenon, as well as, a College of Time travel. That's the sort of place I wish that I had attended- and he locates it right here in Wisconsin. Heck, I could commute.... There is also so much more that is pure Simak here- drinking moonshine with an educated neanderthal, a domesticated ghost, and a cloned saber-tooth tiger, for instance. Of course there is also the idea of reservations for the Little Folk (fairies, goblins, trolls, banshees, etc.) Then combine it all with commonplace instersteller travel by matter transmitter throughout a vast galactic community of intelligent aliens. All this is just the incidental setting for the main plot, which just happens to be very well crafted mystery story.I believe that I have read just about everything that Clifford Simak ever published, and I would have to say that this little novel is probably my all time favorite. I just wish that he would have written a sequel or two.

Simak has written a lot of books and stories about the presence of the supernatural in mundane situations, but I can't recall one that does it so well -- nor so whole-heartedly -- as 'Reservation.' Ghosts, time travel, goblins, færie, dragons, politics, aliens, Neanderthals -- all intermix here on an University campus. This is another one of those books that draws you in and makes you feel welcome and part of the action. While not necessarily faithful to legend and myth, it's still grand tale. Good for all ages; I'd say it's rated 'G.'

Goblin Reservation is one of the few examples of a happy marriage between SF and fantasy, that many strive for but only chosen achieve. This book because of its relatively small size and "classic" SF elements (like aliens, cybertigers and space travel) is a great introduction to a more Tolkienish side of Simak creativity, filled with dwarves, ogres and rafter goblins. It can ease a neophyte poisoned by the made-for-TV SF into reading of Fellowship of Talisman, Heritage of Stars and Where the Evil Dwells. Did I mention it's a good book? Well, then, don't just sit there...