Avatar redux

[Raptor1]

Though I don't know if that line refers specifically to it, there's no reason why the flying machine could not have been fitted to discharge the black smoke, it seems like the logical way to employ those things.

I'm pretty sure you are correct about the black smoke killing those who inhale it, as when explained in the book it was described as being "death to all that breathes". If that's the case, it would indeed have not been an effective weapon for long.

I'm not so sure about the infinite war thing. At the beginning of the book, it is stated that the probable reason for the martian invasion is that their planet was becoming unsuitable to sustain life. At the end of the book, it is implied that the martians landed on Venus after their failed invasion of Earth. Since the martians were smart, they would probably have realized a bloody endless wars against the humans while controlling a small section of the world would not help them much, so perhaps they would have retreated and went to colonize Venus instead (If that would have indeed solved their problems, and if the Venusians didn't wipe them out).

[TLAM Strike]

Originally Posted by Oberon

It's been on the list of novels that I've had a mind to read but I haven't gotten around to yet...with Christmas coming up, if the Library doesn't have it then...

I did rather enjoy the 'Tosev timeline' series of Harry Turtledove, that's an interesting slant on the traditional alien invasion.

I've not read any of Turledove's works, I guess its because there are so many its hard to find time to make such a commitment.

But if there is a two for one deal on books grab The Mote in God's Eye, when you get Footfall.