The Last Deathship Off Antares

by William John Watkins

Science fiction novel. The story of a voyage across space and war against Antares, capture by Aliens and wretched treatment, struggle to survive and return home.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

204 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1988

About the author

Up to 1980 he published as William Jon Watkins

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a surprisingly thoughtful military sf novel about survival and resistance in the wake of defeat and imprisonment. The title and cover had made me expect a rollicking space opera adventure in the tradition of Edmond Hamilton or Doc Smith, but it's a much more layered and literary book. No spoilers, but you'll be whistling "The Colonel Bogey March" by the midpoint. (William John Watkins is frequently confused with Walter Jon Williams, but they're distinct and different writers. There was similar confusion back in the '50s between H. Beam Piper and H.B. Fyfe.) It's kind of hard to find, but a worthwhile read.

[Mary JL · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story of the aftermath of a war of human agains aliens. The narrotor is a prisoner in the deathships the alien Antis have set up as POW ships.

This book was an good, straightt science fiction adventure. It is the type I read a lot of---just general Sf with a good plot.

Not enough uniqueness to get 4 or 5 stars--but enough that if I see another book by this writer I will surely try it.

[Jay Sprenkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My co-worker and I were travelling. He had hit the cheap paperback rack for something to read on the plane. After he finished he brought this book to me and suggested I read it. I looked at the cover and looked over my glasses at him. "No, really" he said.

I wasn't sorry. It's much more interesting than the cover and the title would lead you to believe. To paraphrase the book "the universe is trying to tell you something..."

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deathship is not story about the exploration of space. Rather it is a story that explores the human psyche. What makes us human? How do we endure through hardships, betrayal, and the forces of nature?

For those who love military science fiction, I suggest you give it a try, even though it might be more psychological than militaristic.

This was a reread for me, and it stood up as well on the second reading as it did many years ago on the first reading.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old school sci-fi at its best. A great read for those who miss simpler books. A good story with good ideas told well.

[Griffin Clinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prison revolution, anti profit, hand to hand combat, and nonstop action. Could I ask for anything more? Coffee shop classic

[Bogdan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book and an amazing find! I managed to get a copy from an online UK store and I'm really glad I bought it. It was more than I thought it would be

[John Albers · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is one long futuristic fist fight across the galaxy.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago, but to this day I remember how much I enjoyed it at the time. It is (or should be) classed as military SF.