The Revolt on Venus

Tom Corbett, Space Cadet #5

by Carey Rockwell

Illustrated by Louis Glanzman

Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Ebooks

180 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

The name Carey Rockwell was a pseudonym used by Grosset & Dunlap. It is unknown who wrote the books, or even if there was only one writer. It is interesting to note, however, that while much of the content was original, a number of scenes and plot points were taken from the television series of the same name.

Reviews

[Ricky McConnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ran across these books in a used book shop. I like the old sci-fi ideas about technology, and it is interesting to see how wrong or right the books are . I believe these were written for young boys or girls, and if you are looking for a book with depth and character development remember these are young adult books. It was a fun read, they are short, and I really just liked the fact they were written in the 50's. I am not sure the younger generations now would like these books, it is so far from our modern world of smart phones, computers etc.. I read someones review that they read them to their children, and you could make the stories a little more interesting this way. I also bought them because they would make a good addition to my library as a set. I wonder how many other people buy books like this a a collectible type thing.

[Everett Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was perhaps the first science fiction book I read and I was hooked. After that I read more of the Tom Corbet series, Tom Swift series as well as Asimov, Heinlen, Clark, Norton, and many others.

[Everett Jr.]

A little dated but good entertainment. I read this book when I was about ten and this series got me interested in the space program. I have been a part of the space program ever since.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another exciting 1954 Science Fiction story for boys (this "girl" liked it too). Tom Corbett is a Space Cadet in the future. One book says it's the 24th century, I believe. Men have conquered space and there are colonies on every planet, the moon, and even on planets in distant galaxies. The Space Alliance governs all of these colonies. The Space Cadet program is on Earth, although youth from other planets are eligible to apply.

In this book Tom, Roger, and their Venusian friend Astro have a month's leave from school and they plan to use it hunting tyrannosaurus in the Venusian jungles. Astro has experience with this and he is a native of the "tropical" planet. (Google says the surface of Venus is 850-900 degrees-no bathing suits needed. Whew!) Coincidentally, their mentor, Captain Strong, is headed to Venus to hunt down rumors that there is a faction trying to overthrow space government and take over Venus. Tom and his friends are immediately embroiled in the action. It's also fun to read about the tyrannosaurus hunting them, although a bit nerve-wracking. The tyranno, as they nickname the massive animal, indirectly leads them to the Nationalist's secret base. Does Tom and his friends save the day? You betcha- with the help of the Space Alliance. Their sci-fi gadgets amuse me. We now have some form of nearly everything they use, although it's named something different.

[Kent Archie · Rating 2 out of 5]

So in the future, we will put either space or rocket in front of most nouns.
Also, the government that controls the planets will have a large military that mostly works to suppress efforts by the planets to be independent.

These books are kind of tedious but at least they are short.

[Rhys Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Tom Corbett novel of adventure. Written with a dated science perspective, I found it easy to ignore the science (there are no jungles full of dinosaurs on Venus). The adventure is suitable for young adult readers and the book emphasizes teamwork to overcome problems.

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as a child in the 1950’s

[Norman Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid YA space opera. What young boy wouldn't love to read about hunting dinosaurs on Venus? But the emphasis is really on politics--politics that are a little heavy-handed--why is the space federation so hell-bent on suppressing secession? If the secessionist leader wasn't such a crazy jerk, there really was no reason not to let Venus be independent.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

The intrepid trio of Tom, Roger, and Astro, crew of The Polaris, are headed for a well-earned vacation on Venus to hunt tyrannosaurus in the jungle, but their plans go awry when they're taken prisoner by rebels. It's one of the best books in the series, as I recall, and very nicely illustrated.

[Norman Howe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another solid Space Opera.