Invasion from 2500

by Terry Carr, Norman Edwards (Pseudonym), Ted White

As Jack Eskridge sped through the night toward Chicago, the sky was suddenly lit with a flash of brilliance.Jack stopped the car and ran toward the light. He was greeted by a fantastic a huge, weirdly glowing arch, through which were pouring strange-looking tanks, airships and metallic-clad soldiers carrying sinister weapons.Jack knew he had to get away and warn the country of the invasion. But before he could reach Chicago all the major cities in the United States had been conquered by the aliens.No one knew where they came from or what their evil purpose was. Only one thing was certain—they had to be stopped before the whole of mankind fell under their domination.

Genres: Science Fiction, Guinea Bissau

126 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1964

About the author

Carr was born in Grants Pass, Oregon. He attended the City College of San Francisco and the University of California, Berkeley from 1954 to 1959.

Carr discovered science fiction fandom in 1949, where he became an enthusiastic publisher of fanzines, which later helped open his way into the commercial publishing world. (He was one of the two fans responsible for the hoax fan 'Carl Brandon' after whom the Carl Brandon Society takes its name.) Despite a long career as a science fiction professional, he continued to participate as a fan until his death. He was nominated five times for Hugos for Best Fanzine (1959–1961, 1967–1968), winning in 1959, was nominated three times for Best Fan Writer (1971–1973), winning in 1973, and was Fan Guest of Honor at ConFederation in 1986.

Though he published some fiction in the early 1960s, Carr concentrated on editing. He first worked at Ace Books, establishing the Ace Science Fiction Specials series which published, among other novels, The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin and Rite of Passage by Alexei Panshin.

After conflicts with Ace head Donald A. Wollheim, he worked as a freelancer. He edited an original story anthology series called Universe, and a popular series of The Best Science Fiction of the Year anthologies that ran from 1972 until his death in 1987. He also edited numerous one-off anthologies over the same time span. He was nominated for the Hugo for Best Editor thirteen times (1973–1975, 1977–1979, 1981–1987), winning twice (1985 and 1987). His win in 1985 was the first time a freelance editor had won.

Carr taught at the Clarion Workshop at Michigan State University in 1978, where his students included Richard Kadrey and Pat Murphy.

Reviews

[John Peel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Erskine is the first person to see them - invaders emerging from a glowing gateway to begin their conquest of the Earth. But where are they from? (Hint: read the title of the book.) Jack joins the rebels, but it's as if the invaders know their every move, so how can they defeat them?

It looks like a cheesy SF pot-boiler, but it's actually more intelligent and well-reasoned than you'd imagine, and is a fast-paced and imaginative adventure.

[Dan Svatek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the part where the spacemen go through the archway!

[Dartharagorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was interesting to say the most.

Was an interesting read. I've been trying to dive into some old paperback sci-fi. This was decent but I wouldn't recommend it. I'm not sorry I read it but definitely won't be revisiting it. Save your money there are way more interesting books to read. Maybe pick it up at a library if you've run out of books to read :p

[SciFiOne · Rating 4 out of 5]

1987 grade A-
2014 grade B+

Not great literature but it's short, easy reading and fun. The pace reminds me of Indiana Jones movies. It's mostly short simple action with a decent story under it.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

All I can say is Great Scott!