Sat 18 Jul 2026
SF Diary Review: AVRAM DAVIDSON – The Island Under the Earth.
Posted by Steve under Uncategorized[2] Comments
AVRAM DAVIDSON – The Island Under the Earth. Ace SF Special; paperback original. 1st printing, 1969. Cover art: Leo Dillon & Diane Dillon.
Although published as an ACE SF Special, this is pure fantasy, living legend stuff, with centaurs, gnomes, harpies, and humans, all inhabiting some kind of counter-Earth, which may somehow justify the SF part of the label.
I didn’t finish the book, I have to confess, quitting after page 120, at which point new characters were being introduced and with no detectable story having occurred so far. It’s a book I found to be very difficult for quick reading, at least for me. The style is quite strange but it’s also one that’s very much suitable. The world it takes place is one I don’t know and difficult to recognize, in spite of its familiarity.
Rating: *½
July 19th, 2026 at 3:28 am
I appreciated it more, but it is more world building than story. I’m not sure even now where Davidson was going, but I enjoyed the ride despite that.
That said, I don’t disagree with anything you said. I just had a higher degree of confidence than you did it would be worth the trip.
July 19th, 2026 at 3:31 am
I liked it better than you, but don’t disagree with the points you made. I happen to like Davidson’s fantasy, but I agree it can be a slow burn.