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Cover of The Skylark of Space

The Skylark of Space

Edward E. Smith (1946)

SubgenreHigh Fantasy
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages (Standard (250-400))
Setting
CSM age10

Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

KidnappingViolence

Protagonist archetypes

Duo / PartnersReluctant Hero

Synopsis

Skylark Series, Book 1 of 4 Brilliant government scientist Richard Seaton discovers a remarkable faster-than-light fuel that will power his interstellar spaceship, The Skylark. His ruthless rival, Marc DuQuesne, and the sinister World Steel Corporation will do anything to get their hands on the fuel. They kidnap Seaton's fiancée and friends, unleashing a furious pursuit and igniting a burning desire for revenge that will propel The Skylark across the galaxy and back. The Skylark of Space is the first and one of the best space operas ever written. Breezy dialogue, romantic intrigue, fallible heroes, and complicated villains infuse humanity and believability into a conflict of galactic proportions. The Amazing Stories publication of The Skylark of Space in 1928 heralded the debut of a major new voice in American pulp science fiction and ushered in its golden age. Legions of interstellar epics have been written since that time, but none can match the wonder, dazzle, and sheer fun of the original.

Is The Skylark of Space appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 10 and up.

Classic 1920s space opera with kidnapping, chase scenes, and space battles, but violence is in the pulp tradition—action-oriented without graphic detail. Romantic elements are chaste and period-appropriate.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include kidnapping and violence.

Who'll love this

Kids will love the thrilling space adventure with faster-than-light travel, galactic pursuits, and heroes fighting villains across the stars.

Tags

Space OperaPulp SFGolden Age SFAdventure