The People of the Crater

This first publication by the legendary SF Master Andre Norton is a refreshingly brief and fast paced space opera, set beneath the frigid Antartic where a race of quasi-human people have lived since time immemorial in caves under the ice and earth.

As is typical of space operas, once group of this alien population is under threat and oppression by another group, and it falls to the hero to resolve the conflict through his inherent superiority and ability.

There are the obligatory romantic connections and themes between the hero and the female leader of the tribe he will save, and extraordinary means by which the conflict is resolved.

Certainly worth reading by any level of Norton fan, or space opera fan. Not nearly as dated as many others of this sub-genre.