The opening line to The Arsenal of Miracles lays the foundation for what should be a dark sci-fi adventure featuring a lone wolf protagonist with knowledge unparalleled; the power to understand what creates and what ends mankind. The interpreted promise is just that, a reader's assumption based on minimal print which inevitably leads to disappointment.
Published in 1964, packaged with Endless Shadow by John Brunner, this one-half of the Ace Double feature provides a teaser of space adventure; a story one-step down from sci-fi. The plot reads routine, only dabbling in mystery as an afterthought.
The action-hero mantle protagonist Bran is presented from the opening pages gives credence to the plight and fight for his peoples and that of other-world dwellers - kinfolk of sorts to humanoid earthlings, as he rights the wrongs done to him and others at the hands of space-conquering connivers. Peganna, the female side kick of silver hair and customary sleek figure - arm candy in stella princess form, adds to the typecast tale.
The 'arsenal', the miracle cache of weapons, holds true to the title. From the outset, there's no doubt said arsenal exists and will be found by the teleporting space travelling duo in due course. The only uncertainty is what evil awaits to thwart our hero and heroine's sojourn and use of weaponry once obtained. The thwarting, unfortunately, is a dull ride aboard a slow moving spacecraft.
On a positive note, Author Gardner F. Fox smartly infuses the ageing process into the narrative which triggers a deeper thinking of evolution and enhancements modern medicine has made in real-life to prolong lifespan; a highlight of the novel, which, reading 60-plus years post publication (and later I'm sure) gives a dosage of reality appreciated by the reader.
The Arsenal of Miracles is a take-it or leave-it story for me; quick to consume, easy to digest, and enjoyable enough to keep chewing after that first bite.
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