The Pursuit of the Pankera is a 2020 science fiction book by Robert A. Heinlein which is a parallel version of The Number of the Beast. The Number of the Beast and The Pursuit of the Pankera follow the same characters; Deety, Zeb, Hilda and Jake, who are ambushed by the alien called Black Hats, but escape in a vehicle that can travel through different planes of existence. When Robert Heinlein published The Number of the Beast in 1980 he created a parallel version of what would have happened if Zeb, Deety, Jake and Hilda were taken to another universe besides what had happened in the 1980 book and that story is called The Pursuit of the Pankera.

I have read many sci-fi books but nothing stands out as a unique continuation of a story quite like the The Pursuit of the Pankera. This book is an unparalleled science fiction thrill ride that is crafted to entertain the reader. Most authors write about parallel universes as an idea to begin a plot, but parallel universes are a part of the plot here and Robert Heinlein explores the idea vividly. He first wrote about a parallel universe and then went ahead and wrote a parallel version of the parallel universe story he had introduced to his readers. Which makes sense, I suppose, as this is exactly what the parallel worlds theory would suggest. Heinlein is able to imbue a feel of classic science fiction, propelled by action scenes, which the genre has righteously deemed ‘Heinlein-esque’. The feel of deep science fiction with thought-provoking theories and hard hitting action is on brilliant display here. Everything that made me a hardcore Heinlein fan so many years ago has resurfaced here.

The book was written in 1977 but published in 2020. The author wrote two parallel novels about parallel universe but released one in 1980. The two books share the same start but they diverge and the characters are transported to two different parallel universes. The Pursuit of the Pankera is a bold literary experiment and the results are astonishing.

Hardcore science fiction fans may rejoice, but all others must not fear, I found this book to be easily digestible considering the scientific ideas utilized throughout the book. A few bits of jargon, but I found them to be good mood setters. This is still a human story that builds up and tests some fascinating characters. A suspenseful and thought-provoking classic science fiction story that will delight anyone looking for a gripping space adventure.

Pages: 545 | ASIN: B082838YYY