I remember seeing this book when I was in High School, but a quick read for the first couple of pages wasn't exciting enough or enticing enough to grab the interest of a 13 yr old. It went back on the rack.

But now, a half a century later-- looking for any of the old Sci-Fi books that I passed over long ago, after reading the review by Diggler. I downloaded it and settled in.

Diggler gives the best review-- so I will only add this: It seems like your usual old 70's style Post-Apocalypse survival story...except it isn't.

The story is technologically timeless, the story really isn't about technology-- it's about the folks who begin to question Why things are? ...and Who they are?

It doesn't end the way you would think... and things are not what they seem.

I was captivated by the story and wanted to see the end reveal.

It was different than what I expected or guessed. And it was surprisingly hopeful... ( )

Fantastic pulp writing from relative unknown Michael G Coney. Set some time after world war 3 people have moved underground living in rat burrows under the surface. Their most feared creature is the Daggertooth, a vicious man-eating creature. The Hero was a man that slayed the Daggertooth, though died in the ensuing battle. This man has become a legend, so the Elders of Downways choose to clone him. There is much more to this novel than what I have mentioned, including a few twists at the end. If you enjoy Sci-Fi or Post Apocalyptic fiction, you really can't go wrong looking for this book. ( )