Two shape-shifting aliens, each living on Earth for centuries, are unaware of each other's existence until the discovery of an ancient alien artifact under the sea draws them together. The main focus is on one of the shape-shifters, exploring its journey from a brutal killer to developing empathy for humanity and trying to uncover its origins. The book spans over a hundred years, blending science fiction elements with a military backdrop and touches on themes of ethics, identity, and the exploration of human nature from a non-human perspective.

Characters:

The characters include a deep, evolving Changeling and a one-dimensional Chameleon, with human characters serving a more peripheral role.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by its simplicity and clarity, making complex themes accessible while maintaining engagement with short chapters.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers around two alien shapeshifters living on Earth, converging on a discovered artifact that ties into their pasts, all while exploring deep themes of identity and humanity.

Setting:

The setting ranges from ancient times when aliens first arrived to contemporary scenes involving a research team examining an alien artifact.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and engaging, though some parts may feel rushed, enabling a quick reading experience.

The monster came from a swarm of stars that humans call Messier 22, a globular cluster ten thousand light-years distant. A million stars with ten million planets—all but one of them devoid of signific...

Notes:

Camouflage features two alien shape-shifters living on Earth for thousands of years.

The Changeling can mimic any species and seeks understanding of humanity.

The Chameleon is a brutal killer, contrasting with the Changeling's developing empathy.

The novel was awarded the Tiptree and Nebula Awards, which highlights its exploration of gender, sexuality, and identity.

It includes themes of human nature, examining what it means to be human from an alien perspective.

Haldeman's writing is noted for being engaging yet accessible, with simple language and short chapters.

The story is character-driven, focusing on the Changeling's relationships and development.

Despite its engaging premise, some readers found the ending predictable and unsatisfying.

The narrative is split between two timelines: the past experiences of the aliens and the present-day conflict over a mysterious artifact.

Readers praised the novel's portrayal of gender fluidity, although some critiques mentioned its heteronormative elements.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include violence, particularly a graphic rape scene, and themes of loss and existential crisis.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance involving a human scientist and the Changeling.

From The Publisher:

Two aliens have wandered Earth for centuries. The Changeling has survived by adapting the forms of many different organisms. The Chameleon destroys anything or anyone that threatens it.

Now, a sunken relic that holds the key to their origins calls to them to take them home-but the Chameleon has decided there's only room for one.

Ratings (4)

Loved It (4)

Reader Stats (8):

Read It (5)
Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

budbud

Loved It

1 year

Didn’t expect to like this book much, but loved it in the end. Good fun read.

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About the Author:

Joe Haldeman is a Vietnam veteran whose classic novels The Forever War and Forever Peace both have the rare honor of winning the Hugo and Nebula Awards. He has served twice as president of the Science Fiction Writers of America…

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Camouflage

Joe Haldeman