Joe Haldeman has written many good novels during his career; although Camouflage has some entertaining anecdotes it seems a bit burdened with clichés. Indeed, the plot centers around two aliens; one of whom is nearly identical to Robert Patrick’s character in Terminator II. Secondly, there’s a great deal of gratuitous violence; the scene where the changeling is introduced to a lovely blond Dutch Painter is particularly disturbing.

There isn’t a great deal of character development and the plot reminded me of another James Cameron movie, The Abyss. Although, Haldeman’s prose is sharp, lucid, and witty; as always. If you are on a trip and you need something to read you could do a lot worse than Camouflage. So I recommend Camouflage with a word of warning about the gratuitous violence and the recycled plot.

Availability: USMAI
Review Submitted by: Kevin Oldfield
Rating: Recommended with Reservations