Black Star Rising

Black Star Rising, published in 1986, is a dystopian science fiction novel by American author Frederik Pohl.

An educated American working as a farm labourer, Pettyman Castor, becomes embroiled in a criminal investigation.

When he is allowed to use a computer as part of the investigation, Castor finds out that an alien space vessel (they are called "erks") is rapidly on its way to Earth.

The American castaways and the aliens develop a plan to free the United States from the Chinese colonists.

Dave Langford reviewed Black Star Rising for White Dwarf #81, and stated that "Good-natured stuff with a few sharp points.