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The Executioner   By:

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The Executioner by Frank Riley is a thought-provoking and highly intense novel that delves into the complexity of morality and the human psyche. Set in a dystopian future, where a totalitarian government reigns over the lives of its citizens, the narrative follows protagonist John North, a man tasked with the gruesome job of carrying out executions.

Right from the start, the author captivates readers with an alluringly dark atmosphere, painting a vivid picture of the oppressive society in which North resides. Riley's descriptive and evocative writing style effortlessly transports readers into a grim world where every decision comes with dire consequences. The sense of hopelessness experienced by the characters is deeply felt, fueling a palpable tension throughout the story.

North's character is meticulously crafted, displaying internal conflicts that add depth and complexity to his role as the executioner. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a gripping journey into North's psyche, witnessing his gradual descent into moral turmoil. Riley skillfully explores the concept of personal responsibility and the psychological toll exacted by such a harrowing profession.

Furthermore, Riley's world-building is truly commendable, as he constructs a society that feels alarmingly close to reality. The intricate details of the government's manipulation and control over its citizens are as fascinating as they are disturbing. The author paints a bleak and distorted image of a society on the brink of collapse, forcing readers to question the limits of their own freedom and the potential consequences of a corrupt system.

While the first two-thirds of the book are captivating, propelling the reader through a rollercoaster of emotions, the resolution feels slightly rushed. The ending leaves some loose ends and unanswered questions, which may leave readers longing for more closure and a deeper exploration of some of the intriguing plot threads introduced earlier in the story.

In conclusion, The Executioner is an enthralling and thought-provoking novel that will leave readers questioning their own beliefs and moral compass. Frank Riley's masterful storytelling and compelling characters make this a truly engrossing read. Although hampered by a slightly hurried ending, the dystopian world crafted by the author is disturbingly believable. This novel will undoubtedly appeal to fans of dark, introspective fiction and anyone who enjoys contemplating the complex nature of right and wrong.

First Page:

Transcriber's note:

This etext was produced from If Worlds of Science Fiction April 1956. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

THE executioner

[Illustration: Illustrated by Kelly Freas ]

The vote was three to two for death! Jacques had no choice. He was a public servant with a duty....

BY FRANK RILEY

"... Continued fair weather and the unusual circumstances of the execution promise a turn away crowd of more than 100,000 spectators by Court time. All unreserved tent space has been sold out for several days. Next news at...."

[Illustration]

Sir Jacques de Carougne, Lord High Executioner for the Seventh Judicial District, spun the dial on the instrument panel of his single seater rocket, but the vidcasts were over for another hour. He cursed, without too much vigor, and wished he had troubled to look at a vidcast or faxpaper during his vacation. But then he shrugged his massive shoulders.

What did it matter? After a thousand executions, everything was instinct and reflex. Some died hard; some died easy. Some fell to their knees, too paralyzed with fear to fire their own shots. Others fought daringly, even with a degree of skill, but always the end was the same: A broken body bleeding and twitching in the dust; the blood happy spectators shrieking in the ecstacy of release from the humdrum of their pushbutton lives; the flowers, the scented kerchiefs and the shreds of torn garments showered on him by screaming women, who always seemed to find him more satisfactory in the arena than in his tent... Continue reading book >>




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