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Operation Haystack   By: (1920-1986)

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Operation Haystack by Frank Herbert is a suspenseful and gripping thriller that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of intrigue and espionage. Set in a dystopian future, the novel delves into the dangerous world of spies and covert operations, where nothing is as it seems.

The story follows protagonist Lewis Orne, an undercover agent who works for the secretive Bureau of Sabotage. Orne's mission is to infiltrate the elusive spy organization known as Hadinger's Haystack, which poses a grave threat to the stability of the world. As he delves deeper into the organization, Orne realizes that the stakes are higher than he initially thought, and his own life becomes entangled in a web of political power plays and deadly conspiracy.

Herbert brilliantly builds the tension throughout the novel, creating a palpable sense of unease and trepidation with each turn of the page. The world he crafts is vividly imagined, displaying his mastery in constructing complex and believable fictional universes. The intricacies of the spy trade, with its double agents and constant shadowing, are meticulously portrayed, making it impossible to put the book down.

One of the standout aspects of Operation Haystack is Herbert's ability to develop compelling characters. Orne is a flawed and relatable protagonist, torn between duty and personal motivations. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, each with their own motivations and secrets, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. The interactions between characters are fraught with tension, mirroring the high stakes of their mission.

Another commendable aspect is Herbert's skillful exploration of themes such as trust, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil. As Orne grapples with his own loyalties and the ulterior motives of those around him, readers are left contemplating the moral gray areas inherent in espionage and the lengths one is willing to go to protect what they believe in.

However, Operation Haystack is not without its flaws. At times, the intricate plot can become confusing, with numerous characters and subplots demanding attention. The pacing also occasionally falters, with certain sections feeling slow and bogged down by excessive detail. Nonetheless, these minor flaws do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the novel.

In conclusion, Operation Haystack is a captivating and thought-provoking work of fiction that showcases Frank Herbert's talent for suspenseful storytelling. Fans of espionage thrillers and dystopian novels will find themselves thoroughly engrossed in this suspenseful tale of spies and political intrigue. Despite a few minor flaws, the novel stands as a testament to Herbert's skill as a writer and his ability to craft compelling narratives.

First Page:

Transcriber's Note:

This eBook was produced from Astounding Science Fiction May 1959, pp. 92 111. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

[Illustration]

OPERATION HAYSTACK

BY FRANK HERBERT

Illustrated by van Dongen

It's hard to ferret out a gang of fanatics; it would, obviously, be even harder to spot a genetic line of dedicated men. But the problem Orne had was one step tougher than that!

When the Investigation & Adjustment scout cruiser landed on Marak it carried a man the doctors had no hope of saving. He was alive only because he was in a womblike creche pod that had taken over most of his vital functions.

The man's name was Lewis Orne. He had been a blocky, heavy muscled redhead with slightly off center features and the hard flesh of a heavy planet native. Even in the placid repose of near death there was something clownish about his appearance. His burned, ungent covered face looked made up for some bizarre show.

Marak is the League capital, and the I A medical center there is probably the best in the galaxy, but it accepted the creche pod and Orne more as a curiosity than anything else. The man had lost one eye, three fingers of his left hand and part of his hair, suffered a broken jaw and various internal injuries... Continue reading book >>




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