A World is Born By: Leigh Douglass Brackett (1915-1978)
Leigh Douglass Brackett's novel, A World is Born, skillfully transports readers to an immersive and captivating universe. Set within the backdrop of an alien planet, Brackett weaves an enthralling tale that combines elements of science fiction, adventure, and political intrigue. The story unfolds on a distant planet called Skaith, a world full of desolate landscapes and unique ecosystems. Brackett's vivid descriptions bring this world to life, allowing readers to navigate its barren wastelands, bustling cities, and mysterious ruins with ease. The attention to detail immerses the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of this alien realm, making every page a thrilling visual experience. The protagonist, Eric John Stark, is a complex and multilayered character who adds depth to the narrative. Brackett expertly portrays his inner struggles, contrasting his solitary, hardened exterior with a hidden emotional vulnerability. Stark's journey takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions as he battles his inner demons while unraveling the planet's secrets. Brackett's writing style is fluid and evocative, creating a sense of urgency and tension throughout the narrative. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, allowing for moments of introspection amidst the fast-paced action sequences. The author's ability to seamlessly blend high-stakes adventure with deep introspection adds depth to the story, making it a memorable read for fans of the genre. Furthermore, Brackett delves into themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of imperialism. Through her exploration of the planet's society and its oppressive ruling class, she highlights the importance of resistance and the fight against injustice. This underlying social commentary elevates A World is Born from a simple adventure tale to a thought-provoking literary work. However, some readers may find certain plot developments predictable, and the romantic subplot could have been more fully developed. While these aspects do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book, they do leave room for potential improvement. In conclusion, A World is Born is a mesmerizing science fiction narrative that transports readers to a richly detailed and captivating universe. Leigh Douglass Brackett's masterful storytelling, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes make this novel a must-read for fans of both science fiction and adventure genres. Prepare to become engrossed in a world where danger lurks at every turn and where exploration of both a foreign landscape and the human psyche is just as thrilling as the events themselves. First Page: A WORLD IS BORN by LEIGH BRACKETT [Illustration] The first ripples of blue fire touched Dio's men. Bolts of it fastened on gun butts, and knuckles. Men screamed and fell. Jill cried out as he tore silver ornaments from her dress. Mel Gray flung down his hoe with a sudden tigerish fierceness and stood erect. Tom Ward, working beside him, glanced at Gray's Indianesque profile, the youth of it hardened by war and the hells of the Eros prison blocks. A quick flash of satisfaction crossed Ward's dark eyes. Then he grinned and said mockingly. "Hell of a place to spend the rest of your life, ain't it?" Mel Gray stared with slitted blue eyes down the valley. The huge sun of Mercury seared his naked body. Sweat channeled the dust on his skin. His throat ached with thirst. And the bitter landscape mocked him more than Wade's dark face. "The rest of my life," he repeated softly. "The rest of my life!" He was twenty eight. Wade spat in the damp black earth. "You ought to be glad helping the unfortunate, building a haven for the derelict...." "Shut up!" Fury rose in Gray, hotter than the boiling springs that ran from the Sunside to water the valleys. He hated Mercury. He hated John Moulton and his daughter Jill, who had conceived this plan of building a new world for the destitute and desperate veterans of the Second Interplanetary War... Continue reading book >>

A World is Born By: Leigh Douglass Brackett (1915-1978)

Leigh Douglass Brackett's novel, A World is Born, skillfully transports readers to an immersive and captivating universe. Set within the backdrop of an alien planet, Brackett weaves an enthralling tale that combines elements of science fiction, adventure, and political intrigue.

The story unfolds on a distant planet called Skaith, a world full of desolate landscapes and unique ecosystems. Brackett's vivid descriptions bring this world to life, allowing readers to navigate its barren wastelands, bustling cities, and mysterious ruins with ease. The attention to detail immerses the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of this alien realm, making every page a thrilling visual experience.

The protagonist, Eric John Stark, is a complex and multilayered character who adds depth to the narrative. Brackett expertly portrays his inner struggles, contrasting his solitary, hardened exterior with a hidden emotional vulnerability. Stark's journey takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions as he battles his inner demons while unraveling the planet's secrets.

Brackett's writing style is fluid and evocative, creating a sense of urgency and tension throughout the narrative. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, allowing for moments of introspection amidst the fast-paced action sequences. The author's ability to seamlessly blend high-stakes adventure with deep introspection adds depth to the story, making it a memorable read for fans of the genre.

Furthermore, Brackett delves into themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of imperialism. Through her exploration of the planet's society and its oppressive ruling class, she highlights the importance of resistance and the fight against injustice. This underlying social commentary elevates A World is Born from a simple adventure tale to a thought-provoking literary work.

However, some readers may find certain plot developments predictable, and the romantic subplot could have been more fully developed. While these aspects do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book, they do leave room for potential improvement.

In conclusion, A World is Born is a mesmerizing science fiction narrative that transports readers to a richly detailed and captivating universe. Leigh Douglass Brackett's masterful storytelling, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes make this novel a must-read for fans of both science fiction and adventure genres. Prepare to become engrossed in a world where danger lurks at every turn and where exploration of both a foreign landscape and the human psyche is just as thrilling as the events themselves.

First Page:

A WORLD IS BORN

LEIGH BRACKETT

[Illustration]

The first ripples of blue fire touched Dio's men. Bolts of it fastened on gun butts, and knuckles. Men screamed and fell. Jill cried out as he tore silver ornaments from her dress.

Mel Gray flung down his hoe with a sudden tigerish fierceness and stood erect. Tom Ward, working beside him, glanced at Gray's Indianesque profile, the youth of it hardened by war and the hells of the Eros prison blocks.

A quick flash of satisfaction crossed Ward's dark eyes. Then he grinned and said mockingly.

"Hell of a place to spend the rest of your life, ain't it?"

Mel Gray stared with slitted blue eyes down the valley. The huge sun of Mercury seared his naked body. Sweat channeled the dust on his skin. His throat ached with thirst. And the bitter landscape mocked him more than Wade's dark face.

"The rest of my life," he repeated softly. "The rest of my life!"

He was twenty eight.

Wade spat in the damp black earth. "You ought to be glad helping the unfortunate, building a haven for the derelict...."

"Shut up!" Fury rose in Gray, hotter than the boiling springs that ran from the Sunside to water the valleys. He hated Mercury. He hated John Moulton and his daughter Jill, who had conceived this plan of building a new world for the destitute and desperate veterans of the Second Interplanetary War... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Science

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Wikipedia – A World is Born

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