The Eternal Wall By: Raymond Z. Gallun (1911-1994)
Raymond Z. Gallun's The Eternal Wall is a remarkable work of science fiction that seamlessly blends elements of adventure, suspense, and existential contemplation. Set in a dystopian future where humanity has retreated to the safety of a sprawling underground city, the novel follows the story of Alex Porter, a young engineer tasked with maintaining the Eternal Wall that safeguards the remnants of this post-apocalyptic world. Gallun's writing style effortlessly transports readers into a bleak and desolate society, where the few survivors are cut off from the outside world by an impenetrable barrier. The author's vivid descriptions and attention to detail bring the underground city to life, immersing the reader in a world where darkness and uncertainty prevail. From the towering metallic structures to the flickering artificial light, every aspect of the environment is meticulously crafted, evoking a sense of claustrophobia and isolation that mirrors the characters' experiences. The protagonist, Alex, is a relatable and well-developed character whose unwavering determination and curiosity drive the narrative forward. As he delves deeper into the secrets of the Eternal Wall, he unravels a web of deception, conspiracy, and the dark truths that threaten to shatter the precarious balance of the city. The book effortlessly captures the essence of survival and resistance, exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the pursuit of knowledge against all odds. One of the notable strengths of The Eternal Wall lies in its exploration of philosophical and ethical quandaries. Gallun's narrative prompts readers to question the price of safety, the consequences of complacency, and the lingering effects of past mistakes. Through thought-provoking dialogue and introspective passages, the author skillfully navigates the complex moral landscape that his characters inhabit, forcing the reader to consider the limits of human ambition and the vulnerability of civilizations. The pace of the novel is consistently engaging, ensuring that the reader remains captivated throughout the story. The action sequences are well choreographed, with high-stakes moments of intensity that keep the plot moving at a brisk tempo. However, the book does occasionally shift focus from the main narrative to explore secondary storylines, which can temporarily interrupt the overall momentum of the plot. Thematically rich and well-executed, The Eternal Wall is a thought-provoking and gripping read that will satisfy fans of dystopian fiction and science fiction alike. Gallun's masterful world-building, compelling characters, and exploration of profound ideas make this novel a standout in the genre. Without revealing too much, it can be confidently said that The Eternal Wall is a captivating journey that will leave readers reflecting long after the final page. First Page: THE ETERNAL WALL By RAYMOND Z. GALLUN A scream of brakes, the splash into icy waters, a long descent into alkaline depths ... it was death. But Ned Vince lived again a million years later! "See you in half an hour, Betty," said Ned Vince over the party telephone. "We'll be out at the Silver Basket before ten thirty...." Ned Vince was eager for the company of the girl he loved. That was why he was in a hurry to get to the neighboring town of Hurley, where she lived. His old car rattled and roared as he swung it recklessly around Pit Bend. There was where Death tapped him on the shoulder. Another car leaped suddenly into view, its lights glaring blindingly past a high, up jutting mass of Jurassic rock at the turn of the road. Dazzled, and befuddled by his own rash speed, Ned Vince had only swift young reflexes to rely on to avoid a fearful, telescoping collision. He flicked his wheel smoothly to the right; but the County Highway Commission hadn't yet tarred the traffic loosened gravel at the Bend. [Illustration: An incredible science, millions of years old, lay in the minds of these creatures.] Ned could scarcely have chosen a worse place to start sliding and spinning. His car hit the white painted wooden rail sideways, crashed through, tumbled down a steep slope, struck a huge boulder, bounced up a little, and arced outward, falling as gracefully as a swan diver toward the inky waters of the Pit, fifty feet beneath... Continue reading book >>

The Eternal Wall By: Raymond Z. Gallun (1911-1994)

Raymond Z. Gallun's The Eternal Wall is a remarkable work of science fiction that seamlessly blends elements of adventure, suspense, and existential contemplation. Set in a dystopian future where humanity has retreated to the safety of a sprawling underground city, the novel follows the story of Alex Porter, a young engineer tasked with maintaining the Eternal Wall that safeguards the remnants of this post-apocalyptic world.

Gallun's writing style effortlessly transports readers into a bleak and desolate society, where the few survivors are cut off from the outside world by an impenetrable barrier. The author's vivid descriptions and attention to detail bring the underground city to life, immersing the reader in a world where darkness and uncertainty prevail. From the towering metallic structures to the flickering artificial light, every aspect of the environment is meticulously crafted, evoking a sense of claustrophobia and isolation that mirrors the characters' experiences.

The protagonist, Alex, is a relatable and well-developed character whose unwavering determination and curiosity drive the narrative forward. As he delves deeper into the secrets of the Eternal Wall, he unravels a web of deception, conspiracy, and the dark truths that threaten to shatter the precarious balance of the city. The book effortlessly captures the essence of survival and resistance, exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the pursuit of knowledge against all odds.

One of the notable strengths of The Eternal Wall lies in its exploration of philosophical and ethical quandaries. Gallun's narrative prompts readers to question the price of safety, the consequences of complacency, and the lingering effects of past mistakes. Through thought-provoking dialogue and introspective passages, the author skillfully navigates the complex moral landscape that his characters inhabit, forcing the reader to consider the limits of human ambition and the vulnerability of civilizations.

The pace of the novel is consistently engaging, ensuring that the reader remains captivated throughout the story. The action sequences are well choreographed, with high-stakes moments of intensity that keep the plot moving at a brisk tempo. However, the book does occasionally shift focus from the main narrative to explore secondary storylines, which can temporarily interrupt the overall momentum of the plot.

Thematically rich and well-executed, The Eternal Wall is a thought-provoking and gripping read that will satisfy fans of dystopian fiction and science fiction alike. Gallun's masterful world-building, compelling characters, and exploration of profound ideas make this novel a standout in the genre. Without revealing too much, it can be confidently said that The Eternal Wall is a captivating journey that will leave readers reflecting long after the final page.

First Page:

THE ETERNAL WALL

By RAYMOND Z. GALLUN

A scream of brakes, the splash into icy waters, a long descent into alkaline depths ... it was death. But Ned Vince lived again a million years later!

"See you in half an hour, Betty," said Ned Vince over the party telephone. "We'll be out at the Silver Basket before ten thirty...."

Ned Vince was eager for the company of the girl he loved. That was why he was in a hurry to get to the neighboring town of Hurley, where she lived. His old car rattled and roared as he swung it recklessly around Pit Bend.

There was where Death tapped him on the shoulder. Another car leaped suddenly into view, its lights glaring blindingly past a high, up jutting mass of Jurassic rock at the turn of the road.

Dazzled, and befuddled by his own rash speed, Ned Vince had only swift young reflexes to rely on to avoid a fearful, telescoping collision. He flicked his wheel smoothly to the right; but the County Highway Commission hadn't yet tarred the traffic loosened gravel at the Bend.

[Illustration: An incredible science, millions of years old, lay in the minds of these creatures.]

Ned could scarcely have chosen a worse place to start sliding and spinning. His car hit the white painted wooden rail sideways, crashed through, tumbled down a steep slope, struck a huge boulder, bounced up a little, and arced outward, falling as gracefully as a swan diver toward the inky waters of the Pit, fifty feet beneath... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Science
Short stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Raymond Z. Gallun
Wikipedia – The Eternal Wall

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac