Watch the Sky By: James H. Schmitz (1911-1981)
Watch the Sky by James H. Schmitz is a captivating and intricately woven science fiction novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the unknown. Set in a future world, the story follows young protagonist Rex, who lives in a secluded community and has been raised with strict rules and beliefs. At first glance, life seems ordinary for Rex and his little brother, until strange occurrences begin to unfold in their small town. Mysterious signals from space and odd lights in the sky ignite their curiosity and compel them to seek answers. Schmitz expertly crafts a tale that balances suspense, adventure, and mystery, making it hard to put the book down. The pacing is well-calibrated, keeping readers engaged and eager to unravel the secrets that lie within the pages. One of the standout aspects of this novel is the depth of its characters. Rex is a relatable and endearing protagonist, whose growth and development throughout the story is compelling and satisfying. The author skillfully employs Rex's vivid imagination to portray the world from a child's perspective, enhancing the sense of wonder and discovery. The supporting characters, such as Rex's grandmother and a peculiar neighbor, further enrich the story with their unique personalities and hidden agendas. Schmitz's writing style is clear and concise, allowing the story to flow smoothly and effortlessly. The author excels at creating a vivid and immersive setting, which adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative. From the close-knit community to the foreboding forests surrounding the town, each location feels distinct and plays an essential role in the overall atmosphere. Additionally, Watch the Sky delves into thought-provoking themes such as trust, loyalty, and the nature of power. As the story progresses, it poses questions about the consequences of blind faith and the importance of critical thinking. These themes are successfully integrated into the narrative, providing readers with ample material for reflection and discussion. While the novel delivers an engaging and captivating storyline, some readers might find certain sections to be predictable. However, the superb characterization, skillful world-building, and the book's capacity to keep readers guessing more than make up for this slight shortcoming. In conclusion, Watch the Sky by James H. Schmitz is a stellar science fiction novel that offers a thrilling and thought-provoking reading experience. Through its well-crafted characters, mesmerizing plot, and imaginative world-building, the book will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the genre. Schmitz showcases his talent as a storyteller, leaving readers longing for more. First Page: Watch The Sky It's one thing to try to get away with what you believe to be a lie and be caught at it and something different, and far worse sometimes, to find it isn't a lie ... by James H. Schmitz Illustrated by Hortens [Illustration] Uncle William Boles' war battered old Geest gun gave the impression that at some stage of its construction it had been pulled out of shape and then hardened in that form. What remained of it was all of one piece. The scarred and pitted twin barrels were stubby and thick, and the vacant oblong in the frame behind them might have contained standard energy magazines. It was the stock which gave the alien weapon its curious appearance. Almost eighteen inches long, it curved abruptly to the right and was too thin, knobbed and indented to fit comfortably at any point in a human hand. Over half a century had passed since, with the webbed, boneless fingers of its original owner closed about it, it last spat deadly radiation at human foemen. Now it hung among Uncle William's other collected oddities on the wall above the living room fireplace. And today, Phil Boles thought, squinting at the gun with reflectively narrowed eyes, some eight years after Uncle William's death, the old war souvenir would quietly become a key factor in the solution of a colonial planet's problems... Continue reading book >>

Watch the Sky By: James H. Schmitz (1911-1981)

Watch the Sky by James H. Schmitz is a captivating and intricately woven science fiction novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the unknown.

Set in a future world, the story follows young protagonist Rex, who lives in a secluded community and has been raised with strict rules and beliefs. At first glance, life seems ordinary for Rex and his little brother, until strange occurrences begin to unfold in their small town. Mysterious signals from space and odd lights in the sky ignite their curiosity and compel them to seek answers.

Schmitz expertly crafts a tale that balances suspense, adventure, and mystery, making it hard to put the book down. The pacing is well-calibrated, keeping readers engaged and eager to unravel the secrets that lie within the pages.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is the depth of its characters. Rex is a relatable and endearing protagonist, whose growth and development throughout the story is compelling and satisfying. The author skillfully employs Rex's vivid imagination to portray the world from a child's perspective, enhancing the sense of wonder and discovery. The supporting characters, such as Rex's grandmother and a peculiar neighbor, further enrich the story with their unique personalities and hidden agendas.

Schmitz's writing style is clear and concise, allowing the story to flow smoothly and effortlessly. The author excels at creating a vivid and immersive setting, which adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative. From the close-knit community to the foreboding forests surrounding the town, each location feels distinct and plays an essential role in the overall atmosphere.

Additionally, Watch the Sky delves into thought-provoking themes such as trust, loyalty, and the nature of power. As the story progresses, it poses questions about the consequences of blind faith and the importance of critical thinking. These themes are successfully integrated into the narrative, providing readers with ample material for reflection and discussion.

While the novel delivers an engaging and captivating storyline, some readers might find certain sections to be predictable. However, the superb characterization, skillful world-building, and the book's capacity to keep readers guessing more than make up for this slight shortcoming.

In conclusion, Watch the Sky by James H. Schmitz is a stellar science fiction novel that offers a thrilling and thought-provoking reading experience. Through its well-crafted characters, mesmerizing plot, and imaginative world-building, the book will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the genre. Schmitz showcases his talent as a storyteller, leaving readers longing for more.

First Page:

Watch The Sky

It's one thing to try to get away with what you believe to be a lie and be caught at it and something different, and far worse sometimes, to find it isn't a lie ...

by James H. Schmitz

Illustrated by Hortens

[Illustration]

Uncle William Boles' war battered old Geest gun gave the impression that at some stage of its construction it had been pulled out of shape and then hardened in that form. What remained of it was all of one piece. The scarred and pitted twin barrels were stubby and thick, and the vacant oblong in the frame behind them might have contained standard energy magazines. It was the stock which gave the alien weapon its curious appearance. Almost eighteen inches long, it curved abruptly to the right and was too thin, knobbed and indented to fit comfortably at any point in a human hand. Over half a century had passed since, with the webbed, boneless fingers of its original owner closed about it, it last spat deadly radiation at human foemen. Now it hung among Uncle William's other collected oddities on the wall above the living room fireplace.

And today, Phil Boles thought, squinting at the gun with reflectively narrowed eyes, some eight years after Uncle William's death, the old war souvenir would quietly become a key factor in the solution of a colonial planet's problems... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Science
Short stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – James H. Schmitz
Wikipedia – Watch the Sky

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