The Barbarians by Algis Budrys
The Barbarians is a science fiction novel by Algis Budrys, first published in 1962. It tells the story of a group of human colonists who are stranded on an alien planet and must fight for their survival against the hostile native inhabitants. The colonists, led by the charismatic leader, John, are determined to make a new home for themselves on the planet. But they soon discover that the planet is inhabited by a race of intelligent, humanoid aliens known as the Barbarians. The Barbarians are a warlike people, and they are determined to drive the colonists off their planet. John and his followers must use all their ingenuity and courage to survive the Barbarians’ attacks and find a way to make peace with them. Along the way, they must also contend with the planet’s harsh environment and the mysterious forces that seem to be manipulating events from behind the scenes. The Barbarians is an exciting and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of colonialism, survival, and the clash of cultures. It is a classic of science fiction literature and is sure to captivate readers of all ages.
By Algis Budrys · First published 1958 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 11,523 words
First lines
It was just as he saw The Barbarian's squat black tankette lurch hurriedly into a nest of boulders that young Giulion Geoffrey realized he had been betrayed. With the muzzle of his own cannon still hot from the shell that had jammed The Barbarian's turret, he had yanked the starboard track lever to wheel into position for the finishing shot. All around him, the remnants of The Barbarian's invading army were being cut to flaming ribbons by the armored vehicles of the Seaboard League. The night was shot through by billows of cannon fire, and the din of laboring engines, guns, and rent metal was a cacophonic climax to the Seaboard League's first decisive victory over the inland invaders. Young Geoffrey could justifiably feel that he would cap that climax by personally accounting for the greatest of the inland barbarians; the barbarian general himself. He trained his sights on the scarlet bearpaw painted on the skewed turret's flank, and laid his hand on the firing lever.
What this Textopian page supports
The Barbarians is listed on Textopian as a novel by Algis Budrys, dated 1958 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Algis Budrys
- Date: 1958 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Dystopian, Thriller
- Length: 11,523 words
- Structure: 1 section, 203 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Barbarians by Algis Budrys
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The Barbarians is a science fiction novel by Algis Budrys, set in a post-apocalyptic world where the survivors of a nuclear war have reverted to a primitive lifestyle.
- Adventure — The Barbarians follows the story of a group of survivors as they journey across a post-apocalyptic landscape in search of a better life.
- Fantasy — The Barbarians features elements of fantasy, such as mythical creatures and magical powers, which add to the story's sense of adventure and mystery.
- Dystopian — The Barbarians is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the survivors of a nuclear war have reverted to a primitive lifestyle, creating a dystopian society.
Tags
Science Fiction · arm · back · barbarian · behind · could · dugald · enough · even · geoffrey · get · good