Chain Reaction by Boyd Ellanby
The novel follows the story of a group of teenagers who are part of a secret society that seeks to uncover the truth about their town's mysterious past. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they begin to experience strange occurrences and are drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a powerful force that threatens to destroy their lives. Themes: * The struggle for power and control * The danger of playing with forces beyond one's understanding * The consequences of meddling with things that are better left untouched Symbolism: * The chain reaction represents the escalating events and the interconnectedness of the characters' lives. * The town represents a microcosm of society, with its own secrets and mysteries. * The force represents the unknown and the uncontrollable, which threatens to destroy the lives of the characters.
By Boyd Ellanby · First published 1987 · Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Suspense · 6,011 words
First lines
Would this be the last poker game -- with all life at stake and every card a mere deuce?
MacPherson shuffled the cards over and over again. His hands were almost steady.
What this Textopian page supports
Chain Reaction is listed on Textopian as a novel by Boyd Ellanby, dated 1987 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Boyd Ellanby
- Date: 1987 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller, Suspense
- Length: 6,011 words
- Structure: 1 section, 167 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Chain Reaction by Boyd Ellanby
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Chain Reaction?
- How does this novel by Boyd Ellanby fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The book plot centers around concepts of chemical reactions and uncontrolled progress, typical aspects present in science fiction.
- Thriller — Due to the narrative probe into a hazardous chain reaction and the consequent dangers that unfold, the book aligns with a thriller genre.
- Suspense — The consistent tension and uncertainty about what will happen next in the story also makes the book fit into the suspense genre.
Tags
Science Fiction · Dystopian · Cyberpunk · Technology · Rebellion · Uprising · Resistance · Government · Corruption · Power · Revolution · Insurrection