Mo-Sanshon! by Bryce Walton (1987)
The narrative follows Professor Jonathan Ward, an entomologist who believes in a looming threat from a Martian insect culture known as the Mo-Sanshon. After being labeled a paranoid by the psychometric council, he finds himself imprisoned in a high-security facility. As he grapples with his impending reconditioning, he is unexpectedly rescued by a mysterious taxi driver named Red, who claims to share his concerns about the Mo-Sanshon. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to Mars, where Ward hopes to deploy a cage of mercenaries he has bred to combat the insect menace. As they navigate the complexities of their mission, Ward learns that Red is not who he seems; he is a mutant from the Mo-Sanshon, rebelling against the oppressive female-dominated society. In a climactic confrontation, Red opens the cage, unleashing the mercenaries upon the Mo-Sanshon, leading to chaos and destruction. Ultimately, Ward is left to confront the consequences of their actions, reflecting on the nature of identity and the struggle against a predatory culture. The story explores themes of paranoia, rebellion, and the blurred lines between humanity and alienness, culminating in a poignant realization about the true nature of the characters involved.
By Bryce Walton · First published 1987 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Space Opera · 11,451 words
First lines
Only Professor Ward knew they were on Earth, could almost hear them _rustling_ behind their humanoid faces. Then Red came to help him, and of course he had to trust Red. But -- could he?
His gaunt figure slumped wearily in the only chair in the otherwise bare cube, while the telaudio pronounced its immutable sentence.
What this Textopian page supports
Mo-Sanshon! is listed on Textopian as a novel by Bryce Walton, 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: Bryce Walton
- Date: 1987 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Space Opera
- Length: 11,451 words
- Structure: 1 section, 219 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Mo-Sanshon! by Bryce Walton
- 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Mo-Sanshon!?
- How does this novel by Bryce Walton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative of the book revolves around technological advancements, space travel, and other elements typically associated with science fiction.
- Adventure — The plot involves parameter's exploration, risk-taking, and excitement, making it fit for the adventure genre.
- Space Opera — The storyline outlines grand, romantic, and often melodramatic adventure, usually set in outer space or on a distant planet, making it align with the space opera sub-genre of science fiction.
Tags
adventure · mystery · sci-fi · thriller · suspense · action · dystopian · future · technology · survival · conflict · exploration