The Barrier by Bryce Walton (1987)
The Barrier by Bryce Walton: Plot Summary: The story follows a group of scientists and explorers who embark on an expedition to the frozen tundra of Antarctica in search of a mysterious barrier that has been blocking their way. As they journey deeper into the continent, they encounter unexpected challenges and discoveries that threaten to upend their mission.
By Bryce Walton · First published 1987 · Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure · 4,134 words
First lines
If Stevens could cross the high velocity barrier at the edge of space he would receive a pardon on Earth. But would he live to claim it?
There were maybe ten or fifteen people to see him off. They weren't cheering. They stood in the gray curtain of rain, hunched over with their hands in their storm-coat pockets. Behind them was the vague bulk of the Experimental Station. And beyond that, invisible in the night, were the mountains he would never see again.
What this Textopian page supports
The Barrier is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Bryce Walton
- Date: 1987 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Space Opera
- Length: 4,134 words
- Structure: 1 section, 86 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Barrier by Bryce Walton
- 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 The Barrier?
- How does this short story 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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- Beyond Pandora by Robert J. Martin
- The Adventurer by C. M. Kornbluth
- Assignment In The Dawn by Bryce Walton
- Hostage Of Tomorrow by Robert Abernathy
- Atomic Station by Frank Belknap Long
Genres
- Science Fiction — The book heavily features futuristic technology and alien life forms, indicative of the science fiction genre.
- Action — The plot involves numerous high-stakes confrontations and battles, which aligns with elements typical of the action genre.
- Adventure — The story includes the exploration of new worlds and dangerous environments, which is a key theme in the adventure genre.
- Space Opera — The book is set in outer space and includes many elements of drama and adventure combined with futuristic technology, making it a part of the space opera sub-genre.
Tags
science fiction · dystopia · society · technology · isolation · human nature · conflict · survival · psychological · adventure · exploration · futuristic