Double-Cross by Frederik Pohl (1961)
Double-Cross is a science fiction novel written by Frederik Pohl and published in 1953. The story follows the adventures of a group of space explorers who discover an alien artifact on Mars that has the power to control human behavior. As they try to unravel the mystery behind the artifact, they become embroiled in a dangerous game of double-crossing and betrayal.
By Frederik Pohl · First published 1961 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller · 4,343 words
First lines
Revolt was brewing on Venus, led by the descendant of the first Earthmen to land. Svan was the leader making the final plans -- plotting them a bit too well.
The Officer of the Deck was pleased as he returned to the main lock. There was no reason why everything shouldn't have been functioning perfectly, of course, but he was pleased to have it confirmed, all the same. The Executive Officer was moodily smoking a cigarette in the open lock, staring out over the dank Venusian terrain at the native town. He turned.
What this Textopian page supports
Double-Cross is listed on Textopian as a novel by Frederik Pohl, dated 1961 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Frederik Pohl
- Date: 1961 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller, Dystopian, Drama
- Length: 4,343 words
- Structure: 1 section, 91 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Double-Cross by Frederik Pohl
- 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 Double-Cross?
- How does this novel by Frederik Pohl 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 story is set on Venus and involves space travel, advanced technology, and human colonization, which are key elements of science fiction.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a high-stakes mission involving espionage and sabotage, typical of adventure narratives.
- Thriller — The tension and suspense created by the impending sabotage and the protagonist's actions align with the thriller genre.
- Dystopian — The depiction of a society on Venus with underlying tensions and a secretive council suggests dystopian themes.
Tags
science fiction · space exploration · political intrigue · dystopian · futuristic · technology · betrayal · humanity · alien contact · survival · adventure · suspense