In the Cards by George O. Smith
In the Cards is a science fiction novel by George O. Smith that follows the story of a man named John who discovers he has the ability to predict future events through playing cards. As he becomes more involved in using his powers, he finds himself caught up in a dangerous game of politics and intrigue. The book explores themes of power, control, and the consequences of manipulating fate.
By George O. Smith · First published 1952 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller · 5 chapters · 12,174 words
First lines
The masked man crept down the corridor stealthily. It was quite dark in the hallway but he knew that it was a synthetic darkness, a matter of temporal convenience, for on a spaceship, time is regulated by the Terran daily cycle of twenty-four hours.
On spacecraft the passenger-sections observe a strict twelve-hour division between sheer brilliance and utter darkness. He estimated that it was a full two hours before light-time, which meant that those couples who preferred to sit and hold hands whilst staring at the rather over-stable aspect of the sky were by now bedded down and asleep.
What this Textopian page supports
In the Cards is listed on Textopian as a novel by George O. Smith, dated 1952 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: George O. Smith
- Date: 1952 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller, Mystery, Romance
- Length: 12,174 words
- Structure: 5 chapters, 337 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In the Cards by George O. Smith
- 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
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The story is set in space, involves advanced technology like spaceships and a mysterious crystal with unique properties, and explores themes of scientific discovery and interplanetary law.
- Adventure — The plot follows a high-stakes theft and pursuit across space, with elements of danger, action, and exploration.
- Thriller — The narrative includes suspenseful elements such as a heist, a chase, and the potential for catastrophic consequences if the crystal is misused.
- Mystery — The story involves unraveling the secrets of the zonium crystal and the motivations of the characters involved in its theft and recovery.
Tags
science fiction · fantasy · cards · gambling · mystery · adventure · supernatural · psychic · fortune telling · suspense · magic · alternate reality