The Firing Line by George O. Smith
The Firing Line is a science fiction novel written by George O. Smith and published in 1950. The story follows the adventures of space pilot Dirk Wylie as he navigates through political intrigue, interplanetary warfare, and personal relationships. Along the way, he encounters alien races, advanced technology, and dangerous enemies who threaten his mission and his life. The novel is known for its fast-paced action, vivid descriptions of space travel, and exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice.
By George O. Smith · First published 1950 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller · 15,690 words
First lines
Mark Kingman was surprised by the tapping on his windowpane. He thought that the window was unreachable from the outside -- and then he realized that it was probably someone throwing bits of dirt or small stones. But who would do that when the doorway was free for any bell-ringer?
He shrugged, and went to the window to look out -- and become cross-eyed as his eyes tried to cope with a single circle not more than ten inches distant. He could see the circle -- and the bands on the inside spiraling into the depths of the barrel, and a cold shiver ran up his spine from there to here. Behind the heavy automatic, a dark-complected man with a hawklike face grinned mirthlessly.
What this Textopian page supports
The Firing Line is listed on Textopian as a novel by George O. Smith, dated 1950 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: 1950 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller, Drama
- Length: 15,690 words
- Structure: 1 section, 478 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Firing Line by George O. Smith
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The book primarily explores futuristic technology and space exploration themes.
- Adventure — The narrative involves a journey with challenges and excitement, typical of adventure stories.
- Thriller — The plot includes suspense and tension, characteristic of a thriller.
- Drama — The story contains emotional and interpersonal conflicts, aligning with dramatic elements.
Tags
science fiction · space exploration · military · action · adventure · technology · futuristic · conflict · strategy · survival · aliens · interstellar