Last Enemy by H. Beam Piper (1956)
The novel is set in a future where humanity has colonized other planets and formed the United Earth Government. The story follows a group of characters who are part of an elite military unit known as the "Last Enemy", which is tasked with carrying out covert operations against enemy forces. The plot revolves around a mission to infiltrate and gather intelligence on an enemy base, but things go awry when the team discovers that the enemy has developed a new technology that allows them to manipulate time. The team must navigate this new threat while also dealing with internal conflicts and personal struggles. Throughout the novel, themes of loyalty, duty, and the consequences of playing with time are explored. The story is a classic example of science fiction, with a focus on action, adventure, and suspense.
By H. Beam Piper · First published 1956 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Speculative Fiction · 29,110 words
First lines
The last enemy was the toughest of all-and conquering him was in itself almost as dangerous as not conquering. For a strange pattern of beliefs can make assassination an honorable profession!
Along the U-shaped table, the subdued clatter of dinnerware and the buzz of conversation was dying out; the soft music that drifted down from the overhead sound outlets seemed louder as the competing noises diminished. The feast was drawing to a close, and Dallona of Hadron fidgeted nervously with the stem of her wineglass as last-moment doubts assailed her.
What this Textopian page supports
Last Enemy is listed on Textopian as a novel by H. Beam Piper, dated 1956 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: H. Beam Piper
- Date: 1956 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Speculative Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 29,110 words
- Structure: 1 section, 462 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Last Enemy by H. Beam Piper
- 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 Last Enemy?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The book is set in a futuristic world with advanced technology and explores themes typical of science fiction such as parallel universes and time travel.
- Adventure — The narrative involves a quest-like journey with action-packed sequences and challenges that the protagonist must overcome.
- Speculative Fiction — The story speculates on the nature of reality and human existence, presenting a world that is different from our own.
- Philosophical Fiction — The book delves into philosophical questions about identity, existence, and the nature of reality.
Tags
Science Fiction · Alternate History · Time Travel · Post-Apocalyptic · Dystopian · War Story · Military Fiction · Action Adventure · Speculative Fiction · Historical Fiction · Alternate Reality · Parallel Universe