Atomic! by Henry Kuttner (1941)
The novel is a science fiction tale that explores the concept of atomic energy and its potential consequences. It follows the story of a scientist who discovers a way to harness the power of atoms, but his invention has unintended effects on the world around him. As the scientist's creation spreads across the globe, it begins to alter the fundamental nature of reality, causing chaos and destruction in its wake. The protagonist must navigate this new reality and confront the consequences of his actions. The novel is a commentary on the dangers of unchecked scientific progress and the importance of considering the potential consequences of technological advancements.
By Henry Kuttner · First published 1941 · Genre: Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Horror · 12,698 words
First lines
The alarm went off just after midnight. The red signal showed emergency. But it was always emergency at first. We all knew that. Ever since the arachnid tribe in the Chicago Ring had mutated we'd known better than to take chances. That time the human race had very nearly gone under. Not many people knew how close we'd been to extinction. But I knew.
Everybody in Biological Control Labs knew. To anyone who lived before the Three-Hour War such things would have sounded incredible. Even to us now they sound hard to believe. But we know.
What this Textopian page supports
Atomic! is listed on Textopian as a novel by Henry Kuttner, dated 1941 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Henry Kuttner
- Date: 1941 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Horror, Thriller, Dystopian
- Length: 12,698 words
- Structure: 1 section, 315 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Atomic! by Henry Kuttner
- 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 Atomic!?
- How does this novel by Henry Kuttner 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 narrative explores advanced technology, mutations, and the consequences of atomic warfare, central themes in science fiction.
- Speculative Fiction — The story speculates on the future of humanity and the potential evolution of life forms in a post-apocalyptic world.
- Horror — The presence of a menacing, sentient lake and the psychological manipulation of characters create a horror atmosphere.
- Thriller — The plot involves suspenseful elements, including murder, conspiracy, and the urgency to prevent a catastrophic event.
Tags
Science Fiction · Pulp Fiction · Space Opera · Adventure · Action · Thriller · Mystery · Alien Invasion · First Contact · Interstellar Travel · Time Travel · Alternate Reality