The Night of the Trolls

Name: The Night of the Trolls
Author: Keith Laumer

In a world where magic has been outlawed, a group of rebels must use their powers to overthrow the tyrannical government that seeks to eradicate them. The story follows a young woman who possesses magical abilities and is forced to flee her home after being discovered by the authorities. She joins a group of rebels who are fighting against the oppressive regime, using their own magical powers to aid in the fight. As the battle between the rebels and the government intensifies, the stakes grow higher and the consequences of failure become more dire. The young woman must confront her own doubts and fears in order to lead the rebellion to victory. The novel explores themes of power, oppression, and resistance, raising questions about the morality of using magic to fight against an unjust system.

By Keith Laumer · First published 1976 · Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Adventure · 10 chapters · 23,559 words

First lines

The machine's job was to defend its place against enemies -- but it had forgotten it had friends!

It was different this time. There was a dry pain in my lungs, and a deep ache in my bones, and a fire in my stomach that made me want to curl into a ball and mew like a kitten. My mouth tasted as though mice had nested in it, and when I took a deep breath wooden knives twisted in my chest.

What this Textopian page supports

The Night of the Trolls is listed on Textopian as a novel by Keith Laumer, dated 1976 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Keith Laumer
Date: 1976 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Adventure, Young Adult, Humor
Length: 23,559 words
Structure: 10 chapters, 597 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Night of the Trolls by Keith Laumer
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 The Night of the Trolls?
How does this novel by Keith Laumer fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The narrative involves mythical creatures and fantastical elements, central to the plot.
Science Fiction — Incorporates speculative technology and explores themes of alternate realities.
Adventure — Features a quest-driven plot with characters facing challenges and exploring new worlds.
Young Adult — Targets a younger audience with relatable themes of growth and discovery.