The novel explores the concept of a world where technology has advanced to the point where humans can live indefinitely and travel through space at incredible speeds. However, this has led to a society where people are no longer motivated to work or contribute to society, leading to widespread poverty and inequality. A group of individuals, known as "Paradoxers", have discovered a way to manipulate time and space, allowing them to move back in time and alter the course of history. They use this ability to create a new timeline where they are the dominant force, but their actions have unintended consequences that threaten the stability of the entire universe. The novel follows the story of a young woman who becomes embroiled in the conflict between the Paradoxers and those who oppose them. As she navigates this complex web of time travel and alternate realities, she must confront the moral implications of altering the past and the potential consequences for the future. Throughout the novel, themes of free will, determinism, and the consequences of playing with time are explored in depth. The author raises questions about the nature of reality and the impact that human actions can have on the universe as a whole.
By Lester Del Rey · First published 1954 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction