Gun for Hire by Mack Reynolds (1963)
The story takes place in a dystopian future where the government has collapsed and corporations have taken over. The protagonist is a mercenary who works for various factions, taking on missions that often involve violence and assassination. He is hired by a wealthy client to kill a scientist who has developed a revolutionary new technology. However, things become complicated when he discovers that the scientist's work could potentially benefit humanity as a whole. The protagonist must navigate a complex web of intrigue and deception as he tries to complete his mission while also considering the implications of his actions on a larger scale.
By Mack Reynolds · First published 1963 · Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Adventure · 6,170 words
First lines
Joe Prantera called softly, "Al. " The pleasurable, comfortable, warm feeling began spreading over him, the way it always did.
The older man stopped and squinted, but not suspiciously, even now.
What this Textopian page supports
Gun for Hire is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mack Reynolds, dated 1963 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Mack Reynolds
- Date: 1963 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller, Adventure, Crime, Dystopian
- Length: 6,170 words
- Structure: 1 section, 206 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Gun for Hire by Mack Reynolds
- 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 Gun for Hire?
- How does this novel by Mack Reynolds 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 plot involves time travel and futuristic elements, exploring themes of societal evolution and the consequences of past actions.
- Thriller — The narrative centers around assassination and suspense, with a protagonist navigating dangerous situations and moral dilemmas.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey through an unfamiliar world, facing challenges and adapting to new circumstances.
- Crime — The story involves criminal activities, specifically assassination, and the exploration of a criminal's mindset.
Tags
Science Fiction · Space Opera · Action Adventure · Mystery Thriller · Private Investigator · Future Society · Crime Fiction · Detective Story · Alien Invasion · Intergalactic Politics · Corruption · Rebellion