Mercenary by Mack Reynolds (1963)

Name: Mercenary
Author: Mack Reynolds

The novel explores a future where the United States has been transformed into a totalitarian state and mercenaries are hired to fight wars on behalf of the government. The story follows a group of mercenaries who become embroiled in a complex plot involving a conspiracy against the ruling elite. Along the way, they must navigate the moral complexities of their profession and confront the consequences of their actions.

By Mack Reynolds · First published 1963 · Genre: Science Fiction, Military Fiction, Adventure · 11 chapters · 26,112 words

First lines

Joseph Mauser spotted the recruiting lineup from two or three blocks down the street, shortly after driving into Kingston. The local offices of Vacuum Tube Transport, undoubtedly. Baron Haer would be doing his recruiting for the fracas with Continental Hovercraft there if for no other reason than to save on rents. The Baron was watching pennies on this one and that was bad.

What this Textopian page supports

Mercenary 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, Military Fiction, Adventure, Thriller, Dystopian
Length: 26,112 words
Structure: 11 chapters, 586 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Mercenary by Mack Reynolds
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 Mercenary?
How does this novel by Mack Reynolds fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The narrative explores futuristic concepts and technologies, typical of the genre.
Military Fiction — The plot centers around mercenaries and military operations, a core theme in military fiction.
Adventure — The story involves action-packed sequences and exploration, characteristic of adventure narratives.
Thriller — The tension and suspense throughout the plot align with thriller elements.