The novel is set in a future where the United States has been transformed into a totalitarian state. The story follows a young man who becomes involved with an underground resistance movement that seeks to overthrow the government. As he becomes more deeply embroiled in the resistance, he discovers that the government's control extends far beyond its borders and that the entire world is under its sway. The protagonist's journey takes him from his mundane life as a clerk to a position of leadership within the resistance, where he must confront the harsh realities of revolution and the true nature of the government. Along the way, he encounters various characters who aid or hinder his progress, including a mysterious woman who becomes his ally and potential love interest. Throughout the novel, themes of individual freedom, rebellion, and the dangers of totalitarianism are explored in depth. The author's vision of a dystopian future serves as a warning about the consequences of unchecked government power and the importance of preserving individual rights and freedoms.
By Mack Reynolds · First published 1969 · Genre: Science Fiction, Political Fiction, Dystopian