The novel is set in a future world where the United States is divided into two nations, the United States of America and the Soviet Union of America. The two nations are in a state of perpetual war, with each side using advanced technology to wage their battles. The protagonist of the novel is a young man named John Ridpath, who is drafted into the US Army and sent to fight in the war. He soon discovers that the war is not what it seems, and that the two sides are actually controlled by a mysterious third party. He also discovers that the war is being fought for the benefit of a powerful alien race, who are using the conflict to further their own agenda. John must then decide whether to continue fighting for his country, or to join forces with the aliens and help them achieve their goals. Along the way, he must also confront his own inner demons and come to terms with his own identity. The Defenders is a classic science fiction novel that explores themes of identity, loyalty, and morality in a future world. It is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that will leave readers with much to ponder.
By Philip K. Dick · First published 1953 · Genre: Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Dystopian Fiction