Headhunters of Nuamerica

Name: Headhunters of Nuamerica
Author: Stanton A. Coblentz

In a future society known as Nuamerica, two individuals, Downey and Judith, awaken in a strange environment after being trapped in a concrete tube during a bombing raid. They discover that they have been unconscious for over three hundred years, having entered a state of suspended animation due to a gas released during the attack. Upon emerging, they encounter a civilization that has evolved significantly, with bizarre customs and a peculiar social structure. The inhabitants, dressed in colorful kilts, are bewildered by Downey and Judith's appearance and speech, leading to their arrest. The High Councillor, an elderly figure, informs them of the Decapitation Draft, a law that mandates the decapitation of young men to provide bodies for the aging elite. Downey learns that the society has developed a method to transfer heads onto new bodies, allowing the elderly to live indefinitely by using the bodies of the young. As Downey faces the grim reality of being selected for decapitation, he becomes desperate to escape. He reflects on his physical condition, which has kept him in good health, and worries about Judith's fate in this strange world. After a series of events, including a visit from Judith, who has been trying to find a way to save him, Downey's situation takes a turn when he inadvertently triggers a sneezing fit due to her face powder, which he is allergic to. This unexpected reaction leads the examining doctor to reconsider Downey's eligibility for the draft, as he cannot risk contaminating the elite with any potential illness. Judith's clever use of her makeup to save Downey reveals her resourcefulness and deep feelings for him. Ultimately, Downey is spared from decapitation, and the two embrace, realizing their bond has strengthened through their harrowing experience. They contemplate their future together in this new world, finding solace in each other's presence despite the bizarre and dangerous society around them. The narrative explores themes of survival, the value of life, and the complexities of human relationships in the face of societal absurdities.

By Stanton A. Coblentz · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Adventure · 4 chapters · 6,530 words

First lines

There was a stunned sensation in Downey's head as he slowly regained consciousness. He had the feeling of one who has been drugged, or sandbagged; and for a moment he could not quite recall where he was or what had happened to him. He was only aware of a dull, hammering sound from somewhere in the distance; and aware also of the aching pain and the stiffness in every joint and muscle of his body. It seemed to him at first that his eyelids were glued together, and would never open; and when at length he forced them apart, he realized that he was in darkness, except for a faint light that slowly widened at the further end of a narrow gallery.

What this Textopian page supports

Headhunters of Nuamerica is listed on Textopian as a novel by Stanton A. Coblentz, dated 1970 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Stanton A. Coblentz
Date: 1970 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Length: 6,530 words
Structure: 4 chapters, 118 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The plot revolves around time travel, advanced technology, and a dystopian future, which are core elements of science fiction.
Dystopian — The narrative depicts a society with oppressive laws regarding decapitation and body grafting, characteristic of dystopian literature.
Adventure — The protagonists experience a series of perilous events as they navigate a strange new world and seek to escape danger.
Fantasy — Elements of fantastical societies and bizarre customs, such as the body grafting process, lend a fantasy aspect to the narrative.