The Wedge By: Horace Brown Fyfe (1918-1997)
The Wedge by Horace Brown Fyfe is a thrilling science fiction novel that takes readers on a thought-provoking journey into the future. Set against the backdrop of a technologically advanced society, the story follows a group of space explorers who stumble upon a mysterious alien artifact known as the Wedge. Fyfe skillfully weaves together elements of suspense, adventure, and scientific discovery to create an engaging narrative. The author's attention to detail is evident throughout the book, as he expertly describes both the futuristic setting and the intricate workings of the Wedge. This attention to detail not only adds depth to the story but also allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the world Fyfe has created. One thing that stood out in this book was Fyfe's exploration of complex philosophical and ethical questions. As the characters grapple with the decision of whether to harness the immense power of the Wedge or to destroy it, readers are left pondering their own beliefs and values. Fyfe's ability to tackle these profound themes without overwhelming the narrative is laudable, adding an extra layer of intellectual stimulation to the story. Another strength of The Wedge lies in its well-developed characters. Each member of the exploration team brings their unique personalities and motivations to the table, adding depth and complexity to the plot. Additionally, Fyfe's portrayal of human-alien interactions is both believable and thought-provoking, highlighting the inherent challenges and potential miscommunications that arise when two vastly different species attempt to communicate. The pacing of the novel is also worth mentioning. Fyfe expertly balances moments of high-stakes action with quieter, introspective scenes, keeping readers engaged from beginning to end. This dynamic pacing, combined with the author's clear and concise writing style, ensures that the story never feels stagnant or drawn-out. However, while The Wedge is an overall captivating read, there are moments where the plot becomes slightly predictable. Certain twists and turns feel predetermined, leaving readers with a sense of familiarity rather than surprise. This minor flaw, however, does not diminish the book's overall merits or the enjoyment derived from reading it. In conclusion, The Wedge by Horace Brown Fyfe is a skillfully written science fiction novel that successfully combines thrilling adventure with philosophical reflections. With its well-developed characters, captivating plot, and thought-provoking themes, Fyfe's novel is a must-read for fans of the genre. Despite a few predictable moments, the book's strengths far outweigh its minor flaws. Overall, The Wedge stands as a testament to Fyfe's prowess as a storyteller and his ability to thoughtfully explore the intricacies of the human condition in a futuristic setting. First Page: [ Transcriber's Note: This e text was produced from the September 1960 issue of If. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as possible. Text that was italic in the original is marked with .] The Wedge Finding his way out of this maze was only half the job. By H. B. FYFE [Illustration] When the concealed gong sounded, the man sitting on the floor sighed. He continued, however, to slump loosely against the curving, pearly plastic of the wall, and took care not to glance toward the translucent ovals he knew to be observation panels. He was a large man, but thin and bony faced. His dirty gray coverall bore the name "Barnsley" upon grimy white tape over the heart. Except at the shoulders, it looked too big for him. His hair was dark brown, but the sandy ginger of his two week beard seemed a better match for his blue eyes. Finally, he satisfied the softly insistent gong by standing up and gazing in turn at each of the three doors spaced around the cylindrical chamber. He deliberately adopted an expression of simple minded anticipation as he ambled over to the nearest one... Continue reading book >>

The Wedge By: Horace Brown Fyfe (1918-1997)

The Wedge by Horace Brown Fyfe is a thrilling science fiction novel that takes readers on a thought-provoking journey into the future. Set against the backdrop of a technologically advanced society, the story follows a group of space explorers who stumble upon a mysterious alien artifact known as the Wedge.

Fyfe skillfully weaves together elements of suspense, adventure, and scientific discovery to create an engaging narrative. The author's attention to detail is evident throughout the book, as he expertly describes both the futuristic setting and the intricate workings of the Wedge. This attention to detail not only adds depth to the story but also allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the world Fyfe has created.

One thing that stood out in this book was Fyfe's exploration of complex philosophical and ethical questions. As the characters grapple with the decision of whether to harness the immense power of the Wedge or to destroy it, readers are left pondering their own beliefs and values. Fyfe's ability to tackle these profound themes without overwhelming the narrative is laudable, adding an extra layer of intellectual stimulation to the story.

Another strength of The Wedge lies in its well-developed characters. Each member of the exploration team brings their unique personalities and motivations to the table, adding depth and complexity to the plot. Additionally, Fyfe's portrayal of human-alien interactions is both believable and thought-provoking, highlighting the inherent challenges and potential miscommunications that arise when two vastly different species attempt to communicate.

The pacing of the novel is also worth mentioning. Fyfe expertly balances moments of high-stakes action with quieter, introspective scenes, keeping readers engaged from beginning to end. This dynamic pacing, combined with the author's clear and concise writing style, ensures that the story never feels stagnant or drawn-out.

However, while The Wedge is an overall captivating read, there are moments where the plot becomes slightly predictable. Certain twists and turns feel predetermined, leaving readers with a sense of familiarity rather than surprise. This minor flaw, however, does not diminish the book's overall merits or the enjoyment derived from reading it.

In conclusion, The Wedge by Horace Brown Fyfe is a skillfully written science fiction novel that successfully combines thrilling adventure with philosophical reflections. With its well-developed characters, captivating plot, and thought-provoking themes, Fyfe's novel is a must-read for fans of the genre. Despite a few predictable moments, the book's strengths far outweigh its minor flaws. Overall, The Wedge stands as a testament to Fyfe's prowess as a storyteller and his ability to thoughtfully explore the intricacies of the human condition in a futuristic setting.

First Page:

[ Transcriber's Note:

This e text was produced from the September 1960 issue of If. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as possible.

Text that was italic in the original is marked with .]

The Wedge

Finding his way out of this maze was only half the job.

By H. B. FYFE

[Illustration]

When the concealed gong sounded, the man sitting on the floor sighed. He continued, however, to slump loosely against the curving, pearly plastic of the wall, and took care not to glance toward the translucent ovals he knew to be observation panels.

He was a large man, but thin and bony faced. His dirty gray coverall bore the name "Barnsley" upon grimy white tape over the heart. Except at the shoulders, it looked too big for him. His hair was dark brown, but the sandy ginger of his two week beard seemed a better match for his blue eyes.

Finally, he satisfied the softly insistent gong by standing up and gazing in turn at each of the three doors spaced around the cylindrical chamber. He deliberately adopted an expression of simple minded anticipation as he ambled over to the nearest one... Continue reading book >>

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Wikipedia – The Wedge

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