What Rough Beast? By: Jefferson Highe
In "What Rough Beast?" by Jefferson Highe, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through a dystopian world filled with suspense, moral dilemmas, and complex characters. Set in a not-so-distant future, this novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of scientific advancements gone astray. Highe's vivid and engaging writing style immediately draws the reader in, pulsating with a tension that lingers throughout each page. The author artfully combines elements of science fiction, thrillers, and ethical quandaries, creating a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The characters in this novel are brilliantly developed, each possessing their own unique voice and motivations. The protagonist, Zoe, is a strikingly relatable individual who grapples with her own internal conflicts while trying to navigate a society steeped in corruption. It is through Zoe's eyes that readers witness the devastating repercussions of a world obsessed with genetic engineering and the pursuit of perfection. One of the book's major strengths lies in its exploration of ethical dilemmas. Highe expertly delves into the moral implications of scientific advancements and the inherent dangers lurking beneath the surface of progress. His ability to present complex issues without falling into preachiness or didacticism is commendable, resulting in a novel that not only entertains but also prompts introspection. The pacing of "What Rough Beast?" is steady, with each chapter unraveling new revelations and raising intriguing questions. The author's attention to detail adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making the world he creates feel unsettlingly plausible. While the novel successfully captivates readers with its intricate plot and well-crafted characters, there are moments when the story becomes slightly convoluted due to the abundance of subplots and myriad of characters. Some readers may find themselves occasionally confused as they navigate the multiple storylines. However, these instances are easily forgiven thanks to the overall strength of the storytelling. In conclusion, "What Rough Beast?" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly combines elements of science fiction, thriller, and philosophical exploration. Jefferson Highe's ability to create a plausible dystopian world, populate it with captivating characters, and examine the ethical implications of scientific progress showcases his writing prowess. This book is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and anyone who enjoys a captivating, suspenseful story. First Page: What Rough Beast? By JEFFERSON HIGHE Illustrated by DICK FRANCIS [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction July 1954. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] [Sidenote: When you are a teacher, you expect kids to play pranks. But with tigers and worse? ] Standing braced or, as it seemed to him, crucified against the length of the blackboard, John Ward tried to calculate his chances of heading off the impending riot. It didn't seem likely that anything he could do would stop it. "Say something," he told himself. "Continue the lecture, talk !" But against the background of hysterical voices from the school yard, against the brass fear in his mouth, he was dumb. He looked at the bank of boys' faces in front of him. They seemed to him now as identical as metal stampings, each one completely deadpan, each pair of jaws moving in a single rhythm, like a mechanical herd. He could feel the tension in them, and he knew that, in a moment, they would begin to move. He felt shame and humiliation that he had failed. "Shakespeare," he said clearly, holding his voice steady, "for those of you who have never heard of him, was the greatest of all dramatists... Continue reading book >>

What Rough Beast? By: Jefferson Highe

In "What Rough Beast?" by Jefferson Highe, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through a dystopian world filled with suspense, moral dilemmas, and complex characters. Set in a not-so-distant future, this novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of scientific advancements gone astray.

Highe's vivid and engaging writing style immediately draws the reader in, pulsating with a tension that lingers throughout each page. The author artfully combines elements of science fiction, thrillers, and ethical quandaries, creating a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The characters in this novel are brilliantly developed, each possessing their own unique voice and motivations. The protagonist, Zoe, is a strikingly relatable individual who grapples with her own internal conflicts while trying to navigate a society steeped in corruption. It is through Zoe's eyes that readers witness the devastating repercussions of a world obsessed with genetic engineering and the pursuit of perfection.

One of the book's major strengths lies in its exploration of ethical dilemmas. Highe expertly delves into the moral implications of scientific advancements and the inherent dangers lurking beneath the surface of progress. His ability to present complex issues without falling into preachiness or didacticism is commendable, resulting in a novel that not only entertains but also prompts introspection.

The pacing of "What Rough Beast?" is steady, with each chapter unraveling new revelations and raising intriguing questions. The author's attention to detail adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making the world he creates feel unsettlingly plausible.

While the novel successfully captivates readers with its intricate plot and well-crafted characters, there are moments when the story becomes slightly convoluted due to the abundance of subplots and myriad of characters. Some readers may find themselves occasionally confused as they navigate the multiple storylines. However, these instances are easily forgiven thanks to the overall strength of the storytelling.

In conclusion, "What Rough Beast?" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly combines elements of science fiction, thriller, and philosophical exploration. Jefferson Highe's ability to create a plausible dystopian world, populate it with captivating characters, and examine the ethical implications of scientific progress showcases his writing prowess. This book is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and anyone who enjoys a captivating, suspenseful story.

First Page:

What Rough Beast?

By JEFFERSON HIGHE

Illustrated by DICK FRANCIS

[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction July 1954. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]

[Sidenote: When you are a teacher, you expect kids to play pranks. But with tigers and worse? ]

Standing braced or, as it seemed to him, crucified against the length of the blackboard, John Ward tried to calculate his chances of heading off the impending riot. It didn't seem likely that anything he could do would stop it.

"Say something," he told himself. "Continue the lecture, talk !" But against the background of hysterical voices from the school yard, against the brass fear in his mouth, he was dumb. He looked at the bank of boys' faces in front of him. They seemed to him now as identical as metal stampings, each one completely deadpan, each pair of jaws moving in a single rhythm, like a mechanical herd. He could feel the tension in them, and he knew that, in a moment, they would begin to move. He felt shame and humiliation that he had failed.

"Shakespeare," he said clearly, holding his voice steady, "for those of you who have never heard of him, was the greatest of all dramatists... Continue reading book >>

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