Description
Tangle Hold by Floyd L. Wallace is an exhilarating and thought-provoking novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a tangled web of political intrigue, suspense, and personal redemption. Set in a fictional world that bears striking resemblances to our own, this gripping tale seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, mystery, and action-packed adventure.
The story unfolds in a dystopian society where corruption, greed, and power dictate the lives of its inhabitants. The author expertly crafts a complex narrative, rich in detail, that explores the consequences of unchecked authority and the lengths people will go to maintain control. The protagonist, Ethan, is a compelling and relatable character who finds himself caught in the midst of this corrupt system, forced to undertake a dangerous mission that has the potential to change everything.
One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in Wallace’s ability to create a vivid and immersive world. His descriptive prose paints a picture of a society on the brink of collapse, highlighting the stark disparities between the wealthy elite and the impoverished masses. The intricate political landscape that unfolds is both captivating and chilling, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers hooked until the final page.
The pacing of the story is fantastic, with a perfect balance of action-packed sequences and introspective moments that allow readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The author’s exploration of moral dilemmas and ethical questions adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, making it not only an engaging read but also a thought-provoking one.
Furthermore, the characters in Tangle Hold are well-developed and multifaceted, each with their own motivations and secrets. From Ethan’s internal struggles to the enigmatic allies and enemies he encounters along the way, every character feels real and contributes to the story’s overall depth.
Although the plot is captivating, there are a few instances where the complexity becomes overwhelming, making it challenging to keep track of the numerous subplots and minor characters. However, given the intricate nature of the story, this can be forgiven as it adds to the overall sense of chaos and mystery.
In conclusion, Tangle Hold is a captivating and exhilarating read, filled with political intrigue, memorable characters, and a thought-provoking exploration of power and freedom. Floyd L. Wallace’s skillful storytelling and immersive world-building make this a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and political thrillers alike.
First Page:
TANGLE HOLD
By F. L. WALLACE
Illustrated by EMSH
[Transcriber’s Note: This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction June 1953. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
[Sidenote: Jadiver objected to being the greatest influence for good on Venus … because what was good for Venus was bad for Jadiver!]
Somebody was wrapping him in a sheet of ice and spice. Somebody was pulling it tight so that his toes ached and his fingers tingled. He still had fingers, and eyes too. He opened his eyes and they turned in opposite directions and couldn’t focus on what they saw. He made an effort, but couldn’t keep it up and had to let his eyes flutter shut again.
“Rest. You’re all right.” That’s where he got the idea of ice and spice from that voice.
“Mmmm,” said Jadiver. He tried to raise his hand, but it wouldn’t move. It was good advice to rest; he couldn’t do otherwise. “What happened?” he whispered.
“You had an accident. Remember?”
He didn’t. It was his mind playing tricks, of course. It couldn’t have been pleasant if his memory didn’t have access to it.
“Mmmm,” he evaded.
“Go to sleep. We’ll talk later.”
He thought he felt something shoved deep in his flesh, but he may have been wrong. In any event, the light that filtered through his closed eyelids faded away and the external world, of which there wasn’t much in the first place, vanished completely… Continue reading book >>
