Sentry of the Sky

by Evelyn E. Smith

The story is set in a future where Earth is protected from alien threats by an advanced defense system. The protagonist is a member of the team responsible for maintaining this system, which is crucial for safeguarding humanity from potential extraterrestrial attacks.

As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist encounters a series of challenges related to the operation and maintenance of the defense system. The story explores themes of duty, vigilance, and the pressure of responsibility in a high-stakes environment. The protagonist’s role is central to ensuring that Earth remains secure, and the story delves into the personal and professional strains that come with such a critical position.

"Sentry of the Sky" reflects Evelyn E. Smith’s knack for combining intriguing science fiction concepts with character-driven narratives. The story emphasizes the importance of perseverance and dedication in the face of looming threats, offering a compelling look at the human side of technological and societal protection.

Genres: Science Fiction

67 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 1961

About the author

Evelyn E. Smith was an American author of Science Fiction. During the 1950s, her works appeared regularly in magazines such as Galaxy and Fantastic Universe. In the 1980s, she wrote a number of novels featuring the character Miss Melville, a middle-aged assassin.

She also wrote as Delphine C. Lyons and Christopher Grimm.

Reviews

[Mark Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

"put on some weight, go to a good tailor and dye your hair". Boy have I heard that before.... And this is what Clarey gets told by the first woman he seems to have ever spoken to... He has no social life, no family, no friends..... SOUNds FamiLiar.......

But things are looking better, he had been offered a new job.. great right? .... Well NO, not great right. This job is on another planet and will require him to live among the aliens as one of them for TEN years and find out all he can about their culture... A bit like that blue guy from Avatar...

This sort of reminds me of A princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs, but rest assured this guy ain't no John Carter.... but I likes that..... He just an average guy in a strange place trying to fit in..... Again, sOunds FamiliaR....

[Jacqueline Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting novel that centers on the misfit. I found it to be a bit predictable and the main character a touch flat. However, it was a novel layered with interesting intellectual themes. It explores the nature of being human, vanity, the nature of power and asks questions about what different races owe to each other. The end of the novel felt rushed and glossed over, a little convenient, tidy bow.

[MGB · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting story about a spy sent to an alien planet to study the people there. He becomes a musician, which he never could on earth due to the strange class system that exists on earth. Unfortunately he is run off the planet, losing his wife. That sad ending was not overcome by his success as a musician.

[Tony Calder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting novella from Evelyn Smith, exploring the theme of being an outsider. While it seemed to be quite predictable for much of the story, the author was indulging in some misdirection, and I didn't see the ultimate resolution coming.

[Dayo Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story, upset that it wasn't longer.

[Audiobook Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, I listened to the audiobook version on YouTube. I will leave the link below so that everyone can enjoy it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ttbjt...