Guardians

by Irving E. Cox Jr.

Vintage SciFi!

From Astounding Science Fiction, June 1955

_It's not always "The Truth shall set you free!"
Sometimes it's "Want of the Truth shall drive
you to escape!" And that can be dangerous!_

Genres: Science Fiction, Short Stories, Fiction

26 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1955

Reviews

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I particularly liked the ending. Listen to the scientists, not the politicians.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chillingly relevant in 2020

[Katelyn Shaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up "The Guardians" on a whim and did not know what to expect; however, once I started reading I was pleasantly surprised. Although this was a short Sci-fi story it was well woven and thought provoking with an interesting main character as a bonus. I think the writer did a good job of developing the thought processes of the protagonist and of relaying them to us, the readers. I especially enjoyed the subtle streak of satire which was highlighted by the protagonist at the climax of the story. I did feel that a few sections of the storyline seemed slightly forced and/or not as complexly developed as they could have been, and so decided to give this story a 4 rating. It is a fast read and one I would recommend to any Sci-fi lover with a few moments of free time on their hands.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, simple, and clever story about a girl discovering the truth about her world and the misguided adults who rule it from afar. A sort of cautionary tale for adults who shelter their children and ignore their insights.

[Patrick Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting short story(?) Reads like a 'Twilight Zone' episode. Worth the short amount of time it takes to read.

[Justin Couchot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid little short story!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reader learns in the first paragraph that Myrna Brill has not believed in the usual taboos or even in the Earth-god for a while now. After she found an astronomy textbook in the forbidden Old Village, she learned that paradise of green river valleys she and the other children grew up and have known as earth is really called Rythar. She also learned that it is not flat and fixed, but that it spins in a black void.

She would not have been exploring the old city except when she was 14, Myrna asked the Earth-god a simple question: what is above the rain mist? The Earth-god ignored her...

Please read the rest of the review here

[O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty interesting sci-fi story where a girl Myrna lives with a population of teenagers. There is a computer that sort of answers all their questions, however, there is nothing on the topic of astronomy, which is something Myrna has learnt about through a book. She wants to know what lies beyond the clouds above her and sneaks aboard a departing cargo canister to find out.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free LibriVox recording. This story was in a science fiction bundle. Good voice actor, excellent short story.