Threshold (Palmer novel)

Last updated
Threshold
Threshold (Palmer novel).jpg
First edition
Author David R. Palmer
Cover artistBroeck Steadman
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
SeriesTo Halt Armageddon
Genre Science fiction
Publisher Bantam Spectra
Publication date
December 1985
Media typePrint (Paperback)
ISBN 0-553-24878-2 (first edition, paperback)
OCLC 13000483
Preceded by Emergence  
Followed bySpēcial Education 

Threshold is a science fiction novel by American writer David R. Palmer, published by Bantam Spectra in December 1985. It was his second book published, following Emergence , and was intended to be the first book of the To Halt Armageddon trilogy. [1]

Contents

Plot introduction

Threshold is a space opera novel, involving interstellar intrigue, mysteriously alluring space aliens, and a hero who is larger than life. Its protagonist, the penultimate issue of millennia long alien breeding program: Peter Cory, billionaire, hard driving adventurer, and unrequited rescuer of damsels. (Due to a "clerical" error in the program, his future wife was born late and is now only a child, but there is no time to wait.) One of the aliens, a "wWyh'j" (witch) named Megonthalyä (Meg) and her obese feline familiar (Memphus) come to Earth to enlist Peter's help.

Plot summary

Due to what they call a "racial mental block" a quasi-immortal race called the Isi are unable to prevent a galactic catastrophe. The Isi think humanity (specifically Peter) will help them overcome this hurdle, hence the book's opening line "Peter, we are losing Armageddon..." Unless he joins forces with them "... the galaxy is doomed...!"

While Peter is understandably skeptical, the talking cat, as well as a crash course in telepathy, rapidly convince him of Meg's sincerity. Soon he is using his uniquely human perspective to unveil new applications of ancient Isi mental powers, and develops some startling new abilities. Armed with complete control of his cellular structure (which allows for slow but complete cellular metamorphosis), and a "gnNäáq" (knack) which allows the mental manipulation of electrical energy, Peter and Meg travel to Meg's home planet of Isis where he will be taught the "mMj'q" (Magic) necessary to help save the galaxy from its impending destruction.

Publishing history

Threshold was first published in 1985 and reprinted in 1987 by Bantam Spectra. After being out of print for approximately two decades, Palmer made arrangements with Eric Flint's Ring of Fire Press in 2018 to have his works reprinted [2] ( ISBN   978-1948818193).

Literary significance and criticism

Touted as the first book in a trilogy, [1] subsequent novels have yet to be published, although the author has made it clear that the second book is indeed written. In 1990, Palmer pointed out that when his personal finances permitted taking time to survive off of slim publisher advances, he would return to writing. [3]

A reviewer for Amazing Stories wrote in 2013 that the book is "easy to read, and has a fair smattering of clever repartee and wit." [4]

Sequel

Although written twenty years earlier, Spēcial Education ( ISBN   978-1948818513), the long waited for sequel to Threshold, was finally released in September 2019 through Eric Flint's Ring of Fire Press.

Related Research Articles

<i>Foundation</i> series Science-fiction books by Isaac Asimov

The Foundation series is a science fiction book series written by American author Isaac Asimov. First published as a series of short stories in 1942–50, and subsequently in three collections in 1951–53, for thirty years the series was a trilogy: Foundation; Foundation and Empire; and Second Foundation. It won the one-time Hugo Award for "Best All-Time Series" in 1966. Asimov began adding new volumes in 1981, with two sequels: Foundation's Edge and Foundation and Earth, and two prequels: Prelude to Foundation and Forward the Foundation. The additions made reference to events in Asimov's Robot and Empire series, indicating that they also were set in the same fictional universe.

David Brin American scientist and science fiction author (born 1950)

Glen David Brin is an American scientist and author of science fiction. He has won the Hugo, Locus, Campbell and Nebula Awards. His novel The Postman was adapted into a 1997 feature film starring Kevin Costner.

Keith Laumer American science fiction writer

John Keith Laumer was an American science fiction author. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, he was an officer in the United States Air Force and a diplomat in the United States Foreign Service. His older brother March Laumer was also a writer, known for his adult reinterpretations of the Land of Oz. Frank Laumer, their youngest brother, is a historian and writer.

Bantam Spectra Science fiction division of Bantam Books

Bantam Spectra is the science fiction division of American publishing company Bantam Books, which is owned by Random House.

Daniel Keys Moran, also known by his initials DKM, is an American computer programmer and science fiction writer.

Dave Wolverton American speculative fiction writer (1957-2022)

John David Wolverton, better known by his pen names Dave Wolverton and David Farland, was an American author, editor, and instructor of online writing workshops and groups. He wrote in several genres but was known best for his science fiction and fantasy works. Books in his Runelords series hit the New York Times bestsellers list.

The Uplift Universe is a fictional universe created by American science fiction writer David Brin. A central feature in this universe is the process of biological uplift.

The Gap Cycle is a series of science fiction novels by Stephen R. Donaldson, more usually known for his works of epic fantasy. The series was originally published between 1991 and 1996 by Bantam Books and was reprinted by Gollancz in 2008 in the UK. Here, Donaldson gave a loose retelling of Wagner's Ring cycle.

David R. Palmer is an American science fiction author. His works have been nominated three times for Hugo Awards.

Byron Preiss American Editor

Byron Preiss was an American writer, editor, and publisher. He founded and served as president of Byron Preiss Visual Publications, and later of ibooks Inc.

Christopher Golden is an American author of horror, fantasy, and suspense novels for adults and teens.

Edward M. Lerner is an American author of science fiction, techno-thrillers, and popular science.

<i>Emergence</i> (Palmer novel) 1984 novel by David R. Palmer

Emergence is a science fiction novel by American writer David R. Palmer. It first appeared as a novella published in Analog Science Fiction in 1981; the same magazine also published Part II, "Seeking", in 1983. The completed novel then was published by Bantam in 1984. The plot follows a precocious 11-year-old orphan girl, living in a post-apocalyptic United States. It had three printings through July 1985, and was republished in 1990 as a "Signature Special Edition" with a few minor edits and a new afterword by the author.

Paula Volsky is an American fantasy author.

<i>The Mirrored Heavens</i> Book by David J. Williams

The Mirrored Heavens is a science fiction novel by David J. Williams. This is the author's debut novel, and the first volume in his Autumn Rain trilogy, which continues with The Burning Skies and The Machinery Of Light. The story begins in the year 2110 where global political power is balanced between the United States and the Eurasian Coalition. These two powers jointly constructed a space elevator, which is destroyed by a terrorist attack before it can become operational.

<i>Tales of Dunk and Egg</i> Series of novellas by George R. R. Martin

Tales of Dunk and Egg is a series of fantasy novellas by George R. R. Martin, set in the world of his A Song of Ice and Fire novels. They follow the adventures of "Dunk" and "Egg", some 90 years before the events of the novels.

This is list of works by American military science fiction and fantasy writer David Drake.

References

  1. 1 2 Palmer, David R. (1990) [1984]. Emergence (Signature Special ed.). Bantam Spectra. p.  297. ISBN   0-553-25519-3. Threshold (Book I of the To Halt Armageddon trilogy)
  2. "David R. Palmer". Eric Flint's Ring of Fire Press .
  3. Palmer, David R. (1990) [1984]. Emergence (Signature Special ed.). Bantam Spectra. p.  297. ISBN   0-553-25519-3. At that point I will again quit reporting and devote all my time to writing.
  4. Gaffen, Adam (August 27, 2013). "Lost In Space! Reviews of Unknown or Underappreciated Books Threshold by David R. Palmer". Amazing Stories .