The City Of Gold And Lead (2003) - Plot & Excerpts
One foot follows another, steady, against gravity, hardship. Overall sad struggle for boy. Hero plods, writing does not. Friends, old and new, are killed by aliens. In few years, Earth will be converted to poison. Fate of mankind looks bleak. We suffer events to see impetuous boy grow patient, cross bridge for sequel. How else will we know if reckless lazy selfish child learns qualities demonstrated by fellows, matures? (Spoilers have another reason.)Will, trained as boxer, narrates being chosen by rebel leader Julian, with pal 'Beanpole' Jean-Paul jumper, and taciturn Fritz Eger p 16 racer. Winners of Games in Germany enter City adapted to alien invaders, who conquered Earth 100 years ago by mind control. Subjects, temporarily hypnotized via televised entertainment, forced others to wear metal Caps. Now rapturously obedient, Capping is celebrated at age 14 ritual. Under dome of gold, breathers on faces filter toxic air for Game winners, but oppressive gravity ("lead" of title), heat, humidity, whippings, overuse, wear slaves out. Only nourishment is dry tasteless wafer and powder to mix with water. After year or two, Capped gladly suicide at Place of Happy Release. (view spoiler)[Reveal is #1 tripods are vehicles for hard-scaled aliens in pyramid shape, three tentacles whirl to move, one susceptible spot by central third eye. Telepathic so no language, no lies, but live alone. Colors all drab muddy. Boys leaving, see two thrashing in pond, know play involves golden ball (question in book #1), consider fighting not mating. Family-rated. Bad Master beats, starves, and overworks Fritz with tasks too strenuous. Like whodunit red herring, whole book points to his death. Clever. Fooled me. (hide spoiler)]
These book are absolutely fantastic. I'm amazed after each one that such a huge story (that doesn't skimp on detail mind you) comes in such a small package. You can stack some of the best stories told with a series of books next to these and maybe all of these altogether would = one of the others. Good stuff. I believe the 2nd half of 2011 was an introduction into "Science Fiction" for me. I'm glad, I don't know why I've put off or never getting around to reading the genre sooner. It's the one rare place that having an imagination doesn't make you crazy. The creative free flow is high with books obviously but with Science Fiction it's almost as if the next step is taken. I love it. I tested the waters, including "The Tripod" books now I hope to get in even deeper. If you are thinking about checking out some SciFi books check these out, you won't be disappointed. format: audiobook (and an awesome one at that)
What do You think about The City Of Gold And Lead (2003)?
Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.comWhen Will and his friend, Beanpole, are able to infiltrate the Tripods' city, they get more than they bargained for.With inhospitable living conditions, Beanpole's cruel master, a threat from the Tripods that will extinguish the human race, and no sure escape route, things start to look hopeless. When Will accidentally kills his master, the two, however, must fight against all odds to escape or risk being captured by the Tripods.Will they be able to escape the City of Gold and Lead? Can Will and Beanpole save the human race?An intriguing science fiction adventure. The line between good and evil is grayed and the author does a great job of developing not only the main characters, but the enemies, as well. The plot is slower moving than the first book, but provides a lot of intrigue and mystery that will interest avid and reluctant readers alike.Readers who like science fiction, adventure, mystery, and the TRIPODS series will enjoy reading THE CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD.
—Jennifer Wardrip
In the second book of the trilogy, Will and friends are sent by the resistance group to infiltrate the Tripods' city. They do this by winning competitions at a sort of Olympic Games. The winners are rewarded by being taken to the city to serve the Masters. All those who have been Capped think this is a great honor. Will and Fritz, both wearing fake caps, soon discover otherwise as they experience the harsh living conditions created by the physical needs of the Masters and their indifference to the sufferings of their slaves. Will and Fritz need to survive and somehow escape to provide the resistance with information on how to overthrow the aliens. Much is revealed about the origins and nature of the Masters.
—Julia Hendon
The second book in this classic science fiction series I am rereading from my youth. This book, which finally answers the question of what is inside the giant scary tripods was Will entering one of the tripod cities 'undercover' as a slave, after winning an athletic competition. Faring better than his fellow spy Fritz in being chosen by a more benevolent "master"--Will seeks the information needed to battle the tripods. I remember finding the tripods more terrifying than the creatures inside but this book still has a high 'creepy' factor to it. A cliffhanger ending has me ready to download the third. ;-)
—Deb
