But what sets "Native Intelligence" apart from other novels are the characters--a Native protagonist and a Japanese antagonist, as opposed to the now-stereotypical Middle Eastern terrorist masterminds.
But tragedy ensues after a co-worker friend gets ahold of the substance, sending Denson on the run from the law and terrorists. Ant's slipup eventually unlocks his part in a scheme to sabotage the American people. "One person can make the difference between tragedy and normalcy," Rainey said of her protagonist.
Writerfella here --
ReplyDeleteYes, where are the Huks, Nicaraguans, Koreans, Sudanese, Somalians, Chinese, Vietnamese, Khmer Rouge, Cuban, Sri Lankans, to name only a few, who can be terrorists on the US of A? Now, then again, there are the New Zealanders, who singlehandedly sank ANZAC! Watch out for them -- they play for keeps!
All Best
Russ Bates
'writerfella'
Hi Russell,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. With regard to the antagonists, I felt the same way. America has more possible enemies in the global community than friends. Danger to us could come from anywhere. Be vigilant.
Lorna
Writerfella here --
ReplyDeleteAnd now writerfella can tell ya that one of his science fiction writer teachers (AND friend) was Frank Herbert, the author of DUNE. Frank was a member of The World Without War Commission, a privately-funded committee that tried to research political and social dangers in the world today. In 1972, TWWWC, at the behest of and with funding from the US Congress, toured the 'danger' areas of the world at that time and their conclusion was that the 'have' nations should STOP supporting and feeding Third-World Nations and instead force them to service their populaces in order to bring them into the (then) 20th Century. That way, eventual wars might be avoided between the 'have' nations and the 'have-not' nations. They presented their report to Congress, whose reaction was, "Thanks, WWWC, but no thanks!"
And THAT is one factor behind why we find ourselves in this world situation today. No brag, just fact...
All Best
Russ Bates
'writerfella'
Hey, Lorna, welcome to Newspaper Rock. We also covered your career in Talent Agent and Novelist.
ReplyDeleteMovies and TV shows occasionally use Russian or Irish terrorists instead of the usual Arab terrorists. But Arabs still predominate.
When we see a Native terrorist, then we'll be making progress. As long as he's an erudite scientist and not a raving savage. It's been a while since Superman vs. the Mad Indian.
Writerfella here --
ReplyDeleteThere were Native 'terrorists' in two of writerfella's teleplays, "The Piasa Bird" for KOLCHAK: THE NIGHT STALKER and "I Have Looked Into The Whirlwind" for THE SIXTH SENSE. In the former, AIM-like Native militants have control of the inter-dimensional flying beast that once ravaged the pre-Columbian Mississippi and are using it to eliminate any and all who stand in their way. In the latter, a young Native 'seeks the vision' in Los Angeles and instead sees major earthquakes striking the city. Native dissidents capture him and plot use his information to blackmail the entire city in exchange for warnings. Then there are two members of AIM in ANASAZI THE SCREENPLAY who hope to gain vast power from the reviving 'Great Gambler,' who was the last Anasazi left alive. Yet, writerfella does not see Native 'terrorists' as operant simply for the sake of terror...
All Best
Russ Bates
'writerfella'