The Broken Cycle

How do you reason with a civilization stuck in an endless loop of belief—and where logic is forbidden?

In The Broken Cycle, the fourth installment of the John Grimes Saga, A. Bertram Chandler delivers a thought-provoking science fiction journey into the heart of cultural dogma, ritual warfare, and the challenge of interstellar diplomacy. Captain John Grimes, ever the reluctant hero, finds himself marooned on a planet where society revolves around strict, cyclical traditions and blind adherence to ancient codes.

Here, technology is suppressed, dissent is taboo, and history isn’t something to be studied—it’s something to be repeated. Trapped among people who fear progress and resist change, Grimes faces one of his toughest missions yet: not to escape, but to challenge the system itself.

With sharp wit and naval precision, Chandler explores the clash between rigid ideology and evolving consciousness. The novel raises powerful questions: What happens when belief systems stagnate? Can one outsider’s presence truly disrupt an entire world’s mindset? And is breaking the cycle always the right thing to do?

Tense, clever, and rich with allegory, The Broken Cycle stands out as one of the most cerebral and culturally layered Grimes adventures. It’s a spacefaring tale where the real battle is fought in hearts and minds, not just among stars.

Now available as a Free pdf download on Bookdio. This is a standout free books download for readers who enjoy their sci-fi with a side of sociology and subversion.