The black alarm

"The Black Alarm" by George O. Smith is a science fiction tale about a young Guardian named Steve Hagen who is trying to find his own way while dealing with his confusing stepfather, William Wrightwood. Set in a universe full of adventures, the story is about Hagen's journey as he decides what's most important to him: personal liberty, the weight of authority, and the impact of his family's past. A major part of the story begins when a "Black Alarm" is triggered, leading Hagen and the Guardians to deal with an emergency that could have catastrophic consequences. Throughout this adventure, Hagen struggles with choosing between what he wants as an individual and what's expected of him because of his background, as he faces dangerous challenges and has to use everything he has learned to save lives.