The entire surface of the planet has been rendered uninhabitable. People now live deep underground and rely on their robotic creations to fight their wars top-side. Nearly a decade after going subterranean, suspicions arise about what the world is really like above ground. The Defenders is a short but satisfying read. Recommended for science fiction fans. ( )

As a commentary on power, “The Defenders” is fascinating and complex. The leadies have no real power over the humans. Due to their programming they cannot harm the humans who reach the surface. They put on a good show however and are capable of threats, but not real violence. Their power depends only on deception and the use of media. They destroy model cities and project the images of destruction down to the bunkers. If “The Defenders” is Dick’s vision of the extent of political power, he is strikingly optimistic about the weakness of states and their reliance of informal sources of power, such as ideology and mass media. Good short read. ( )

Interesting premise and overall a Philip K. Dick book. Not of his best caliber but a fun read non the less. ( )

This is the second Philip K. Dick story I've read and I have to say that it was a great read. I wasn't expecting such a difference from the post-apocalyptic/robotic future type story that this was. I'm looking forward to diving further into Dick's stories that I have loaded up on my Kindle and iPod (audiobooks). ( )

The human race has been living underground for eight years since the beginning of a nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union. On the surface, robots known as Leadys continue the fight on behalf of their creators, but when US officials question one of the robots, they become suspicious and decide to travel to the surface to witness conditions for themselves. ( )