The Men in the Walls

by William Tenn

"The Men in the Walls" by William Tenn is a science fiction novel published in 1968. In a conquered Earth, humans live like vermin inside the walls of alien homes, stealing food and supplies from their technologically superior overlords. Young Eric must complete a dangerous rite of passage by venturing into monster territory. His journey forces him to question whether ancient human knowledge or alien science holds the key to humanity's survival and freedom.