The Judas Valley ♦ By Robert Silverberg & Randall Garrett summary

The colonists are struggling to survive in the harsh environment, constantly battling the blightvine and facing other challenges. However, they discover that the blightvine is not a natural phenomenon but a highly intelligent alien life form that is trying to communicate with them. The blightvine is capable of telepathically influencing the thoughts and actions of the colonists, leading them to unwittingly aid in its expansion across the planet. As the story unfolds, the protagonist, a biologist named Dr. Richard Maddox, uncovers the truth about the blightvine's nature and intentions. He realizes that the colonists' only hope for survival lies in understanding and resisting the manipulative influence of the alien plant. With the help of his colleagues, Maddox devises a plan to outsmart the blightvine and reclaim control over their destiny. "The Judas Valley" explores themes of environmentalism, communication, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.