Author
Robert Abernathy
1924-1990
Robert Abernathy (1924-1990) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Robert Abernathy
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Hostage of Tomorrow
"Hostage of Tomorrow" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction novel written in the late 1940s. The story follows Ray Manning, a soldier grappling with the devastation of a post-war world dominated by the remnants of the Dritten Reich, as he becomes embroiled in the pursuit of a scientist holding the key to a time travel device. The narrative kicks off with a tense reconnaissance mission in bombed-out Europe, leading to a journey that explores themes of time travel, alternate histories, and the consequences of war. The opening of "Hostage of Tomorrow" sets the stage for a gripping tale of survival and discovery. Ray Manning, along with his comrade Eddie Dugan, is part of a military team searching for Dr. Pankraz Kahl, who possesses vital knowledge hidden within a fortress-like laboratory in Germany. As they confront hostile forces and the unexpected capabilities of Kahl’s invention, a time machine, their reality shifts into a future plagued by the same oppressive regimes they fought against. The narrative expertly weaves action, tension, and ethical dilemmas, leading Manning to contemplate whether returning to the past could alter the dire course of humanity's history.
Failure on Titan
"Failure on Titan" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century, specifically in the post-World War II era. The book explores themes of control, rebellion, and the complexities of synthetic obedience in a distant future where humanity exploits a genetically engineered slave race known as the Woollies on the Saturnian moons. Tensions escalate when a Woolly kills a human, shaking the foundations of the social order and leading to unforeseen consequences for both humans and the sentient beings they dominate. The story revolves around Big Bill, one of the Woollies who serves in a mining operation on the moon Phoebe. When news of a Woolly killing a man causes widespread panic among colonists across Saturn, the power dynamics within this society begin to unravel. The plot intensifies as Paul Gedner, the human overseer who seeks to manipulate both the Woollies and his fellow workers to achieve power, engages in a series of deadly machinations. He must confront the consequences of his actions, particularly when Big Bill becomes a key player in a struggle fueled by jealousy and rebellion. Ultimately, the book weaves a dark tale of ambition and the quest for power, raising questions about autonomy, humanity, and the ethical implications of enslavement.
Saboteur of Space
"Saboteur of Space" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction novel written during the early 20th century, specifically in the 1940s. The story is set on a future Earth, grappling with energy shortages and societal turmoil as it faces the threat of becoming a colony of Mars. The main topic revolves around a cosmic political struggle, focusing on the themes of sabotage, rebellion, and the fight for freedom against an oppressive interplanetary regime. The narrative follows Ryd Randl, a disillusioned helio operator, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous plot led by the enigmatic Mury. As they navigate the dark alleys of Dynamopolis, Ryd is reluctantly drawn into Mury's plan to intercept a crucial power cylinder being delivered from Mars—an act that promises to bring Earth back to life but at a potentially devastating cost. The tension escalates as Mury reveals his ulterior motive to provoke war against the Martians, leading to a volatile confrontation of ideals between Ryd, Mury, and a young Martian astrogator named Yet Arliess. Ultimately, the story culminates in a high-stakes gamble for power, challenging the characters' moral beliefs and their grasp on survival as they grapple with the consequences of their actions.
The Dead-Star Rover
"The Dead-Star Rover" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The narrative unfolds in a desolate, war-torn world where two races—the Terrapins and the Bird-People—struggle for survival amidst mechanical predators. The story follows Torcred, a Terrapin warrior, who encounters Ladna, a bird-girl, after shooting down her flying machine, and must confront moral dilemmas as he navigates their fraught relationship against the backdrop of cultural conflict and personal transformation. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to a tense scene where Torcred races through the desert in his combat vehicle, the Terrapin, only to come under attack from a Bird-People aircraft. After a harrowing chase and skirmish, he shoots down the enemy plane, discovering Ladna, the pilot, among the wreckage. Rather than killing her, Torcred decides to take her prisoner, setting off a series of events that force both characters to grapple with their prejudices and the shifting dynamics between their peoples. As they journey together through the desert, their relationship evolves against the backdrop of a larger conflict involving their respective races and the predatory machines that threaten them all.
Strange Exodus
"Strange Exodus" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. It explores themes of survival and adaptation in a post-apocalyptic world where gigantic, mindless monsters consume all life on Earth. The story centers around the character Westover, who grapples with the horror of humanity's impending doom as he navigates a world transformed by these extraterrestrial invaders. The narrative follows Westover's harrowing journey as he finds himself alone in a landscape devastated by the monsters. After discovering that he can survive by living off the creatures themselves, he faces the psychological and physical challenges of existing as a parasite on their backs. Throughout his struggle for survival, he engages in thought-provoking discussions with other survivors, contemplating human nature, adaptation, and the weight of humanity's past actions in the face of overwhelming existential threats. As Westover and his companions seek a way to coexist with the monsters, they grapple with the implications of becoming "endoparasites," pondering the balance of survival and the sustainability of their new existence.
Righteous plague
"Righteous Plague" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction novelet written in the early 1950s. The narrative tackles themes of biological warfare and unchecked scientific experimentation, focusing on the consequences of a deadly virus known as the "righteous plague." The story explores the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists when their work is co-opted for military purposes, highlighting the thin line between patriotism and the potential for mass destruction. The plot follows Dr. Joseph Euge, a bacteriologist who creates a powerful virus intended as a biological weapon. As the narrative unfolds, Euge finds himself trapped in a morally compromising situation, observing the catastrophic effects of the virus he unleashed. It becomes a tool for the Dictatura—an authoritarian regime seeking control and dominance over their enemies. The story intensifies as the virus spreads beyond its intended targets, ultimately threatening the very society that wielded it. Themes of fear, morality, and the unintended consequences of scientific advancement permeate the tale, culminating in a chilling reflection on humanity’s capacity for self-destruction.
Peril of the Blue World
"Peril of the Blue World" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction novella written in the early 1940s. The narrative centers around a Martian expedition sent to Earth, initially intending to assess the planet for colonization. However, the explorers soon discover that Earth harbors unexpected dangers, including bizarre creatures and societal complexities that challenge their preconceived notions about intelligence and civilization. The story unfolds through the perspective of Shapplo, an interpreter for the Martian crew, as they land on a lush and vibrant Earth landscape, only to encounter a mix of animal life and a medieval human named Sir Henry de Long. As the Martians engage with Sir Henry, they learn about Earth's peculiar customs, dangers like dragons, and the existence of werewolves and vampires, which lead them to question the safety of their mission. Ultimately, following a harrowing assessment of the threats posed by Earth's inhabitants and creatures, the expedition concludes that the planet is fundamentally unfit for Martian settlement, prompting a swift return to their home world.
Junior
"Junior" by Robert Abernathy is a whimsical science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story is set in an underwater world inhabited by anthropomorphic sea creatures, specifically outlining the life of a young polyp named Junior as he navigates his developmental stages. The book humorously explores themes of growth, independence, and the conflicts between parental expectations and youthful curiosity. The narrative begins with Junior's carefree adventures and his parents' concern over his tendency to stray from their supervision. As Junior grows, he grapples with pressures to conform to the norms of maturity, which include settling down and assuming responsibilities. However, Junior's inquisitive spirit leads him to resist these expectations. The story culminates in a surprising twist where Junior constructs a device that allows him to move away from the safety of his home, ultimately defying the traditional path laid out by his parents and sparking chaos in his community. Through its lighthearted tone and engaging characters, "Junior" cleverly critiques societal norms regarding growth and independence.
The Rotifers
"The Rotifers" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores the intricate and often overlooked world of rotifers, microscopic creatures dwelling in freshwater environments, as well as the relationship between a father and son bound by curiosity and discovery. The story serves as a commentary on the potential consequences of delving too deeply into the mysterious nature of life, especially in the context of humans interacting with unseen, possibly sentient organisms. The plot revolves around Henry Chatham and his son, Harry, who becomes fascinated with the microscopic world of rotifers after receiving a microscope from his father. As Harry studies these tiny creatures, his obsession grows, and he starts to perceive a deeper, more sinister intelligence within them. His feverish state leads to alarming revelations that the rotifers may harbor malevolent designs against humanity, culminating in a frantic race against time for Henry to protect his son and rid their world of the rotifer threat. The story blends themes of scientific curiosity with eerie suspense, making readers ponder the unknown dangers lurking in the smallest corners of our ecosystem.
The Giants Return
"The Giants Return" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction novel written in the late 1940s. The story is set in a distant future where humanity has ventured into deep space, exploring the galaxy in search of new habitable worlds after Earth has become overpopulated and resource-depleted. The primary topic of the book revolves around humanity's return to Earth after a long absence and the unexpected discoveries they make upon arrival. The narrative follows Captain Knof Llud and the crew of the interstellar ship "Quest III" as they journey home after spending hundreds of years in space. Excitement turns to dread when they discover that upon their return, Earth is inhabited by a new, smaller breed of humanity that perceives the astronauts as remnants of a bygone era, labeling them as "giants." As the "Quest III" comes under attack from these diminutive beings who seem intent on destroying them, Knof Llud must navigate this challenging return to a planet that has drastically changed and confront the unsettling reality of humanity’s evolution. In the end, the story explores themes of growth, societal change, and the very essence of what it means to be human.
World of the Drone
"World of the Drone" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows the protagonist, Dworn, a member of a technologically advanced beetle-like race, as he embarks on a tumultuous journey during a critical transformation from youth to adulthood. Amidst a backdrop of mechanical beings and a harsh desert landscape, Dworn's quest for survival seeks to uncover the fate of his people after they encounter a deadly force, the Drones, threatening their very existence. At the start of the narrative, Dworn is introduced as he wakes from a deep slumber within his armored machine, preparing for a vital replenishment of resources to continue his journey toward a reunion with his beetle horde. As he maneuvers through the treacherous terrain, he quickly encounters peril, including a skirmish with another machine species, the caterpillars, which leads to a thrilling escape. However, upon arriving at their rendezvous point, he is met with devastation—the remains of fellow beetles burned and destroyed amidst the chaos of a sudden attack. The opening sets up a rich and dramatic world filled with unique mechanics and the urgency of Dworn's vengeful mission to confront the forces behind this destruction, punctuated by his personal struggles and the unforeseen alliance he forms with a spider-machine named Qanya.
When the Mountain Shook
"When the Mountain Shook" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story blends adventure and romance against a backdrop of ancient legends and futuristic terrors, focusing on a pair of young lovers navigating peril in hopes of overcoming familial feuds while awakening a long-dormant threat. The narrative follows Var and Neena as they flee from their respective clans, who are embroiled in a bitter feud. Pursued by Neena’s father Groz, they seek refuge in the mountains, where they encounter the Watcher, a centuries-old guardian who tells tales of the Ryzgas—an ancient tyrannical civilization believed to be sleeping within the mountain. As the couple seeks to evade their pursuers, they decide to awaken the powerful Ryzgas, hoping to harness their strength against their enemies. The tale culminates in a climactic confrontation within the mountain, where Var confronts a Ryzga and ultimately thwarts his plans, leading to a decisive moment that could change the dynamics of their feud forever.
The Record of Currupira
"The Record of Currupira" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction story published in the early to mid-20th century. The narrative explores the theme of humanity's connection to extraterrestrial life through ancient Martian records, unveiling a prehistoric account of Earth that challenges our understanding of history. The book is anchored in a speculative examination of language and evil, blending adventure and philosophical inquiry into the nature of humanity and its primal fears. The story follows James Dalton, a linguist fascinated by the discoveries made in Martian archaeological sites, particularly concerning a creature known as the Currupira. After hearing a terrifying recording made by Martians on Earth, which captures the grotesque voice of the Currupira, Dalton becomes intertwined in a quest both to understand this haunting entity and to rescue his colleague, Dr. Oliver Thwaite, who seeks the creature out of obsession. Their journey delves into primal fears and the ancient music that may counterbalance the dark forces of existence. The climax culminates in a confrontation with the Currupira in the Brazilian rainforest, showcasing the enduring struggle between the good and evil within both man and the supernatural.