Author
Marion Zimmer Bradley
1930-1999
Marion Zimmer Bradley (1930-1999) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Colors of Space
"The Colors of Space" by Marion Zimmer Bradley is a science fiction novel published in 1963. When humans discover that alien Lhari maintain a monopoly on faster-than-light travel through deception, young Bart Steele goes undercover aboard a Lhari ship as a spy. Disguised through surgery, he must choose between completing his mission to sabotage the vessel or saving the crew he's grown to know—a decision that could reshape humanity's future among the stars.
The Planet Savers
"The Planet Savers" by Marion Zimmer Bradley is a science fantasy novel first published in 1958. When a deadly fever threatens to devastate the planet Darkover, a psychiatrist takes a desperate measure: unleashing his colleague's hidden personality through hypnosis. The gregarious Jason must lead a dangerous mountain expedition to find a cure, but he shares a body with the cold, clinical Jay—and their personalities keep switching at the worst possible times. As the mission unfolds, Jason falls in love, complicating an already precarious situation.
The Door Through Space
"The Door Through Space" by Marion Zimmer Bradley is a science fiction novel published in 1961. On a harsh world called Wolf, an intelligence agent navigates deadly intrigue in the Dry Towns of the north, where blood feuds run deep and danger lurks beneath a red sun. This planetary adventure features chained women, catmen, nonhumans, and the mysterious Ghost Wind. Bradley's first novel blends espionage with alien cultures in a Terran Empire setting, creating an atmospheric tale of survival and secrets.
The Wind People
"The Wind People" by Marion Zimmer Bradley is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The story takes place on an idyllic yet isolated planet known as Robin’s World, inhabited only by whispering winds, trees, and two human characters, Helen and her son, Robin. The narrative explores themes of motherhood, isolation, and the tension between reality and fantasy, as well as the profound effects of living in seclusion. The plot follows Helen Murray, a ship's doctor who, after giving birth to Robin on this remote planet, grapples with her isolation and the haunting specters of her past life. Helen is determined to care for Robin despite the peculiar circumstances of being marooned without the hope of rescue. As Robin grows, he begins to hear voices and perceive shadowy figures in the forest, suggesting the presence of other beings. The relationship between mother and son becomes increasingly complex as Robin yearns to understand his identity and the mysterious entities that seem to inhabit their world. The story culminates in a tragic encounter that forces Helen to confront the reality of her son’s heritage and the consequences of their solitude, ultimately leading to a dramatic and heart-wrenching conclusion.
Falcons of Narabedla
"Falcons of Narabedla" by Marion Zimmer Bradley is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story follows Mike Kenscott, who mysteriously transforms into Adric and grapples with his dual identity while trying to navigate a surreal world filled with danger, magic, and complex relationships. Central themes appear to revolve around identity, power, and the consequences of choices made in both personal and broader cosmic contexts. The opening of the novel introduces Mike Kenscott as he embarks on a fishing trip with his brother Andy. Their outing is interrupted by a dramatic encounter with a predatory eagle, which sets the tone for the thrilling and perilous events that follow. Troubled by strange electrical phenomena and the remnants of a traumatic incident involving a lab explosion, Mike feels the weight of an impending transformation. As he battles with his identity and the ramifications of past actions, he finds himself plunged into a mysterious world of dreamers, hunters, and supernatural powers, leaving readers intrigued by his quest to piece together the truth of who he is and the fate that awaits him in Narabedla. This opening serves to lay the groundwork for an exploration of self-discovery in a richly crafted narrative filled with enigmatic characters.
Jackie sees a star
"Jackie Sees a Star" by Marion Zimmer Bradley is a short story written in the mid-20th century. This imaginative tale focuses on the worldview of a young boy named Jackie, who believes he has a psychic connection with an extraterrestrial friend named Mig, living on a planet near a sun that is about to explode. The story navigates themes of childhood innocence, scientific curiosity, and the intersection of imagination and reality. The narrative follows Jackie as he engages with his aunt Dorothy and his mother, Beth, regarding his fantastical friend Mig. Initially dismissed as mere imaginative play, Jackie's claims take on a surreal quality after a true astronomical event—a supernova—occurs on the very date promised by him. As scientists and outsiders become fascinated with Jackie's abilities, his life becomes increasingly complicated, leading to challenges in his everyday life and relationships. The story ultimately explores the pressures placed on children who are seen as extraordinary, juxtaposed with the simplicity and purity of a child's wonders about the universe.
Year of the Big Thaw
"Year of the Big Thaw" by Marion Zimmer Bradley is a novel written in the mid-20th century. The book tells a warm and fanciful story about a Connecticut farmer, exploring themes of love, family, and the extraordinary events that can change lives. The narrative centers around the mysterious arrival of a baby from another world and the relationships it fosters. The story is narrated by Mr. Emmett, who recounts a pivotal moment during a major thaw in the region when he discovers a crashed flying contraption containing a baby. After rescuing the child and its dying father, who claims to come from a distant star, Mr. Emmett and his wife Marthy decide to raise the boy, named Matthew, as their own. As Matthew grows up, he displays remarkable intelligence and an uncanny ability to read minds, leading to both humorous and heartfelt moments in the family dynamic. The tale masterfully blends elements of science fiction with the everyday realities of rural life, ultimately celebrating the bonds we create and the impact of extraordinary circumstances on ordinary lives.