Author
Howard Browne
1907-1999
Howard Browne (1907-1999) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Howard Browne
The Return of Tharn
"The Return of Tharn" by Howard Browne is a novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The narrative follows Tharn, a formidable Cro-Magnon warrior, on a quest to rescue his beloved Dylara, who has been abducted by an enemy tribe. The story unfolds in a prehistoric world filled with danger and adventure, and introduces us to characters like Trakor, a young and inexperienced hunter whose misguided pride propels him into peril. The opening of the book presents a vivid and gripping scene as Trakor embarks on a solo hunting expedition in the treacherous jungle, only to find himself face-to-face with Sadu, a fearsome lion. Just as Trakor resigns himself to his fate, Tharn, who has been tracking Dylara's captors, heroically intervenes, showcasing his extraordinary strength and agility. This encounter sets the stage for Tharn's greater mission while also establishing a bond between Tharn and Trakor, who is left in awe of Tharn's prowess and courage. As the two navigate through the perils of the jungle and the complexities of their respective quests, the story hints at themes of bravery, friendship, and the struggle against overwhelming odds.
Warrior of the Dawn
"Warrior of the Dawn" by Howard Browne is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. Set in a prehistoric world filled with Cro-Magnon hunters and their struggles against both nature and rival tribes, the story follows the young protagonist Tharn as he embarks on a quest for vengeance after witnessing the brutal attack on his tribe. The narrative unfolds in a time characterized by the dawn of human civilization and the clash between primitive life and emerging societal structures. At the start of the tale, the scene is introduced with Neela, a nervous zebra, and three Cro-Magnon hunters stalking their prey, highlighting the tension inherent in the hunt. This is quickly shifted by Tharn's fierce reaction to the injury of a fellow tribesman, Dartoog, showcasing Tharn’s personality and foreshadowing the central conflict of the story, which revolves around vengeance against the strange warriors who threaten his people. As the tale progresses, Tharn’s journey unfolds in both physical excursions into enemy territory and emotional growth as he grapples with the weight of leadership and responsibility to protect his tribe. This opening sets up a gripping story of survival, resilience, and the complexities of duty and love.
Twelve Times Zero
"Twelve Times Zero" by Howard Browne is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around a murder case involving Paul Cordell, who is accused of killing his wife, Juanita, and her employer, Professor Gilmore. The narrative intricately weaves together elements of mystery and the supernatural, raising questions about Cordell's sanity and the existence of a mysterious blonde woman. At the start of the novel, Paul Cordell is being interrogated by Detective Lieutenant Kirk as he grapples with the aftermath of the brutal murders he has supposedly committed. The scene introduces Cordell as a man in deep distress, claiming to have witnessed a supernatural figure—a beautiful blonde woman in a ball of blue fire—commit the crimes. Throughout the opening chapters, Kirk attempts to extract a confession from Cordell while the bizarre elements of his story and the evidence against him unfold, hinting at a complex web of emotional turmoil, jealousy, and possibly extraterrestrial intrigue. The tension mounts as more characters enter the scene, including a woman named Naia North, hinting that there is much more at stake in this chilling tale than mere murder.
Mars Confidential
"Mars Confidential!" by Jack Lait and Lee Mortimer is a satirical science fiction work that was likely written in the early 1950s. This book delves into the fictional underworld of Mars, portraying it as a vibrant and corrupt frontier, much like Earth, but far removed from the ideals of space exploration. The authors take a comedic yet critical look at vice, crime, and the human condition, suggesting that regardless of the planet, humanity is mired in its darker tendencies. The narrative follows the adventures of Mafia members who venture to Mars, seeking new opportunities in crime and vice on the Red Planet. Upon arrival, they find a desolate world rich in gold and precious gems but populated by naïve Martians lacking the corrupt instincts of Earthlings. The gangsters quickly exploit the locals, using their ignorance to establish a thriving business based on sugar, a substance that drives the Martians wild. As the story unfolds, it reveals a juxtaposition between the idealized notions of colonizing other planets and the grim reality of human behavior, showcasing the absurdity of their endeavors in a world filled with strange customs and unexpected challenges.
Hard Guy
"Hard Guy" by H. B. Carleton is a short science fiction story that was first published in "Amazing Stories" in the early 1940s. The narrative follows a chance encounter between a salesman named Frederick Marden and a hitch-hiker, who reveals himself to be part of a gang known as the Strato Rovers, involved in activities that blend heroism and crime. The story explores themes of appearance versus reality and the nature of moral ambiguity in a futuristic setting. The plot centers around Marden's seemingly mundane act of picking up a hitch-hiker, Mike Eagen. As they travel, the conversation reveals Eagen's involvement with the Strato Rovers, a group that claims to target only criminals, likening themselves to modern-day Robin Hoods. They are on a mission to stop a dangerous figure known as the Black Hornet, who is plotting to sabotage a government ammunition facility. The story culminates in a playful twist, as it is revealed that Eagen is actually an eleven-year-old boy, providing a humorous commentary on the exaggerated nature of his claims and the innocence of youth amidst serious undertones of crime and moral choices.
Call Him Savage
"Call Him Savage" by John Pollard is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The narrative centers around the protagonist, Sam Quinlan, a reporter and author with Indigenous heritage, who is drawn into a mysterious situation involving a spaceship and Native American themes. The story explores broader topics of cultural identity, conflict, and the juxtaposition of past and present, particularly focusing on the plight of Indigenous peoples in America. In this engaging tale, Sam Quinlan is unexpectedly summoned to the White House, where he learns about a crisis involving a spaceship that has appeared in Colorado, cutting off the area from the rest of the country. The President and his advisors believe that the ship may relate to an impending invasion led by a time-traveling Native American figure, Lo-as-ro, who aims to restore the land to Indigenous peoples. Sam, with the help of Enoch Wetzel, a frontiersman claiming lineage to the infamous Lewis Wetzel, embarks on a mission to investigate the situation further. As he navigates through a series of challenges, including encounters with robots and a critical dialogue with Lo-as-ro, Sam must balance his own identity with the expectations of both his Indigenous heritage and contemporary American society. The story culminates in a profound reflection on cultural legacy and the implications of historical injustices.