Author
Arthur J. Burks
1898-1974
Arthur J. Burks (1898-1974) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaBooks by Arthur J. Burks
The vanishers
"The Vanishers" by Arthur J. Burks is a science fiction novelette written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around a group of marines who find themselves in an inexplicable situation where they are trapped by a mysterious invisible barrier in a bizarre desert setting. The book likely explores themes of survival, the unknown, and the nature of reality as its characters confront the terrifying phenomena occurring around them. In "The Vanishers," a marine unit led by Major Rafe King lands in what they believe to be Cuba, only to discover that they have been transported to a vast, desolate desert where the Caribbean Sea has vanished. As they attempt to understand their predicament, they encounter an invisible wall that confines them, along with strange Shadow Men who challenge their survival. Tensions rise when Japanese soldiers, unaware of the war's end, stumble into their midst, complicating the already dire situation. The marines must band together to face not only the enigmatic forces at play but also the existential threats posed by these elusive Shadow Men and the ultimate realization that they may not even be on Earth anymore, leading to a gripping conclusion filled with suspense and mystery.
The Mind Master
"The Mind Master" by Arthur J. Burks is a two-part science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Lee Bentley and Ellen Estabrook, recently returned from a terrifying adventure in Africa where Bentley's brain was switched with that of an ape by a mad scientist, Caleb Barter. As they attempt to regain normalcy in New York City, they are drawn back into Barter's horrifying machinations as he resurfaces, threatening lives and sanity with his sinister plans. The opening of the novel sets a tense atmosphere as Bentley and Estabrook disembark from their ship, anxious about their past yet hopeful for the future. However, they soon encounter news of a malevolent figure known as the "Mind Master," who begins to execute a series of chilling threats. After witnessing a shocking event—the appearance of a mutilated man just after reading about the Mind Master’s dark intentions—Bentley is propelled into action, realizing the nightmare is not over. He reflects on his harrowing experience as he grapples with the implications of Barter’s return and the potential danger facing him and his fiancé. With a chilling reminder of the ape-like transformation he endured, the stakes escalate as Bentley decides to seek out the truth behind Barter's latest scheme.
Lords of the Stratosphere
"Lords of the Stratosphere" by Arthur J. Burks is a science fiction novelette written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the pioneering aviators Lucian Jeter and Tema Eyer, who are determined to explore the stratosphere following a mysterious disappearance of their colleague, Franz Kress, during his ambitious flight. As they embark on their journey into the unknown, they grapple with the implications of their ascent and the potential threats that may await in the uncharted territories above. The opening of the novelette sets the stage with Kress preparing for his historic flight from Roosevelt Field, instilling a sense of competition and dread among his peers. Jeter and Eyer, motivated by both scientific curiosity and personal aspirations, anticipate following Kress into the stratosphere if he fails to return. As they delve deeper into their preparations, a series of strange events unfold across the globe, hinting at a larger mystery linked to Kress’s disappearance. The narrative builds tension as Kress unexpectedly vanishes, leading Jeter and Eyer to set off on their own expedition to uncover the truth behind the bizarre occurrences, including the uncanny columns of light reported worldwide, ultimately setting them on a collision course with unknown forces that threaten not only their lives but potentially the fate of humanity itself.