Author
Dean Evans
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Books by Dean Evans
Not a Creature Was Stirring
"Not a Creature Was Stirring" by Dean Evans is a science fiction short story published in the early 1950s. The narrative unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world, exploring themes of isolation and the aftermath of nuclear war, as humanity faces the consequences of its own destructive capabilities. The story delves into the life of Tom Gannett, a gold miner who emerges from his solitude to discover a desolate world following mankind's annihilation. The plot follows Tom Gannett, a hard-edged hermit-like figure, who lives in a remote gold mine in Nevada. Upon emerging, he discovers that he is the last surviving person in a world blanketed in eerie purple snow, the result of a catastrophic war. As Gannett navigates through deserted towns, he encounters the lifeless forms of fellow citizens, experiencing disbelief and confusion. His desperate search for answers leads him to the realization that the world he once knew is gone, and he is now utterly alone in a silent, haunting landscape. Despite the tragic circumstances, Gannett's character offers a raw, gritty reflection on survival and human resilience in the face of utter despair.
The Moons of Mars
"The Moons of Mars" by Dean Evans is a science fiction novella first published in the early 1950s. Set on Mars, the narrative explores the complexities of identity and the consequences of interbreeding between species, particularly focusing on a unique little boy with both Martian and human heritage. The story is woven with themes of tragedy, loss, and the harsh realities of life on a colonized planet. In the tale, the protagonist, a security officer, encounters a small Martian boy who is able to whistle—a trait considered impossible for Martians. Intrigued, he delves into the mysterious boy's background, discovering that the child is the product of a human mother and a deceased Martian father. As the officer's investigation unfolds, he learns of the boy's quest for vengeance against the man who murdered his father. The plot thickens as the officer discovers that this man, Harry Smythe, has a dark past and a troubling connection to the boy's mother. Ultimately, the story culminates in a tragic confrontation, leading to irreversible consequences for the characters involved, particularly affecting the boy's ability to express himself through whistling, a poignant symbol of his lost innocence.
Happy Rain Night
"Happy Rain Night" by Dean Evans is a science fiction short story originally published in the March 1954 issue of Planet Stories. The narrative unfolds on a Martian evening accompanied by a synthi-rain, emphasizing themes of betrayal, desire, and crime within a low-gravity paradise. Set against the backdrop of a gambling city called Fraon, the story explores the entangled lives of its residents, particularly focusing on a woman's quest for retribution. The plot centers around a woman who arrives in Fraon to confront her unfaithful husband, Artie Sterling, who is in the company of another woman. As she navigates the dark underbelly of the city, she successfully robs a croupier to fund her search and ultimately tracks down her husband in Residential Number 327, where she confronts the reality of his betrayal. In a climactic twist, their encounter leads to a fatal confrontation. Afterwards, Artie's other lover and the woman's husband, the Chief of Security, enter the scene, creating a web of deception and tragedy with an unexpected resolution that culminates in a dark reflection on loyalty and loss. The atmosphere of suspense and the dramatic stakes keep readers engaged until the final twist, revealing the complexities of love and vengeance on a night marked by synthetic rain.
The Furious Rose
"The Furious Rose" by Dean Evans is a science fiction short story that appeared in "Galaxy Science Fiction" in the early 1950s. Set in a dystopian future where executions are mechanized and devoid of human emotion, the narrative explores themes of morality, justice, and the emotional toll of bureaucratic duty. The central topic revolves around the mechanized execution process where society has lost its humanity in the name of progress. The story follows Tony Radek, the Federal Executioner, as he navigates his role in an emotionally detached system where the condemned are subjected to "Neg-Emote," a process that strips them of their emotions following a guilty verdict. When Tony encounters John's wife, Mrs. Haley, waiting in despair over her husband's impending execution, he grapples with a moral dilemma: to ease her pain by shielding her from the reality of her husband's fate or to uphold the cold efficiency expected of him. As the execution approaches, Tony's internal conflict intensifies, revealing the crushing weight of his responsibilities and the cruel absurdities of a society where life and death decisions are mere clockwork. Ultimately, the story presents a bleak commentary on the nature of justice and the cost of emotional detachment in a world ruled by bureaucratic rigidity.
The Very Black
"The Very Black" by Dean Evans is a science fiction narrative written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around the challenges faced by test pilot Eddie Anders as he navigates both his personal relationships and the technical hazards associated with flying a cutting-edge experimental jet, the XXE-1. Central to the plot is the interplay between human emotion and advanced technology, as well as the concept of imagination manifesting in unexpected ways. The plot follows Eddie Anders, who is conflicted about flying a dangerous new jet fighter while grappling with his feelings for Margie Hayman, the daughter of the jet's chief engineer. As he prepares for the test flight, strange events unfold, including a surreal encounter with a bioplastic being that claims to be a manifestation of his imagination. This entity provides a psychological struggle, urging him to abandon his love for Margie to secure its own existence at his expense. The story culminates in a dramatic test flight where high-speed challenges push Eddie to the brink, leading him to realize that part of his identity and love for Margie is intricately linked with his survival. Ultimately, Eddie's journey explores themes of love, fear, and the boundaries between reality and the imagination.