Author
Joseph Farrell
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Subjects
Books by Joseph Farrell
Mind Stealers of Pluto
"Mind Stealers of Pluto" by Joseph Farrell is a science fiction novel written during the early to mid-20th century. The story is set in a futuristic universe that includes planets like Mars and Pluto, focusing on themes of addiction, power struggles, and extraterrestrial phenomena. The plot revolves around a reporter's dangerous investigation into a drug ring that employs advanced psychic abilities and unravels mysteries about the origins of the mind-altering substance "neoin". In the narrative, Ron Barnard, a journalist, finds himself embroiled in a perilous adventure as he investigates the mysterious drug "neoin", which devastates the population across various planets. Desperate to uncover the truth behind the drug's trafficking, Barnard crosses paths with Gail Melvin, whose brother has been rendered mentally incapacitated by the substance. As the story unfolds, they embark on a treacherous journey to Pluto, where they discover that "neoin" is derived from energy creatures with sinister motives. Amidst encounters with rogue police forces, psychic battles, and the constant threat of mental domination, Barnard must harness his wits and emerging abilities to thwart the drug ring's plans and reclaim his own mind. The tale climaxes with revelations about loyalty, sacrifice, and the fight against malevolent forces that threaten human autonomy.
The Marrying Man
"The Marrying Man" by Joseph Farrell is a science fiction novella written in the late 1950s. The story revolves around the life of Pete Cooper, an interstellar engineer who navigates the complexities of love and practicality in a world where long interstellar trips drastically alter the perception of time. The book explores themes of mortality, love, and the emotional toll of a life spent in space travel, as Pete engages in a series of marriages that are often influenced by his pragmatic decisions regarding life insurance. In this tale, Pete finds himself widowed multiple times as he dedicates himself to his interstellar service, prompting him to marry a young woman named Nancy during a brief leave. Their romance flourishes amidst the challenges posed by time dilation, as Pete travels through different epochs and struggles with guilt and practicality in his decisions. As he becomes aware of the emotional ramifications of his life choices, including the impact on Nancy, the story culminates in a poignant examination of the sacrifices made in the name of duty, love, and financial security. Ultimately, the novella portrays the tension between the desire for companionship and the harsh realities of a life spent among the stars.
Black-out
"Black-out" by Joseph Farrell is a science fiction story published in the early 1940s, originally featured in the magazine "Planet Stories". The narrative explores themes of desperation and the search for salvation amid the decline of a dying civilization on Mars. Through the eyes of Thak, the last astronomer of Mars, the story delves into the hope of contacting intelligent life on Earth, which represents the last glimmer of hope for his race. The storyline centers around Thak and his students as they construct a new telescope to observe signals from Earth. Thak believes that the lights he has seen on Earth are evidence of intelligent civilization, capable of providing the knowledge and guidance needed to save the remnants of Martian society. However, as they finally focus the telescope on the blue planet, despair overwhelms Thak when he realizes that the lights are disappearing one by one, indicating a catastrophic blackout that hints at the extinction of life on both Mars and Earth. The story effectively captures the longing for connection and the tragic inevitability of loss as two worlds face extinction.
Security Plan
"Security Plan" by Joseph Farrell is a science fiction short story written in the late 1950s. The narrative revolves around Ted Langer, a child prodigy who has devoted his life to designing a time machine, while grappling with the practicalities of adulthood. The story explores themes of ambition, familial relationships, and the human fascination with time travel, all set against the backdrop of Langer's struggles to make his inventions a reality. The plot centers on Ted and his wife Marilyn as they run a struggling restaurant and contend with their financial woes. When Ted finally completes his time machine, a young man from the future named Solid Chuck Richards arrives unexpectedly. As they converse, Ted learns about the stark differences between their times, particularly concerning food and currency value. Solid Chuck proposes a plan to bring affordable meals to his society, igniting a partnership between the past and the future. Ultimately, Ted realizes the potential of their newfound connection to secure their future and fulfill his dreams, setting the stage for a second honeymoon on Mars. The story humorously addresses the implications of time travel while highlighting the enduring human desire for progress and security.
Men Without a World
"Men Without a World" by Joseph Farrell is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century, specifically around the early 1940s. The story follows two human astronauts, Paul Hawthorne and Lance O'Dea, who find themselves caught in a precarious situation on the desert planet Avignon in the Alpha Centauri system after crash-landing there. The book explores themes of survival, inter-species relations, and the clash of moral standards, as the humans face the alien Centaurs who have nefarious intentions regarding the future of Earth's inhabitants. As Hawthorne and O'Dea navigate their new reality, they are taken captive by the Centaurs, who are deeply interested in not just the Earth men but in creating a planet suitable for humans—albeit under their control. Initially, the Centaurs’ plans seem benevolent, as they aim to bring elements necessary for life to Avignon. However, the two astronauts quickly realize that they are meant to serve as part of a larger, sinister scheme to indoctrinate future generations of humans to the Centaurs' worldview. The protagonists devise a cunning escape plan involving a surprise attack on their captors, leading to a thrilling climax that underscores the conflict between the two species. Ultimately, the story blends elements of adventure, humor, and commentary on colonization and freedom.
The Ethical Way
"The Ethical Way" by Joseph Farrell is a science fiction novella written during the mid-20th century. The book explores the complexities of ethics and morality in the context of interstellar relationships and societal hierarchies. Its narrative follows galactic beings who, while attempting to save a doomed Earth population, establish a system of servitude that questions the nature of ethics itself. Set against a backdrop of galactic colonization, the story follows Jarth Rolan and Lan Barda as they rescue survivors from Earth’s irradiated environment, ultimately taking them as slaves to their own society. Initially framed as a benevolent gesture, the arrangement reveals deeper implications as the enslaved humans navigate their new reality. As Jarth and Lan rationalize their actions with a veneer of ethicality, the humans, including Laurent Crotier and his family, grapple with adapting to their new lives, raising children, and cultivating a sense of identity within an oppressive system. As the narrative progresses, themes of exploitation, power dynamics, and the perception of freedom versus bondage emerge, painting a complex picture of an "ethical" way that ultimately feels hollow and self-serving for the galactic beings, highlighting the inherent contradictions within their moral framework.