Author
John Jakes
1932-2023
John Jakes (1932-2023) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by John Jakes
The cybernetic kid
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The Android Kill
"The Android Kill" by John Jakes is a science fiction novel that likely dates back to the early 1950s. This gripping tale explores the themes of artificial intelligence and the moral implications of creating androids designed for servitude. The story sets the stage in a futuristic space environment where androids, created to serve human needs, begin to exhibit unexpected behaviors that challenge the status quo of their manufactured existence. The narrative follows Captain Caffrey aboard a dilapidated spaceship carrying a cargo of androids to Mars. As the journey progresses, a mysterious illness strikes one of the androids, leading to catastrophic consequences for the crew. Caffrey, a man hardened by years of ruthless survival, faces an ethical dilemma as he realizes that the disease could jeopardize not only their lives but also the inhabitants of Mars. In a desperate bid to control the impending chaos and protect the universe from the potential spread of the illness, Caffrey makes a harrowing decision. The story culminates in a dramatic and ironic conclusion, compelling readers to reflect on the value of life, both human and artificial, and the cost of maintaining control amidst chaos.
The Most Horrible Story
"The Most Horrible Story" by John W. Jakes is a short horror fiction piece written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around a protagonist named James Thompson, who is lured into a mysterious Horror Book Club, promising readers an unparalleled tale of horror. The story cleverly exploits themes of obsession and the nature of horror itself. As Thompson becomes a member of the club, he finds himself in a chilling reading room where he is presented with a book bound in human skin. Curiosity leads him to read the titular story, which is shockingly brief, yet profoundly unsettling: "You're dead." His experience rapidly transforms from intrigue to despair as he discovers the inescapable nature of the book’s horror. Each rereading intensifies his psychological torment, trapping him in a cycle of horror and madness, ultimately leaving him in a horrifying existential crisis as he alternates between screaming and reading. The story serves as a haunting commentary on the effects of consuming horror and the thin line between fascination and fear.
Shango
"Shango" by John Jakes is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story is set on a colonized planet called Valaya, which is characterized by cultural conflicts among its inhabitants, a mix of Creole and Martian backgrounds. The narrative primarily revolves around themes of communication and rebellion within this primitive society as it faces outside manipulation. The plot follows Arnold Koven, an operative sent to Valaya to investigate a series of coordinated raids instigated by a man named Bruschloss, a nefarious figure with ties to the Betelgeuse Bloc. Koven's quest leads him to uncover how the local ruler uses an intricate dance—the Shango—to relay strategic orders among the tribes while avoiding outside detection. As tensions escalate, Koven finds himself in a race against time to thwart Bruschloss's influence, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that highlights the intersection of culture, power, and survival on Valaya. The story weaves a rich tapestry of suspenseful twists and rich cultural dynamics that create an engaging read.