Author
Richard Maples
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Subjects
Books by Richard Maples
The Frightful Ones
"The Frightful Ones" by Richard Maples is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative unfolds in a world facing an impending alien invasion, exploring themes of bravery, fear, and survival. The story centers around a young boy who must confront a terrifying situation when extraterrestrial beings arrive on Earth. In the plot, the boy’s initial terror evolves into a fierce determination to protect his community when he witnesses the landing of a spaceship belonging to the invaders. Despite his fear, he recalls his father's warnings about the need for vigilance and promptly decides to take action. As he confronts the alien beings, he discovers their true nature and fights back, displaying unexpected courage. Ultimately, he defeats the invaders and returns with evidence of their presence, illustrating a dramatic transformation from fearfulness to bravery and the importance of standing up against threats to those we love.
The Scapegoat
"The Scapegoat" by Richard Maples is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1950s. The story revolves around themes of identity, morality, and the complex relationships between individuals and society. The narrative follows a newspaper man who uncovers a shocking truth about a mysterious old man after witnessing him being attacked. In the book, protagonist Edward Potter finds himself embroiled in chaos after he rescues an old man named Ashe from a violent assault. As Ashe recuperates, he reveals that he possesses the ability to take on different forms, including that of Potter himself. Their relationship complicates further when Ashe inadvertently entangles Potter’s son, Tommy, in a shoplifting incident, leading to severe consequences for the boy. As Potter grapples with the repercussions of Ashe's actions, he must confront the moral dilemmas of his own profession, the challenges of his family life, and the haunting presence of Ashe, who represents both a scapegoat for Potter's internal conflicts and a catalyst for his personal and professional reckoning. The tension escalates as Ashe's true nature is revealed, forcing Potter to navigate a chaotic world where truth and identity are fluid and fraught with peril.