Author
Stanley Mullen
1911-1974
Stanley Mullen (1911-1974) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Stanley Mullen
The Prison of the Stars
"The Prison of the Stars" by Stanley Mullen is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. The story follows Wilding, a former criminal who finds himself abandoned in space near a rogue asteroid that serves as a prison for the most hardened convicts of the Solar System. The book intricately explores themes of desperation, survival, and the quest for freedom in an unforgiving universe. The plot revolves around Wilding's struggle for survival after being left adrift in space. As he waits for potential rescuers from the prison asteroid known as Alcatraz, he reflects on his tumultuous life, encompassing his upbringing on Venus and his gradual descent into crime. Upon being rescued by fellow convicts, he must establish authority and propose an audacious plan to escape Alcatraz and seek a new life among the stars. Along the way, he navigates the treacherous dynamics of prison society, befriends unconventional allies, and confronts his own limitations and ambitions. Ultimately, "The Prison of the Stars" examines the human spirit's resilience and the need for a fresh start amidst chaos and moral ambiguity.
Mirage for Planet X
"Mirage for Planet X" by Stanley Mullen is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. Set against the backdrop of Mars and its surrounding celestial bodies, the story follows the character Torry as he navigates a web of danger and intrigue revolving around his former partner, the notorious criminal Bart Roper. The novel encompasses themes of obsession, morality, and the interplay between personal ambitions and the treacherous consequences of one’s past decisions. The plot begins with Torry embarking on a quest to locate Roper after a prison escape, driven by his desire to claim a stake in the transuranic resource market that Roper has supposedly tapped. As Torry delves deeper into the criminal underbelly of Mars, he encounters Tharol Sen, Roper's intended bride, who is entangled in Roper's plans involving a mysterious matter transmitter. The narrative unfolds with Torry risking his life in pursuit of Roper, while navigating conflicts with local law enforcement and rival factions. Ultimately, Torry faces a moral dilemma when confronting Roper, who presents a grim choice between life on Earth, potential rehabilitation, and the darkness of death. The novel culminates in a blend of human complexity, personal redemption, and a touch of romance, set against the vivid and surreal landscapes of Triton, one of Neptune's moons.
Lady Into Hell-Cat
"Lady Into Hell-Cat" by Stanley Mullen is a science fiction novel published in the late 1940s. The narrative unfolds in a futuristic space setting, where the protagonist, S.P. Agent Lee Heydrick, embarks on a mission to apprehend a red Martian woman named Ria Tarsen, accused of murdering a high-ranking official. The story explores themes of deceit, loyalty, politics, and the complexities of personal relationships amidst the chaotic backdrop of interplanetary intrigue. The plot follows Heydrick's hazardous journey through the gritty environment of Ganymede, where he encounters Ria, the enigmatic and seemingly innocent woman linked to a larger conspiracy involving the Wildings, a group of rebels opposing the ruling Red Scientists. As Heydrick navigates the underworld to capture Ria, tensions rise, leading to unexpected alliances and confrontations. Despite their opposing roles, a bond develops between Heydrick and Ria, complicated by her innocence in the crime she's accused of and their growing attraction. The story culminates in a conflict that challenges the established political order, forcing Heydrick to make difficult choices as he realizes that the truth might be more nuanced than he initially believed.
The Voyage of Vanishing Men
"The Voyage of Vanishing Men" by Stanley Mullen is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. The story revolves around an ambitious intergalactic survey mission led by Braun, who is one of the few survivors of the ill-fated "Venture IV" expedition that vanished into the depths of space. The narrative explores themes of isolation, existential dread, and the unknown challenges of deep space exploration. The plot delves into Braun's return to civilization after his ship's mysterious journey, where he grapples with the loss of his crew and the haunting memories of their fate. Throughout the story, Braun faces skepticism and hostility from those around him as he tries to recount his experiences, struggling with the knowledge that he is forever marked by the void he encountered. The novel expertly weaves a tale of suspense and introspection, as Braun reflects on the nature of human ambition and the price of exploration in uncharted realms, leaving readers to ponder the consequences of humanity’s insatiable curiosity.
The Pit of Nympthons
"The Pit of Nympthons" by Stanley Mullen is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. Set on Venus, the story delves into the uncharted territories of the planet, particularly the ominous Tihar Forest, where strange mutations have taken hold of the flora and fauna. The narrative primarily revolves around Kial Nasron, a headstrong girl determined to rescue her sister after an ill-fated space liner crashes on Venus, and Craig Alston, a convict familiar with the dangers of the forest, who reluctantly joins her quest. In "The Pit of Nympthons," Kial Nasron seeks the truth behind her sister Annelle’s disappearance following the crash of the "Krajulla". She persuades Alston, a convict with knowledge of the perilous Tihar Forest, to assist her in a hostile jungle filled with mutant plants and predatory creatures, as well as clues about her sister's current state. As Alston and Kial venture deeper into this alien territory, they uncover a sentient forest that has become a formidable force, threatening their very existence. The plot weaves themes of survival, betrayal, and the exploration of the unknown, culminating in a clash against a monstrous entity that symbolizes the darkest aspects of nature altered by atomic devastation.
S.O.S. Aphrodite!
"S.O.S. Aphrodite!" by Stanley Mullen is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The book revolves around Steve Coran, an ISP patrolman who is assigned a dangerous mission involving space pirates and a government conspiracy. The narrative features elements of space travel, intrigue, and complex character relationships, showcasing a struggle against an organized group working to sow chaos in the interplanetary realm. The storyline follows Steve Coran as he is tasked with recovering sensitive documents from a fugitive tied to a series of space transportation crimes while he embarks on a journey aboard the emigration ship "Aphrodite". Along the way, he inadvertently becomes involved with Gerda Mors, a woman desperate to reach Venus in search of her brother, who is implicated in the crimes. As tensions escalate, the vessel collides with an asteroid, leading to a series of confrontations with pirates and ultimately revealing underlying connections between the characters. The tale intricately weaves themes of loyalty, moral ambiguity, and survival, culminating in a dramatic conclusion that challenges Coran's personal beliefs and relationships.
Gama Is Thee!
"Gama Is Thee!" by Stanley Mullen is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s, during a time when speculative fiction was exploring themes of identity, mutation, and the unknown. The book follows an intriguing premise set on Venus, where the mysterious Khaljean operates a fantastical zoo that houses various bizarre creatures. The story revolves around themes of adventure, survival, and the motivations of its characters in a richly imagined extraterrestrial landscape. The narrative unfolds through the experiences of several characters, including Bat Ferris, a fugitive gamma-man, and Pao Chung, a cunning businessman involved in illegal activities on Venus. They team up with Bogus Angel, a mutant with the unusual ability of flight, and Khaljean's daughter, Teucrete, as they attempt to escape from the law after a chaotic jailbreak. As they navigate a dangerous world filled with monstrous creatures and the threat of capture, they uncover Khaljean's secret past and the larger implications of a hidden alien influence over humanity. Tensions rise through violent confrontations and shifting alliances, culminating in their quest to find and destroy a mysterious force believed to warp the minds of men. Through adventure and deception, the story explores deep moral questions about power, survival, and the implications of genetic mutation, set against a backdrop of vivid world-building.
Suicide Command
"Suicide Command" by Stanley Mullen is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story unfolds in the vastness of space and centers on a desperate rescue mission involving the crew of the ISP cruiser Scorpio, who must confront a catastrophic situation aboard the spaceliner Tellus, which is breaking apart due to critical failure. As they scramble to save survivors from the doomed vessel, the themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the human condition in the face of dire circumstances emerge. The narrative predominantly follows Lieutenant Blaze Norman, who finds himself thrust into leadership amid chaos as the guys aboard the Tellus attempt to fight against impending doom caused by radiation leaks and ship disintegration. As Norman and his team undertake the perilous task of rescuing the surviving passengers and crew, they learn that not all may survive, leading to harrowing decisions about who to save. The tension escalates as they realize the Tellus is on a collision course with destruction, forcing them to navigate their way to the rogue asteroid Hidalgo. In the process, they confront not just the challenges of survival but the psychological toll of their experiences, culminating in a haunting conclusion that raises questions about the nature of madness and sacrifice in extraordinary situations.
Master of the Moondog
"Master of the Moondog" by Stanley Mullen is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The narrative centers around Tod Denver, a prospector on the Moon, and his peculiar pet, Charley, a moondog. The story unfolds as they become embroiled in a quest involving a hidden Martian mine, corporate scheming, and the dangers of a lawless lunar boomtown known as Crystal City. Through their misadventures, themes of companionship, greed, and survival are explored against the backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving lunar landscape. The plot begins with Tod Denver navigating the dangerous lunar terrain with Charley, who is both an annoying and endearing companion. After discovering a dead miner, Laird Martin, who left behind clues about a hidden fortune, Denver's life takes a tumultuous turn as he encounters various antagonists, notably the gangster Big Ed Caltis. As Denver seeks to protect Charley and unravel the mystery surrounding the Martian workings, he also crosses paths with Soleil, Martin's daughter, which complicates his intentions and emotions. As the story culminates in a confrontation with Caltis and his crew, Denver displays grit and resourcefulness as he fights for his life and a future with Soleil. Their journey leads them to unexpected alliances and the prospect of new beginnings as they share dreams of adventure and love amidst the chaos.
Cosmic Castaway
"Cosmic Castaway" by Stanley Mullen is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The narrative centers around Bell, a hybrid character who is part human and part robot, struggling with his identity and longing to return to Earth after suffering life-altering injuries that necessitated mechanical reconstruction. The story explores themes of humanity, isolation, and the implications of advanced technology on personal identity and societal acceptance. The plot unfolds as Bell attempts to obtain passage back to Earth, where he hopes to reunite with his wife, Jane, and reassess his life as a transformed being. Throughout his journey, he encounters prejudice and fear from those around him, including the ticket agent and the medical staff who question whether he is a danger to society. The stakes escalate when a catastrophic event onboard a spaceship threatens the crew and passengers, forcing Bell to confront his capabilities and fulfill a heroic role despite his unnatural origins. The story culminates in Bell's determination to find his place in a world that may not readily accept him, while contemplating the broader implications of what he represents for humanity.
Shock Treatment
"Shock Treatment" by Stanley Mullen is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. Set against the backdrop of Venusport, the narrative explores the dark and chaotic elements of life within a futuristic society plagued by violence, madness, and existential dread. The story chiefly revolves around Spud Newlin, a bar worker with a nefarious past, who becomes embroiled in a mission involving a mysterious woman named Songeen, who seeks to retrieve her husband, a scientist teetering on the brink of insanity. The plot unfolds as Newlin reluctantly accepts a dangerous job from Songeen to confront her husband, Genarion, whose strange existence reveals the delicate balance between sanity and madness in a universe where desperation leads to uncanny phenomena. As he enters Genarion's realm, Newlin encounters a world transformed by bizarre technology and mind-bending experiences, which culminate in a confrontation that alters both characters' destinies. The narrative ultimately escalates to a revelation about Newlin's own madness and the fate of humanity, conveying themes of love, identity, and the struggle for freedom in a universe riddled with chaos. As Newlin and Songeen are drawn into a larger cosmic conflict, the story raises profound questions about sanity and the moral implications of wielding ultimate power in a fractured world.