Author
Kris Neville
1925-1980
Kris Neville (1925-1980) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Kris Neville
Peril of the Starmen
"Peril of the Starmen" by Kris Neville is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story unfolds as alien beings known as the Starmen come to Earth with seemingly friendly intentions, yet their true motive is revealed to be far more sinister: they are planning to destroy the planet to prevent a potential catastrophe in the universe. The main character, Herb, is thrust into a moral dilemma as he grapples with his role in this impending disaster. At the start of the narrative, several Starmen arrive on Earth and are greeted by government officials, including the antagonistic Oligarch, who reveals to Herb the grave fate awaiting humanity. As the Starmen undergo a process of indoctrination to blend in with Earth's people, they grapple with the overwhelming influx of foreign knowledge about human society. Meanwhile, suspicion rises among Earth’s political figures, leading to fearful debates about the interstellar visitors’ true intentions. The beginning of the book sets the stage for a powerful conflict, one that intertwines themes of power, trust, and existential threat as characters on both sides strive to navigate their complex interactions.
She Knew He Was Coming
"She Knew He Was Coming" by Kris Neville is a science fiction short story published in the early 1950s. Set against the backdrop of a Martian colony, the narrative explores themes of love, hope, and the harsh realities faced by young women in a world where their fates are largely dictated by the whims of Earthmen. The story centers on Mary, a girl working at a establishment catering to spacemen, who holds onto the dream of escaping her life with the arrival of a man from Earth. The plot revolves around Mary's anticipation of a visit from a romantic interest who promises her a future beyond her current circumstances. As she prepares for his arrival, her hope builds, contrasting starkly with the cynicism of her peers and the controlling nature of Madame Bestris, the manager of the establishment. The story highlights Mary's innocence and determination to believe in her love, despite her friends’ warnings about the dangers of such a relationship. Ultimately, the narrative culminates in a poignant moment that underscores the choices Mary must make amidst the unyielding realities of her environment, resulting in a bittersweet resolution as her dreams and harsh reality collide.
Wind in Her Hair
"Wind in Her Hair" by Kris Neville is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the themes of longing, dreams, and the concept of home as experienced by a generation born in space aboard a spaceship that has been traveling for centuries. It explores the emotional and philosophical implications of returning to Earth, a world they have only known through imagination and stories. The narrative follows Johnny Nine and Marte, two young passengers who have grown up on the spaceship while dreaming of what life on Earth might be like. As they approach their home planet, they grapple with emotions rooted in hope and fear. Their interactions are filled with dreams of farming, the beauty of nature, and the deep-seated yearning for a life free from the confines of the ship. However, the story takes a poignant turn when they encounter the harsh reality that awaits them on Earth, as Johnny learns that the air and land may be poisonous, leaving them unsure of their future and aspirations. The tension between their dreams of home and the grim truths serves as the emotional core of the story, making it a contemplative piece about the essence of life and belonging.
The Winning of the Moon
"The Winning of the Moon" by Kris Neville is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around the tense interactions and unforeseen complications that arise during a scientific experiment on the moon, specifically an underground nuclear blast conducted by Soviet scientists aimed at analyzing the lunar mass. The narrative captures the humor and frustrations of the American team stationed on the moon as they deal with the consequences of the blast and the challenges of working in an isolated extraterrestrial environment. The plot follows Major Charles Winship and his team as they prepare for the detonation of the Soviet bomb, believing it may release accumulated stresses on the lunar surface. When the explosion causes an unexpected moonquake that jeopardizes their base, the team faces a series of mechanical failures and communication issues with their Russian counterparts. As tensions rise and they scramble to repair damages with mismatched equipment and inadequate resources, the American crew grapples with the absurdity of their predicament, ultimately finding themselves in a precarious situation. Despite the initial animosity, the story highlights themes of cooperation and the shared human experience amidst the chaos of interstellar exploration, culminating in a bittersweet reflection on their situation over vodka with their Russian counterparts.
Special Delivery
"Special Delivery" by Kris Neville is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story follows Parr, an advanceman sent as the vanguard for an impending alien invasion of Earth, tasked with ensuring that every person on the planet receives a special package before the attack begins. The novel explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the psychological impacts of an upcoming war, primarily through the experiences of Parr and his encounters with an enigmatic enemy known as the Oholo. The opening of the book introduces readers to Parr, who arrives on Earth under the guise of handling a mission related to package deliveries. As he settles into his surroundings, he grapples with his role in the invasion, carefully managing the tension between his duties and his growing unease regarding the consequences of his actions. Time is slipping by as Parr struggles against the pressure from an Oholo counterpart who senses his presence. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes a tense interplay of mental and physical confrontations, setting the stage for the escalating conflict that threatens to expose both the aliens’ intentions and Parr’s own unraveling psyche.
The Toy
"The Toy" by Kris Neville is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores the themes of colonialism, power dynamics, and the clash between advanced technology and primitive cultures through the perspective of a group of indigenous people facing the threat of their technologically superior oppressors. The story depicts the struggle of the natives against the "God-men" who wield terrifying mechanical demons to dominate them, and their quest for empowerment and survival. The plot centers around Neju, a native who does not harbor hatred for the God-men themselves but despises the metal machines they command. As conflict escalates, Neju and a group of his people attempt to infiltrate the God-men's stockade and destroy the mechanical threat. Despite a perilous encounter, they face overwhelming challenges, leading to the death of some of their own. Undeterred, Neju rallies his community to confront the God-men and demonstrate their strength. In a climactic twist, a powerful, childlike device created by the Old Gods intervenes dramatically, leading to the destruction of the oppressors' stronghold. The story reveals the complexities of power, the longing for freedom, and the unexpected turns of fate that can arise when facing great adversity.
Hunt the Hunter
"Hunt the Hunter" by Kris Neville is a science fiction story written in the early 1950s. This narrative revolves around the theme of the human condition when faced with the unknown aspects of alien life and the darker sides of human ambition. The story is set in a distant future where hunting alien creatures is a sport for the wealthy and powerful, showcasing the hubris of mankind as they traverse moral boundaries in search of excitement. The plot centers on a man named Extrone, a wealthy hunter seeking the thrill of capturing a dangerous alien creature known as the farn beast. He employs two local guides, Ri and Mia, who are entangled in a web of fear and powerlessness against Extrone's sadistic whims. As they navigate dense forests, tensions rise when Extrone decides that Ri should serve as bait to attract the farn beast, revealing his ruthless nature. Throughout the story, the characters grapple with issues of survival, morality, and the consequences of exploiting both nature and fellow beings for sport and entertainment. As the climax unfolds, the narrative poses unsettling questions about the nature of humanity and the true cost of hunting—both literally and metaphorically.
Earth Alert!
"Earth Alert!" by Kris Neville is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story follows Julia, a young woman who discovers that she possesses extraordinary abilities, such as telepathy and teleportation, amidst a brewing alien invasion. As Julia navigates her newfound powers, she encounters Walt, another mutant with a dark agenda, setting the stage for a conflict that could determine the fate of Earth. At the start of the novel, Julia comes into a considerable inheritance and ventures to Hollywood, where her intentions to find a prospective husband intertwine with her awakening powers. As she interacts with various characters, including a young man named William, she realizes her extraordinary abilities when she heals a cut seemingly by thinking about it. Meanwhile, a group of mutants aboard a distant space station plans to conquer Earth, led by their caretaker, Forential. The opening chapters establish a tense atmosphere, highlighting Julia’s struggle between personal desires and the looming threat of alien intervention, and suggesting a pivotal clash between Julia and Walt, who is sent to eliminate her as the mission unfolds.
Hold Back Tomorrow
"Hold Back Tomorrow" by Kris Neville is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. Set in a future society where people can live for centuries, the story explores themes of youth, aging, and the desire to remain young. The narrative revolves around the protagonist, Margy, who grapples with the frightening concept of growing old and dying, contrasting her youthful innocence with the adult responsibilities and complexities that come with maturity. The plot centers on Margy's relationship with Clyde, a boy with whom she shares a tender, yet complicated bond as they both face the pressures of impending adulthood. As Clyde expresses his desire to marry Margy to help them both grow up, Margy is torn between her feelings for him and her fear of losing her youth and innocence. Throughout the story, Margy struggles with societal expectations and her own internal conflicts about aging, leading to moments of desperation and vulnerability. Ultimately, Margy’s plea to remain young highlights the broader existential dilemmas of identity, love, and the inevitable passage of time, culminating in a poignant conclusion that underscores her yearning for perpetual youth amidst the harsh realities of life.
Too Many Eggs
"Too Many Eggs" by Kris Melville is a whimsical science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. This narrative presents a humorous exploration of unexpected consequences stemming from an unusual purchase—a refrigerator that inexplicably produces packages of fish eggs. The story delves into themes of consumerism and the absurdity of everyday life, making readers ponder the nature of desire and fulfillment. In the story, the protagonist, Coxe, purchases a deeply discounted refrigerator that begins to mysteriously generate fish eggs. As the days pass, the quantity of fish eggs multiplies, leading Coxe and his girlfriend to give them away to friends and family to manage the growing supply. Eventually, Coxe realizes that he has consumed the last of them, only to be confronted by a frazzled man claiming to be associated with the refrigerator's peculiar output. This man reveals the horror of Coxe's actions—that the fish eggs were not mere delicacies but a significant part of a larger, troubling reality. The story cleverly juggles comedic elements with darker implications, leaving readers with a chilling twist and a sense of irony about the consequences of indulgence.
Shamar's War
"Shamar's War" by Kris Neville is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. Set in the year 2346, during a time when Earth has united under a political democracy, the story explores the themes of political intervention and revolutionary change. The narrative focuses on the journey of Captain Merle S. Shaeffer, an Earth man sent covertly to the technologically advanced planet Itra with a mission to inspire revolution against its oppressive government. The plot follows Shaeffer, who adopts the alias Shamar the Worker as he infiltrates Itra. Trained in the Itraian language and culture, he faces numerous challenges while trying to understand and interact with the local population. Throughout his journey, he encounters Ge-Ge, an Itraian woman who becomes a significant figure in his life, complicating his mission as they develop a deep emotional connection. As their relationship grows, Shaeffer must navigate the precarious political landscape, with revelations about the complexities of Itraian society and the ramifications of his actions on a larger scale. The story culminates in a dramatic shift in Itra's governance while raising questions about identity, loyalty, and the price of freedom.
Voyage to Far N'jurd
"Voyage to Far N'jurd" by Kris Neville is a science fiction novel that was first published in the early 1960s. Set aboard a spaceship, the narrative explores the ritualistic culture aboard as the crew anticipates a significant event referred to as the "Festival of the Casting Off." The story delves into themes of duty, societal norms, and the complexities of human relationships in the context of a deeply stratified space society. The story follows the lives of the spaceship’s crew as they prepare for this pivotal festival, which involves a unique and grim form of social recreation known as "Casting Off." Crew members express their frustrations and desires concerning their fates, as the roles they play intertwine personal aspirations with deeply ingrained traditions. The captain grapples with his responsibilities and the weight of expectation, while the priest, Father Nestir, navigates a series of humorous yet profound interactions with the crew concerning duty and companionship. As the festival approaches, personal conflicts arise, revealing the underlying tensions among the characters, leading to unexpected outcomes and moral dilemmas during the ritualistic events that ensue.
Moral Equivalent
"Moral Equivalent" by Kris Neville is a science fiction story written in the late 1950s. The narrative unfolds on the planet Mala, where the residents, having emulated Earth culture, unexpectedly initiate a war after acquiring books about warfare and political organization from Earth. The story explores deeper themes about the consequences of blindly imitating another culture without understanding its historical context and ethical implications. The plot follows two Earthmen, Kelly and Beliakoff, who are spacefarers that inadvertently set off a chain of events leading to the Malan war. As they navigate the fallout of their actions, they confront the absurdity of the Malan response to warfare, which has been superficial and devoid of the deeper understanding of what war entails. The Malans, led by their Prime Minister Nob and the young Empress Jusa, have created a war environment based on Earthly texts without grasping the inherent violence and chaos that accompanies wars. As Kelly and Beliakoff intervene to stop the conflict, they delve into the moral and philosophical dilemmas of war and leadership, culminating in unanticipated personal and political resolutions that highlight the complexities of peace and culture.
Fresh Air Fiend
"Fresh Air Fiend" by Kris Neville is a science fiction novella written during the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of isolation, survival, and the human condition amidst the vastness of space. The story revolves around a man suffering from a debilitating disease on a distant satellite, where the harsh and indifferent environment significantly impacts his life and relationships. The plot centers on the protagonist, who is incapacitated by liguna fever and relies on a native woman named Hertha for care. As he grapples with his deteriorating health and feelings of despair, he learns that Hertha is not only essential for his survival but also embodies the complexities of human connection in a desolate world. He tasks her with the critical mission of collecting plants from outside their hut, as they are necessary for purifying the air that sustains them. Through this dynamic, the story delves into themes of dependency, the struggle for agency, and the nature of love in a place where survival seems increasingly futile. The protagonist's reflections on civilization's call and his existential fears serve as poignant undercurrents to their fragile coexistence.
New Apples in the Garden
"New Apples in the Garden" by Kris Neville is a science fiction story written in the early 1960s. The narrative focuses on Eddie Hibbs, an underground supervisor at a utility company, illustrating the complexities and challenges of modern technology and the human element interacting with it. The book deals with the inevitable issues arising from technological progress and human fragility against the backdrop of societal challenges. The storyline follows Eddie as he navigates a series of professional crises at work, including the aftermath of a tragic accident involving one of his crew members, Ramon Lopez. As Eddie deals with rising pressures from budget cuts, operational failures, and personal dilemmas, he also reflects on the broader implications of technological dependence and societal complexity. Conversations with his family reveal their anxieties about the changing world, underscoring a tension between human existence and the relentless drive toward modernization. The story paints a vivid picture of how personal and professional lives are intertwined with the unpredictable nature of progress, ultimately highlighting the fragility of human lives amidst an increasingly complex society.
General Max Shorter
"General Max Shorter" by Kris Neville is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story centers on General Max Shorter, who commands a team tasked with the colonization of a distant planet called Miracastle. As the narrative unfolds, it explores themes of duty, the moral implications of colonization, and the fragile balance between human ambition and the lives affected by it. The plot begins with the initial landing on Miracastle, where Shorter oversees the harsh terraforming process that inadvertently leads to the destruction of an indigenous alien civilization. After the suicide of one of his men, the tension mounts as an investigative Committee arrives to scrutinize his leadership and the tragic events that occurred during the mission. As Shorter navigates the complexities of military duty and personal ethics, the story raises profound questions about sacrifice, responsibility, and the cost of human progress, ultimately building to a climax where he faces repercussions for what could be deemed a moral failing in his role as a commander.