Author
James H. Schmitz
1911-1981
James H. Schmitz (1911-1981) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by James H. Schmitz
Rogue psi
"Rogue Psi" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction novel written during the early 1960s. The book explores the intersection of telepathy, advanced technology, and human conflict as it delves into the dangers posed by a rogue telepath who threatens humanity with his mind-control abilities. The story begins at Cleaver University, where Dr. Frank Harding and micromachinist Arlene Rolf navigate a world teeming with government secrets and the threat of a dangerous telepath. As they work under the supervision of Dr. Ben Lowry, who is experimenting with a new device called the diex projector, they learn of a rogue telepath intent on sabotaging interplanetary colonization efforts. Tension escalates as their research is disrupted by the rogue's attempts to manipulate minds for his own gain. Ultimately, the trio must outsmart the rogue, using the very technology that could become a weapon in his hands. The plot culminates in a carefully orchestrated plan to trap the rogue telepath, leading to a thrilling confrontation that tests their abilities and resolve.
The beacon to elsewhere
"The Beacon to Elsewhere" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story centers around a complex conspiracy involving the theft of a powerful substance called Ym-400, which has the potential to manipulate space-time. The narrative unfolds through several key characters, primarily focusing on Lieutenant Frank Dowland of the Interstellar Police Authority, who is investigating the mystery behind the theft and its dire implications. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to a universe where significant forces—rebels, police, and alien entities—collide as they seek control over this mysterious element. The narrative quickly develops tension as Dowland receives critical information about the hijacking of a transport containing Ym-400, which has significant political and scientific ramifications. As he navigates through layers of intrigue that involve the enigmatic Trelawney family and their questionable experiments, Dowland must contend with the risks posed by Ym-400, leading to an engaging tale filled with suspense, conspiracy and exploration of the unknown.
Summer Guests
"Summer Guests" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction short story written in the late 1950s. The narrative revolves around Mel Armstrong, a disenchanted salesman who spends his annual vacation in Sweetwater Beach. The story explores themes of adventure and the extraordinary, as Mel discovers two tiny, humanoid beings with wings hidden in a bird box, leading to unexpected encounters that blend the mundane with the fantastical. As Mel navigates his newfound guests—Miss Green and her pregnant companion—he learns about their origins and the danger they face due to a storm. The story unfolds with Mel's attempts to protect the delicate creatures while grappling with his own thoughts about their otherworldly nature. Tension builds as he realizes he may not be the master of his actions, particularly when his neighbor, Maria, threatens to uncover his secret. The plot thickens with a climactic reveal of imminent danger, leading Mel to confront the duality of wonder and peril that comes with his unusual situation, ultimately leaving him with deep reflections on bravery, betrayal, and the unknown.
Left hand, right hand
"Left Hand, Right Hand" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction novel likely written during the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around themes of survival, betrayal, and interstellar conflict, focusing on humanity's encounter with an alien species. The plot addresses the psychological and ethical implications of a group of humans held captive by the Tareegs, who are determined to transform their arid planet into one resembling their aquatic homeworld while orchestrating a sinister plan against Earth. The story follows Jerry Newland, a courier pilot, who awakens from a prolonged recovery period after a crash, only to find himself in a precarious situation where he, along with engineer Troy Gordon, must navigate the treacherous landscape of alien politics and betrayal within their own ranks. Newland grapples with fragmented memories and the reality of their captors while Gordon endeavors to mobilize a daring escape plan. As the plot unfolds, the dynamic between the captives and the Tareegs becomes increasingly complex, revealing a plot involving betrayal from within their expedition itself. The novel mixes elements of suspense and sci-fi adventure, culminating in a critical revelation about the fate of the Tareegs and the mission of the human crew.
Legacy
"Legacy" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction novel written in the late 20th century. The story centers around Trigger Argee, a young woman of remarkable skills and lineage, who becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue involving mysterious plasmoids and governmental secrecy. Through her strong character, readers are likely to explore themes of agency, trust, and the complexities of scientific discovery. At the start of the novel, the narrative introduces Trigger as she navigates her environment at the Colonial School on the planet Maccadon, engaging in practice with a handgun. The tranquility of her setting is soon disrupted as she experiences a grabber raid, leading to her discussions with Doctor Plemponi and Mihul, who note the recent unrest. Throughout this portion, Trigger expresses her concerns regarding the Plasmoid Project, the absences of key figures like Commissioner Tate, and the growing tension that surrounds her. As the opening unfolds, Trigger's determination to uncover the truth drives the plot forward, setting the stage for her unfolding adventures amidst a backdrop of danger and intrigue.
Captives of the Thieve-Star
"Captives of the Thieve-Star" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction novelet written in the early 1950s. The story follows the adventures of Channok and Peer as they navigate the dangerous consequences of a heist involving the missing Crown Jewels of Irrek and the derelict spaceship, the Ra-Twelve. Set against a backdrop of space exploration, crime, and mysterious aliens, the narrative explores themes of survival, partnership, and the thrill of the unknown. In the story, Channok and Peer, recently married, find themselves embroiled in a web of criminal intrigue after unwittingly acquiring part of the loot from a heist. As they navigate various dangers, including encounters with rogue space factions and the remnants of a derelict ship haunted by a bizarre alien entity known as the Yomm, their resourcefulness and relationship are put to the test. As they unravel the mystery of the Ra-Twelve and the pursuit of its dangerous secrets, they confront their fears and discover the true power of teamwork in the face of peril. The tale is infused with elements of suspense and adventure, revealing a richly imagined universe ripe with danger and excitement.
Ham Sandwich
"Ham Sandwich" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction short story published in the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around a group of students at the Institute of Insight, who explore the realms of reality and mental projection under the guidance of their charismatic instructor, Dr. Aloys Ormond. The story presents themes of belief, perception, and the intersection of subjective and objective reality, all set against the backdrop of a somewhat satirical tone. In the tale, protagonist Wallace Cavender, who arrives late to a meeting, soon finds himself entangled in an intriguing experiment where the students collectively visualize a ham sandwich. As they attempt this unusual exercise, the focus shifts to surprising developments, including the rumored materialization of the sandwich itself. The climax reveals that the Institute is actually a front for a fraudulent scheme orchestrated by Dr. Ormond, whose true identity is exposed by Cavender, a police detective. The story skillfully blends the whimsical exploration of the mind with a cautionary tale about susceptibility to charlatanry, ultimately questioning the nature of reality and the power of belief.
Novice
"Novice" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story centers around the character Telzey Amberdon, a 15-year-old law student with exceptional intellect and mental abilities. The narrative explores themes of telepathy, the nature of intelligence, and the relationship between humans and alien species as Telzey navigates challenges involving her peculiar pet, Tick-Tock, on the exotic planet of Jontarou. The plot follows Telzey as she grapples with mysterious occurrences surrounding her Aunt Halet and her enigmatic pet, which turns out to be a crest cat, a type of alien creature. As the story unfolds, Telzey discovers that the crest cats are not only intelligent but potentially vital to averting a crisis involving their extinction. Through remarkable mental communication, Telzey must confront the threats posed by those who wish to exploit these animals, including her scheming aunt. Ultimately, Telzey's combination of legal knowledge and newly acquired telepathic skills leads to a groundbreaking agreement between humans and the crest cats, ensuring the species' survival and opening doors to further understanding between species.
Lion Loose
"Lion Loose" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story unfolds in a futuristic setting aboard the Seventh Star Hotel, a space hotel dealing with a decrease in guests and a looming crisis. The main characters include Quillan, a rugged young man with a mysterious past, and Reetal Destone, a resourceful woman with expertise in industrial espionage, who find themselves amid danger as they uncover plots involving a powerful criminal organization and a deadly creature known as a Hlat. At the start of the novel, the Seventh Star Hotel appears to be on the verge of collapse, with rumors of an impending disaster as guests become increasingly aware of hidden dangers. Quillan and Reetal’s rendezvous brings tension as they discuss urgent matters, including a criminal scheme involving the hotel, the arrival of the luxury liner "Camelot", and the destruction planned by the Brotherhood of Beldon. As they navigate alliances and impending threats, they uncover a convoluted plot involving rest wardens, suspicious characters, and a creature with the ability to manipulate its surroundings. The opening sets a suspenseful tone as the characters strategize to thwart disaster before it's too late.
The Star Hyacinths
"The Star Hyacinths" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around the aftermath of a grand heist involving the theft of precious star hyacinths from a remote asteroid shipping station, drawing readers into a thrilling narrative of intrigue, betrayal, and survival. The narrative weaves together the challenges faced by a castaway, a determined businessman, and a crew caught in a web of criminal schemes and hidden agendas. The plot follows Dasinger, who is on a quest to recover stolen star hyacinths after navigating through layers of deception and danger. He encounters a variety of characters, including Duomart Mines, a skilled pilot, and Dr. Egavine, a cunning partner with dubious motives. As they explore the derelict ship Antares where the treasure is reportedly hidden, they face the lethal remnants of a fear-inducing generator that eliminates anyone approaching the wreck. Throughout tense encounters with adversaries who wish to claim the treasure for themselves, the group must use their wits and resources to untangle the mysteries behind the heist and survive the threats posed by both the machine and the treacherous crew. Ultimately, the book delves into themes of greed and the consequences of betrayal, all set against a backdrop of captivating sci-fi elements.
The Other Likeness
"The Other Likeness" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around themes of identity, deception, and the struggle against a powerful oppressive regime, examining the limits of human capability and the consequences of advanced biotechnology. The main narrative focuses on a group of genetically engineered beings sent to infiltrate human society, who must confront their true nature and their mission's sinister implications. In this gripping tale, Dr. Halder Leorm, a member of the Kalechi group, engages in an elaborate escape from the Federation, which has begun to uncover a plot involving genetically engineered agents residing among humans. After being attacked in his home by a supposed assistant, Halder connects with his wife Kilby and fellow group members Rane and Santin, as they attempt to navigate the treacherous landscape of the Federation's security systems. Central to their plight is the discovery of their identities as part of a larger scheme designed by the Great Satogs to undermine human civilization. The narrative explores their harrowing journey as they confront capturing agents and grapple with their evolving self-awareness, ultimately raising profound questions about identity, freedom, and the ethics of scientific experimentation.
The Winds of Time
"The Winds of Time" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction novel written during the early 1960s. The story revolves around a space charter crewed by Gefty Rammer, who unwittingly gets involved in a dangerous adventure after his vessel is caught in a mysterious temporal current, pulling him into unknown dangers and revelations of time manipulation. The narrative explores themes of trust, secrecy, and the consequences of meddling with the fabric of time. As the tale progresses, a seemingly routine charter trip to survey a lifeless sun system takes a perilous turn when the ship, the "Silver Queen", is thrown out of normspace by unknown forces. The ship's passengers, Gefty and his colleague Kerim Ruse, must deal with their enigmatic client Mr. Maulbow, who harbors secrets linked to advanced time-travel technology. Following a series of tense encounters—including a menacing creature called a janandra that serves Maulbow—Gefty discovers that his client's motivations might not be as benign as they appear. After a climactic confrontation that sees Gefty overpower Maulbow, he learns the true nature of their situation and the implications of their journey. Ultimately, they manage to escape the dangerous time current, returning to normspace and a profound realization of their adventure's consequences.
Gone Fishing
"Gone Fishing" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction short story published in the early 1960s. The narrative centers on themes of intelligence, ethics, and the consequences of scientific discoveries, particularly focusing on a device known as the McAllen Tube, which allows for instantaneous travel across vast distances. The story examines the moral implications of wielding such power through the interactions between two primary characters, Barney Chard, a financier and occasional con man, and Dr. Oliver B. McAllen, an aging physicist with a hidden agenda. The plot unfolds as Barney Chard seeks to exploit Dr. McAllen’s groundbreaking invention, unaware of the ethical complexities and dangers surrounding it. Set against the tranquil backdrop of a fishing trip, the narrative reveals McAllen's struggles with the Tube's unintended consequences as he grapples with both his own fears and Chard’s motivations. As Barney tries to manipulate the situation for financial gain, he unwittingly becomes embroiled in a larger scheme, leading to a shocking twist where he finds himself trapped in a reality crafted by the symbiosis of science and moral ambiguity. Ultimately, the story explores the transformation of Chard as he navigates his captivity and the psychological experiments conducted on him, culminating in a conclusion that leaves his fate intertwined with the consequences of McAllen’s invention and the philosophies governing their uses.
Watch the Sky
"Watch the Sky" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The book explores themes surrounding the complexities of colonial life on a distant planet named Roye, where the main character, Phil Boles, grapples with the implications of a long-cherished family artifact—a Geest War gun. The narrative dives into the societal and political dynamics on Roye, particularly how they are impacted by broader conflicts with alien races. The story follows Phil Boles as he uncovers a scheme that could reshape the fate of his planet. As he navigates his relationships with his aging aunt Beulah and other local figures, he becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving a hoax centered around the discovery of a weapon from a previous war. With the intent to secure a military base for Earth on Roye, Phil and his associates invent a narrative around the Geest gun, which leads to unexpected consequences. As tension builds regarding the alien threat, the characters must confront the moral implications of their actions while striving to protect their home and shape its destiny in a precarious political landscape. The novel presents a thought-provoking examination of human ambition, ethics, and survival amidst the backdrop of intergalactic war.
An Incident on Route 12
"An Incident on Route 12" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around themes of crime and unexpected consequences, exploring the intersection of human ambition and extraterrestrial involvement. This tale addresses the tension of a criminal on the run, caught in a situation beyond his understanding. The story follows Phil Garfield, a desperate thief fleeing the scene of a robbery, who faces mechanical failure on a remote road. As he devises a plan to lure unsuspecting motorists, his situation escalates when he encounters a bizarre and horrifying twist: his victim is not merely human, but an alien life form. Garfield's panic and violence lead to a series of terrifying confrontations, culminating in his capture by his own failed assumptions about reality. The narrative illustrates the irony of Garfield's greed and fear, as he inadvertently subjects himself to the very fate he sought to avoid. Schmitz effectively combines suspense with elements of horror, leaving readers with a gripping exploration of fear and the unknown.
Oneness
"Oneness" by James H. Schmitz is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. The story is set in a future where Earth is governed by an organization called the Machine, which has maintained strict control over its population for a century and a half. The novella explores themes of power, morality, and the struggle for freedom as it follows a character named Rainbolt, a member of the Mars Convicts who seeks to introduce the revolutionary principles of Oneness to Earth. In the narrative, Rainbolt is captured during an interrogation by the Machine's directors, who are desperate to learn the secrets of a new stardrive developed by the Mars Convicts after they escaped from penal settlements on Mars. Through a combination of drugging, hypnosis, and nerve stimulation, the Machine tries to extract valuable information from him. However, Rainbolt possesses an extraordinary ability to connect with others through his philosophy of Oneness, leading to shared experiences among the machine's top officials. As Rainbolt advocates for change, it becomes evident that the Machine, despite its rigid structure, is beginning to face a transformation as the influence of Oneness takes hold. Ultimately, the novella poses questions about free will and the nature of control, as Rainbolt unwittingly reshapes attitudes within the Machine, paving the way for a new era of governance on Earth.