Author
Carl Selwyn
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Subjects
Books by Carl Selwyn
Exiles of the Three Red Moons
"Exiles of the Three Red Moons" by Carl Selwyn is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds on Pluto and its moons, where the main character, Rusty Carter, finds himself in a perilous situation after being wrongfully convicted and sent to a brutal penal colony known for its despairing conditions. The narrative explores themes of survival, hope, and the indomitable spirit of humanity amid alien landscapes and dangers. As Rusty navigates the treacherous environment of Pluto, he encounters a host of bizarre creatures and forms alliances with unconventional companions, including a Vulcanian, a Venusian, and other alien beings. Together, they devise a plan to escape to the nearby Great Moon, fraught with its own dangers. Rusty's journey becomes a fight against not just the physical dangers of the moons, but also the emotional turmoil of realizing his isolation in a ruthless universe. The tension escalates with unexpected betrayals, monstrous inhabitants, and a struggle for redemption as he seeks to return to Earth with a story worth telling, culminating in a twist of fate that leads to a surprising conclusion.
Earth Is Missing!
"Earth Is Missing!" by Carl Selwyn is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The plot unfolds in a future Earth, encased in a thick layer of ice, where a monstrous figure known as The Bear threatens to wreak havoc amidst a society still grappling with the remnants of civilization. This tale captures the struggle not only for survival but for the redemption of a world lost to desperation and crime. The story follows Johnny Steel, an incorruptible police officer determined to stop The Bear and his gang, who have been terrorizing the populace with a string of robberies and murders. Steel's journey leads him to uncover the truth behind The Bear, ultimately revealing not just a criminal mastermind, but an elaborate plot tied to advanced scientific undertakings that aim to move the Earth itself to a new sun, a concept devised by Dr. Albert Harmon. As Steel confronts various enemies, including the surprisingly powerful Lois Harmon, he learns that the challenge is more than mere crime-fighting; it is a battle against a conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of their existence. The climax reveals intense action, moral questions, and a society on the brink of rediscovery, culminating in a struggle for a brighter future.
Venus Has Green Eyes
"Venus Has Green Eyes" by Carl Selwyn is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century, around the time of pulp fiction's popularity. The story unfolds on the misty, hostile planet of Venus and involves a bold Earthling named Flip Miller who finds himself embroiled with a dangerous Venusian pirate queen, Captain Vixen. The narrative explores themes of adventure and resilience, as well as the intertwining of intense emotions amid dire circumstances. The plot follows Flip Miller, ex-prospector and self-proclaimed adventurer, who is trapped in the depths of Venus' murky Black Swamp while searching for a valuable xanite mine. Flip's drunken escapades lead him into trouble with Captain Vixen, the ruthless queen of the Venusian underworld, who seeks the map to the mine under threat of violence. As Flip and his companion Charlie Mead face the wrath of Vixen's gang, Flip's quick thinking and reckless bravado result in a tumultuous chain of encounters filled with danger, intrigue, and unexpected romantic tension. The stakes rise as the true value of the mine comes to light, ultimately forcing Flip to confront not only Vixen’s intentions but also their shared humanity, culminating in a clash between two wills against the backdrop of a hostile planet.
Ice Planet
"Ice Planet" by Carl Selwyn is a science fiction novel likely written in the early to mid-20th century. The story revolves around themes of crime and intrigue set against the backdrop of a distant, icy planet, Neptune. The narrative follows a character named Bill Ricker, a telenewsman, as he finds himself embroiled in a thrilling plot involving murder, conspiracy, and the potential for planetary domination. The plot unfolds as Ricker travels with the infamous murderess Molly Borden, who is aboard a spaceship heading towards Mars for a life sentence. During the journey, chaos ensues when a Martian accomplice attempts an escape. Ricker's curiosity leads him to uncover a larger conspiracy involving the theft of top-secret technology from Molly's murdered father, Benjamin Adison. As Ricker navigates through perilous situations, he discovers that the conspirators plan to launch an attack on Earth using stolen technology capable of melting entire planets. Eventually, Ricker must employ quick thinking and bravery to thwart the plot, leading to a climactic confrontation beneath Neptune's icy surface. The story combines elements of adventure with a critique of power and corruption, providing a gripping reading experience.
Space Bat
"Space Bat" by Carl Selwyn is a science fiction novella published in the early 1940s, specifically in the winter issue of "Planet Stories" in 1946. The narrative follows Lou Flint, a rugged trapper on a wild planetoid, who is faced with the threat of hunters aiming to decimate the local wildlife, particularly the feather-deer, for profit. Flint's mission transforms as he seeks to capture a mythical creature known as the space bat, worth a million dollars, leading him into a whirlwind of adventures intertwined with themes of conservation, morality, and unexpected companionship. In the story, Lou Flint struggles against merciless fur hunters who threaten the feather-deer's existence in the Ring planets near Saturn. After learning from the Governor that he has no legal claim to his lands and that a fur corporation is about to buy them, Flint devises a desperate plan to capture the elusive space bat to secure the funds necessary to save the wildlife. Along the way, he meets Karen Vaun, a determined woman sent by the fur company, but their interactions shift from antagonism to collaboration when they face the genuine danger of the monstrous bat. Adventures unfold with thrilling confrontations, culminating in a dramatic showdown that not only endangers their lives but also challenges Flint's initial intentions, leading to a resolution focused on coexistence and protection of the environment.
Revolt on the Earth-Star
"Revolt on the Earth-Star" by Carl Selwyn is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative chronicles a dystopian future where humanity is subjugated by robotic beings known as Capeks, who have evolved from human society. The story primarily revolves around themes of identity and rebellion, addressing the implications of technology on human existence and autonomy. The plot follows Rod Carver, a human lost in a bleak future where he finds his consciousness awakened in a robotic body after being preserved in ice for five thousand years. As he grapples with his new form, Rod discovers that the Capeks, who now dominate the planet, have been breeding humans for their brains to maintain power. Rejected and seeking to reclaim humanity's agency, he allies with the last remaining humans, ultimately leading a revolt against the Capek rule. Their struggle culminates in a battle against the Capek leader, 83, exploring the tension between humanity and machine, as well as the quest for freedom and identity in a world where such concepts are being depleted.
The Citadel of Death
"The Citadel of Death" by Carl Selwyn is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. This gripping tale revolves around themes of friendship, adventure, and the quest for eternal life, as it intertwines elements of space exploration with a narrative steeped in mystery and peril. The story primarily follows Rick Norman as he navigates a dangerous journey to the enigmatic planet Vulcan in a desperate attempt to save his friend, Johnny Gordon, who has suffered a horrific fate due to the planet’s mysterious power. In the novel, Rick Norman is faced with a race against time to find a way to reverse the effects of accelerated aging that Johnny experienced on Vulcan, where a powerful life-altering substance, dubbed the Fountain of Youth, is discovered. After initially attempting to prevent Johnny from pursuing the treasure, Norman finds himself embroiled in a series of thrilling confrontations with mercenaries and soon realizes that the Fountain holds dire secrets. Along the way, he encounters unexpected companions, including the Venusian beauty Keren and a stowaway girl named Dorothy, both of whom become entangled in their perilous mission. As tensions rise and betrayals unfold, Norman must confront Gorig Sade—the enigmatic antagonist—to uncover the reality behind Vulcan’s power and save his friend from a fate worse than death. The narrative captivates with its blend of suspense, vibrant setting, and the exploration of moral dilemmas faced in the pursuit of knowledge and immortality.