Author
Richard S. Shaver
1907-1975
Richard S. Shaver (1907-1975) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Richard S. Shaver
Paradise Planet
"Paradise Planet" by Richard S. Shaver is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The book tells the story of Steve Donay, a space traveler who lands on a strange and beautiful planet that oddly mirrors Earth, except for its inhabitants—who appear human but are ultimately revealed to be robotic beings. The narrative explores themes of reality, identity, and the nature of existence, presenting a world that, while idyllic, conceals darker truths. In the story, Steve Donay, stranded in his spaceship with dwindling supplies, lands on Paradise Planet, initially enchanted by its lush environment and perfect farmstead, ruled by a captivating woman who seems too perfect. As he interacts with her and explores the planet, he gradually realizes that the inhabitants lack genuine emotion and are devoid of true humanity due to a scientific transformation that has rendered them essentially robotic. Despite the allure of this tranquil life, Steve grapples with the knowledge that it strips away individuality and true human experience. The old man he meets in the city explains this transformation, revealing that the inhabitants have traded their vibrant lives for a hollow version of immortality, deepening Donay's existential crisis as he seeks a way back to his original human existence. The novel ultimately examines the price of artificial perfection and the longing for authentic connection.
The Plotters
"The Plotters" by Alexander Blade is a science fiction novel written in the late 1940s. The book revolves around the themes of interplanetary espionage and the complexities of human emotion, as a being from Venus embarks on a mission to gather intelligence about Earth's nuclear capabilities while unexpectedly falling in love with a human girl named Beth. The story follows Marko, a Venusian agent, who comes to Earth under the guise of a college student. While navigating his mission to find scientist Eldeth Copperd, who has crucial knowledge about atomic weapons, he becomes romantically involved with Copperd's daughter, Beth. As Marko grapples with the duality of his identity as an agent and a lover, tensions rise when his superiors contemplate using Beth as leverage against her father. The narrative intensifies as Marko must confront a mutiny among his own ranks, ultimately leading to a showdown where he must protect Beth and her father from his fellow Venusians while navigating the challenges that his love for Beth introduces into his mission. Their relationship grows amidst conflict, culminating in revelations about loyalty, sacrifice, and the potential for a future together despite the hurdles of interspecies relations.
Daughter of the Night
"Daughter of the Night" by Richard S. Shaver is a fantasy novel written in the mid-20th century. Set in a mythical land called Fantasia, the narrative unfolds a tale of magic, revenge, and the entanglements of love and power, primarily revolving around the characters of Druga, a heroic figure, and Eos, a mystical being embodying the essence of female attraction. The underlying theme explores the struggles against dark forces represented by various deities, layering the fantastical elements with rich character dynamics. The story begins with Druga's conflict with Dionaea, a powerful sorceress, whom he believes he has slain, only to discover that her legacy of curses continues to haunt him and his beloved Feronia. When Feronia is turned to stone by the wicked goddess Diana, Druga seeks a way to free her. As he embarks on a journey, he encounters Eos, who shares a common enemy with him. Their alliance grows complex as more profound emotions unfold amidst their battle against Diana's dark influence. The climax reaches a turning point when alliances shift, and sacrifices are made, leading to revelations about love and the true nature of sacrifice, as Eos comes to terms with her feelings and the interplay of fate.
The Dark Goddess
"The Dark Goddess" by Richard S. Shaver is a science fiction novella first published in the early 1950s. The book explores themes of loneliness, companionship, and the mystique of alien life through the eyes of Peter McCarthy, a weary voyager from space. Set against a richly imagined backdrop of a dark, aquatic planet populated by a powerful mer-woman known as Alfreya, the story delves into the complexities of existence and the search for connection in an alien world. In "The Dark Goddess," Peter McCarthy's spaceship crashes on a mysterious planet inhabited by the last of a once-great civilization, personified by Alfreya, the mer-woman who is left alone after her people evacuate to escape the planet's impending doom. McCarthy, who arrives at a moment of despair, finds himself enchanted and cared for by Alfreya and her ethereal, glowing companions. As he immerses himself in this strange paradise, he struggles with his longing for freedom while also recognizing the deep bond he forms with Alfreya. Eventually, he learns that he cannot leave her world, and instead embraces a new life, filled with wonders and joys, as he becomes part of Alfreya’s existence, ultimately leading to a new family that may bridge both their worlds.
Of Stegner's Folly
"Of Stegner's Folly" by Richard S. Shaver is a science fiction novella written during the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around Professor Stegner's groundbreaking yet disastrous invention of a selective anti-gravitational field, which not only alters the elements of matter but also has consequences for living organisms, inadvertently creating a world filled with oversized creatures. The story explores themes of scientific ambition, the unforeseen repercussions of technological advancements, and humanity's struggle to cope with the consequences of its own curiosity and ambition. The plot follows a journalist who witnesses the fallout from Stegner's experiments. Initially, the professor's invention seems to rejuvenate life, promoting growth and healing ailments such as lead poisoning. However, as the field expands, it results in the emergence of gigantic animals, drawing crowds and prompting chaotic events. After Stegner disappears, the journalist discovers a hidden community of giants created by the professor's work, caught in a power struggle with those seeking to exploit his findings for their gain. The narrative escalates into an intense confrontation as the military grapples with monstrous creatures and Stegner's legacy, ultimately leading to a fight for survival against the overwhelming consequences of human hubris and the pursuit of immortality.
The Big Tomorrow
"The Big Tomorrow" by Paul Lohrman is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Joshua Lake, an ambitious entrepreneur who dreams of sending a rocket to the Moon. Set against a backdrop of financial challenges and personal setbacks, the narrative explores themes of ambition, obsession, and the struggle to realize one's dreams in the face of adversity. The novel follows Joshua Lake as he battles financial ruin while pursuing his goal of interstellar travel. After parting ways with his business partner Lee Gorman, Lake faces numerous obstacles, including failed tests and dwindling funds. His unwavering belief in his vision leads him to seek funding from Gorman, creating a tense and complex relationship between them. As Lake's project progresses, he navigates setbacks, personal sacrifices, and moral dilemmas, culminating in the poignant realization that the journey toward one’s dreams can be fraught with challenges and sacrifices. Ultimately, the story underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the lengths to which one will go to achieve greatness, even in the face of potential failure.