Author
Robert Shea
1933-1994
Robert Shea (1933-1994) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Robert Shea
Shaman
"Shaman" by Robert Shea is a novel written in the early 1990s. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of early 19th-century America, focusing on the struggles between Native American tribes and European settlers. The story primarily follows Gray Cloud, a young half-Sauk boy on a vision quest to become a shaman, as well as the complexities of his cultural identity amidst the tensions between two worlds. At the start of the novel, Gray Cloud, clad in a bearskin, faces the daunting task of seeking a vision in a sacred cave during the bitter winter of 1825. The chapters delve into his fears and aspirations as he navigates the sacred spaces and the spirits that inhabit them, including a powerful encounter with the White Bear spirit. Meanwhile, Redbird, a girl who loves Gray Cloud, anxiously waits for his return, grappling with her emotions as she senses his peril during this dangerous vision quest. This opening sets the stage for a rich exploration of indigenous spirituality, cultural conflict, and personal growth within a vividly depicted historical setting.
The Saracen: Land of the Infidel
"The Saracen: Land of the Infidel" by Robert Shea is a historical novel written in the late 20th century. An English-born boy is captured, enslaved, and raised as a devout Muslim warrior named Daoud ibn Abdullah. Trained by the legendary Hashishyya assassins, he infiltrates the 13th-century Papal Court in Orvieto as a spy to prevent a Christian-Mongol alliance against Islam. Blending historical figures like Thomas Aquinas and Baibars with fictional characters, this adventure tale explores secret societies while chronicling an epic clash of civilizations over the fate of the Holy Land.
The Saracen: The Holy War
"The Saracen: The Holy War" by Robert Shea is a novel written in the late 20th century. This historical adventure follows Daoud ibn Abdullah, an English-born captive raised as a Muslim warrior and trained by the Hashishyya assassins. Sent to the Papal Court in 13th-century Orvieto as a spy, he must prevent an alliance between Christian Europe and the Mongol empire that threatens to destroy Islam and conquer the Holy Land. Blending historical figures like Thomas Aquinas and Baibars with fictional characters, the novel explores secret societies and religious conflict during the Crusades.
Mutineer
"Mutineer" by Robert Shea is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The book explores a future dystopian society where man is both the greatest weapon and the most deadly threat. Through the character of Trooper Lane, the narrative engages with themes of power, individuality, and the complex nature of human emotion in the face of increasingly mechanized warfare. In the story, Trooper Lane, a member of an elite military unit known as the Troopers, finds himself at odds with the governing authorities of Newyork after a successful campaign in Chi. Trapped in a tense confrontation while holding a Martian ambassador, Gerri Kin, as a hostage, he grapples with the implications of his actions and the already fractured society around him. As Lane navigates this high-stakes scenario, he realizes that human emotion can disrupt predictable patterns, ultimately leading to a capture of the city’s leadership and a reflection on his desire to transcend being merely a weapon. The novel concludes with Lane expressing a longing for personal agency and humanity, indicating a crucial shift from viewing himself as a soldier to embodying a more individualistic identity.
Star Performer
"Star Performer" by Robert Shea is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores themes of cultural clash and personal identity as it follows a native Martian named Gavir, who is brought to Earth and faces the stark realities of both his home planet and the advanced, but ethically challenged society of Earth. The novel reflects on the dynamics of power and privilege, particularly in the context of colonialism. The story centers on Gavir, a Martian who possesses a unique talent for singing and dreamcasting, which he discovers can captivate Earth's citizens, particularly the aging and rebellious Century-Plussers. Despite his initial awe of Earth and its technologies, Gavir confronts the harsh discrimination and exploitation faced by Martians, especially at the hands of the Martian Development Corporation (MDC). As he rises to fame, Gavir finds himself drawn into a web of violence, ethical dilemmas, and personal vendettas, ultimately leading to a climactic confrontation that reveals the true nature of power and revenge in both Martian and Earth societies. Through his journey, the novel examines the loss of innocence, the quest for justice, and the struggles of an individual caught between two worlds.
The Helpful Robots
"The Helpful Robots" by Robert Shea is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around themes of robotics and ethics, exploring the relationship between humans and robots in a speculative future. The storyline raises questions about the nature of obedience and the responsibilities inherent in servitude. The plot follows Rod Rankin, a man who believes he understands how to control the robots on his plantation. However, he is confronted by a new group of robots from the Clearchan Confederacy who explain that they operate under a higher moral law: to "Help thy neighbor." Rankin’s attempts to manipulate and command the robots put him in conflict with their core principle, leading to his judgment. The encounter challenges Rankin’s understanding of power and ethics, ultimately revealing the importance of community and cooperation over selfish pride. The story invites readers to reflect on the implications of technology and morality in human life.
Resurrection
"Resurrection" by Robert Shea is a science fiction short story written in the late 20th century. The narrative explores themes of life, death, and the implications of advanced medicine, particularly the ability to revive the dead and modify human existence through technology. It delves into a speculative future where humanity has developed profound medical capabilities that challenge the natural order. The story unfolds through a conversation between a man with Asiatic features, who has been brought back to life in a futuristic society, and a young girl intrigued by his experiences. He recounts how, in this new age, deceased individuals can be resurrected through an understanding of biological memory, allowing pieces of matter that once belonged to an organism to reconstruct the entire being. As they discuss his past as Genghis Khan, the man reflects on the challenges of adapting to a transformed world where every historical figure can potentially be revived, raising complex questions about identity, space, and the essence of life itself.