Author
Roman Frederick Starzl
1899-1976
Roman Frederick Starzl (1899-1976) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaBooks by Roman Frederick Starzl
The Martian Cabal
"The Martian Cabal" by Roman Frederick Starzl is a science fiction novelette written in the early 20th century. The story follows the protagonist, Sime Hemingway, a member of the Interplanetary Flying Police, as he navigates a complex political situation on Mars filled with intrigue and danger. From the outset, the narrative hints at a brewing conflict between Earth and Mars orchestrated by powerful financial interests, and it sets the stage for an exciting adventure. At the start of the story, Sime Hemingway struggles to sleep in an opulent Martian hotel, plagued by a sense of impending danger. His fears are confirmed when a mysterious young woman, claiming to be in danger, emerges from his mist-bath. She warns him of a plot against him and urges him to help prevent an impending war. As the opening unfolds, we learn of a conspiracy, with the girl, Princess Sira, suggesting that corrupt governmental forces, including the ambitious Scar Balta, are involved. The narrative immediately engages the reader with themes of political corruption, rebellion, and the personal stakes surrounding the characters, setting up a riveting tale of suspense and adventure.
The Metal Moon
"The Metal Moon" by Everett C. Smith and R.F. Starzl is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 20th century, specifically during the early 1930s. The book explores the themes of interplanetary travel and colonization, focusing on the interactions between different evolved branches of the human race within the solar system. It presents a unique narrative that blends adventure with social commentary, examining the consequences of evolution and societal structure over millennia. The story follows three Earthmen, Sine, Kass, and Lents, who embark on a space expedition to explore Jupiter. During their journey, they encounter a mysterious cylindrical ship utilizing a gravity beam, which ultimately captures them. They learn about the Jovian society, where an aristocratic ruling class oppresses a laboring class known as the "Mugs." The Earthmen witness the stark contrast between the opulent lives of the Jovians and the plight of the Mugs, including Proserpina, a young girl who longs for freedom. As the narrative unfolds, they become entwined in the growing rebellion of the Mugs against their masters, leading to a dramatic climax that threatens the very fabric of Jovian society. Through their adventure, the novel tackles issues of class struggle, moral integrity, and the nature of humanity amid extraordinary circumstances.
In the Orbit of Saturn
"In the Orbit of Saturn" by Roman Frederick Starzl is a science fiction novella written in the early 20th century, specifically during the interwar period of the 1930s. The book centers around the themes of piracy in outer space, featuring an undercover officer of the Interplanetary Flying Police (I.F.P.), Quirl Finner, who infiltrates a pirate ship to uncover the secrets of the notorious "Solar Scourge." This work explores the adventures, dangers, and moral dilemmas faced by its characters in a vividly imagined universe. The narrative follows Quirl Finner as he disguises himself as a wealthy passenger aboard the spaceship "Celestia", which is overtaken by space pirates. After being captured, he witnesses the brutal treatment of fellow prisoners, including the tragic death of a young woman’s brother. As tensions rise within the pirate crew and a mutiny brews, Quirl must navigate not only the physical dangers of the ship but also the ethical implications of his mission as he encounters the pirate captain, Strom, who has a complex past and aspirations for a new society. Ultimately, intense battles unfold, alliances are tested, and Quirl fights against the pirate crew to rescue the prisoners and reveal a deeper narrative about honor, sacrifice, and the price of loyalty.