Author
Dwight V. Swain
1915-1992
Dwight V. Swain (1915-1992) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Dwight V. Swain
The Terror Out of Space
"The Terror Out of Space" by Dwight V. Swain is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers on Fred Boone, who embarks on a treacherous mission to find a planet with a mysterious element that can transform men into supermen, while grappling with personal conflicts and deadly interplanetary dangers." "The opening of the book introduces Boone in a tense negotiation with a representative from Associated Independents, who is eager to enlist him for a lucrative position involving a potentially groundbreaking processing unit. However, Boone is reluctant, seemingly distracted by his concerns for Eileen Rey, a colleague facing a dangerous mission. As the plot unfolds, Boone's frustrations lead him to take drastic action, highlighting themes of jealousy, love, and ambition amid a backdrop of extraterrestrial threats, setting the stage for an explosive narrative intertwined with both personal and cosmic stakes."
You Can't Buy Eternity!
"You Can't Buy Eternity!" by Dwight V. Swain is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The story embraces themes of survival, power, and human ambition as it details the perilous journey of a man named Lewis Thigpen, who holds the key to a life-altering secret coveted by many. As multiple factions converge on him for this secret, it raises questions about morality, the price of knowledge, and the lengths people will go to in pursuit of eternal life. The opening of the novel plunges readers directly into tension and action, as Thigpen is on the run after a crash landing on a desolate Venusian landscape. A mysterious woman named Veta Hall offers him a deal that revolves around a "life catalyst" thought to provide youth and vitality, a creation that has already led to death and destruction. As Thigpen evades capture by various adversaries, including a deadly slaver named Igor Cheng, the narrative establishes an urgent pace as Thigpen grapples with his past deeds and the dangerous world unfolding around him, setting the stage for a thrilling exploration of ambition, betrayal, and the fundamental human desire for immortality.
So Many Worlds Away...
"So Many Worlds Away..." by Dwight V. Swain is a science fiction story likely written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of parallel dimensions and the complexities of human relationships as the protagonist, Horning, embarks on an extraordinary journey to escape his troubled marriage through alternate realities." The story revolves around Doctor Raymond Horning, who, feeling trapped in an unbearable marriage to Myrtle, decides to breach the space-time continuum in search of peace in another dimension. Upon crossing to another world, he encounters his own doppelgänger, who offers him a chance to swap lives and rid himself of Myrtle once and for all. However, as the plot unfolds, Horning learns the darker implications of such a switch, ultimately culminating in a confrontation with his counterpart that reveals unexpected layers of his character and the reality of his choices. The story delves into themes of identity, the search for happiness, and the consequences of escaping one's problems, ending with Horning facing the aftermath of his actions and contemplating the nature of love and freedom.
The Weapon From Eternity
"The Weapon From Eternity" by Dwight V. Swain is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story follows Jarl Corvett, a hardened raider, who embarks on a dangerous mission to locate his ally, the brilliant but tortured inventor Ktar Wassreck. Set against a backdrop of galactic conflict and political intrigue, the narrative explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral implications of power. At the start of the book, Jarl Corvett leads a small crew on a stealthy mission to infiltrate a heavily guarded facility on the asteroid Vesta, aiming to rescue Wassreck and uncover a mysterious weapon that has the potential to shift the balance of power within the Federation. As Jarl presses through the facility’s shadows, tension rises among his crew, particularly with Ungo, a devoted Jovian who is reluctant to risk his life for a seemingly hopeless cause. Soon, they reach Wassreck’s workshop, only to discover that the stakes are far higher than anticipated, leading to a confrontation involving Ylana, the commissioner’s daughter, who possesses secrets that could alter the course of the conflict. The opening sets the stage for a gripping and complex tale of survival and moral dilemmas in a richly imagined universe.
Battle Out of Time
"Battle Out of Time" by Dwight V. Swain is a science fiction novel that seems to have been written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around Burke, an archaeologist who unexpectedly finds himself deeply entwined in the ancient tale of the Minotaur in Bronze Age Crete. In this adventure, he must confront a series of challenges, not only from mythic creatures but also from real historical figures like King Minos and Theseus, as he aims to save Ariadne and uncover deeper mysteries surrounding the Minotaur. At the start of the narrative, we dive into Burke's tumultuous context where he is enveloped in a desperate and dangerous situation. He is desperately seeking to protect Ariadne while contending with the undeniable allure he feels towards her as well as threats from Minos and a drunk Theseus. As tensions escalate, Burke reflects on the gravity of his mission, knowing that he must find a way to confront the Minotaur before a catastrophic event occurs at midnight. The opening sets the stage for a thrilling blend of romance, action, and the supernatural, uniquely intertwined with character development and the exploration of ancient myths reimagined within a sci-fi context.
Planet of Dread
"Planet of Dread" by Dwight V. Swain is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The book centers around the characters Craig Nesom, an envoy of the Federation, and the enigmatic Narla, the daughter of Lord Zenaor. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a brutal society, where cruel games are played for entertainment, and oppression reigns over the Baemae people, setting the stage for an impending rebellion and the clash of powerful forces. The opening of the novel presents a dark and oppressive atmosphere on the planet Lysor, where the ruthless Kukzubas barons, led by Lord Zenaor and his sinister companion Vydys, dominate life. As Craig Nesom arrives, aiming to investigate reports of Zenaor's aggressive plans against the Federation, he witnesses a horrifying spectacle centered around a helpless Baemae girl and a deadly creature known as the roller. This chilling introduction not only highlights the cruelty of the Kukzubas but also establishes Craig's sense of duty and moral compass amidst the savagery. Complicating matters is the emergence of Narla, Zenaor's daughter, who, caught between her family's ruthless legacy and her attraction to Craig, adds layers of personal conflict and potential alliance to the unfolding drama.
Bring Back My Brain!
"Bring Back My Brain!" by Dwight V. Swain is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows Clark Dane, who finds himself in a surreal and perilous predicament characterized by his struggle against an overwhelming mental menace, a mysterious entity taunting him about his identity and servitude. The narrative opens with Dane grappling with a profound sense of dread and confusion as he confronts sinister forces and attempts to reclaim his lost memories. The beginning of the novel introduces Dane in a disorienting state, tormented by visions of a mocking figure and the compelling urge to submit to an unknown master. As he wrestles with these fears, he is thrust into an adventure that involves space travel, encounters with the formidable Kalquoi aliens, and the ominous Sandoz Shaft, a relic of past conflicts. He awakens in a strange spaceship, surrounded by characters who question his origins and intentions, leading to a series of confrontations that heighten the tension. Throughout this opening portion, Dane's struggle for identity and autonomy intensifies, setting the stage for a gripping exploration of knowledge, power, and the repercussions of amnesia in a fantastical, yet threatening, universe.
Dark Destiny
"Dark Destiny" by Dwight V. Swain is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 1950s. The narrative unfolds on the outlaw world of Ulna, where a blue warrior named Haral grapples with his ambition and the chaotic realm around him, encountering the formidable goddess Xaymar and the threats posed by warlords and dark schemes. At the start of the story, Haral is approached by an old priest, Namboina, who implores him to kill a woman named Kyla to protect her from falling into the hands of the raider Gar Sark. As a former conqueror, Haral's lingering ambition and disillusionment make him initially reject the priest's offer. However, upon being cornered by Sark's raiders in a smoky tavern, a violent confrontation forces him to act. Haral’s chaos-infused life intertwines with the powerful goddess Xaymar, as he navigates the treacherous dynamics of power, ambition, and the defense of those he encounters, particularly Kyla—a virgin priestess who plays a critical role in the unfolding conflict that threatens both their fates.
Cry Chaos!
"Cry Chaos!" by Dwight V. Swain is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around Gar Shane, a rugged Earthman and leader of the Chonyas, who is embroiled in a conflict against a malevolent slaver, Quos Reggar, amidst a chaotic backdrop of interstellar politics and warfare. The narrative explores themes of power, identity, betrayal, and the struggle for freedom, ultimately depicting Shane's desperate fight against both his captors and the societal structures that enable slavery. The opening of the novel introduces Gar Shane in a precarious situation, having just been captured and thrown out of a spaceship. We quickly learn about his gritty demeanor, storied past, and the significant iron belt symbolizing his chieftaincy and power among the Chonyas. His vulnerability is contrasted by a fierce desire to reclaim his position and battle against Reggar, who is portrayed as a cunning, merciless antagonist. As Shane grapples with threats from both captors and the insidious influence of the mind-control technology employed against him, readers are drawn into a tale that promises high-stakes confrontation and the exploration of complex moral choices in a sci-fi setting.
Henry Horn's X-Ray Eye Glasses
"Henry Horn's X-Ray Eye Glasses" by Dwight V. Swain is a science fiction short story written during the early 1940s. The narrative follows the misadventures of Henry Horn, a quirky inventor who creates a pair of binoculars that operate on the "x-ray" principle—allowing the user to see through objects. The story unfolds amidst the backdrop of World War II, focusing on espionage and the unintended consequences of Horn's invention. The plot centers around Henry Horn and his colleague, the irate Professor Paulsen, who becomes infuriated when he discovers Horn peddling his x-ray binoculars to curious onlookers at a nudist camp. As the story progresses, the plot thickens when a red-haired man—an actual Nazi spy—purchases the glasses, leading to a race against time to retrieve sensitive military information he might have accessed. Coupled with humorous elements of their nudist encounters and several frantic moments, the story culminates in a showdown that reveals Professor Paulsen's quick wits as they confront the spy, turning an initially comedic invention into a decisive asset in the war effort against the Axis powers.