Author
Hal K. Wells
Born 1900
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Subjects
Books by Hal K. Wells
The Cavern of the Shining Ones
"The Cavern of the Shining Ones" by Hal K. Wells is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the Mojave Desert, where a peculiar expedition led by the enigmatic Layroh seeks an ancient and alien civilization. The narrative delves into themes of humanity's hubris and the lurking dangers of unknown powers as the characters confront a foreboding race known as the Shining Ones, who have a chilling connection to Earth's history. The plot centers around Don Foster, the youngest member of Layroh's expedition, who uncovers Layroh's true intentions for recruiting a group of human men who are meant to serve as sustenance for the dormant Shining Ones—alien beings with a long history of conflict with humanity. Layroh, revealed to be one of the Shining Ones himself, intends to awaken his kin from their millennia-long slumber by using the bones of living humans. As Foster and the other men realize the horrifying fate awaiting them, they band together to escape the depths of the cavern and thwart Layroh's plans, culminating in a battle that involves advanced alien technology and a contest of survival against a monstrous machine. Their struggle not only addresses themes of predation and survival but raises questions about the consequences of long-forgotten wars and the potential for resurgence.
Zehru of Xollar
"Zehru of Xollar" by Hal K. Wells is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around three Earthlings, thrust into a surreal inter-dimensional adventure after being captured by an alien scientist named Zehru. Their journey highlights the themes of survival and the complexities of crossing between vastly different worlds. The narrative begins with Robert Blake and Helen Lawton, who are unexpectedly transported from a New York subway station to a strange enclosure on a planet called Xollar. There, they encounter bizarre creatures controlled by a gelatinous core and realize they are at the mercy of Zehru, a monstrous being intent on escaping his own planet by inhabiting one of their bodies. As Blake and his companions navigate the horrors of Xollar and confront the alien beings, they engage in a desperate battle for survival. After defeating the creatures with a strategic insight into their biology, Blake ultimately confronts Zehru, who meets his demise under the unfolding dangers of the atmosphere. In a final act of urgency, Blake and Helen activate a gate that transports them back to Earth, just as the alien facility's destruction is set in motion. The story concludes with their safe return, escaping the sinister plans of Zehru and the chaos of another universe.
Devil Crystals of Arret
"Devil Crystals of Arret" by Hal K. Wells is a science fiction novel written during the early 20th century. The story explores themes of adventure and danger as it follows the characters Larry Powell and Joan Marlowe, who venture into the hostile alien world of Arret in search of Joan’s safety. The novel delves into concepts of atomic science and alternate realities, as the protagonists grapple with the unknown dangers lurking in a bizarre landscape. In the story, young Larry Powell attempts to rescue his fiancée, Joan Marlowe, after she accidentally becomes trapped in the strange world of Arret, a realm filled with rat-like creatures and mysterious Devil Crystals. When Joan uses an atomic projector to explore Arret, she becomes marooned, prompting Larry and her uncle, Benjamin Marlowe, to hastily repair their equipment to save her before a twelve-hour limit dooms her to permanent exile. After Larry arrives in Arret, he faces harrowing encounters with its alien inhabitants, including the fearsome rat-men and the lethal Devil Crystals that feed on living beings. With clever tactics and bravery, Larry ultimately fights for both their lives as they confront the bizarre dangers of this strange world, culminating in a tense final escape at the last moment.