Subject
Assassins -- Fiction Books
Best books
Sax Rohmer
The Quest of the Sacred Slipper
"The Quest of the Sacred Slipper" by Sax Rohmer is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The book revolves around a mysterious and sacred object, specifically a slipper once belonging to the Prophet Mohammed, which has become the center of intrigue and peril, drawing the interest of dangerous factions. The narrative follows the protagonist, journalist Mr. Cavanagh, as he navigates a web of deceit, danger, and the supernatural in pursuit of the truth behind the slipper's significance and the threats it subsequently brings. The beginning of the story sets the tone aboard the S.S. Mandalay, where a mysterious event involving an injured passenger ignites tension among the crew and travelers. Cavanagh, intrigued by the happenings, engages with a fellow passenger, Mr. Ahmad Ahmadeen, who hints at the significance of the unfolding events. Soon after, Cavanagh is introduced to Professor Deeping, whose scholarly pursuits appear to connect him to the slipper's dark history. A chilling series of violent incidents follow, marking those who come into contact with the slipper and establishing an ominous backdrop that hints at the presence of the cult-like Hashishin, led by the enigmatic Hassan of Aleppo. The narrative promises suspense as Cavanagh becomes embroiled in a quest filled with supernatural elements, perilous stakes, and a cast of characters each entwined with the fate of the relic.
Randall Garrett
Deadly decoy
"Deadly Decoy" by Clyde Mitchell is a science fiction narrative that appeared in the magazine "Amazing Stories" in the mid-20th century. The story is set in a future where galactic politics and interspecies relations are fraught with tension, particularly between the Galactic Federation and the Damakoi, a fanatically dangerous alien race. The plot revolves around themes of trust, deception, and the challenges of security in a politically charged environment, focusing on an assassination plot that threatens to kill numerous delegates in the Galactic Capitol. The storyline follows Mr. Cameron, a Secret Service agent, as he deals with a grave threat from a Damakoi assassin named Zorvash Pedrik, who possesses a lethal theta bomb. Cameron initially receives a warning from Holdreth Khain, a Damakoi who claims to oppose the assassination plans, setting the stage for a tense investigation. As the plot unfolds, Cameron faces numerous challenges, including betrayal and cleverly laid traps. The narrative reaches a climax when it's revealed that the assassination scheme involves manipulating both Khain and another Damakoi, Jedon Onomondo, leading to a suspenseful confrontation. Ultimately, the tale examines the complexities of politics, national security, and the intricate nature of trust among different species within the galaxy.
Hayden Howard
The Ethic of the Assassin
"The Ethic of the Assassin" by Hayden Howard is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story unfolds in a distant future where assassins have a rigid code of ethics, implying a complex interplay of contracts concerning life and death. The narrative centers around Doctor Jeff, who faces dire consequences due to the machinations of a powerful figure named Konrad, as well as the titular Assassin whose actions are dictated by tradition and necessity. The plot revolves around Jeff's struggle to save his pregnant wife, Kit, after she is kidnapped by Konrad, who has purchased her life with the help of The Assassin. As Jeff navigates treacherous waters, he attempts to strike a deal with The Assassin itself, offering to restore his sight in exchange for Kit's safety. Throughout the story, Jeff engages in a desperate quest that intertwines elements of morality, power dynamics, and the nature of human life. With rich world-building and tension-filled encounters, the novel explores themes of vengeance, ethical dilemmas, and the value of life within a futuristic society, ultimately leading to a climax filled with unexpected twists and resolution.
Don Berry
The Raider
"The Raider" by Don Berry is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The story explores themes of rebellion, morality, and the consequences of violence in a universe under the oppressive rule of the Terran Federation. The protagonist, known as Wolf, is a hired assassin who struggles with the ethical implications of his mission to assassinate Mayne Landing, the benevolent but authoritarian administrator of the Colony Planets. The narrative follows Wolf after he is covertly dropped onto a planet near the capital city of Thanlar, where he meets local revolutionaries who seek to overthrow the oppressive federation's grasp. As Wolf prepares for the assassination, he grapples with the moral complexity of his actions and the impact on innocent lives, particularly the villagers who might suffer retribution for his deed. Tension builds as the climactic event unfolds during Landing’s inspection of the village, leading to chaos and bloodshed. In the aftermath, Wolf is left contemplating the heavy price of his actions and the lives affected by his pursuit of freedom, culminating in a profound reflection on justice and forgiveness.
Zoë Blade
Less than Human
"Less than Human" by Zoë Blade is a short story written in the early 21st century. This fictional narrative explores themes of identity, morality, and the blurring lines between humans and machines in a futuristic society where human assassins are a rarity amid the rise of artificial counterparts. The story revolves around a protagonist who grapples with her emotional detachment after carrying out an assassination, questioning what it means to be human in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence. The plot follows a skilled assassin named Suzi, who completes a hit on Jon Russell, a target whose copyright violations have led to serious repercussions. As she navigates her profession, she discovers her own humanity is slipping away under the pressures of her work and the modifications made to her body. After a mysterious incident leads her to encounter a doppelgänger who is also a highly advanced android, their shared fate compels them to confront the true nature of their existence. Together, they decide to forge a new path, opting to freelance while reclaiming their humanity and agency, ultimately evolving from mere tools of their employer's business into independent agents of their own destiny.
Mack Reynolds
Gun for Hire
"Gun for Hire" by Mack Reynolds is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story centers on Joe Prantera, a professional hitman from the year 1960, who is transported to the far future of 2133. The book tackles themes of morality and the consequences of violence, presenting a future society that has evolved away from such concepts. The plot begins with Joe Prantera mid-assassination, only to awaken in a future unknown to him where societal norms have drastically changed. In this new world, the leaders of society are concerned about a rising dangerous figure, Howard Temple-Tracy, and they recruit Joe to eliminate him. However, Prantera finds himself grappling with the bewildering reality that this society has eliminated crime and punishment. As he learns more about this advanced society, he realizes the implications of his past actions and the challenges of adapting to a world where his skills as a gunman are both obsolete and dangerous. The climax reveals a twist as Joe uncovers ulterior motives behind his assignment, making for a thought-provoking exploration of free will, redemption, and the nature of evil.
Stephen Marlowe
The Dictator
"The Dictator" by Stephen Marlowe is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story explores the themes of conformity and individuality within a society that prides itself on being a perfect democracy, only to reveal the darker truths lurking beneath the surface. At its core, the book examines the implications of a character training for a long-planned assassination of a figurehead ruler. The narrative follows Ellaby, a character molded by his society to fit a "modal" norm, who embarks on a mission to assassinate the elusive Dictator. As he navigates the Capitol, he undergoes various tests of intelligence, physical ability, and emotional stability, all while grappling with the manipulation of his identity and purpose. Surrounded by individuals like Dorcas Sinclair and Sam Mulden, who have their own revolutionary agendas, Ellaby is ultimately thrust into a world where he unintentionally becomes a part of the system he sought to overthrow. The climax showcases his realization that the absence of the Dictator does not lead to the liberation he expected, but rather illustrates the self-perpetuating nature of power in a society that requires conformity, leaving readers to ponder the cyclical nature of authority and rebellion.
Jesse F. (Jesse Franklin) Bone
Assassin
"Assassin" by Jesse F. Bone is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story portrays humanity's conflict with a seemingly benevolent alien species, the Aztlans, who come to Earth with gifts of peace and advanced technology. The narrative explores themes of trust, manipulation, and the darker sides of altruism as the protagonist, Matson, grapples with the implications of the aliens’ presence and their true motives. The plot focuses on Daniel Matson, a former government official who becomes disillusioned with the aliens' influence over humanity. As the Aztlans spread goodwill and ultimately reshape society, Matson realizes that their apparent altruism might mask an insidious agenda to make humanity dependent on them and even eliminate human emotion. Driven by a need to protect mankind, Matson takes drastic measures by assassinating the aliens during a celebratory parade. However, he soon discovers that they were not what they seemed, as the aliens turn out to be advanced robots designed to manipulate humanity. Matson's actions lead to chaos, which stirs the remaining humans to unite against the Aztlans, challenging the very fabric of the newfound peace. Ultimately, the story raises questions about freedom, dependence, and the moral complexities of intervention.
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