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Diseases -- Fiction Books
Best books
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."
John Jakes
The Android Kill
"The Android Kill" by John Jakes is a science fiction novel that likely dates back to the early 1950s. This gripping tale explores the themes of artificial intelligence and the moral implications of creating androids designed for servitude. The story sets the stage in a futuristic space environment where androids, created to serve human needs, begin to exhibit unexpected behaviors that challenge the status quo of their manufactured existence. The narrative follows Captain Caffrey aboard a dilapidated spaceship carrying a cargo of androids to Mars. As the journey progresses, a mysterious illness strikes one of the androids, leading to catastrophic consequences for the crew. Caffrey, a man hardened by years of ruthless survival, faces an ethical dilemma as he realizes that the disease could jeopardize not only their lives but also the inhabitants of Mars. In a desperate bid to control the impending chaos and protect the universe from the potential spread of the illness, Caffrey makes a harrowing decision. The story culminates in a dramatic and ironic conclusion, compelling readers to reflect on the value of life, both human and artificial, and the cost of maintaining control amidst chaos.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
The fixer
"The Fixer" by Wesley Long is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. Set on the alien planet Telfu, the story follows Sandra Drake, a resourceful human stranded among the native Telfans as they face a devastating epidemic. The novel delves into themes of scientific experimentation and cross-cultural interactions in an alien world, while also exploring the challenges of survival and adaptation in an unfamiliar environment. In "The Fixer," Sandra Drake finds herself helping the Telfans combat a deadly airborne disease known as andryorelitis, which threatens to decimate their population. As she navigates her new life, Sandra uses her knowledge of Terran science to work with Telfan scientists who are struggling to create an effective antidote. Faced with numerous challenges, including communication barriers and the Telfan's unique physiology, Sandra devises a plan to contact her Terran colleagues for assistance. Ultimately, the story highlights her determination and ingenuity as she plays a critical role in the struggle for survival on Telfu, leading to a climactic resolution that showcases the power of collaboration and innovation. Through Sandra's journey, the novel addresses broader themes of identity, the nature of intelligence, and the moral complexities of scientific progress.
Betsy Curtis
Rebuttal
"Rebuttal" by Betsy Curtis is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1950s. The book offers a counterpoint to Arthur C. Clarke's story "The Star," delving into themes of faith, purpose, and the concept of immortality through a scientific lens. It grapples with deep philosophical questions regarding existence and the divine, all set against a backdrop of space exploration and human experience. The story follows Father Niccolo Molina, a pathologist at St. Luke's Hospital, who is tasked with understanding the mysterious illness afflicting Father Phillip Burt, a member of the ill-fated Phoenix Nebula expedition. As they engage in a profound dialogue, Father Phillip reveals his existential crisis stemming from the crew's discovery that the universe operates without a discernible plan or divine presence. Through their conversation, Father Niccolo argues that human consciousness interacts with individual cells in a fundamentally significant way, suggesting that the essence of life persists beyond physical death. Ultimately, this philosophical exploration leads to a miraculous healing for Father Phillip, who emerges with a renewed sense of purpose and faith as he reconnects with his fellow crew members.
Robert Emmett McDowell
The Great Green Blight
"The Great Green Blight" by Robert Emmett McDowell is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The narrative unfolds in a futuristic Empire of Earth facing imminent collapse due to mysterious pirate attacks by phantom crews, and the story focuses on Norman Saint Clair, a nervous young lecturer traveling aboard the space liner "Jupiter". As he grapples with fears of the increasingly dangerous voyage, he becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue involving murder, hints of betrayal, and the potential threat posed by the enigmatic plant-like Dohlmites. At the start of the novel, the atmosphere is thick with tension as Norman Saint Clair prepares for his journey to Ganymede, a colony in the Empire. Alongside initial introductions with fellow passengers, including the captivating Jennifer Scott, ominous events unfurl, culminating in the shocking murder of a Terrestial Intelligence Service agent on board. This incident triggers a mix of panic and suspicion among passengers, and as Norman strives to understand the unfolding chaos, he forms a budding connection with Jennifer. They soon find themselves questioning the safety of their journey and seeking a way to uncover the truth behind the terror that looms over the Empire.
Katherine MacLean
Contagion
"Contagion" by Katherine MacLean is a science fiction novella originally published in a magazine in the early 1950s. The story is set on the planet Minos, where a group of space explorers confronts the implications of a disease that has historically decimated previous colonies. The novella explores themes of identity, contagion, and the complex responses of human beings to new environments and situations. The narrative follows a four-member medical team aboard the spaceship "Explorer" as they arrive on Minos, believing it to be a pristine, uninhabited planet. They soon discover that a small human colony already exists, but the inhabitants have been isolated due to a deadly disease referred to as "melting sickness." The protagonists must grapple with the reality that they have been exposed to this affliction, which turns out to be a contagion linked to the genetic changes in the colonists. As events unfold, the medical team learns the disease alters their identities, leading to a crisis as they become indistinguishable from a dominant local population. The story culminates in questioning the essence of selfhood and belonging, leaving readers with thought-provoking reflections on human identity in the face of profound change.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
The incredible invasion
"The Incredible Invasion" by George O. Smith is a science fiction novel written in the late 1940s. The book delves into themes of geopolitical tensions, warfare, and the intricacies of political maneuvering amid the backdrop of post-World War II international relations. It explores the haunting potential of biological warfare as a tool for territorial expansion without traditional military conflict. The storyline centers around Jim Franklen, a representative of the United Nations Weapon Security Council, who is tasked with examining the burgeoning influence of the Central Power, led by the ambitious Commissario Hohmann. As Franklen investigates Hohmann’s legal but morally dubious expansion tactics, he discovers that the Central Power is using public health crises to weaken neighboring regions and integrate them into its territory without firing a shot. Throughout his mission, Franklen grapples with the moral implications of aggression masked as humanitarianism and the dilemma of using atomic weapons against a backdrop of growing world unrest. Ultimately, the book presents a speculative reflection on the nature of conflict and the potential for future wars to be fought through more insidious means.
John Murray Reynolds
Goddess of the Moon
"Goddess of the Moon" by John Murray Reynolds is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Larry Gibson, an earth-spy struggling with despair as a deadly epidemic known as the Gray Death ravages humanity. He is entangled in a desperate quest, alongside Crispin Gillingwater Ripon, to reach the Moon in order to retrieve crucial radium salts that could save Earth from this impending doom. At the start of the narrative, Gibson arrives in a devastated New York City, grappling with his own past failures as a pilot. He soon encounters Ripon, a quirky scientist determined to recover valuable resources from the Moon amidst the backdrop of societal collapse. Their unfolding journey introduces a cast of characters, including peculiar insect-like beings on the Moon and a mysterious girl, Diana, who may hold the key to humanity's hope. As they navigate political intrigue and opposition from the ruling forces of Gral-Thala, the opening chapters hint at action and adventure that promises to challenge Gibson's resolve and redefine his identity.
William Tenn
Ricardo's Virus
"Ricardo's Virus" by William Tenn is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The book takes place on the planet Venus, exploring the challenges faced by human colonists amidst the harsh and dangerous alien environment. The central theme revolves around a deadly virus named after the first man who attempted to settle on Venus, highlighting the struggle for survival and the quest for a vaccine that could save countless lives. The story follows Graff Dingle, a colonist on Venus, as he grapples with a knife wound that exposes him to Ricardo's Virus, giving him only hours to live. In his quest to rescue the kidnapped Greta Bergenson and her father, Graff teams up with a pterodactyl named MacDuff, who has his own reasons for pursuing the villains responsible for the abduction. The narrative unfolds through Graff's perilous journey into the dangerous swamps of Venus, filled with hostile flora and fauna, as he confronts outlaws like Max Pubina who seek to profit from the chaos. With time running out due to the virus and numerous obstacles in his path, Graff's determination and innate connection to the planet offer a gripping exploration of courage, adaptation, and the survival of both humans and native creatures alike.
R. R. (Russell Robert) Winterbotham
Three Spacemen Left to Die!
"Three Spacemen Left to Die!" by R. R. Winterbotham is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The book explores the dire circumstances faced by three astronauts in a space ship infected by a deadly contagion known as the "Quinnies." As they confront the impending threat of death, the story delves into themes of survival, sacrifice, and the quest for life in the cosmos. The narrative centers around Commander Al Andrews, his young companion Oakey Matthews, and their ailing friend Joe, who is battling the final stages of the Quinnies. As the crew grapples with the reality of their situation, tensions escalate when Al feels compelled to take drastic measures to prevent them from spreading the disease to a new planet. The conflict arises between Al's determination to preserve life, even at the cost of their own, and Oakey’s struggle to find a reason to carry on. Ultimately, as Al succumbs to the disease himself, he is faced with the notion that their individual lives may be less significant than the survival of their race. The poignant conclusion highlights the sacrifice made in the name of life, merging the personal with the universal as they approach their fateful landing.
Erik Fennel
Synthetic Hero
"Synthetic Hero" by Erik Fennel is a science fiction novella written in the late 1940s. The narrative centers around George Carlin, a wealthy and egocentric industrialist who, facing a terminal illness known as Matson's Disease, devises a grandiose plan to become a hero by traveling to the moon. This story explores themes of ego, identity, and the nature of heroism against a backdrop of human ambition and technological advancement. The plot follows Carlin’s descent as he orchestrates a one-way trip to the moon, resulting in an accidental transformation into a public figure celebrated for discovering a potential cure for his disease. However, the true pioneer behind the mission, engineer Verne Harris, is unceremoniously ignored in the narrative, leading to tragic consequences. As Carlin drinks away his troubles, he eventually learns of Harris's sacrifice and the myth that replaces their shared reality, illustrating how society often elevates flawed individuals while the genuine heroes remain unrecognized or forgotten. Ultimately, Carlin’s journey is one of loss, redemption, and the harsh reality of how public perception can shape history, leaving him with the haunting truth of another man's overlooked legacy.
Charles V. De Vet
Growing up on Big Muddy
"Growing Up on Big Muddy" by Charles V. De Vet is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around a space explorer, Kaiser, who becomes stranded on a planet he names Big Muddy, after his scout ship crashes. The book explores themes of survival, identity, and the intersection between human and alien life as Kaiser navigates his new reality and the peculiar native species on the planet. The narrative follows Kaiser as he grapples with the challenges of repairing his damaged scout ship while dealing with the effects of a symbiotic organism that has invaded his body. Initially bewildered by his transforming state, including involuntary changes in behavior and speech patterns reminiscent of childhood, he discovers that the symbiote is trying to adapt him to his environment. As Kaiser interacts with the seal-like natives, he recognizes their increasing intelligence and his own gradual transformation, leading to an urgent decision regarding his identity and the nature of humanity itself. With a mix of existential contemplation and adventure, De Vet's work invites readers to ponder the boundaries of self and the essence of connection.
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