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Escapes -- Fiction Books
Best books
Rafael Sabatini
Bardelys the Magnificent Being an account of the strange wooing pursued by the Sieur Marcel de Saint-Pol, marquis of Bardelys...
"Bardelys the Magnificent" by Rafael Sabatini is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows the charismatic and extravagant young nobleman, Sieur Marcel de Saint-Pol, the Marquis of Bardelys, as he embarks on a bold wager to woo the unattainable Roxalanne de Lavedan. Set in a time of sociopolitical tension in France, the story combines themes of romance, rivalry, and adventure amidst the backdrop of courtly life. At the start of the book, we meet Bardelys as he engages in a spirited discussion with his peers, which is disrupted by the arrival of his rival, the Comte de Chatellerault. The atmosphere at Bardelys' gathering shifts as Chatellerault, recently defeated in love, becomes the subject of mockery. Fueled by the stirring of his pride, Bardelys accepts a wager challenging his abilities to win Roxalanne's heart—a woman deemed cold and difficult to attain. The opening chapters introduce the lively social dynamics of the court, Bardelys' adventurous spirit, and hint at the challenges he will face as he embarks on his quest to win the lady and uphold his reputation.
Robert Barr
A Rock in the Baltic
"A Rock in the Baltic" by Robert Barr is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around Lieutenant Alan Drummond of the British Navy as he navigates an intriguing incident at a bank in Bar Harbor, Maine, that sparks a series of unexpected encounters with a beautiful young woman named Dorothy Amhurst. The narrative blends elements of romance and adventure, showcasing the societal dynamics of the time. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Lieutenant Drummond during his visit to the bank, where he observes an anxious Dorothy attempting to cash a check. When she briefly abandons her gold coins, Drummond impulsively takes the money to return it to her, evoking the suspicion of the bank cashier, who believes a robbery is underway. This moment of misunderstanding sets the stage for a reluctant partnership and sparks a conversation between Drummond and Dorothy, revealing their individual circumstances and aspirations. This initial encounter hints at themes of fortune, social class, and the complexities of human connection, providing a captivating setup for the ensuing drama and romantic developments.
G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
Condemned as a Nihilist: A Story of Escape from Siberia
"Condemned as a Nihilist: A Story of Escape from Siberia" by G. A. Henty is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The book revolves around Godfrey Bullen, a young Englishman who finds himself in Russia, where he unwittingly becomes embroiled in a dangerous plot involving the Nihilists and the political tensions of the time. As he navigates his new life, he faces various challenges, including misunderstandings with the authorities that could threaten his safety. The opening of the story introduces Godfrey Bullen as he prepares to leave his school in England for St. Petersburg, Russia, to work for his father's business. His departure elicits mixed emotions from his friends, some of whom ominously warn him about the Nihilists, suggesting that he should be careful of their potential involvement in revolutionary activities. Upon arriving in Russia, Godfrey quickly becomes acquainted with the culture, language, and social dynamics of the city. However, his curiosity leads him to a masked ball, where he is unknowingly drawn into a plot that could have dire consequences, culminating in his dramatic arrest by the secret police. This sets the stage for his subsequent challenges and adventures in navigating the tumultuous socio-political landscape of Russia.
Stanley Mullen
The Prison of the Stars
"The Prison of the Stars" by Stanley Mullen is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. The story follows Wilding, a former criminal who finds himself abandoned in space near a rogue asteroid that serves as a prison for the most hardened convicts of the Solar System. The book intricately explores themes of desperation, survival, and the quest for freedom in an unforgiving universe. The plot revolves around Wilding's struggle for survival after being left adrift in space. As he waits for potential rescuers from the prison asteroid known as Alcatraz, he reflects on his tumultuous life, encompassing his upbringing on Venus and his gradual descent into crime. Upon being rescued by fellow convicts, he must establish authority and propose an audacious plan to escape Alcatraz and seek a new life among the stars. Along the way, he navigates the treacherous dynamics of prison society, befriends unconventional allies, and confronts his own limitations and ambitions. Ultimately, "The Prison of the Stars" examines the human spirit's resilience and the need for a fresh start amidst chaos and moral ambiguity.
Murray Leinster
Manners and Customs of the Thrid
"Manners and Customs of the Thrid" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. The narrative explores the complexities of a unique alien society populated by the Thrid, a race that prides itself on its intelligence and claims to never make mistakes. Set on the planet Thriddar, the story delves into themes of governance, the implications of absolute authority, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals who find themselves trapped in a rigid social hierarchy where deviation from authority can lead to dire consequences. The plot centers around Jorgenson, a human trader on Thriddar who becomes embroiled in the bizarre customs of the Thrid after he publicly contradicts their supreme ruler known as the Grand Panjandrum. Facing the threat of being vanished from all rational creation due to this offense, he takes refuge on a remote island with Ganti, a fellow Thrid who has suffered at the hands of the local authorities. Together, they devise a daring escape plan leveraging Ganti's understanding of their society's flaws. Ultimately, their successful bid for freedom exposes the absurdities of the Thrid's belief in their unfailing governance and leads Ganti to seize power within his community, illustrating the chaotic interplay between authority and rebellion.
D. L. (Daniel Lewis) James
Exit From Asteroid 60
"Exit From Asteroid 60" by D. L. James is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1940s. The book delves into themes of slavery and rebellion set against the backdrop of a Martian satellite, Echo, where Earthmen are used as forced labor to extract valuable ore. It combines elements of adventure and speculative fiction, exploring the dynamics between humans and Martians in a future where technology and exploitation intersect. The story follows Neal Bormon, an Earthman who is shanghaied from a spaceport and ends up laboring under harsh conditions on Echo alongside fellow captive Keith Calbur. As they endure the relentless demands of their Martian captors and the debilitating effects of a drug that prevents sleep, the duo devises a plan to escape after discovering the Martians' secret: they are using a specially designed cyclotron to transport the ore to Mars. Through a series of perilous confrontations and innovative tactics, Bormon ultimately finds himself escaping the grasp of death and bringing hope of liberation not only for himself but for the other enslaved Earthmen. The climax reveals themes of sacrifice and resilience, culminating in a rescue by the Earth-Mars Space Police, who discover the Martian conspiracy behind the prisoners’ plight.
Jack A. Nelson
The Men of Boru
"The Men of Boru" by Jack A. Nelson is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores themes of rebellion and the struggle for freedom in a dystopian setting, likely inspired by the societal dynamics of the time. It depicts a group of eight men on a treacherous journey to liberate themselves and others from an oppressive regime led by a mysterious figure known as The Leader, who enforces strict control over its citizens. The story follows Sten and his companions as they infiltrate the city of Panamia in a desperate attempt to rescue enslaved women and challenge the dehumanizing system imposed by The Leader. As they navigate through a world marked by blind obedience and numbness, they encounter individuals like Kathryn, who has been conditioned to accept her life under The Leader. Tension mounts as Sten grapples with the stark reality of their mission, facing the struggles of ignorance within the population, their own enduring spirits, and unexpected sacrifices along the way. Ultimately, the narrative culminates in a quest for personal and collective freedom, leaving readers with a sense of hope for the future as the protagonists forge their path to a greener valley where they believe true life awaits.
Lou Tabakow
Faithfully Yours
"Faithfully Yours" by Lou Tabakow is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1950s. The story explores themes of escape, survival, and the complexities of identity in a futuristic setting, blending elements of suspense and adventure as it raises questions about what it means to be hunted, both by external forces and within one’s own psyche. The narrative follows Tee Ormond, a fugitive and skilled pilot, who escapes from a high-tech prison known as Hades. As Tee struggles with his past and the relentless pursuit of a bloodhound-like technology hunting him across the galaxy, he finds himself entangled in a web of desperation and fear. After crash-landing on the idyllic planet of Elysia, he encounters Lara, who offers him solace but also introduces new emotional conflicts. Ultimately, Tee grapples with his choice between the pursuit of freedom and the hidden shackles of his past as his tale unfolds, leading to moments of introspection and tension, culminating in a climactic conclusion that challenges his conception of escape and identity.
Rafael Sabatini
Uhkea markiisi
"Uhkea markiisi" by Rafael Sabatini is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the protagonist, Marcel de Bardelys, who is embroiled in courtly matters, gambling, and romantic pursuits, particularly his ambitious attempt to woo the beautiful Roxalanne de Lavédan while competing against rival suitors. The novel promises a mix of intrigue, romance, and the complexities of social hierarchies during a tumultuous period in France. At the start of the narrative, we find Marcel de Bardelys engaged in a raucous dinner party with friends, where playful banter and a wager lead to a bold challenge: if he can win over the heart of Roxalanne de Lavédan, a woman reputed for her cold beauty, he stakes his estate, while Count de Chatellerault risks his own properties. This initial scenario sets the tone for a tale filled with high-stakes romance and societal expectations, as Bardelys contemplates the daunting task ahead amidst the backdrop of underlying tensions in the court and hints of political unrest. The camaraderie and rivalry at the dinner table hint at the character dynamics that will further unfold as Bardelys embarks on his quest in Languedoc.
Randall Garrett
The Man Who Hated Mars
"The Man Who Hated Mars" by Randall Garrett is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the life and struggles of Ron Clayton, a convict exiled to the harsh and unforgiving environment of Mars. Themes of despair, escape, and the human condition are prevalent as Clayton grapples with his hatred for the cold and inhospitable planet, yearning for the comforts of Earth. The narrative follows Clayton, who has spent fifteen years in exile on Mars after opting for this fate over imprisonment on Earth. Frustrated by his situation and bitter about the cold Martian environment, he devises a plan to escape. After meeting a fellow Martian worker, Herbert Parkinson, he seizes an opportunity to assume his identity, intending to return to Earth. Clayton's cunning and desperation culminate in a series of thrilling actions as he sabotages a spaceship, aiming to secure his freedom. However, his plan leads to unforeseen consequences, resulting in a crash landing back on Earth and the realization of the enduring impact of his choices. Ultimately, the story explores themes of survival, identity, and regret in a vividly imagined Martian setting.
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