Subject
Extraterrestrial beings -- Fiction Books
Best books
M. E. (Michael E.) Knerr
The Sex Life of the Gods
"The Sex Life of the Gods" by M. E. Knerr is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story intricately weaves themes of amnesia, mystery, and romance, centering around the protagonist, Nick Danson, who awakens near the wreckage of a mysterious aircraft with no memory of his past. As Nick navigates the complexities of his relationship with his wife, Beth, he is also pursued by unknown figures and burdened with the task of uncovering the truth about his identity and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. At the start of the narrative, Nick regains consciousness in a forest, realizing he has survived a plane crash but has lost all recollections of his life, including details about the enigmatic woman he discovers is his wife, Beth. As he attempts to piece together fragments of his past, including the possibility of being linked to a strange craft recovered by authorities, readers are introduced to Beth's unwavering hope for Nick's return and the growing tension surrounding their reunion. The intrigue heightens further with the presence of government agents investigating the crash, prompting a mix of thrills and suspense as Nick grapples with his lost memories and the bizarre life he may have unknowingly led.
Otis Adelbert Kline
Maza of the Moon
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E. E. (Edward Elmer) Smith
Triplanetary
"Triplanetary" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel first serialized in 1934 and published in book form in 1948. Ancient alien races wage a secret cosmic war through human history, manipulating bloodlines across millennia—from Atlantis to Rome to future World Wars. When humanity finally reaches the stars, forming the Triplanetary League, they face ruthless space pirates and amphibious aliens who harvest iron from entire fleets. Patrol agent Conway Costigan must use forbidden technology to save civilization and spark the first interstellar war.
H. P. (Howard Phillips) Lovecraft
The colour out of space
"The colour out of space" by H. P. Lovecraft is a science fiction/horror short story written in March 1927. A surveyor investigates a cursed area called the "blasted heath" near Arkham, Massachusetts, uncovering the tale of a mysterious meteorite that crashed decades earlier. The impact unleashed something alien and incomprehensible that poisoned the land, corrupted all living things, and drove a farming family to madness and death. Something unnatural still lingers in the contaminated soil.
Edgar Rice Burroughs
The master mind of Mars
"The Master Mind of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a science fantasy novel first published in 1927. The sixth book in the Barsoom series introduces Ulysses Paxton, an Earthman transported to Mars, where he becomes assistant to Ras Thavas, an elderly mad scientist who transplants brains into younger bodies. When Paxton falls in love with Valla Dia, a young woman whose body has been stolen by an empress, he must embark on a dangerous quest to restore her. Set on a dying planet of warring city-states and ancient canals, the novel blends adventure with satirical elements.
Paul W. Fairman
Ten From Infinity
"Ten From Infinity" by Paul W. Fairman is a science-fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The book begins with a mysterious incident involving a pedestrian in New York City who is struck by a cab, setting off a chain of events that leads to the revelation that Earth has been invaded by extraterrestrial beings—specifically, ten androids with unusual biological traits, including the ability to have two functioning hearts. The characters include an intern named Frank Corson, who becomes intrigued by one of these beings and finds himself drawn into a dangerous conspiracy. The opening of the novel introduces the unfolding mystery surrounding the pedestrian accident and the subsequent discovery of an alien being with two hearts in a hospital. As Frank Corson contemplates his abnormal patient, he becomes increasingly concerned about the implications of this anomaly. The narrative also follows Les King, a photographer, who is drawn into a quest involving the identities of the androids. Tension builds as Corson begins to question his own reality when he encounters a man he believed to be one of his patients, illustrating the enigma and confusion that permeate the story. This initial setup effectively lays the groundwork for a complex tale of alien life and human intrigue.
Richard Wilson
30-day wonder
"30-Day Wonder" by Richard Wilson is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around Sam Kent, a witty reporter who becomes embroiled in the extraterrestrial advent of the Monolithians, a seemingly peaceful alien race arriving on Earth to establish interplanetary relations. As news of their presence unfolds, the narrative explores themes of diplomacy, societal reactions to the unfamiliar, and the absurdity of bureaucracy. The opening of the story introduces Sam Kent amid an ordinary day at his newsroom, where a lack of news leads him to expect an uneventful shift. That changes dramatically when reports of an alien ship landing at the Burning Tree Country Club surface. As Sam and his colleagues begin to unravel the implications of this news, the narrative takes a satirical turn, highlighting the juxtaposition of mundane newsroom life with the extraordinary arrival of extraterrestrial visitors. The aliens, who claim to come in peace, announce their desire to sign a treaty, prompting questions about their true intentions and the reactions of Earth's governments. The stage is set for a humorous yet thought-provoking exploration of how humanity interfaces with the unknown.
John W. Campbell
The Black Star Passes
"The Black Star Passes" by Jr. John W. Campbell is a science fiction collection first published in 1953. The book compiles three adventures featuring the team of Arcot, Morey, and Wade, stories that originally appeared in Amazing Stories magazines during science fiction's early era. These tales of space exploration and interplanetary adventure represent classic "mainline" science fiction, launching a series that would continue with Islands of Space and Invaders from the Infinite. Though critics noted the stories' dated style, they remain entertaining glimpses into the genre's formative years.
John W. Campbell
Islands of Space
"Islands of Space" by Jr. John W. Campbell is a science fiction novel first published in book form in 1957. This sequel to "The Black Star Passes" follows four heroes—Arcot, Morey, Wade, and Fuller—on an extraordinary voyage through distant realms. Generally credited with introducing the concepts of hyperspace and warp drive to science fiction, the novel presents a catalog of technological marvels and mechanistic wonders. It represents the "hard" science fiction of its era, where the narrative itself could not exist without its scientific foundation.
Katherine MacLean
Pictures Don't Lie
"Pictures Don't Lie" by Katherine MacLean is a science fiction novella that was likely written in the early 1950s. The story explores the themes of communication and understanding between humans and extraterrestrial beings. It centers around a young decoder, Joseph R. Nathen, who discovers that static noise from stars may be signs of intelligent life, leading to the first contact with aliens. The narrative follows Nathen as he decodes signals from space, eventually establishing a form of communication with a spaceship and encountering the alien beings. As he prepares for their landing on Earth amidst a flurry of military and media excitement, unexpected complications arise. Nathen grapples with the realization that the aliens may not be arriving in the physical sense humans anticipate. Instead, their strange movements and the nature of their environment hint at a different spatial or temporal dimension, culminating in a gripping tension that poses fundamental questions about perception and reality. The story ultimately reflects on the limitations of human understanding when confronted with the unknown.
Robert Moore Williams
The Next Time We Die
"The Next Time We Die" by Robert Moore Williams is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story explores themes of survival, human evolution, and the cyclical nature of life and death as it follows characters navigating dangers on an unnamed desert planet, which is suggested to be Mars. The narrative reflects on deeper philosophical questions regarding humanity's struggle against extinction and the search for meaning in existence. The plot centers around Pike McLean, a roustabout, and Nora Martin, an archeologist, as they find themselves trapped in a hostile environment inhabited by aggressive native tribesmen. While searching for ancient ruins, they face life-and-death challenges, forcing them to confront both external danger and their own emotional connections. As they fight for survival against the backdrop of an unforgiving desert, themes of reincarnation and the indomitable spirit of humanity emerge, culminating in a poignant reflection on their shared hopes for a future together, despite the brutal realities they face. Ultimately, their struggle raises questions about the worthiness of their sacrifices and the potential for rebirth in a future life.
Donald A. Wollheim
One Against the Moon
"One Against the Moon" by Donald A. Wollheim is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around Robin Carew, a young orphan with dreams of space exploration, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he pursues a chance to work with rockets at the White Sands Proving Grounds. As Robin embarks on this journey, he grapples with his humble beginnings, yearning for opportunity and adventure amid the backdrop of the burgeoning space race. The opening of the novel introduces Robin Carew as he navigates his routine life as a factory apprentice, marked by his dreams of the stars and fascination with rocketry. After learning about unexpected layoffs at his job, Robin seizes the opportunity to hitchhike across the country towards the rocket launch sites in New Mexico, driven by a deep desire to be part of the adventure unfolding in the skies. He faces the challenges of being an orphan and his perceived limitations but remains hopeful, ultimately making the daring decision to sneak onto a rocket destined for the moon. This pivotal moment sets the stage for a dramatic tale of exploration and discovery that pushes the boundaries of space travel.
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