Subject
Immortalism -- Fiction Books
Best books
H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
She
"She" by H. Rider Haggard is a Gothic novel published in 1887. The story follows Cambridge professor Horace Holly and his ward Leo Vincey on a perilous journey into the African interior, where they seek a lost kingdom. There they encounter the Amahagger people and their mysterious ruler—a powerful white sorceress named Ayesha, known as "She-who-must-be-obeyed." Possessing immortality and supernatural powers, Ayesha has waited over two thousand years for her lost lover's return. A groundbreaking work that established conventions of the lost world genre.
Cory Doctorow
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom
"Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom" by Cory Doctorow is a science fiction novel published in 2003. Set in a 22nd-century post-scarcity world, the story unfolds at Walt Disney World, where rival groups compete for control of attractions and visitors' esteem through a reputation-based currency called Whuffie. When narrator Julius is murdered and suspects foul play, he battles to preserve traditional park experiences against technological change, risking everything he values—including his relationships and his very identity.
H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
She and Allan
"She and Allan" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel published in 1921. The story brings together two of Haggard's most famous characters: the immortal sorceress Ayesha and adventurer Allan Quatermain. Seeking to communicate with the dead, Quatermain journeys north to find a mysterious white queen who rules a hidden kingdom. Accompanied by the warrior Umslopogaas, he ventures into unknown territory where he encounters cannibals, ancient ruins, and the veiled Ayesha herself, whose supernatural powers may hold the answers he seeks.
H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
Ayesha, the Return of She
"Ayesha, the Return of She" by H. Rider Haggard is a gothic-fantasy novel published in 1905 as a sequel to his 1887 novel "She". Nearly twenty years after their first African adventure, Horace Holly and Leo Vincey journey through Asia, convinced that the immortal Ayesha still lives. Their dreams lead them to Tibet, where they encounter rival queens, deadly hunts, and ancient sorcery. At a volcanic mountain temple, they finally discover whether Ayesha has truly returned—and what price immortality demands.
Lew Wallace
The Prince of India; Or, Why Constantinople Fell — Volume 01
"The Prince of India; Or, Why Constantinople Fell — Volume 01" by Lew Wallace is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The book explores the events surrounding the fall of Constantinople and delves into themes of faith, ambition, and the complexities of religion during a time of great upheaval. It follows a mysterious traveler known as the Prince of India, who embarks on a voyage driven by a secretive mission involving treasures, and later interacts with key events and characters in the historical backdrop of the 14th century. The opening of the novel sets the stage in the year 1395 aboard a merchant vessel off the Syrian coast. The main character, the unnamed traveler, is introduced as a figure of intrigue, surrounded by attendants, including two white slaves and a large African man. He clutches an ancient leather roll, hinting at its significant importance. In the ensuing chapters, the narrative escalates as he arrives at a nameless bay with plans that involve mysterious actions at midnight. The traveler’s detailed demeanor and interaction with his companions, coupled with his preparation for a journey that hints at deeper motives, establishes a sense of suspense. As the first part concludes, readers are left curious about his objectives, the contents of the roll, and how it connects to the impending historical events concerning Constantinople's fate.
Charles Robert Maturin
Melmoth the Wanderer, Vol. 1
"Melmoth the Wanderer, Vol. 1" by Charles Robert Maturin is a Gothic novel published in 1820. The story follows a scholar who sold his soul to the devil for 150 extra years of life, now desperately searching the world for someone to assume his cursed pact. Through nested tales within tales, the novel reveals Melmoth's encounters with various souls in distress—from asylum inmates to monastery prisoners to an innocent island castaway. Each story explores temptation, suffering, and the terrifying question of whether damnation can be transferred.
Lew Wallace
The Prince of India; Or, Why Constantinople Fell — Volume 02
"The Prince of India; Or, Why Constantinople Fell — Volume 02" by Lew Wallace is a historical novel written during the late 19th century. The book chronicles the events surrounding the fall of Constantinople and features characters embroiled in various political, spiritual, and personal conflicts during this tumultuous period. Central to the narrative is the figure of the titular Prince, who likely plays a crucial role in the unfolding drama that encompasses both the political landscape and the human stories caught within it. At the start of the novel, the atmosphere is set in the lush gardens of Blacherne Palace, where the Princess Irene interacts with her guests, demonstrating her compassion for the less fortunate. This idyllic scene is contrasted with the undercurrents of tension as monastic figures like Sergius grapple with moral dilemmas concerning loyalty and the implications of heresy in a deeply divided society. The tension escalates with revelations that threaten the Princess’s reputation, prompting Sergius to consider his obligations to both the Church and the woman he admires. The beginning unfolds with a mix of personal interactions and societal observations, effectively establishing a rich backdrop against which larger themes of faith, governance, and the struggle between old beliefs and new ideas will be addressed.
Charles Robert Maturin
Melmoth the Wanderer, Vol. 4
"Melmoth the Wanderer, Vol. 4" by Charles Robert Maturin is a Gothic novel published in 1820. The work follows a cursed scholar who sold his soul to the devil for 150 extra years of life, desperately searching for someone to take over his damned pact. Through nested tales spanning continents and generations, the novel reveals Melmoth's encounters with victims of religious persecution, innocent castaways, and desperate families. This volume weaves stories of forbidden love, institutional cruelty, and supernatural horror while offering sharp social commentary on religion and society.
Edgar Rice Burroughs
The eternal savage
"The Eternal Savage" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a fantasy-adventure novel first published serially in 1914-1915. A cliff-dwelling warrior from 100,000 years ago is magically transported to the present, where he encounters Victoria Custer—the reincarnation of his lost love. Together, they are swept back to the Stone Age in an African setting that weaves together characters from Burroughs's other works, including Tarzan and the protagonist of "The Mad King."
Charles Robert Maturin
Melmoth the Wanderer, Vol. 2
"Melmoth the Wanderer, Vol. 2" by Charles Robert Maturin is a Gothic novel published in 1820. The story follows a cursed scholar who sold his soul to the devil for 150 extra years of life, now desperately searching for someone to take over his demonic pact. Through nested tales of madness, imprisonment, forbidden love, and supernatural encounters, the novel reveals Melmoth's dark influence across continents and generations. From Spanish monasteries to remote island paradises, his presence brings tragedy wherever he wanders, as his extended life draws toward its fateful end.
Charles Robert Maturin
Melmoth the Wanderer, Vol. 3
"Melmoth the Wanderer, Vol. 3" by Charles Robert Maturin is a Gothic novel published in 1820. The story follows a damned scholar who sold his soul for 150 extra years of life and desperately searches for someone to take his place. Through nested tales of shipwrecks, inquisition prisons, forbidden love, and supernatural encounters, the novel reveals Melmoth's dark history. This volume contains haunting stories including a castaway's island paradise corrupted, families driven to desperation, and souls tempted toward damnation—all building toward Melmoth's final reckoning.
Robert Silverberg
Recalled to life
"Recalled to Life" by Robert Silverberg is a science fiction novel written in the late 20th century. The narrative centers around James Harker, a former Governor turned private lawyer, as he uncovers a monumental scientific breakthrough: the ability to reanimate the dead. As Harker navigates the moral and ethical implications of this discovery, it becomes clear that he is confronted with a range of societal and personal dilemmas tied to life, death, and the prospect of resurrection. The opening portion establishes Harker's mundane routine and inner struggles following his transition from a position of political power to personal insignificance. He receives a visit from Dr. Benedict Lurie, who reveals the success of his research team in resurrecting the recently deceased. The profound implications of such a process weigh on Harker as he reflects on his own grief over losing his daughter and the moral complexities involved with the reanimation of human beings. The chapter unveils Harker's reluctant journey into a world of ethical considerations surrounding life and death while setting the stage for the inevitable societal repercussions resulting from the lab's scientific endeavor.
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