Subject
Jupiter (Planet) -- Fiction Books
Best books
John Jacob Astor
A Journey in Other Worlds: A Romance of the Future
"A Journey in Other Worlds: A Romance of the Future" by John Jacob Astor is a science fiction novel published in 1894. Set in the year 2000, it envisions a world transformed by technological marvels: worldwide telephone networks, solar power, and space travel. American explorers journey to Jupiter, encountering a dangerous jungle world filled with monstrous creatures and vast resources. On Saturn, they meet ancient spirits who reveal troubling prophecies about their fates and describe Cassandra, a distant icy world harboring unworthy souls.
Ella M. Scrymsour
The Perfect World: A romance of strange people and strange places
"The Perfect World: A Romance of Strange People and Strange Places" by Ella Scrymsour is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story begins in the quaint village of Marshfielden, surrounded by superstition and the eerie tale of a "Curse" that falls upon outsiders. The narrative follows two cousins, Alan and Desmond Forsyth, who come to the village to work in a nearby coal mine, inadvertently unlocking a series of mysterious and tragic events. The clash of rural tradition with the arrival of the modern world sets the stage for an exploration of fear, community, and the supernatural. At the start of the novel, the tranquil yet isolated village of Marshfielden is introduced, where the arrival of the two young men creates a ripple of excitement and fear among its superstitious inhabitants. As the villagers recount the ominous "Curse" that befalls any stranger, a tragic event occurs—the disappearance of a child from a local family, fueling the villagers' suspicions and fears towards the new arrivals. The action quickly escalates as more villagers go missing, the once peaceful community is gripped with terror, and Alan and Desmond's initial excitement turns into a desperate struggle for survival against not just the villagers' fears and superstitions but the bizarre and supernatural forces that haunt Marshfielden.
Leigh Brackett
The Dragon-Queen of Jupiter
"The Dragon-Queen of Jupiter" by Leigh Brackett is a science fiction novella written in the early 1940s. Set against the backdrop of Jupiter, the story follows a group of soldiers stationed at Fort Washington as they fend off attacks from the indigenous swamp-dwelling creatures, led by a formidable dragon-queen. The narrative blends adventure with elements of survival, showcasing the struggles and strategies of the characters as they face both external threats and internal despair. The novella primarily revolves around Tex, a corporal in the Volunteer Legion, and his fellow soldiers, including the Martian Breska, as they endure a prolonged siege by the swamp-dwellers. The soldiers grapple with dwindling supplies, mysterious attacks using green snakes and beetles, and the psychological toll of their isolation. As the conflict escalates, Tex encounters the dragon-queen herself, a beautiful yet deadly figure, whose tactics place them at the brink of annihilation. Ultimately, they must confront the harsh realities of their environment, a unique phenomenon where their very survival hinges on understanding the dry spots that combat rust and provide elusive hydration. The story culminates in a tense struggle for life and a glimpse of hope for the colonization of Jupiter.
Frank Belknap Long
The Vibration Wasps
"The Vibration Wasps" by Frank Belknap Long is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the thrilling and perilous journey of Richard and his adventurous wife Joan as they attempt to explore Ganymede, one of Jupiter's moons. The narrative tackles themes of exploration, survival in hostile environments, and the unexpected challenges posed by alien life forms. The plot follows Richard and Joan as they navigate through Jupiter's atmosphere, initially believing they are pursuing a scientific expedition. However, upon landing, they discover alarming signs of life in the form of giant, wasplike creatures that are both fascinating and terrifying. As they face horrifying encounters with these beings, it becomes evident that their appearances are deceiving and exhibit terrifying predatory instincts. Caught in a nightmarish situation, Richard and Joan must rely on their wits and emotions to confront their adversaries while grappling with the extreme dangers of a world that challenges their comprehension of life itself. Their fate hangs in the balance as they confront the very essence of existence and the unknown.
Paul Ernst
The Red Hell of Jupiter
"The Red Hell of Jupiter" by Paul Ernst is a science fiction novelette written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of Jupiter’s mysterious and menacing "Red Spot," the story follows Captain Brand Bowen and his companion Lieutenant Dex Harlow as they embark on a perilous mission to investigate the disappearance of several previous expeditions. As they delve deeper into the enigma of the red area, they encounter bizarre alien life forms and face deadly challenges while trying to uncover the dark secrets hidden within Jupiter. At the start of the narrative, Captain Bowen is recalled from leave by Commander Stone due to the troubling mystery surrounding the ominous red spot on Jupiter, where several ships have vanished without a trace. Bowen, determined to find out what has happened to his comrades, prepares for an emergency flight with his trusted companion Harlow. Their entrance into Jupiter's atmosphere leads them into an unexpected situation where they are irresistibly drawn toward the red spot. Ultimately, they encounter the alien Rogans—repulsive, pipe-like creatures who enslave their own kind and pose a grave threat to the Earthmen's lives. The opening chapters set the stage for a thrilling tale of adventure, danger, and the struggle for survival amidst the hostile environment of outer space.
Robert F. Young
Jupiter found
"Jupiter Found" by Robert F. Young is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. Set against the backdrop of the harsh and tumultuous environment of Jupiter, the story explores themes of identity, autonomy, and the human condition through the lenses of artificial intelligence and existential questions. The narrative revolves around the character 8M, a Mining, Adapting Neo-processor (M.A.N.), who reflects on his past life as John Sheldon while he operates on Jupiter's surface, aiming to establish a human colony in partnership with a female counterpart, EV, who is a Weld Operating, Mining, Adapting Neo-processor (W.O.M.A.N.). The plot unfolds as 8M is tasked with constructing a base on Jupiter, where he finds himself unexpectedly paired with EV, whose efficient capabilities surpass his own. They learn to cooperate while confronting challenges, including the threat posed by a former Company employee turned rival, Lawrence Dickens, who operates his own advanced machine, the Boa 9. As the two machines navigate their roles, they discover a deeper connection that transcends their mechanical natures—prompting them to explore the existential implications of their existence. Ultimately, they defy the constraints imposed by their creators, leading to a transformative culmination that suggests the potential for both life and love to flourish even in the most inhospitable places.
A. L. Haley
Jupiter's Joke
"Jupiter's Joke" by A. L. Haley is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. The story centers around Casey Ritter, an audacious space smuggler who finds himself in a deadly predicament when he is sentenced to an improbable mission on the gas giant Jupiter in exchange for his freedom. The book explores themes of survival, deception, and the consequences of one's daring nature as Ritter navigates an alien world filled with bizarre creatures and treacherous situations. The narrative follows Casey Ritter as he reluctantly accepts a mission to uncover the secrets of Jupiter's strange inhabitants, the hopper-scorpions, while trying to secure his own freedom after being caught smuggling illegal crystals. Teaming up with Pard Hoskins, a fellow inmate, Casey learns about the powerful Killicut Emeralds and devises a plan to trade them with the scorpion queen, Akroida, in exchange for the coveted anti-gravity technology. What ensues is a wild adventure filled with danger, unexpected relationships, and a humorous twist when Casey realizes the true nature of both the scorpions and the technology he seeks. Ultimately, the story highlights Casey's journey from a self-serving smuggler to a man forced into collaboration and negotiation with extraterrestrial beings, leading to an unforeseen outcome that leaves him both enriched and puzzled.
Roman Frederick Starzl
The Metal Moon
"The Metal Moon" by Everett C. Smith and R.F. Starzl is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 20th century, specifically during the early 1930s. The book explores the themes of interplanetary travel and colonization, focusing on the interactions between different evolved branches of the human race within the solar system. It presents a unique narrative that blends adventure with social commentary, examining the consequences of evolution and societal structure over millennia. The story follows three Earthmen, Sine, Kass, and Lents, who embark on a space expedition to explore Jupiter. During their journey, they encounter a mysterious cylindrical ship utilizing a gravity beam, which ultimately captures them. They learn about the Jovian society, where an aristocratic ruling class oppresses a laboring class known as the "Mugs." The Earthmen witness the stark contrast between the opulent lives of the Jovians and the plight of the Mugs, including Proserpina, a young girl who longs for freedom. As the narrative unfolds, they become entwined in the growing rebellion of the Mugs against their masters, leading to a dramatic climax that threatens the very fabric of Jovian society. Through their adventure, the novel tackles issues of class struggle, moral integrity, and the nature of humanity amid extraordinary circumstances.
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