Subject
Martians -- Fiction Books
Best books
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
The war of the worlds
"The War of the Worlds" by H. G. Wells is a science fiction novel written between 1895 and 1897. When Martians with superior intelligence and advanced weapons invade Earth, humanity faces extinction. The extraterrestrials emerge from metal cylinders, wielding devastating heat rays and toxic chemical weapons as they methodically destroy England's defenses. An unnamed narrator struggles to survive the carnage and reunite with his wife while civilization collapses around him. One of the earliest alien invasion stories, Wells's novel explores humanity's vulnerability against an unstoppable force.
Edgar Rice Burroughs
Thuvia, maid of Mars
"Thuvia, Maid of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a science fantasy novel published in 1916. The fourth book in the Barsoom series shifts focus to Carthoris, son of John Carter, who loves Princess Thuvia of Ptarth—a woman promised to another. When Thuvia is kidnapped and Carthoris is framed, war threatens to erupt between Martian nations. His desperate rescue mission leads him to ancient Lothar, where a mysterious race creates deadly illusions from pure thought.
George Du Maurier
The Martian: A Novel
"The Martian: A Novel" by George Du Maurier is a largely autobiographical novel published in 1898. It follows Barty Josselin from his Paris school days through a spiritual awakening that transforms his life. After losing his vision and contemplating suicide, Barty encounters Martia, a guardian spirit from Mars who guides him toward literary success and influences his romantic choices. This introspective tale explores friendship, destiny, and the mysterious connection between earthly existence and otherworldly guidance.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
La guerre des mondes
"La guerre des mondes" by H. G. Wells is a science fiction novel written between 1895 and 1897. When Martians launch an invasion of Earth with devastating heat rays and towering war machines, humanity faces extinction at the hands of a vastly superior alien intelligence. An unnamed narrator struggles to survive as Southern England falls to the merciless invaders, witnessing the collapse of civilization and searching desperately for his wife amid the chaos and destruction.
Garrett Putman Serviss
Edison's Conquest of Mars
"Edison's Conquest of Mars" by Garrett P. Serviss is a science fiction novel published in 1898. Written as a sequel to an unauthorized version of H. G. Wells's "The War of the Worlds," the story follows inventor Thomas Edison as he leads Earth's united nations in a counterattack against Mars. After studying captured Martian technology, Edison develops anti-gravity ships and disintegration rays. The expedition ventures through space, battles alien forces, and ultimately confronts the Martians on their home planet in humanity's fight for survival.
Erik Fennel
Beneath the Red World's Crust
"Beneath the Red World's Crust" by Erik Fennel is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century, specifically in the era following World War II. The narrative unfolds on Mars, delving into themes of survival, human conflict, and the clash between Earthmen and Martian civilizations. The book likely explores the struggles of humanity in adapting to the alien environment of Mars and the ethical dilemmas related to exploitation and imperialism. The story follows Nick Tinker, a soldier struggling with the aftermath of addiction to a performance-enhancing drug, Gravinol, as he finds himself entangled in the conflicts surrounding the Martian Exploitation Company. After disobeying orders and attempting to save a Martian girl, Susan Jones, from her father's murder, Nick becomes a hunted fugitive. Together, they navigate a dangerous world full of living Martian constructs, hostile Earthmen, and the consequences of their actions. As they dodge the pursuing mercenaries and seek for a means of escape, they come to understand the complexities of Martian culture and the catastrophic impact of the exploitation led by Gerald Harmon. Ultimately, the narrative culminates in a desperate bid for freedom, calling into question themes of loyalty, survival, and the quest for redemption.
Edwin Lester Arnold
Gulliver of Mars
"Gulliver of Mars" by Edwin Lester Arnold is a novel first published in 1905. This pioneering work combines fantasy and science fiction, following a military man who travels to Mars by magical means. There he explores strange civilizations and falls in love with a Martian princess. Unlike typical heroes, Gullivar Jones is hapless, stumbling through adventures without fully mastering his circumstances. The novel is considered an important precursor to the planetary romance genre, potentially inspiring Edgar Rice Burroughs's famous Barsoom series.
R. R. (Russell Robert) Winterbotham
The red planet : $b a science fiction novel
"The Red Planet" by Russ Winterbotham is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around a manned mission to Mars, exploring themes of jealousy, ambition, and the complexities of human relationships set against the backdrop of space travel. Key characters include Bill Drake, Gail Loring, and Dr. Lewis Spartan, with tension arising from Spartan's desire for power and revenge intertwined with the crew's mission. At the start of the novel, Bill Drake is anxious about Operation Jehad, the first manned flight to Mars, particularly concerning their last astronaut candidate, Willy Zinder. As the story unfolds, it's revealed that Gail Loring, who has chosen Drake as her husband for the sake of the mission, unknowingly sets off a chain of events that leads to tragedy. Willy experiences a severe crisis during his final testing phase, and despite attempts to regain control, he inadvertently triggers an early re-entry, resulting in a disaster that could jeopardize the entire Mars project. The opening sets up a compelling mix of technical challenges, personal stakes, and the dramatic tension that will characterize the crew's journey to the Red Planet.
Garrett Putman Serviss
Edison's Conquest of Mars
"Edison's Conquest of Mars" by Garrett P. Serviss is a science fiction novel published in 1898. Written as a sequel to an unauthorized version of H. G. Wells's "The War of the Worlds," the story follows Thomas Edison leading Earth's united forces in a counter-attack against Mars. After developing revolutionary technology including anti-gravity ships and disintegration rays, humanity launches an armada into space. The novel pioneered numerous science fiction concepts, from space suits to asteroid mining, making Serviss arguably the first American professional science fiction writer.
Frank Belknap Long
Woman from another planet
"Woman from Another Planet" by Frank Belknap Long is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around an artist named David Loring and his fiancée Janice, whose lives become entangled with extraterrestrial beings from Mars. The plot explores themes of love, jealousy, and the unknown as it delves into human emotions and the implications of an impending alien invasion. At the start of the novel, David Loring is depicted in a disoriented state after an unsettling encounter with Janice, who has returned home shaken after encountering a mysterious man in her apartment earlier that morning. As Janice describes her experience, which leaves her feeling violated despite the stranger's assurances of innocence, David grapples with feelings of confusion and jealousy, fearing that Janice's emotional turmoil may hold deeper implications. The opening effectively sets a tense atmosphere and hints at a conspiracy that may involve alien forces watching them, as the narrative suggestively introduces the idea that these Martian entities have an ulterior motive for their earthly visit. In weaving these elements together, the book prepares readers for a complex interplay between human relationships and extraterrestrial intrigue.
Ray Van Houten
The Last Martian
"The Last Martian" by Raymond Van Houten is a science fiction novel that likely dates back to the early 1940s. Set on Mars, the narrative explores themes of survival and companionship in a dying civilization, focusing on the last vestiges of Martian life and the arrival of an extraterrestrial visitor. The story encapsulates the quest for resources, the challenges presented by a hostile environment, and the hope for revitalization. The plot revolves around Peetn, the last Martian caretaker of a water station, who encounters an Earth astronaut named Harrison Clark after Clark crashes on the planet. As Peetn navigates the deserts of Mars, he grapples with feelings of isolation and despair over his civilization's fate. When he discovers the injured Clark, he offers help, sparking an unlikely friendship that heralds a turning point for both characters. With Clark's knowledge and ingenuity, they work together to revive the failing machinery that pumps water from the ice caps, ultimately rejuvenating their environment and reigniting hope for the future. The novel blends elements of adventure and camaraderie, highlighting how two distinct beings can come together to nurture life against overwhelming odds.
A. R. (Alec Rowley) Hilliard
The Martian
"The Martian" by A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. It explores themes of alienation, survival, and the quest for understanding amidst extraterrestrial encounters, centering on the experiences of a Martian who finds himself on an entirely different world. The story dives into the complexities of life on Mars and the challenges faced by its inhabitants, against the backdrop of a rich science fiction setting. The plot unfolds as a Martian scientist is banished from his home planet due to his radical ideas about water conservation amidst a worsening famine. After his forced descent onto the planet Toon, he navigates through a dramatically unfamiliar landscape while searching for hope and companionship. His journey becomes increasingly perilous as he encounters various beings and experiences both wonder and danger, including interactions with the local representatives of a strange, brutal culture. Ultimately, the Martian learns about the machinery of life on Toon and develops a desperate longing to return home, leading to a powerful conclusion filled with themes of despair, identity, and the inescapable ties to one's origins.
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