Subject
Pluto (Dwarf planet) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Donald A. Wollheim
The Secret of the Ninth Planet
"The Secret of the Ninth Planet" by Donald A. Wollheim is a science-fiction novel published in 1959. When the Sun's light mysteriously begins to dim across Earth, threatening a new ice age, young Burl Denning discovers alien machinery in the Peruvian Andes. As calculations reveal the Sun may explode within years, Burl joins a desperate expedition aboard an experimental antigravity spaceship to hunt down similar installations throughout the solar system and confront an alien force from Pluto.
Frederik Pohl
Highwayman of the Void
"Highwayman of the Void" by Dirk Wylie is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. This gripping narrative follows the character Steve Nolan, an outlaw who returns from the dead to confront his nemesis, Alan Woller, a former boss who falsely framed him for treason. The book delves into themes of revenge, survival, and the complexities of human morality in a futuristic setting filled with galactic intrigue and danger. The story unfolds as Nolan, thought to be dead after a failed prison escape, makes his way to Port Avalon on Pluto, driven by a desire for vengeance against Woller, who has risen to power within a shipping company. Along the way, Nolan encounters various challenges, including monstrous creatures and treacherous terrain. The plot intensifies when he confronts Woller aboard the spaceship "Dragonfly", leading to a dramatic struggle for survival. As Nolan navigates through a web of deceit and conflict, he must also contend with the unexpected presence of a young woman connected to Woller, fueling both his motivations and the emotional stakes of the story. The narrative culminates in a showdown that tests Nolan's resolve and ultimately intertwines his fate with that of Woller and the mysterious girl.
Joseph Farrell
Mind Stealers of Pluto
"Mind Stealers of Pluto" by Joseph Farrell is a science fiction novel written during the early to mid-20th century. The story is set in a futuristic universe that includes planets like Mars and Pluto, focusing on themes of addiction, power struggles, and extraterrestrial phenomena. The plot revolves around a reporter's dangerous investigation into a drug ring that employs advanced psychic abilities and unravels mysteries about the origins of the mind-altering substance "neoin". In the narrative, Ron Barnard, a journalist, finds himself embroiled in a perilous adventure as he investigates the mysterious drug "neoin", which devastates the population across various planets. Desperate to uncover the truth behind the drug's trafficking, Barnard crosses paths with Gail Melvin, whose brother has been rendered mentally incapacitated by the substance. As the story unfolds, they embark on a treacherous journey to Pluto, where they discover that "neoin" is derived from energy creatures with sinister motives. Amidst encounters with rogue police forces, psychic battles, and the constant threat of mental domination, Barnard must harness his wits and emerging abilities to thwart the drug ring's plans and reclaim his own mind. The tale climaxes with revelations about loyalty, sacrifice, and the fight against malevolent forces that threaten human autonomy.
Clifford D. Simak
The call from beyond
"The Call from Beyond" by Clifford D. Simak is a science fiction novel written during the early to mid-20th century. The story revolves around themes of exploration, human mutation, and the consequences of scientific discovery in a universe filled with both wonder and horror. Simak crafts a tale that questions the nature of humanity and what lies outside our understanding, blending elements of adventure with philosophical reflections on existence. The plot follows Frederick West, a man in search of a place where he can escape the constraints of Earth, leading him to Pluto's moon. Upon arrival, he encounters a derelict space hut inhabited by Walter J. Darling, a once-great scientist now consumed by alcoholism. From him, West learns of the mysterious inhabitants of Pluto and their experiments with controlled human mutation. The tale unfolds further as West becomes entangled with other characters, including the enigmatic scientist Louis Nevin and the telepathic entity known as the White Singer. Ultimately, West discovers the plan to reshape human civilization through the use of hormones developed in Pluto's cold laboratories. As he navigates betrayal and madness, he learns that the line between humanity and the grotesque is perilously thin. The narrative leads to a climactic confrontation that challenges the very fabric of human identity and existence.
Manly Wade Wellman
Half Around Pluto
"Half Around Pluto" by Manly Wade Wellman is a science fiction novella published in the late 1950s. The story revolves around the inhospitable and frigid environment of Pluto and the survival challenges faced by a small team of astronauts. The tale highlights themes of isolation, human resilience, and the emotional complexities of relationships in extreme circumstances. The narrative follows Lieutenant Wofforth and his crewmates, Jenks and Corbett, who are stranded on Pluto after their scout rocket crashes. While trying to make their way back to Base Camp, Wofforth faces not only the harsh elements but also the tensions that arise among the crew due to their dire situation. As they journey across the desolate landscape, they must contend with dwindling supplies and the psychological strain of isolation. After a tragic conflict leads to the death of his companions, Wofforth continues alone, ultimately reaching Base Camp, only to find it locked and inaccessible. However, he is unexpectedly reunited with Lya Stromminger, the ship's first mate, who had chosen to stay behind. Together, they find hope in the possibility of survival on Pluto, setting the stage for a new beginning.
Carl Selwyn
Exiles of the Three Red Moons
"Exiles of the Three Red Moons" by Carl Selwyn is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds on Pluto and its moons, where the main character, Rusty Carter, finds himself in a perilous situation after being wrongfully convicted and sent to a brutal penal colony known for its despairing conditions. The narrative explores themes of survival, hope, and the indomitable spirit of humanity amid alien landscapes and dangers. As Rusty navigates the treacherous environment of Pluto, he encounters a host of bizarre creatures and forms alliances with unconventional companions, including a Vulcanian, a Venusian, and other alien beings. Together, they devise a plan to escape to the nearby Great Moon, fraught with its own dangers. Rusty's journey becomes a fight against not just the physical dangers of the moons, but also the emotional turmoil of realizing his isolation in a ruthless universe. The tension escalates with unexpected betrayals, monstrous inhabitants, and a struggle for redemption as he seeks to return to Earth with a story worth telling, culminating in a twist of fate that leads to a surprising conclusion.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
Circle of Confusion
"Circle of Confusion" by Wesley Long is a science fiction novel published in the early 1940s. The story delves into the themes of humanity's engineering capabilities and the consequences that arise from technological advancements, particularly focusing on the colonization and manipulation of Pluto, transforming it into a habitable world. The plot centers around John McBride, a Station Chief on Pluto, who faces a crisis when a reckless pilot, Sandra Drake, attempts to fly her ship through a man-made lens designed to project sunlight onto the planet. Her actions cause catastrophic events, leading to disruptions in the lens and threatening the lives of everyone on the planet. McBride must navigate the ensuing chaos, manage the fallout from her dangerous maneuver, and work with his team to restore order and safety while contending with the arrogance and recklessness of Drake, who ultimately seeks to prove her superiority in a male-dominated field. As they race against time to fix the lens and save their world, themes of gender roles, the consequences of hubris, and the fragility of civilization emerge throughout the narrative.
Fletcher Pratt
Expedition to Pluto
"Expedition to Pluto" by Fletcher Pratt and Laurence Manning is a science fiction novel written in the late 1930s. The story follows the crew of the spaceship Goddard, particularly focusing on Captain McCausland, First Mate Adam Longworth, and reporter Paulette de Vries, as they embark on a perilous journey to Pluto. The crew must contend with space hazards, interpersonal conflicts, and the looming threat of failure as they search for a precious metal needed for Earth's future. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to the main characters aboard the Goddard, each grappling with the tension and uncertainty of their expedition. Captain McCausland appears troubled and depressed, while Adam Longworth tries to maintain morale but feels the weight of the mission's high stakes, particularly concerning the precious beryllium they are meant to collect. Events take a dramatic turn as the ship is hit by a meteorite, resulting in damage that could jeopardize the mission. Meanwhile, tensions rise between crew members, especially between Paulette and Adam, as they confront the dangers of their quest and the mysteries of Pluto itself. The groundwork for a gripping adventure is laid, promising conflicts both external in the wilds of space and internal among the crew.
Charles A. Stearns
The Pluto Lamp
"The Pluto Lamp" by Charles A. Stearns is a science fiction novella published in the mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around the misfit character Knucklebone Smith and his ironic destiny of being chosen to install a beacon on the distant and inhospitable planet of Pluto. The tale is both a space adventure and a commentary on fate and personal worth, exploring themes of heroism and the unexpected contributions individuals can make. The story unfolds as Knucklebone Smith, an awkward and underappreciated human, is assigned to work with Professor Salvor-Jones to set up the Pluto Lamp, a self-sustaining warning beacon for starships. Initially disenchanted with his fate, Knucklebone's character evolves as he confronts various mishaps during their isolation, leading to a critical meteor storm. In a moment of unforeseen bravery, he attempts to assist Salvor-Jones during a crisis, ultimately sacrificing himself to save the beacon and the ship, thereby ensuring its vital function. The legacy of their endeavor results in a monument honoring both men, suggesting that every individual, no matter how unremarkable, plays a significant role in the grand tapestry of life.
Robert Moore Williams
What Inhabits Me?
"What Inhabits Me?" by Robert Moore Williams is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around the return of the deep-space ship, the Andromeda, after twenty years of absence, and it explores themes of loneliness, ambition, and the encounter with an alien race that possesses a dark secret. The narrative is set primarily within Pluto Station, a remote outpost on the edge of the Solar System, where scientists and military personnel await the ship's return with both excitement and trepidation. As the Andromeda arrives back after two decades, the crew appears healthy and spirited, but old resident Adam March senses something sinister aboard the ship. As curiosity and celebration ensue, suspicion grows about the true nature of the Andromeda's crew; it becomes evident that the crew is under the control of a mysterious alien entity known as Filo of the Sorodromes, who possesses the power of immortality. March, once a ship designer, now a janitor, recalls critical knowledge about the spacecraft that could save his companions. Alongside scientist Craig Randall and his love interest Mary Kirkham, he uncovers the alien threat and ultimately sacrifices the ship to prevent the Sorodromes from infiltrating the Solar System, revealing deeper layers of human resilience, sacrifice, and the cost of immortality.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
Latent Image
"Latent Image" by Wesley Long is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. Set in a futuristic universe where humanity has colonized the far reaches of the solar system, the story revolves around John McBride, who is stranded on a manmade version of Hell on the planet Pluto. The narrative explores themes of familial duty and the bounds of human endurance as McBride desperately seeks a way to return to his pregnant wife, Enid, who is critically ill and needs him by her side. The plot follows McBride's frantic attempts to secure passage back home after receiving news of his wife's condition. Encountering a series of technological hurdles and the eccentric crew operating an experimental spaceship called the "Haywire Queen", McBride uses his engineering knowledge to help repair the ship and try to hasten their journey. As they face extreme challenges, including a malfunctioning drive that causes the ship to exceed the speed of light, McBride's determination to reach Enid remains the central driving force. Ultimately, he arrives just in time to witness the birth of their son, linking the title's concept of a "latent image" to the newborn's resemblance to his father and the culmination of his struggles.
William Oberfield
Escape From Pluto
"Escape From Pluto" by William Oberfield is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. Set in the year 2200 A.D., the story follows Marcius Kemble, a deposed dictator from Mars, who finds himself exiled to the desolate and icy landscape of Pluto. The narrative explores themes of revenge, power, and the consequences of ambition as Kemble grapples with his fate and contemplates his return to power. The plot centers around Marcius Kemble's struggle for survival and his desires for vengeance against those who exiled him. Initially, he rages against his situation, cursing his enemies back on Earth. Unexpectedly, he encounters the intelligent and strange inhabitants of Pluto, who have a different understanding of existence. They plan to dispose of him but underestimating his cunning. Upon being taught to pilot a small ship back to Earth, Kemble's dreams of revenge seem within reach. However, the situation quickly spirals out of control as his ship melts in the heat of the Sun, leading to an ironic and tragic end for the once-powerful dictator. The story serves as a commentary on the folly of unchecked ambition and the limits of power in the face of natural laws.
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