Subject
Rescues -- Fiction Books
Best books
Robert E. (Robert Ervin) Howard
The Moon of Skulls
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Rudyard Kipling
"Captains Courageous": A Story of the Grand Banks
"Captains Courageous": A Story of the Grand Banks by Rudyard Kipling is a novel published in 1897. It follows fifteen-year-old Harvey Cheyne Jr., a spoiled railroad tycoon's son, who is rescued from drowning by an American fishing schooner. Unable to convince the crew of his wealth or persuade them to return to port quickly, Harvey must work alongside them on the Grand Banks. Through trials and adventures at sea, the pampered boy gradually transforms, learning the rugged ways of the cod fishery and discovering unexpected strength within himself.
Joseph Conrad
The Rescue: A Romance of the Shallows
"The Rescue: A Romance of the Shallows" by Joseph Conrad is a novel published in 1920. Captain Tom Lingard commands a sailing ship in the Malayan archipelago, committed to helping his native friend Hassim reclaim his land. When he encounters a stranded yacht, Lingard meets the enigmatic Edith Travers, wife of a hostile British gentleman. As romantic tension builds between Lingard and Mrs. Travers, his loyalty to Hassim clashes with unexpected complications, forcing him to navigate treacherous waters between duty, friendship, and desire.
Rudyard Kipling
"Captains Courageous": A Story of the Grand Banks
"Captains Courageous: A Story of the Grand Banks" by Rudyard Kipling is a novel published in 1897. When fifteen-year-old Harvey Cheyne Jr., the pampered son of a railroad tycoon, falls overboard from a steamship, he's rescued by a fishing schooner off the Grand Banks. Unable to convince the crew of his wealth or persuade them to take him home, Harvey must work alongside the fishermen for an entire season at sea, learning hard lessons about labor, humility, and manhood in the unforgiving world of the cod fishery.
Johnston McCulley
The further adventures of Zorro
"The Further Adventures of Zorro" by Johnston McCulley is a thrilling novel written in the early 20th century. This adventure story follows the legendary masked hero Zorro as he confronts pirates and defends the oppressed in Southern California, a setting rife with danger and intrigue. Through its vibrant characters and plot twists, the book explores themes of honor, bravery, and the fight against injustice. At the start of the story, a sinister pirate ship approaches the coast, commanded by the brutal Barbados and his treacherous lieutenant, Sanchez. As they plot an ambush for the unsuspecting town of Reina de Los Angeles, the narrative hints at the legendary Zorro's imminent return. Meanwhile, preparations for a wedding between Don Diego Vega and Señorita Lolita Pulido unfold, juxtaposing the impending chaos with personal stakes. The opening chapters effectively set up a gripping tale of adventure, as Zorro's past exploits against tyranny and villainy loom over the unfolding events.
A. J. Foster
The Robber Baron of Bedford Castle
"The Robber Baron of Bedford Castle" by A. J. Foster and Edith E. Cuthell is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the tumultuous early 13th century England, the story revolves around the conflict between the ejected De Beauchamp family, particularly young knight Ralph de Beauchamp, and the ruthless Fulke de Breauté, a lieutenant of King John who has taken control of Bedford Castle. The narrative explores themes of honor, rebellion, and the struggles of knights and nobles amid a backdrop of political turbulence and personal vendettas. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the serene yet foreboding landscape of Bedfordshire, particularly the Great Ouse River, as young Ralph de Beauchamp rides along its banks. He soon encounters a lay-brother of the Benedictine order who recounts the recent atrocities committed by Fulke de Breauté, including a brutal attack on the Abbey of St. Alban’s. Ralph's character is established as both noble and determined, embodying the attributes of a young knight eager to reclaim his family's honor. As he rides to Bletsoe Manor-House to see Aliva, the daughter of a local lord, the story hints at a romantic subplot amidst the chaos, setting the stage for the intertwined fates of love and conflict that will unfold throughout the book.
Wilbur S. Peacock
The Thing of Venus
"The Thing of Venus" by Wilbur S. Peacock is a science fiction novel written during the early 1940s. The story unfolds on Venus, a planet shrouded in mystery and danger, as it follows Val Kenton, a disgraced and drug-addicted former Space Patrolman, who is reluctantly drawn back into action to rescue a marooned group of Earthlings, including his former love, Elise. The narrative explores themes of redemption, vengeance, and the struggle against both external and internal demons. As the tale progresses, Val Kenton must confront not only the perils of the hostile Venusian environment, populated by bizarre and predatory creatures, but also his own turbulent emotions surrounding his past betrayals and relationships. When Kenton is tasked with locating Elise, who has been stranded with others in a dangerous area after their ship is attacked, he must battle his own hatred towards those who wronged him as well as the monstrous, amorphous creature that threatens their lives. Ultimately, Kenton experiences personal growth through his mission, transforming from a man consumed by bitterness to one willing to make sacrifices for the sake of others, culminating in a selfless act as he confronts the unstoppable force that embodies the very dangers of Venus.
John Bloundelle-Burton
The Sword of Gideon
"The Sword of Gideon" by John Bloundelle-Burton is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set during the War of the Spanish Succession in the early 18th century, it follows the adventures of a young Englishman, Bevill Bracton, who embarks on a quest to rescue a woman named Sylvia Thorne from French captivity. This swashbuckling tale combines elements of romance and military strategy, delving into themes of honor, faith, and the struggles of war. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to a fervent atmosphere as war between England and France is declared, igniting excitement among couriers and villagers. The young and determined protagonist, Bevill Bracton, is introduced as he reflects on the significance of the conflict and his fervent desire to return to military service for England. His journey leads him to the Earl of Peterborough, who informs him of his kinswoman Sylvia's plight, a prisoner in Liège. The opening chapters capture the urgency of Bevill's quest, laying the groundwork for an intertwining story of love and valor, as he navigates both the perils of war and his own ambitions.
William Shedenhelm
Patch
"Patch" by William Shedenhelm is a science fiction short story published in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around the character Pop Gillette, an old space pilot who refuses to let modern automation replace his skills. Set in a future where space travel and automatic piloting are the norm, the story highlights themes of nostalgia for traditional roles and the impending risks of reliance on technology. In the story, Pop Gillette is called to help with a distress signal from All-Planetary Liner Twelve, which has suffered damage and cannot land safely. Understanding the urgency of the situation, Pop offers his unique expertise and devises a creative solution using makeshift materials to patch the large hole in the ship's hull. His ingenuity shines through as he uses bedsheets as a mold to create a metal patch from frozen mercury, demonstrating both his pilot skills and adaptability. The narrative concludes with Pop's successful landing of the damaged liner, underscoring the importance of experience and lateral thinking in a world increasingly dominated by technology.
Frederick H. Dewey
Cato, the creeper; or, The demon of Dead-Man's Forest
"Cato, the Creeper; or, The Demon of Dead-Man's Forest" by Frederick H. Dewey is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the eerie and treacherous setting of Dead-Man's Forest in Arkansas, focusing on characters like Cato, a freed slave known for his stealth, and Captain Charles Downing, a charming yet cruel leader of a band of robbers. The narrative hints at adventure, danger, and the exploration of human morals against a backdrop of lawlessness and suspense. At the start of the tale, we meet Cato as he wanders through the haunting forest, enjoying a carefree moment until his encounter with the intimidating Captain Fink, who is associated with Downing's notorious band. As the plot progresses, we see Downing and his gang's sinister activities, particularly their plans involving the beautiful Katie Jeffries, who is living in the nearby settlement. The opening portion sets the stage for a thrilling exploration of conflict between the settlers and the outlaws while introducing themes of loyalty, fear, and the struggle for survival in a perilous environment. The reader is drawn into a world filled with tension and foreboding, as Katie’s fate becomes intertwined with the machinations of Downing and his threatening crew.
Rudyard Kipling
Capitaines Courageux: Une histoire du banc de Terre-Neuve
"Capitaines Courageux: Une histoire du banc de Terre-Neuve" by Rudyard Kipling is a novel published in 1897. Fifteen-year-old Harvey Cheyne Jr., the spoiled son of a railroad tycoon, falls overboard from a steamship and is rescued by a fishing schooner off Newfoundland's Grand Banks. Unable to convince the crew of his wealth or persuade them to return him quickly to shore, Harvey must work alongside them through an entire fishing season. Through trials and adventures at sea, the arrogant boy transforms in unexpected ways.
Alan J. Ramm
Trouble Near the Sun
"Trouble Near the Sun" by Alan J. Ramm is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the crew of the salvage vessel "Cerebus III" as they embark on a perilous mission to rescue the crew and passengers of the sun cruiser "Regis" after receiving an emergency distress signal. The narrative explores themes of bravery, teamwork, and the inner workings of space operations, particularly under the dramatic and dangerous conditions near the sun. The plot begins with Captain Stevens and his crew responding to a critical situation involving the "Regis", which is compromised by malfunctioning equipment while dangerously close to the sun. The challenge intensifies as the crew, particularly Ensigns Bull Wright and Skip Allen, must set aside their differences and work together to avert disaster. Their rescue attempts are fraught with complications, including ship malfunctions and the perilous environment of the sun's chromosphere. Ultimately, through their courage and quick thinking, they manage to create the conditions necessary for a successful rescue, learning important lessons about teamwork and self-worth along the way.
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