Subject
Sabotage -- Fiction Books
Best books
Irving E. Cox
The Earthman
"The Earthman" by Irving E. Cox, Jr. is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth where an occupying force has subjugated the native population, the story follows Captain Tchassen as he navigates the complexities of survival following a catastrophic explosion at a military station. The novel explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the nature of civilization through the lens of interstellar conflict. The narrative begins with Captain Tchassen, who is among the few survivors of an explosion that obliterates a military base on Earth. Alongside Tynia, the commander's wife, and two troops, he embarks on a treacherous journey to escape the chaos. As they traverse the dangerous terrain, suspicions arise, leading to deadly confrontations fueled by mistrust, particularly as one among them is suspected to be a traitor. Despite Tchassen's efforts to maintain control and assert his authority, the reality of betrayal and the brutal nature of the Earth's inhabitants become increasingly apparent. Ultimately, his encounter with the Earth's natives leads him to a profound revelation about himself and the flawed perspectives held by his civilization, transforming his understanding of what it truly means to be human.
Nelson S. Bond
Horsesense Hank does his bit
"Horsesense Hank Does His Bit" by Nelson S. Bond is a humorous novella written during the early 1940s, amid the backdrop of World War II. The story revolves around the titular character, Horsesense Hank Cleaver, a man of common sense and mathematical prowess, who feels compelled to contribute to the war effort after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This light-hearted narrative combines elements of adventure and comedy as it explores themes of patriotism, ingenuity, and the value of practical knowledge in a time of crisis. In the story, Hank, along with his friend Jim Blakeson, volunteers at the Northern Bridge, Steel and Girder Company, eager to assist in defense work. However, after initially being welcomed, Hank finds himself dismissed by a government efficiency expert named Mr. Grimper. Undeterred, Hank solves several pressing problems using his unique brand of common sense, culminating in a thrilling confrontation with German saboteurs at the factory. Hank's quick thinking and unconventional approach save the day, and in a twist of fate, he is offered a position as a confidential adviser to the President. The novella showcases Hank’s earnestness and cleverness, highlighting the importance of ingenuity and determination during challenging times.
Mack Reynolds
Farmer
"Farmer" by Mack Reynolds is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. It explores themes of environmental restoration and the complex interactions between modern agricultural techniques and traditional nomadic lifestyles. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Sahara Desert, where a project aimed at reforestation encounters significant challenges posed by local tribes and their livestock. The story centers on Johnny McCord, an American involved in the Sahara Reforestation Commission, who grapples with the destruction caused by nomadic herds of goats and the sabotage of crucial water pumps. As McCord navigates the bureaucratic and logistical hurdles of the reforestation effort, he faces conflicts with local tribes and a visiting journalist, Hélène Desage, whose perspective threatens to undermine their work. As tensions escalate, it becomes evident that external forces are manipulating the situation for their gain. The plot weaves together themes of environmentalism, cultural conflict, and geopolitical intrigue, culminating in a confrontation that challenges McCord’s efforts to secure the future of the desert ecosystem while upholding the rights of the nomads.
Henry Still
Slow Burn
"Slow Burn" by Henry Still is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. Set against the backdrop of space exploration, it explores the tensions and challenges faced by a crew aboard a space station, particularly with political interference from Senator McKelvie, who threatens the success of a crucial lunar rocket launch. The narrative delves into themes of ambition, anxiety, and the unforeseen consequences of human actions in the realm of space travel. The story follows Kevin Morrow, the commander of the space station, as he navigates the complexities of a critical mission to launch the "Moonbeam" rocket towards the moon. Tensions rise when the incompetent yet powerful Senator McKelvie arrives to oversee the operations, bringing with him an air of skepticism that jeopardizes the crew's morale. As the launch unfolds, an unexpected disaster occurs, resulting in the space station being pulled off course, placing the lives of the crew in grave danger. With quick thinking and a race against time, Morrow and his team must devise a plan to stabilize the station and ensure their survival, all while dealing with the repercussions of McKelvie's meddling. The climax showcases the ingenuity and resilience of the crew as they confront obstacles that test their limits in the harshness of space.
John Barrett
Crash Beam
"Crash Beam" by John Barrett is a science fiction novel written in the late 1940s. The story centers around a perilous incident involving landing rockets on a futuristic Earth-Venus space route, where a sudden catastrophe threatens the lives of pilots and passengers alike. The narrative explores themes of technology, sabotage, and the desperate struggle to avert disaster in a high-stakes environment. The plot unfolds as Dan Kearns, an electronics engineer, faces the aftermath of a disastrous landing mishap that results in the death of two pilots. As he grapples with the implications of control failures, Kearns uncovers evidence suggesting that the incidents are not the result of mere technical issues but possibly the work of sabotage involving dangerous light wavelengths. As the clock ticks down to the arrival of another passenger rocket, Kearns must act fast, ultimately taking control of the situation by reflecting the harmful beam back at its source, exposing the treachery that threatened their mission. The story combines tension-filled moments with a clever twist on the intersection of human ingenuity and technological hazard.
Henry Guth
Signal Red
"Signal Red" by Henry Guth is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The narrative centers around the theme of survival and danger in space travel, exploring the perils faced by interplanetary travelers amid tensions between different factions. It focuses on the human experience in a futuristic setting, highlighting existential themes and personal sacrifice. The story follows Shano, an elderly and ailing man who boards the space liner "Stardust" with a sense of resignation, as he is determined to return home, possibly to die. Despite the warnings of impending threats from the Uranian fleet, he chooses to embark on the journey. As events unfold, the "Stardust" becomes embroiled in a battle, and Shano's survival instincts kick in when he discovers that a traitor has sabotaged the ship's systems. Driven by a mixture of desperation and latent strength from his laborious past, he takes the risk to enter the dangerous engine room, using his clogged lungs and frail body to keep the ship operational against overwhelming odds. His action embodies a pivotal shift from a passive role to one of agency and courage, showcasing the theme of redemption and the indomitable spirit of humanity in the face of adversity.
Thomson Burtis
Marston and me
"Marston and Me" by Thomas Burtis is a novel likely written in the early 20th century, specifically during the 1920s. This book offers a fictionalized account revolving around the adventures of pilot Slim Evans as he navigates life in the American Air Service, tackling themes of camaraderie, rivalry, and personal growth against the backdrop of early aviation. The story follows Slim Evans, who, after months of monotony as a border patrolman, finds himself ordered to participate in bombing tests on German battleships. As he prepares for this critical mission, he reunites with Sergeant George William Marston, an officer from his troubled past. Their relationship is tense, filled with unresolved animosity. However, when sabotage threatens their mission, Marston proves to be an unexpected ally, risking his life to save Slim during a harrowing incident involving a mid-air attack. As the narrative unfolds, themes of redemption emerge with the two men navigating their complex history, ultimately leading to a begrudging respect between them as they face challenges together in the high stakes of military aviation.
Bryce Walton
Mary Anonymous
"Mary Anonymous" by Bryce Walton is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. Set in a future where Earth is at war with Martians, the story follows Mary, a seemingly sweet girl with a dark purpose connected to advanced scientific experimentation and manipulation. The narrative explores themes of identity, agency, and the consequences of War through the lens of interspatial conflict. The plot centers around Mary, who, having been subjected to painful modifications and control by Martians, finds herself trapped between obeying commands and her longing for freedom. As a deadly rocket aimed at Mars prepares for launch, Mary secretly plots to sabotage it, executing a mission that results in tragedy and chaos. Despite her innocence and the love she once shared with her "Daddy Mike," she becomes a fascinating instrument of destruction. Her struggle against external control culminates in a frantic escape and a desperate plea for understanding, ultimately reflecting on themes of autonomy and the horrific implications of altering sentient beings for warfare.
Murray Leinster
Space Tug
"Space Tug" by Murray Leinster is a young adult science fiction novel published in 1953. The second book in the Joe Kenmore series, it explores the challenges of operating a space station. Critics praised its fast-paced action and technical authenticity, though some noted it lacked the maturity of Leinster's adult fiction. The novel delivers excitement and adventure as it dramatizes the practical problems of managing humanity's foothold in orbit.
Bascom Jones
Assassin
"Assassin" by Bascom Jones, Jr. is a science fiction novel likely written during the early 1960s. The story revolves around themes of identity, infiltration, and the consequences of technological advancement, exploring the idea of a sentient machine society and its repercussions on humanity. The narrative delves into a dystopian future where aliens pose a significant threat, leading to a mission that aims to eliminate the human population through means of deception and violence. The plot follows a character, initially disguising himself as General Spicer, who infiltrates the Pentagon to further an agenda of mass destruction against Earth’s inhabitants. As the story unfolds, he successfully assumes the identity of Secretary Bartlett after eliminating the real ones, showcasing his training and purpose to dismantle the human race. The novel climaxes with the destruction of the Master Machine — a system controlling all human functions — which then stops the functioning of its humanoid robots, effectively ending humanity’s existence. In the aftermath, two survivors ponder the future of their kind and what opportunities await them on a new world, leaving readers to reflect on the broader implications of reliance on technology and the nature of humanity itself.
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