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Space pirates -- Fiction Books
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E. E. (Edward Elmer) Smith
Galactic Patrol
"Galactic Patrol" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel serialized in 1937. Fresh graduate Kimball Kinnison commands an experimental warship on a desperate mission to capture enemy technology from the mysterious Boskonians, whose superior ships threaten galactic civilization. His quest leads him to free enslaved races, undergo transformative training on Arisia, and infiltrate pirate bases in an escalating war where neither side can gain the upper hand. The fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.
E. E. (Edward Elmer) Smith
Second stage Lensmen
"Second Stage Lensmen" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel first published in book form in 1953. The fifth volume in the Lensman series follows Kimball Kinnison and an elite cadre of mentally enhanced Lensmen as they continue their war against the mysterious Boskonian organization. When Earth faces devastating attacks, the Lensmen must develop new weapons and strategies. Kinnison's investigation leads to creating Civilization's first female Lensman, Clarissa MacDougall, while he infiltrates deep into enemy territory to uncover Boskone's true power.
Murray Leinster
The Pirates of Ersatz
"The Pirates of Ersatz" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction novel serialized in 1959. It follows Bron Hoddan, a former engineer who embarks on a career as an interstellar pirate to achieve more legitimate ambitions. Nominated for the 1960 Hugo Award for Best Novel, this space opera adventure presents a unique twist on the genre's pirate stories. Critics praised Leinster's ability to breathe fresh life into familiar territory, delivering entertaining adventure yarning with an unconventional protagonist navigating the stars.
Ray Bradbury
The Monster Maker
"The Monster Maker" by Ray Bradbury is a science fiction short story published in the early 1940s, specifically in the Spring 1944 issue of Planet Stories. The narrative revolves around the themes of perception, illusion, and the psychological nature of fear as two space travelers find themselves stranded on a desolate asteroid and faced with terrifying imaginary monsters. In the story, Click Hathaway and Irish Marnagan are trapped after a meteor crash and find themselves amid a landscape filled with strange creatures created by a pirate named Gunther. As they grapple with the lack of air and physical danger, they realize that these monsters may not be real but rather figments of their imagination, projected into existence by their fears. Throughout their ordeal, Hathaway's camera serves both as a tool for capturing evidence and a metaphor for their struggle to distinguish between reality and illusion. Ultimately, upon realizing that the creatures only exist in their minds, they devise a plan to confront Gunther and defeat the threat using their wits and newfound understanding of their situation. The story delves into the power of belief and fear, showcasing how one's perception can profoundly affect their reality.
Jack Williamson
The prince of space
"The Prince of Space" by Jack Williamson is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the year 2131, centering around a notorious interplanetary outlaw known as "The Prince of Space," who is suspected of a horrific act involving the sunship "Helicon" and its passengers. Through the eyes of the determined reporter William Windsor, readers are introduced to a futuristic world with advanced technology and the impending danger from intelligent life on Mars. At the start of the narrative, a chilling report reveals that the ship "Helicon" has been found adrift, its crew and passengers brutally killed—an act believed to be committed by the infamous Prince of Space. Windsor's journey begins as he seeks to uncover the truth behind the Prince and the recent crime while navigating the bustling metropolis of New York. He soon meets the enigmatic Mr. Cain, who offers him a chance to learn more about an astronomical observatory atop Trainor's Tower. As the opening portion progresses, a deeper mystery unfolds involving a potential Martian invasion and the secrets that lie within the red planet. With a mix of adventure, intrigue, and ethereal science fiction elements, the stage is set for an epic confrontation between humanity and alien forces.
Nelson S. Bond
The Lorelei Death
"The Lorelei Death" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novel written in the early 1940s. The book explores the intriguing concept of a space siren, a Lorelei, who lures spacemen to their doom with her beauty and an irresistible call. Set against the backdrop of space travel, the story delves into themes of adventure, danger, and morality as the characters navigate treacherous encounters in the cosmos. The plot follows Chip Warren and his companions, Syd Palmer and Salvation Smith, aboard the spaceship "Chickadee II" as they celebrate their discovery of a valuable new element, ekalastron. Their festive plans are abruptly interrupted when they learn of a notorious space siren, the Lorelei, who has been causing havoc in the asteroid belt by luring ships to her hidden lair. After a shocking encounter where Chip's friend is murdered, he finds himself framed for the crime and must uncover the truth while pursuing the Lorelei. The trio's adventure leads them to confront both the Lorelei and her pirate gang, culminating in a gripping climax where they must outsmart their enemies in a battle of wits and courage. The novel combines elements of suspense and action with a hint of romance, making it an engaging read for fans of speculative fiction.
Winston K. (Winston Kinney) Marks
Slay-Ride
"Slay-Ride" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novella written during the early 1950s. The story revolves around Frane Lewis, a space pirate and a ruthless triggerman, who embarks on a perilous mission through the cold expanse of space. The book delves into themes of greed, survival, and the consequences of one's actions against the backdrop of interstellar piracy. The narrative unfolds as Frane Lewis successfully executes his heinous plan on a small space freighter, eliminating its crew to prepare for a heist. However, as the events progress, he is confronted with the reality of his choices, especially when he dons a peculiar piece of spaceman's underwear that inadvertently leads to his demise. As he navigates the ship alone, his body temperature rises dangerously due to wearing multiple layers in the inhospitable environment of space. Ultimately, he succumbs to the very elements he sought to control, trapped by his own greed and a series of miscalculations, culminating in a grim irony that highlights the harsh realities of space and the futility of his intentions.
Nelson S. Bond
Lancelot Biggs cooks a pirate
"Lancelot Biggs cooks a pirate" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction short story published in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1940s. This whimsical tale revolves around the theme of cooking in outer space, presenting a unique blend of adventure and humor as the protagonist, Lancelot Biggs, discovers he has a knack for culinary science under duress. The story mixes elements of space travel, pirate lore, and an unusual focus on chemistry as it relates to cooking. In the narrative, the crew of the spacecraft "Saturn" finds itself in a dire predicament when their cook, affectionately known as Slops, is fired due to his exclusive tapioca diet. Unable to find a replacement in port, the first mate, Lancelot Biggs, is reluctantly appointed as the new cook. When they receive word of the notorious pirate Runt Hake on their trajectory, Biggs devises a clever plan to use a rare hormone, prolactin, in their meals to alter the pirates' personalities during a sumptuous dinner. The approach causes Hake and his crew to become overly affectionate, allowing the crew of the "Saturn" to outsmart them and save themselves. With humor, cleverness, and a touch of science, Bond crafts an entertaining exploration of the unexpected prowess of an unlikely protagonist in extreme circumstances.
Wilbur S. Peacock
Prey of the Space Falcon
"Prey of the Space Falcon" by Wilbur S. Peacock is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story unfolds in a futuristic universe where Curt Varga, known as the Falcon, rebels against a tyrannical regime known as the Food Administrators. As a cunning outlaw leading a group of rebels, he must navigate danger and deception while his brother fights bravely by his side, ultimately facing the challenges posed by the oppressive Interplanetary Patrol. The opening of the novel introduces us to Curt Varga, who is communicated with via a hidden device, as he lounges in a Martian nightclub. He's amid a tense situation, with Interplanetary Patrol agents converging on him while he plots to undermine the Food Administrators. The tension escalates when warning arrives that they suspect his identity. Flashbacks reveal the motivations behind his rebellious actions, including the tragic loss of his family to the very systems he fights against. As the narrative progresses, he finds himself in a conflict not only with the IP but also battling the resurgence of smuggling operations, particularly the dangerous drug smothalene, which is threatening his cause and the reputation of his rebel group.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
The Firing Line
"The Firing Line" by George O. Smith is a science fiction novel written in the early to mid-20th century. The story revolves around themes of revenge, space piracy, and the interplay between technology and human ambition. It explores the life of Mark Kingman, a lawyer entangled with the criminal mastermind Allison Murdoch, who seeks vengeance against a space communication company, Venus Equilateral, after suffering a prior defeat. In the narrative, the ambitious Murdoch escapes imprisonment and approaches Kingman, proposing a plan to take control of Venus Equilateral through illegal means. As they concoct schemes that involve high-tech weaponry and economic manipulation, Murdoch's intentions lead to clashes with the station's personnel, primarily Don Channing, who is determined to thwart Murdoch’s malicious ambitions. The novel contrasts the intelligence of scientific innovation with the moral implications of using such power for personal vendettas. Ultimately, the climax involves a high-stakes confrontation where advanced technology plays a pivotal role, culminating in a dramatic showdown that raises questions about ethics in technological advancements.
Ray Cummings
Phantom of the Seven Stars
"Phantom of the Seven Stars" by Ray Cummings is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around an interplanetary luxury liner named "Seven Stars", which is on a voyage to Mars, carrying a secret cargo of electronic weapons. The novel explores themes of mystery and adventure as a phantom pirate threatens the ship and its passengers during their journey through space. The plot follows Jim Fanning, an undercover agent for the Interplanetary Patrol, who is assigned to protect the "Seven Stars" from the specter of a ghost ship that has been attacking other space vessels. As tensions rise among the strangers aboard—including the beautiful Brenda Carson and her brother, Philip—the narrative unfolds with suspenseful moments of danger and discovery. When Brenda is tragically presumed dead, it is revealed that her father may be the infamous Phantom raider. In a climactic chase, Jim finds himself pitted against the mythical pirate while trying to save both Brenda and the ship from destruction. Cummings weaves a tale filled with intrigue, evoking a vivid tableau of life in space framed by the pursuit of justice and the complexities of human emotion amidst interstellar conflict.
Robert Emmett McDowell
The Great Green Blight
"The Great Green Blight" by Robert Emmett McDowell is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The narrative unfolds in a futuristic Empire of Earth facing imminent collapse due to mysterious pirate attacks by phantom crews, and the story focuses on Norman Saint Clair, a nervous young lecturer traveling aboard the space liner "Jupiter". As he grapples with fears of the increasingly dangerous voyage, he becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue involving murder, hints of betrayal, and the potential threat posed by the enigmatic plant-like Dohlmites. At the start of the novel, the atmosphere is thick with tension as Norman Saint Clair prepares for his journey to Ganymede, a colony in the Empire. Alongside initial introductions with fellow passengers, including the captivating Jennifer Scott, ominous events unfurl, culminating in the shocking murder of a Terrestial Intelligence Service agent on board. This incident triggers a mix of panic and suspicion among passengers, and as Norman strives to understand the unfolding chaos, he forms a budding connection with Jennifer. They soon find themselves questioning the safety of their journey and seeking a way to uncover the truth behind the terror that looms over the Empire.
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