Subject
Treasure hunting -- Fiction Books
Best books
Robert E. (Robert Ervin) Howard
The fire of Asshurbanipal
"The Fire of Asshurbanipal" by Robert E. Howard is a posthumous weird tale, which likely reflects the author's work during the early 20th century. This short story revolves around an adventurous quest set in the mythic landscape of ancient Persia, involving treasure seekers caught in a web of danger, mystery, and supernatural elements. It blends adventure with horror, steeped in the richness of folklore and history regarding a fabled city and a cursed gem. The narrative follows two main characters, Steve Clarney and the Afghan warrior Yar Ali, as they venture into the desolate desert in search of the legendary "Fire of Asshurbanipal," a mysterious gem said to be guarded by a horrific evil. Their journey leads them to the lost city of Kara-Shehr, where they stumble upon a skeletal figure grasping the pulsating gem. However, as they attempt to claim the treasure, they awaken an ancient curse associated with the stone and the city. The story escalates into a gripping confrontation with both human foes and nightmarish supernatural forces, culminating in an unnerving revelation about the true nature of the gem and the beings that guard it. Howard’s storytelling is characterized by thrilling action and vivid imagery, leaving readers with a haunting sense of the supernatural that lingers long after the tale concludes.
Jack Bradley
The Rhizoid Kill
"The Rhizoid Kill" by Jack Bradley is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The book revolves around the dangerous quest for rhizoids, rare and precious gems from the swamp belt of Mercury, with its protagonist George Mallard entangled in perilous pursuits and moral dilemmas. The narrative unfolds in a richly imagined futuristic setting filled with exotic alien landscapes, deadly flora and fauna, and the darker side of human greed. The story follows George Mallard, a space rat desperate for wealth, who is lured into an expedition to the treacherous swamp belt of Mercury by two dubious companions, Bill Olger and D'ulio, a Martian scientist. As they seek the fabled rhizoids, Mallard uncovers a native girl named Tiny and captures a protective helmet that allows him to traverse the deadly environment. Fueled by avarice, he increasingly isolates himself from his team, culminating in betrayal and conflict as they face not only the dangers of the swamp but also the violent wrath of the local inhabitants. In a tragic turn, Mallard’s greed leads to his downfall when he falls victim to the very spores he sought to exploit, leaving him paralyzed and at the mercy of his companions, sealing his fate.
Raymond F. Jones
The Seven Jewels of Chamar
"The Seven Jewels of Chamar" by Raymond F. Jones is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story unfolds in a richly imagined universe where ancient artifacts called the Seven Jewels bestow formidable powers upon their possessor, at a dire cost. The narrative follows Nathan Ormondy, whose father, Thymar, has been murdered, possibly linked to the infamous Firebird—a dangerous woman with her own ambitions regarding the Jewels. At the start of the tale, Nathan discovers his father mortally wounded in a cave, warning him about the Firebird and the deadly allure of the Jewels. Dance between vengeance and desire for power ensues, as Nathan vows to avenge Thymar's death. In a series of engaging dialogues and perilous encounters, Nathan begins his quest for the Jewels, battling against ruthless foes and complexities tied to Firebird. Tension rises as the story navigates themes of betrayal, ambition, and the fine line between good and evil within a thrilling backdrop of interplanetary adventure.
Bill Garson
Test For the Pearl
"Test For the Pearl" by Vaseleos Garson is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century, drawing readers into a vibrant, imaginative universe. The story unfolds on Venus, where the main character, Jarl Gare, a cunning Earthman, aims to secure a rare and precious Venusian pearl to gain his freedom. The book explores themes of survival, adventure, and the struggle against alien foes in a richly described extraterrestrial setting. The narrative follows Jarl Gare and his formidable companion, Waltk, a Jovian, as they escape from a harsh prison known as "The Hole." The duo navigates the treacherous Venusian jungle in search of the legendary pearl-beds while contending with the hidden dangers posed by the planet's native Chameleon men. As they approach their goal, Gare's cunning and Waltk's brute strength are put to the ultimate test. However, Gare ultimately faces a perilous challenge when the final test of retrieving the pearl proves daunting, highlighting his inherent weakness: color-blindness, which complicates his quest in a dramatic twist.
Ella Bell Wallis
Excavating a Husband
"Excavating a Husband" by Ella Bell Wallis is a novel published in the early 20th century. Set during a time when societal expectations for women were shifting, the book revolves around themes of romance, adventure, and the pursuit of hidden treasure, demonstrating how personal aspirations can intertwine with the larger narratives of life. The story primarily follows the engaging character of Katherine Boulby, a single woman of fifty who seeks meaning and excitement beyond the confines of her domestic existence. The narrative unfolds as Katherine and her brother Joseph move to a seaside home once owned by the mysterious Captain Peter Shannon, who has not been heard from in several years. Katherine's fascination with the Captain deepens as she discovers his personal belongings and a thrilling log of his shipwreck. Convinced that he must have hidden treasure, she enlists the help of Mr. Murphy, a charming stranger who may have ulterior motives. As they embark on a quest for the treasure, humorous and romantic entanglements ensue, challenging Katherine's views on love and companionship. Ultimately, the journey leads to unexpected revelations about treasure—both material and in human relationships—culminating in a delightful resolution.
James McKimmey
Where the Gods Decide
"Where the Gods Decide" by James McKimmey, Jr. is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. The book explores themes of human greed and the quest for power through the eyes of Nicholas Caine, a guide navigating the treacherous jungles of Venus. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of lush, alien landscapes intertwined with elements of danger, as Caine embarks on a quest for a mythical gem rumored to possess extraordinary value, reflecting on the darker aspects of human nature. The plot centers on Nicholas Caine, who is hired by Charles Fairchild and his beautiful wife, Janet, to journey into the heart of Venus to find the elusive Screece gem. As they traverse the oppressive jungle, tensions rise between the trio, particularly fueled by Janet's flirtatious nature and Charles's growing insecurity linked to his financial desperation. Trapped in a web of intrigue and betrayal, conflicts between the characters reach a boiling point, resulting in shocking violence and unexpected casualties. Ultimately, exposed to the primal forces of the jungle and the supernatural elements surrounding them, Caine's encounter with a ferocious grith cat leads to a dramatic climax that challenges his perceptions of survival, morality, and the true meaning of wealth amidst a landscape where gods—and their cruel decisions—hold dominion.
Carl Jacobi
Tepondicon
"Tepondicon" by Carl Jacobi is a science fiction novella published in the mid-20th century. The story is set in a future where a plague ravages the cities of Ganymede, Jupiter's third satellite, creating a desperate environment rife with decay and desperation. The narrative follows the protagonist, George Dulfay, who embarks on a mission to explore the seven plague-stricken cities in search of a legendary treasure—the Jupiter Stone—believed to hold immense power and wealth. In the novella, George Dulfay, initially motivated by greed and the allure of riches, gains temporary immunity against the plague through the use of special pellets. As he travels through each of the seven cities, he faces various dangers, including the risk of being captured by those who see him as a symbol of hope, known as Tepondicon. With each city he visits, the acclaim he receives grows, but he soon realizes that with the potential of acquiring the Jupiter Stone comes a grave cost: his life may be sacrificed in the process of potentially saving the cities from their curse. In the end, Dulfay is faced with a critical choice between seizing the stone for personal gain and embracing a path of self-sacrifice to truly free the citizens from their suffering.
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