Subject
World War, 1939-1945 -- Fiction Books
Best books
Jay Franklin
The Rat Race
"The Rat Race" by Jay Franklin is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows Lt. Commander Frank Jacklin, who, after an atomic explosion aboard his battleship, awakens to find himself in the body of a dissolute stockbroker named Winnie Tompkins. Jacklin struggles to adjust to his new life, navigating through a twisted blend of intrigue, politics, and complicated relationships with women as he tries to unravel the mystery of his own identity and the whereabouts of the real Tompkins. The opening of "The Rat Race" presents an intense scenario where Jacklin, while serving on the U.S.S. Alaska, experiences a catastrophic event that leads him to wake up in an unfamiliar and decadent world. Confused and disoriented, he grapples with the shocking reality of impersonating a man whose life is filled with complexity and distractions, including three women—his wife, a mistress, and a secretary—who complicate his newfound existence. As Jacklin attempts to fit into Tompkins' life while using his knowledge of impending disasters, he quickly realizes the challenges of maintaining his cover in a world where political secrets and personal betrayals are intertwined.
Paul Alexander Bartlett
Forward, Children!
"Forward, Children!" by Paul Alexander Bartlett is an anti-war novel written in the late 20th century, nearly a decade after the author’s death. The novel vividly depicts the harrowing experiences of soldiers in World War II, focusing on tank warfare and the emotional toll of combat. The central character, Orville Dennison, navigates both the physical and psychological challenges of warfare while coping with memories of life before the chaos of battle. The opening of "Forward, Children!" sets the stage for the intense and grim atmosphere of tank warfare. It introduces Orville Dennison, a soldier awakened by his comrade Landel amidst the harsh realities of their situation—cold nights, the noise of distant shellfire, and the camaraderie among his crew as they prepare for their next meal and the day ahead. The narrative alternates between the immediate concerns of survival and Dennison's reflective memories of home and the passage of time, establishing a poignant conflict between hope and the brutal experiences of war. As Dennison prepares for the challenges ahead, readers are drawn into a world where the echoes of humanity clash with the starkness of military life.
Nelson S. Bond
When freemen shall stand
"When Freemen Shall Stand" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins during a time of conflict where Earth has been conquered by the inhabitants of Venus. Central to this tale are Stephen Duane and his assistant Chuck Lafferty, who are involved in an experiment with a gas that they hope will end World War II. However, their scientific ambitions are interrupted when they encounter a Nazi spy, leading to unexpected consequences that transport them into a radically altered future. The opening of the narrative captures the tension and urgency of war while introducing the primary characters and their respective roles. Stephen Duane, a chemist turned soldier, is determined to test his new anesthetic that he believes could turn the tide of the war. Just as they are about to proceed, an unexpected spy incident unfolds, resulting in a malfunction that sends them thousands of years into the future. Awakening in a strange, dystopian world, Duane and Lafferty find themselves revered as "Slumberers," and are forced to grapple with the implications of their unexpected status amidst a society that worships them, prompting questions about identity, power, and the role of men and women in this newfound civilization.
Robert Abernathy
Hostage of Tomorrow
"Hostage of Tomorrow" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction novel written in the late 1940s. The story follows Ray Manning, a soldier grappling with the devastation of a post-war world dominated by the remnants of the Dritten Reich, as he becomes embroiled in the pursuit of a scientist holding the key to a time travel device. The narrative kicks off with a tense reconnaissance mission in bombed-out Europe, leading to a journey that explores themes of time travel, alternate histories, and the consequences of war. The opening of "Hostage of Tomorrow" sets the stage for a gripping tale of survival and discovery. Ray Manning, along with his comrade Eddie Dugan, is part of a military team searching for Dr. Pankraz Kahl, who possesses vital knowledge hidden within a fortress-like laboratory in Germany. As they confront hostile forces and the unexpected capabilities of Kahl’s invention, a time machine, their reality shifts into a future plagued by the same oppressive regimes they fought against. The narrative expertly weaves action, tension, and ethical dilemmas, leading Manning to contemplate whether returning to the past could alter the dire course of humanity's history.
Nelson S. Bond
Gods of the jungle
"Gods of the Jungle" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of World War II, featuring aviator Ramey Winters and his co-pilot, Red Barrett, as they navigate a perilous situation above the war-torn jungles of Southeast Asia. The narrative explores themes of adventure, the mysteries of ancient civilizations, and the intersection of the past with the present. At the start of the story, Ramey Winters and Red Barrett are flying their military aircraft over the jungles of Southeast Asia, tasked with reconnaissance missions against Japanese forces. The beauty of the nighttime landscape captivates them, but soon they become embroiled in a dangerous dogfight with enemy planes. Ramey's desperation escalates when he witnesses his friend Red being struck by enemy fire. As the story unfolds, they crash land near an ancient temple, sparking a series of mysterious encounters and adventures that connect them with the enigmatic history of Angkor. Ultimately, their survival hinges on their ability to navigate the ancient ruins and discover the secrets tied to their current predicament.
Leigh Brackett
Out of the sea
"Out of the Sea" by Leigh Brackett is a science fiction novel written in the early 1940s. This gripping tale revolves around strange sea creatures that rise from the ocean, wreaking havoc on the coast of California amidst wartime tension. The story follows Webb Fallon, a down-on-his-luck reporter, who finds himself at the center of chaos as he grapples with both the monstrous invasion and a developing bond with a woman he saves. The narrative begins with Webb Fallon in a post-quake Los Angeles where he faces personal crises, only to be thrust into a battle for survival when monstrous sea creatures begin emerging from the ocean, initially attacked people on the beach. As he meets Joan Daniels, they seek refuge together amid the chaos, ultimately embarking on a mission to discover the cause of this bizarre phenomenon. As the story unfolds, they learn that these creatures are part of a greater plot by Japan to unleash a new kind of warfare via biological manipulation. With an underlying message about human resilience, the novel explores themes of evolution, morality, and sacrifice through its compelling characters and thrilling situations.
František Omelka
Blesky nad Beskydami
"Blesky nad Beskydami" by František Omelka is a novel written in the mid-20th century. Set against the backdrop of World War II and the occupation of Czechoslovakia, the narrative explores themes of courage, resistance, and the struggles of a young protagonist named Slávek Čermák, as he grapples with the implications of oppression while participating in acts of defiance against the German occupiers. The story highlights the resilience of the Czech people and their fight for freedom during a time of darkness. At the start of the book, we are introduced to the Čermák family and their life in the rural Valašsko region, characterized by both natural beauty and hardships. Slávek, a fifteen-year-old boy, exhibits a growing awareness of the political turmoil surrounding him, becoming increasingly consumed by nationalistic feelings and a desire to resist the oppression that is encroaching upon his homeland. As he prepares for a school recitation event, Slávek reflects on the weight of the circumstances he faces, motivated by the writings of Czech poets who inspired him to action. The narrative takes a deeper turn as Slávek becomes involved in the underground resistance, conveying a blend of personal and collective struggle against tyranny.
Mack Reynolds
Tourists to Terra
"Tourists to Terra" by Mack Reynolds is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around a group of wealthy thrill-seekers from a distant future who journey to Earth to indulge in the excitement of participating in historical battles. Set against the backdrop of ancient conflicts, it explores themes of adventure and the ethical implications of playing with the past. The narrative follows the crew of a luxury spaceship that caters to affluent tourists seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences. As they engage in simulated battles, the tourists’ reckless behavior leads to dangerous encounters, particularly with a historical figure, Diomed from Greek mythology. Tensions rise when the passengers express a desire for genuine excitement, pushing the boundaries of safety. After a series of mishaps, including one passenger getting wounded, the crew decides to travel even further into Earth's future, only to confront the potential devastation of atomic warfare. The story ultimately critiques the notion of thrill-seeking without considering the consequences, culminating in a suspenseful climax as the spaceship approaches an era of nuclear weapons.
Donald A. Wollheim
Nothing
"Nothing" by Martin Pearson is a science fiction short story published in the early 1940s. It explores themes of existence, reality, and the concept of matter versus nothingness, set against the backdrop of a bombed building where the main characters find themselves trapped. The narrative combines suspense and a philosophical exploration of the nature of reality through a dialogue between two characters in a dire situation. The story centers on a young man and an old professor who become trapped in a collapsed cellar after a bombing. As they wait for rescue, the professor proposes a radical idea grounded in physics: if they visualize themselves and the surrounding rubble as “nothing” or energy, they can pass through the rocks and escape. Following the professor's hypnotic guidance, the young man experiences a surreal journey into the nature of matter, ultimately manifesting outside, while the old man remains trapped. Despite the protagonist's attempts to save the professor after his own escape, the stark reality of the situation hits hard when the rescuers find the professor deceased after two days of digging. The story raises profound questions about existence and the limits of human understanding.
F. Anton Reeds
Forever is Not So Long
"Forever is Not So Long" by F. Anton Reeds is a science fiction novel written during the early 20th century. The story explores themes surrounding time travel, human ambition, and the choices one makes between personal desires and professional duties. Set against the backdrop of 1931 Europe, the narrative engages with the potential of scientific exploration and its implications on human relationships. The plot centers around Stephen Darville, a young assistant to Professor Ploving, who is on the verge of testing a groundbreaking invention known as the Ploving Tube—a device intended to facilitate time travel into the near future. As Darville prepares for this monumental experiment, the juxtaposition of his romantic feelings for Jean, Ploving's daughter, against the pressing demands of scientific discovery presents an emotional conflict. After activating the time machine, he witnesses the devastation of the future—his past life obliterated by war and destruction, including the loss of his loved ones. Returning to the present moment, Darville realizes the value of love over the pursuit of knowledge and chooses to embrace his relationship with Jean, declaring that they will have forever together, emphasizing the enduring power of love amidst the potential chaos of time and fate.
Erik Fennel
Atavism
"Atavism" by Erik Fennel is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. Set against the backdrop of wartime, the narrative intertwines elements of war and extraterrestrial exploration, exploring themes of evolutionary traits and the concept of atavism, which refers to the reversion to ancestral traits. The book crafts a narrative that reflects on both human and Martian existence, examining survival instincts and emotional responses. The story follows Gunnar and Martha, two survivors dodging enemy forces in a war-torn land, who stumble upon a mysterious Martian entity named Erg, sent to Earth to explore. As Gunnar and Martha grapple with their dire situation, they encounter a massive transformation tied to the effects of alien technology on Erg, leading to a division of his consciousness into conflicting personalities, rooted in primal human emotions. This interplay leads to a tense climax as Gunnar and Martha must not only survive the physical threats of the war but also confront the unseen consequences of their newfound powers while navigating their instinctual responses to fear, trust, and survival. Ultimately, "Atavism" explores the nature of identity and humanity through the lens of extraordinary circumstances, merging science fiction with themes deeply rooted in psychology and the human experience.
Dwight V. Swain
Henry Horn's X-Ray Eye Glasses
"Henry Horn's X-Ray Eye Glasses" by Dwight V. Swain is a science fiction short story written during the early 1940s. The narrative follows the misadventures of Henry Horn, a quirky inventor who creates a pair of binoculars that operate on the "x-ray" principle—allowing the user to see through objects. The story unfolds amidst the backdrop of World War II, focusing on espionage and the unintended consequences of Horn's invention. The plot centers around Henry Horn and his colleague, the irate Professor Paulsen, who becomes infuriated when he discovers Horn peddling his x-ray binoculars to curious onlookers at a nudist camp. As the story progresses, the plot thickens when a red-haired man—an actual Nazi spy—purchases the glasses, leading to a race against time to retrieve sensitive military information he might have accessed. Coupled with humorous elements of their nudist encounters and several frantic moments, the story culminates in a showdown that reveals Professor Paulsen's quick wits as they confront the spy, turning an initially comedic invention into a decisive asset in the war effort against the Axis powers.
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