Showing results by author "H. Beam Piper" in All Categories

Step into the intriguing world of the Terro-Human Future History, where the next 6,000 years of human evolution unfold. Beginning in 1942 with the construction of the first fission reactor, this era marks the dawn of the Atomic Era (1 A.E.). A nuclear war in 1973 reshapes the planet, setting the stage for the rise of a Terran Federation as humanity ventures into space and unlocks the secrets of antigravity technology. The Edge of the Knife, a gripping story collected in Empire, takes place just before this catastrophic war, following a man gifted with visions of the future. This narrative ...

Fenris may not be a hellish world, but it certainly comes with its challenges. With grueling 2,000-hour days and a staggering 8,000-hour year, this planet swings between scorching heat and bone-chilling cold. Such extreme conditions forge a unique breed of people‚Aîresilient enough to survive and clever enough to thrive. But when one of these tough individuals realizes hes being swindled out of the riches hes fought hard to obtain, the stage is set for a revolution in this unforgiving landscape. (Introduction from the Gutenberg text)

Welcome to New Texas, where the name says it all. The Solar League ambassador faces a daunting challenge convincing the fiercely independent New Texans that a sSrauff attack is not just a possibility, but an imminent threat. With a species evolved from canine ancestors, it‚As hard to instill fear in a population that sees talking dogs as little more than a curiosity. Time is running out, and unless he can rally the Texans to take swift action, their way of life‚Aîand their very existence‚Aîmay be at stake!

In Little Fuzzy, join Jack Holloway, a tenacious prospector on the distant planet Zarathustra, as he stumbles upon a fascinating discovery‚Aîsmall, furry creatures that exhibit signs of intelligence. The question looms are they mere animals, or do they possess true sapience? If they are indeed sentient beings, the implications are monumental, threatening the commercial interests of a powerful corporation that seeks to exploit the planets resources. Will Jack fight to protect these creatures and challenge the corporate machine? (Summary by tabithat)

The Lane Fleming collection of vintage pistols and revolvers is renowned nationwide. When Fleming is discovered lifeless in his secured gun room, clutching a Confederate-made Colt-type percussion .36 revolver, the verdict is accidental death. However, Flemings widow, Gladys, isnt convinced. She hires Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and fellow gun enthusiast, to catalogue, evaluate, and negotiate the sale of her late husbands collection. The list of people who coveted the collection is long, but did someone desire it so much they would kill for it? And if so, how did they ...

The Last Enemy is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller featuring Verkan Vall of the Paratime Police. When an undercover agent vanishes in an alternate reality where assassination is honorable and reincarnation is real, Vall must navigate a world of deadly killers and twisted morality to complete his mission.