Showing results by author "Leigh Douglass Brackett" in All Categories

In his final adventure on Mars, Eric John Stark acquires a relic of an ancient Martian hero, a gem or lens which is believed to be the key to the strength of Kushat, the city that guards the Gates of Death in the frozen north. A brief inspection of the artifact plunges Stark into the mind of its creator, where he sees, through those long-dead eyes, the unutterably ancient, beautiful, and evil Martian race who are imprisoned in the ice beyond the Gates of Death, alive and plotting to reclaim Mars for themselves and to extend the ice, their world, around the whole planet. Falling into the hands ...

Dive into a harrowing tale where Eric Stark, a fierce warrior forged in the harshness of Mercury, races against time to save his dying Martian friend. As they journey to the ancient city in the North of Mars, tragedy strikes, leaving Stark with a daunting final request to return a precious stolen talisman. But this quest is fraught with peril as the relentless hordes of Ciaran pursue him, hungry for the magic jewel. Ahead lies the terrifying realm of the Ice Creatures, and by his side, the haunting specter of Ban Cruach urges him towards a battle Stark knows he cannot win. With every step, he ...

Dive into the thrilling debut of Eric John Stark, a Conan-like barbarian hero, in this captivating tale set against the backdrop of a uniquely imagined Mars. Unlike the fantastical worlds of Burroughs or the hard science fiction of Bradbury, Bracketts story unfolds in a Mars teeming with ancient alien civilizations grappling with the arrival of humans. With a title as intriguing as this, you‚Are in for an unforgettable adventure! Originally published in Planet Stories in 1949, it‚As a must-read for fans of swashbuckling space epics. - Summary by Phil Chenevert

In a world on the brink of annihilation, a boy-God lies in eternal slumber, accompanied by his powerful Stone of Life and the androids crafted from matter and energy. While these androids plot conquest with their sinister intellects, two mortals, Mouse and Ciaran, rise to challenge their fate. Join their fierce battle against the immortals‚A destructive ambitions as they strive to stem the tide of destruction. [Transcribers Note This etext was produced from Planet Stories Spring 1944. - Summary by Publisher]

Join Eric John Stark, the legendary Conan of the Spaceways, as he embarks on a thrilling adventure in Enchantress Of Venus. This time, hes navigating the mysterious shores of Venus swirling red seas in search of a missing comrade. But hes not alone‚Aîhe faces off against a ruthless family that rules the pirate enclave of Shuruun, determined to thwart his quest. Will his incredible strength and swift reflexes be enough to overcome the odds? Tune in to find out! - Summary by Phil Chenevert

In a bold twist on military exploits, the French Foreign Legion has transcended Earthly bounds, becoming the Space Foreign Legion. Now stationed on the inhospitable surface of Jupiter, they find themselves in a desperate battle against the fierce natives, led by the formidable Dragon Queen. As Earth and Mars scramble for new territories to sustain their populations, Jupiter presents a daunting challenge. Can the Legion withstand relentless waves of Beetle Bombs and venomous serpents until reinforcements arrive? Or are they doomed to face a grim fate, like many before them? When the Dragon ...

In a desperate bid for freedom, small-time criminal Ray Starke finds himself in a dire situation after crashing his shuttle while fleeing from the law. Awakening to the presence of an enigmatic alien woman, he learns that he is on the brink of death. But she offers him a chance at survival transferring his consciousness into a new body and using her telepathic abilities to aid his escape. Will Ray seize this extraordinary opportunity or succumb to his fate? - Summary by kirk202

In a world where space debris forms a Gypsy society, the last free races of the Solar System navigate a labyrinth of danger and intrigue. Roy Campbell, a hunted outcast of the Coalition, ventures into this treacherous realm seeking refuge for the Kraylens of Venus. However, he soon discovers that this sanctuary has transformed into a perilous slave trap, from which escape seems impossible.

After the mysterious death of his girlfriend, Captain Burk Winters embarks on a perilous journey through the treacherous world of Martian vice known as Shanga‚Aîthe Going Back. What begins as a desperate mission to save Jill Leeland soon spirals into a confrontation with the sinister underbelly of the canal cities, fraught with conspiracies fueled by greed. As Burk fights to uncover the truth, he must also contend with the fierce vengeance of a planet refusing to submit to economic domination. - Summary by EVKesserich

In the sprawling political maze of The Hub, the capital city of the galactic federation, Lloyd Durham finds himself teetering on the edge once more. What began as a straightforward mission‚Aîan urgent errand tied to the mysterious code-word darkbirds‚Aîquickly spirals into a high-stakes game of survival. As dangerous factions converge, each with their own deadly agendas, Durham realizes that this may not just be another task; it‚As a desperate last call. The flutter of wings in the darkness heralds threats that even the Federation may struggle to confront. Prepare for a thrilling ...

In the aftermath of a startling surge in meteor activity, a wave of inexplicable madness engulfs the already bizarre and poorly understood world of Venus. As Lundy and his team from Tri-World Police, Special Branch, race to uncover the source of this disturbance, they soon realize that identifying the problem is far easier than transporting it back to headquarters. Out of his depth and quickly sinking into the abyss of a Venusian sea, Lundy is about to tap into profound reserves of strength as he confronts the haunting beauty and terror of the Unknown. - Summary by EVKesserich

Dive into the imaginative worlds of Leigh Brackett with three captivating novellas. In ENCHANTRESS OF VENUS, a man finds himself at the mercy of a powerful being who commands the depths of a surreal landscape, only to discover the true essence of her strength. SHANNACH—THE LAST follows a determined protagonist who cannot abandon his lifes mission, even as he faces an eerie planet ruled by alien intellects lurking in shadowy caverns. Meanwhile, THE VANISHING VENUSIANS tells the poignant tale of three souls navigating the endless seas of Venus, fighting against fate to reclaim their ...

Dive into a captivating tale of pulp science fiction from 1952, penned by the talented Leigh Douglas Brackett. Set in the shadowy caves of Mars, an alien race exerts cruel control over enslaved men and women driven by their unyielding desires. Follow the journey of a seemingly weak man who knows he must confront this oppressive force, even at the cost of his own life. But as he navigates this perilous path, questions arise Is he a savior or merely a pawn in the aliens game? What appears to be a straightforward quest is laced with layers of deception and subtle humor. Will he bring destruction ...

Dive into an unsettling tale set beneath the ominous black seas of Venus, where a haunting silver land harbors a nameless terror that drives men to madness. Follow the harrowing journey of Lundy, a man who battles this unseen horror, his will blinding him to the true nature of his foe. To gaze upon the terror is to surrender to it—transforming into a mindless automaton, consumed by the desire to uncover the secrets hidden behind the shadowy eyelids of IT. This gripping narrative first captivated readers in the pages of Planet Stories in 1944. - Summary by Publisher

Step into a classic tale from the golden age of science fiction pulp magazines. Written by the talented Leigh Brackett, a pioneering female author, this story masterfully explores the quirks of human behavior—both on Earth and in the far reaches of the cosmos. Follow a group comprised of Hans, Officers, and a Captain as they navigate the challenges of survival on a mysterious world, cut off from humanity for generations. Their struggle to adapt in a harsh and unforgiving environment feels eerily familiar. Along the way, encounter the intriguing Piruts, who are always scheming to take ...

Black Amazon of Mars follows Eric John Stark on his final Martian adventure. A mysterious relic leads him to Kushat, a city guarding the terrifying Gates of Death. As ancient forces awaken, Stark must battle outlaws, treachery, and supernatural threats to save Mars from an icy doom.

Blue Behemoth is a thrilling sci-fi adventure set on Venus, where a mysterious glowing ball of flame threatens a space circus. As performers and crew members face deadly danger, they must uncover the truth behind this bizarre extraterrestrial menace.