Gods of Space by Ray Cummings

"Gods of Space" by Ray Cummings is a science fiction novel written during the early 20th century, reflecting the adventurous spirit of that time's burgeoning interest in interplanetary exploration. The story revolves around Roy Atwood, a young astronaut who embarks on a personal quest to the mysterious Planetoid-150 to retrieve a rare substance called Xarite, which is crucial for curing poliomyelitis on Earth. This journey leads him to encounter a strange world filled with bizarre vegetation, creatures, and the enigmatic Ah-li, a girl who believes herself to be a goddess. In the narrative, Atwood arrives on the planetoid and quickly discovers its unique environment, including a dark, purple-glowing forest and the presence of monstrous beings known as genes, which are tied to the fate of the local inhabitants, the Marlans. The story develops as Atwood interacts with Ah-li, who sees him as a fellow god. Together, they navigate the dangers of the planet, including an uprising by the Marlans influenced by jealousy and ambition. The climax features a struggle for power that pits Atwood against Bohr, a Marlan who seeks to take control. Ultimately, the tale culminates in their escape, securing the Xarite that holds the potential to save countless lives on Earth, while revealing a deeper connection between Atwood and Ah-li—she is actually Gloria Johns, the daughter of his father's colleague. The story blends themes of adventure, identity, and the moral implications of power, leaving readers to ponder the responsibilities that come with such roles. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Cummings, Ray, 1887-1957
Illustrator Musacchia, John B., 1916-2004
Title Gods of Space
Series Title Produced from Planet Stories Spring 1942
Credits Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net
Reading Level Reading ease score: 85.2 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Science fiction
Subject Human-alien encounters -- Fiction
Subject Mines and mineral resources -- Fiction
Subject Asteroids -- Fiction
Subject Poliomyelitis -- Research -- Fiction
Category Text
eBook-No. 62075
Release Date
Last Update Oct 18, 2024
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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