Fletcher Pratt, a master of science fiction and fantasy, co-author of the acclaimed "Incomplete Enchanter" and "Gavagan's Bar" series, presents 7 of his novels and stories. Included are:INTRODUCTION, by John BetancourtOFFICIAL RECORDDANGERDR. GRIMSHAW’S SANITARIUMTHE ONSLAUGHT FROM RIGEL [novel]THE OCTOPUS CYCLE [short novel]EXPEDITION TO PLUTO [short novel]THE BLUE STAR [novel]If you enjoy this MEGAPACK® and want to see mor...

"99 Science Fiction Short Stories" brings together some of the finest sci fi short stories ever crafted. Featuring gems from masters of the genre, such as H.G Wells , Robert Barr , PKD, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Norton, and many, many more!

The novel is set in a parallel world in which the existence of psychic powers has permitted the development of witchcraft into a science; in contrast, the physical sciences have languished, resulting in a modern culture reminiscent of our eighteenth century. Witchcraft is hereditary but the ability to use it can be held by only one member of a family line at a time, being passed from mother to daughter at the daughter's loss of virginity. The daughter's lover then gains possession of her m...

The Blue Star is set in a world that combines elements of fantasy and science fiction. The story follows the adventures of its protagonist, who becomes entangled in a quest involving a mysterious and powerful artifact known as the Blue Star.The novel's narrative unfolds as the protagonist navigates a series of challenges and encounters various characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. The plot is characterized by its blend of action, intrigue, and speculative elements, offer...

Director Unterbaum of the Intercolonial Office rose from his chair as the pair came in.I take it you haven't met before? he said.Mr. and Mrs. Lanzerotti, this is Ann Starnes, the recording photographer, and Robert Heidekopfer, one of our better writers.There were smiles and acknowledgments. Unterbaum touched a pair of buttons on his desk and two chairs slid out of the walls to make a group of five.Sit down, please, he said.Now I'm not going to mince words. The reason you're here is because...

In "Potemkin Village," Fletcher Pratt offers a rich tapestry of historical fiction interwoven with elements of satire and political commentary. Set against the backdrop of the Russo-Turkish War, this novel explores the concept of illusion versus reality through the metaphor of the Potemkin village'Äîdeceptive fa√ßades that mask the underlying truths of societal structures. Pratt's prose is deft and engaging, employing a narrative style that oscillates between wry humor and poignant reflect...

Welcome to Black Cat Weekly #58.This issue kicks off our Halloween celebrations with a holiday-inspired tale. An incomplete draft of “Had a Wife...” was found in Janet Fox’s papers following her death, and I completed it. I hope you enjoy it. Keeping up the fantasy theme, we have a powerful tale by Craig Laurance Gidney inspired by the music of Joni Mitchell (selected by our acquiring editor Cynthia Ward). Our other acquiring editors have been busy, too—Michael Bracken pre...

POTEMKIN VILLAGE by FLETCHER PRATT offers a concentrated, compelling experience within fiction / literary. This concise work presents carefully drawn characters and purposeful plotting that together explore themes of choice, consequence, and human connection. The prose is precise and economical, balancing vivid scenes with clear pacing to maintain narrative momentum. Ideal for readers seeking a thoughtful, accessible read, the book is well-suited to book clubs and classroom discussion. Its...

The Octopus Cycle is a compelling anthology that navigates the vast waters of speculative fiction, drawing the reader into a world teeming with imagination and profound insight. Spanning a range of literary styles from surreal narratives to speculative musings, this collection explores intricate themes of connectivity, transformation, and the lurking possibilities just beneath the surface of the ordinary. Through interconnected tales and evocative storytelling, the anthology weaves a tapes...

In the novel, Earth faces a formidable threat from technologically advanced beings from Rigel who launch a devastating attack on humanity. The storyline likely explores themes of interstellar conflict, human resilience, and the implications of first contact with extraterrestrial civilizations.Fletcher Pratt's writing typically includes elements of adventure, scientific speculation, and exploration of social and political themes. "The Onslaught from Rigel" is expected to reflect his skill i...

Easter Island is one of the world's great mysteries. Why did nobody live there when the island was discovered? Where did the giant statues come from? And why are the waters around the island —the mysterious Agassis Triangle — devoid of life?

We know that many scientists believe that life may originally have come to earth in the form of spores, from other solar systems and other universes. We therefore might really have had our home dim ages ago, on worlds distantly removed from our earth.