Showing results for "Fritz Leiber" in Science Fiction

Have you ever worried about your memory, because it doesn't seem to recall exactly the same past from one day to the next? Have you ever thought that the whole universe might be a crazy, mixed-up dream? If you have, then you've had hints of the Change War.

The Wanderer inspires feelings of pure terror in the hearts of the five billion human beings inhabiting Planet Earth. The presence of an alien planet causes increasingly severe tragedies and chaos. However, one man stands apart from the mass of frightened humanity. For him, the legendary Wanderer is a mere tale of bizarre alien domination and human submission. His conception of the Wanderer bleeds into unrequited love for the mysterious “she” who owns him.

Dive into the bizarre and imaginative world of Fritz Leiber with these three uniquely strange stories. These tales are not your typical science fiction; they are odd, unsettling, and yet utterly captivating. Leibers remarkable creativity will challenge your perception and stretch your imagination in delightful ways. Join me as we explore the wonderfully weird realms of his mind. - Summary by phil chenevert

Dive into the imaginative worlds of Fritz Leiber with three of his most beloved science fiction short stories The Moon is Green, Bread Overhead, and Whats He Doing In There?! With his signature blend of humor and wit, Leiber masterfully explores how humanity navigates the quirks of the future—often with hilarious consequences. Join us for a delightful journey through the absurdities and triumphs of human adaptation. - Summary by Phil Chenevert

In The Swords of Lankhmar, a plague of rats overruns the capital city and glittering gem of the land of Nehwon. Commissioned to guard a ship of grain from the cursed rodents, brother-in-arms Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser soon discover the plague has progressed to a fatal point. Mustering the strength of sorcery, they descend into the depths of Lankhmar and rise to battle in order to save the soul of the ill-fated city.

From Fritz Leiber'ss humorous "What's He Doing in There?” where Earth's first Martian visitor causes a cultural stir over the most basic of human rituals—to stories of robots, post-apocalyptic futures, mind-bending technology, and mysterious islands, these stories blend sharp social satire with timeless sci-fi adventure.

Three strange stories by the very talented Fritz Leiber.

In Swords and Ice Magic, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser have traveled the width and breadth of the land of Nehwon in search of adventure and fortune. Now lost at sea, their ship drawn out on the Great Equatorial Current, their journey brings them to Rime Isle, a tragic island populated by vagabonds and wanderers.

Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser's journeys have taken them from one side of Nehwon to the other, facing life-risking peril at every turn. Now, in a set of stories that feature the adventurers on their own and together, they will face some of their most challenging obstacles. Against assassins, angry gods, and even Death himself, the duo must battle for their very lives.

On a cold winter night, an elderly couple step outside their home and witness something extraordinary in the sky—a vast, glowing curve of light, drifting across the heavens like a cosmic snowbank. As they watch, the wonder of the universe stirs memories, regrets, and tender hopes, drawing them into a moment where time, love, and eternity converge.

A classic tale featuring two of the most-memorable characters in sword and sorcery, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. Over a span of 50 years, the late Fritz Leiber wrote dozens of adventures, set in the fictional city of Lankhmar, featuring the seven-foot-tall barbarian and the diminuitive thief. The stories were recognized with both the Hugo and Nebula Awards.

In Swords in the Mist, lean times in Lankhmar force brothers-in-arms Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser to part ways. Only after a joust of wits and swords do the friends join together again, stealing the ship the Black Treasurer and sailing round and through The Claws. Fighting sea kings, curses and seven-eyed wizards, the pair set out on their heroic wanderings through the wilds of Nehwon.

In a future America gripped by fear, scarcity, and suspicion, science is no longer celebrated, distrusted, even outlawed. Superstition and political control have replaced logic and invention. But a small, determined group believes science is the only path forward.

These are three of the strangest stories I could find by the very talented Fritz Leiber. And by strange I mean odd, weird, kinda creepy and yet wonderful. Not your normal Science Fiction here but then Leiber had an amazing imagination and these certainly made me stretch mine.

Dive into the captivating world of Fritz Leibers Green Millennium, where we meet Phil Gish, a man trapped in a bleak existence. Disillusioned and lacking purpose, Phil is consumed by the fear of becoming obsolete in a world increasingly dominated by robots. With his timid nature, he shies away from adventure‚Aîuntil a remarkable green cat appears at his window. Named Lucky, this extraordinary feline brings a glimmer of hope and happiness into Phils dreary life. However, Lucky soon vanishes into the fantastical realm of All Amusements, a playground filled with bizarre characters and ...

Join us for three captivating tales from the legendary Fritz Leiber, all originally published in Galaxy Magazine. In Kreativity for Kats (1961), discover the intriguing lives of aliens living among us. The Last Letter from Galaxy (1958) reveals the chaos caused by a handwritten letter that disrupts the postal service. Finally, The Big Engine (1962) explores the essence of what drives our world‚Aîcould this mans insights be spot on? Each story is unique and guaranteed to entertain. - Summary by Phil Chenevert

Thorn and Clawly are on a mission to present alarming discoveries to the World Executive Committee. Their findings suggest that we may not be alone in the vast nexus of realities; other worlds could exist in parallel to our own, branching off from a single moment in time. While this revelation alone might not seem dire, the real concern arises when considering the possibility that one of these worlds harbors ambitions of invading our utopian reality. What could such a conflict mean for our existence? (Summary by Ben Tucker)

In a future shaped by the escalating tensions of the Cold War, society has retreated underground to escape the relentless threat of atomic and ionic bombs, living in a world free from the prying eyes of satellites. While most embrace this subterranean life, Gusterson stands out as a quirky oddball, choosing to remain topside. His creativity becomes a valuable resource for the less imaginative moles below, who eagerly seek his innovative ideas. However, one of his concepts, despite his dire warnings, spirals into a horrifying reality, manifesting as the terrifying TICKLER‚Aîa creature that ...

Step into a world where a machine, adorned with blinking lights and the scent of ozone, enters the prestigious Grand Master chess tournament. This early computer faces off against some of the greatest human minds, challenging the notion of genius with its formidable calculating power. But don‚At be fooled‚Aîthe machine is not infallible. It can be deceived, make errors, and most intriguingly, it can learn! Join us on this thrilling journey through the intersection of technology and human intellect. (summary by phil c and the publisher)

In Bullet with His Name, two extraterrestrial beings arrive on Earth bearing gifts for a human man, but their intentions are far from benevolent. This encounter is a test, with the fate of humanity resting on how he responds to their offerings. One of the aliens intriguingly describes himself as a sort of snake, hinting at the cunning nature of their gifts. While they may not include a fabled apple from the Tree of Knowledge, the consequences of accepting them could lead mankind down a treacherous path. - Summary by Paul Hampton