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The author of Skulls in the Stars is a professor of physics, specializing in optical science, at UNC Charlotte. The blog covers topics in physics and optics, the history of science, classic pulp fantasy and horror fiction, and the surprising intersections between these areas. -
Category Archives: Weird fiction
How to See Ghosts & Other Figments, by Orrin Grey
For day 25 of Blogtober I look at the most recent collection by a fun and talented author of weird fiction! The first time I came across Orrin Grey’s work, it wasn’t even his fiction — it was the introduction … Continue reading
Posted in Horror, Weird fiction
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Bertram Mitford’s The Sign of the Spider
Day 22 of Blogtober, I look at a very old horror/adventure novel by Bertram Mitford! This novel is fascinating because the protagonist is definitely an anti-hero, as he becomes a literal slaver. His journey is both a physical and a … Continue reading
Posted in Adventure fiction, Horror
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Roadside Picnic, by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
For day 14 of Blogtober, we look at a book that is technically science fiction, but it is also horrific in a number of ways! This science fiction classic describes an area of the planet where aliens made a pit-stop … Continue reading
Posted in Horror, Science fiction
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Phantom of the Seven Stars, by Ray Cummings
I’ve been trying to post something every day to the blog for as long as I can, and it has been quite an exhilarating ride! I’m nearing the end of that run, and what better way to celebrate it, and … Continue reading
Posted in Invisibility, Science fiction
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Night of the Big Heat, by John Lymington
I don’t know exactly what first drew my attention to Night of the Big Heat (1959), by John Lymington. I suspect I was browsing through some Wikipedia posts about alien invasion movies, and caught sight of the 1967 film adaptation … Continue reading
Posted in Horror, Science fiction
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The Dark Host, by Archie Roy
Let’s take a look at one of the most obscure books I’ve ever read! So, I’ve written about the work of Archie Roy before, in particular his novel Devil in the Darkness (1978), a remarkably good haunted house story. In … Continue reading
Posted in Mystery/thriller
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The Little Black Bag, by C.M. Kornbluth
As long as I’ve been having fun tracking down classic science fiction stories that I absolutely love, let me share at least one more! “The Little Black Bag,” by C.M. Kornbluth, first appeared in the July 1950 issue of Astounding … Continue reading
Posted in Science fiction
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Prisoner of the Vampires of Mars, by Gustave Le Rouge
Sometimes you just have to read a book because of its title. This was certainly the case when I decided I wanted to read Prisoner of the Vampires of Mars (1908-1909), by Gustave Le Rouge! Like, the title has everything! … Continue reading
Posted in Invisibility, Science fiction
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