Cover of Black Silence

Black Silence

    Robert Emmett McDowell's Black Silence is a Victorian science fiction and classic fantasy novel. Key subjects include space travelers and epidemics.

    On Project Gutenberg it was downloaded 437 times in the last 30 days.

    It is in the public domain in the United States and free to read on Project Gutenberg.

    About Black Silence

    "Black Silence" by Robert Emmett McDowell is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows the crew of the spaceship "Argus", as they return from a disappointing two-year expedition to Mars, only to find Earth struck by a mysterious plague that has rendered civilization lifeless. The central character, Matt Magoffin, grapples not only with the haunting silence of the planet they once called home but also with the challenging dynamics developing among his crewmates in a world turned alien and dangerous. The opening of the narrative introduces readers to the crew's excitement for their return to Earth, abruptly shattered by a chilling broadcast announcing a devastating plague spreading uncontrollably. As they attempt to contact Earth to understand what's happened, a palpable tension builds within the crew, culminating in their descent into a desolate and dark world. Upon landing, they discover the grim reality of their situation: abandoned towns, eerie silence, and troubling signs of a societal collapse. The immediate horrors escalate as encounters with wild animals and unforeseen dangers unfold, setting the stage for Matt's intense struggle for survival and leadership amid chaos.
    Summary from Project Gutenberg (automatically generated)

    Themes, setting & tropes

    Genres

    Subjects

    • Science fiction
    • Space travelers
    • Epidemics
    • Earth, Planet

    Quick answers

    Who wrote Black Silence?

    Black Silence was written by Robert Emmett McDowell.

    What genre is Black Silence?

    It is usually shelved as Victorian Science Fiction and Classic Fantasy.

    Is Black Silence free to read?

    Yes. It is in the public domain in the United States and can be read free on Project Gutenberg in EPUB, Kindle and HTML formats.

    What books are similar to Black Silence?

    Readers who like it often enjoy The Scarlet Plague, Space Viking and This star shall be free.

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