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Planetary Adventures
Heroic tales of sword-swinging adventure can sometimes be found in unlikely places—such as the pages of Golden Age science fiction magazines! Rather than being set in the dim past or a fantastic dream-world, the stories in this collection take place on other planets. Journey to Luna, Mars, and worlds even more distant with these classic tales by five masters of adventure science fiction!
Stories included:
“The Temple of Earth” by Poul Anderson
“World of the Dark Dwellers” by Edmond Hamilton
“The Eyes of Thar” by Henry Kuttner
“The Empress of Mars” by Ross Rocklynne
“Man of Two Worlds” by Bryce Walton
Stories included:
“The Temple of Earth” by Poul Anderson
“World of the Dark Dwellers” by Edmond Hamilton
“The Eyes of Thar” by Henry Kuttner
“The Empress of Mars” by Ross Rocklynne
“Man of Two Worlds” by Bryce Walton
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2021
2 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
D.M. Ritzlin
38 books54 followersD.M. Ritzlin founded DMR Books in 2015 with the aim of revitalizing sword-and-sorcery literature. DMR’s publications include reprints of classic material by authors such as Robert E. Howard and Clark Ashton Smith, as well as brand-new collections and anthologies by some of the finest fantasy writers active today.
A collection of his own stories, Necromancy in Nilztiria, was released in October 2020.
Nilztiria is a world of adventure and strangeness, peopled by lusty heroes and callous villains. The thirteen sword-and-sorcery stories presented in Necromancy in Nilztiria place the emphasis on sorcery and mix in a touch of gallows humor.
For more information on all of his projects, visit dmrbooks.com.
A collection of his own stories, Necromancy in Nilztiria, was released in October 2020.
Nilztiria is a world of adventure and strangeness, peopled by lusty heroes and callous villains. The thirteen sword-and-sorcery stories presented in Necromancy in Nilztiria place the emphasis on sorcery and mix in a touch of gallows humor.
For more information on all of his projects, visit dmrbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 10, 2021
Though two of the stories here are a bit disappointing, the other three more than make up for it. Anderson and Kuttner are masters, never failing to deliver, and I was very pleasantly surprised to discover Bryce Walton, an author totally new to me.
The Temple of Earth by Poul Anderson (4.0) - A rousing sword & planet yarn set on the moon long after an apocalypse has destroyed the Earth and society has slid into feudalism and barbarism. The hero is an affable sword wielding barbarian intent on keeping his freedom at any cost. Good action and a well realized subterranean lunar setting make this one memorable.
World of the Dark Dwellers by Edmond Hamilton (2.0) - This suffers from an overly juvenile writing style that I found offputting, despite an especially creepy depiction of the hideous man/worm like creatures known as "Dark Dwellers".
The Eyes of Thar by Henry Kuttner (4.0) - A great piece of golden age sci-fi, with a bit of a portal fantasy feel, featuring a cleverly imagined heroine from another dimension whose need for allies in combating her enemies is outweighed only by her skill at recruiting them. I'm a sucker for stories with forgotten ancient technologies, buried civilizations and inter-dimensional combat, and this one's got all three, plus a great final twist!
The Empress of Mars by Ross Rocklynne (2.0) - Overwritten, sappy, too many footnotes and too many exclamation points!!!
Man of Two Worlds by Bryce Walton (5.0) - A rollicking tale with an exuberant style, wild creativity and non-stop action like a freight train out of control. All of which call to mind, along with the style of reflective inner dialogue, A.E. van Vogt, my favorite among the greats of golden era SF. The story's central theme, the struggle against tyranny, also frequently recurs in van Vogt's stories. It leverages a number of far out creative and existential horror elements that come together well, including theories of racial memory, genetic mutation, a haunting notion of disembodied time/space travel via the 4th dimension, a soul eating monster, a fascinating backstory involving a solar system wide apocalypse, and finally some intriguing alien world tie-ins to ancient Earth myth and legend. Those tie-ins are in fact quite integral pillars, adding depth throughout the story. Walton even pays homage to Robert E. Howard with a brief cameo from Conan. Some may find it gratuitous perhaps, but I loved it. Quite an interesting and creative tale from an author I'd never heard of. A great discovery!
Thanks to the folks at DMR books for unearthing these gems!
The Temple of Earth by Poul Anderson (4.0) - A rousing sword & planet yarn set on the moon long after an apocalypse has destroyed the Earth and society has slid into feudalism and barbarism. The hero is an affable sword wielding barbarian intent on keeping his freedom at any cost. Good action and a well realized subterranean lunar setting make this one memorable.
World of the Dark Dwellers by Edmond Hamilton (2.0) - This suffers from an overly juvenile writing style that I found offputting, despite an especially creepy depiction of the hideous man/worm like creatures known as "Dark Dwellers".
The Eyes of Thar by Henry Kuttner (4.0) - A great piece of golden age sci-fi, with a bit of a portal fantasy feel, featuring a cleverly imagined heroine from another dimension whose need for allies in combating her enemies is outweighed only by her skill at recruiting them. I'm a sucker for stories with forgotten ancient technologies, buried civilizations and inter-dimensional combat, and this one's got all three, plus a great final twist!
The Empress of Mars by Ross Rocklynne (2.0) - Overwritten, sappy, too many footnotes and too many exclamation points!!!
Man of Two Worlds by Bryce Walton (5.0) - A rollicking tale with an exuberant style, wild creativity and non-stop action like a freight train out of control. All of which call to mind, along with the style of reflective inner dialogue, A.E. van Vogt, my favorite among the greats of golden era SF. The story's central theme, the struggle against tyranny, also frequently recurs in van Vogt's stories. It leverages a number of far out creative and existential horror elements that come together well, including theories of racial memory, genetic mutation, a haunting notion of disembodied time/space travel via the 4th dimension, a soul eating monster, a fascinating backstory involving a solar system wide apocalypse, and finally some intriguing alien world tie-ins to ancient Earth myth and legend. Those tie-ins are in fact quite integral pillars, adding depth throughout the story. Walton even pays homage to Robert E. Howard with a brief cameo from Conan. Some may find it gratuitous perhaps, but I loved it. Quite an interesting and creative tale from an author I'd never heard of. A great discovery!
Thanks to the folks at DMR books for unearthing these gems!
July 3, 2023
Nice sword and planet anthology. I’ve read tons of stuff by Poul Anderson, Henry Kuttner, and Edmond Hamilton. I’ve come across a few Bryce Walton works. I’m not sure if I’ve ever read Ross Rocklynne. I really enjoyed this book. My favorites were from Anderson and Kuttner, but each story had good parts if you enjoy this type of writing. These were published in various pulp and sci fi magazines from the 1930’s through the 1950s. Fun escapism.
July 10, 2021
Planetary Adventures
Edited by D.M. Ritzlin
Cover art by George Rozen
DMR Books has collected five tales of interstellar outlaws and outcasts. All of which have rarely been seen since their initial printings. If adventure against an alien landscape is what you are looking for then look no further.
The Temple of Earth by Poul Anderson
Rikard and his companions are running for their lives. Living as criminals on the fringe of lunar society, they have nowhere left to hide. A deal with the devil will upset the status quo.
Anderson always delivers the goods. It's nightmarish to imagine living in a hostile environment with finite resources. Probably not as scary to someone born to it like the characters of the story though.
World of the Dark Dwellers by Edmond Hamilton
First person perspective, my favorite!
A death bed confession sends Eric North on a journey and adventure beyond his wildest dreams. A usurped throne is the prize, but the Dark Dwellers will not be denied.
This so reminded me of the Darwath books by Barbara Hambly. I wonder if she was inspired by this story or is it all coincidence? Regardless, if you like this story seek out Hambly's Darwath books; they're worth it.
I've only recently learned to love Hamilton's sci-fi adventure stories. I always assumed what he wrote wouldn't be something that would appeal to me, but I was dead wrong. Thanks to DMR Books I've discovered another author to enjoy.
The Eyes of Thar by Henry Kuttner
With the death of his love, Samuel Dantan has turned outlaw. The authorities are hot on his heels, it's only a matter of time before they run him to ground. Finding an unexpected place to hide Dantan meets a stranger who is a dead ringer for his love, with her own set of problems.
This story begins quite a bit like a revenge western, which I dug quite a bit. The rest of the story? Meh. Kuttner is an author I feel I should read more of, but the few things I've read I just end up feeling indifferent about.
The Empress of Mars by Ross Rocklynne
Another first person perspective story!
Darak of Werg is searching for his Princess. She was abducted by the Empress of Mars. The Empress will not be satisfied until all of Mars is under her heel. Darak's quest has one problem, he has never laid eyes upon his princess. An unexpected ally will assist him in his quest.
This is the first Rocklynne story I have read. It's really a heroic fantasy story set on Mars. Enjoyable, I wouldn't mind reading a few more like it. Although the love at first sight theme gets tiresome in these type of stories. Also Rocklynne is given to using footnotes. Footnotes can be interesting but in this case I found them a nuisance and distraction from what is going on. Add those details into your manuscript not as a footnote.
Man of Two Worlds by Bryce Walton
Bryce Walton is an author I've never heard of(somehow I had forgotten his story Princess of Chaos in Renegade Swords anthology). His story may be the longest in the collection.
A group of outcasts are being persecuted. Discovery of some ancient gateways to other times and places gives the outcasts a place to flee. They find themselves on an ancient Mars with many names very familiar to Earth's ancient past. The truth will turn an ancient Earth myth on its ear.
The story was interesting, but Walton tends to be repetitive and redundant. I guess he just wants to hammer the point down. Also a certain barbarian from Cimmeria makes an appearance, which was both surprising and jarring.
Conclusion
Another fine anthology to add to my collection. Some stories I enjoyed more than others, but overall each provided elements that I enjoy in my fiction. Of course there is always a big thank you to DMR Books for dusting these stories off and putting them in book format.
Recommended!!
Edited by D.M. Ritzlin
Cover art by George Rozen
DMR Books has collected five tales of interstellar outlaws and outcasts. All of which have rarely been seen since their initial printings. If adventure against an alien landscape is what you are looking for then look no further.
The Temple of Earth by Poul Anderson
Rikard and his companions are running for their lives. Living as criminals on the fringe of lunar society, they have nowhere left to hide. A deal with the devil will upset the status quo.
Anderson always delivers the goods. It's nightmarish to imagine living in a hostile environment with finite resources. Probably not as scary to someone born to it like the characters of the story though.
World of the Dark Dwellers by Edmond Hamilton
First person perspective, my favorite!
A death bed confession sends Eric North on a journey and adventure beyond his wildest dreams. A usurped throne is the prize, but the Dark Dwellers will not be denied.
This so reminded me of the Darwath books by Barbara Hambly. I wonder if she was inspired by this story or is it all coincidence? Regardless, if you like this story seek out Hambly's Darwath books; they're worth it.
I've only recently learned to love Hamilton's sci-fi adventure stories. I always assumed what he wrote wouldn't be something that would appeal to me, but I was dead wrong. Thanks to DMR Books I've discovered another author to enjoy.
The Eyes of Thar by Henry Kuttner
With the death of his love, Samuel Dantan has turned outlaw. The authorities are hot on his heels, it's only a matter of time before they run him to ground. Finding an unexpected place to hide Dantan meets a stranger who is a dead ringer for his love, with her own set of problems.
This story begins quite a bit like a revenge western, which I dug quite a bit. The rest of the story? Meh. Kuttner is an author I feel I should read more of, but the few things I've read I just end up feeling indifferent about.
The Empress of Mars by Ross Rocklynne
Another first person perspective story!
Darak of Werg is searching for his Princess. She was abducted by the Empress of Mars. The Empress will not be satisfied until all of Mars is under her heel. Darak's quest has one problem, he has never laid eyes upon his princess. An unexpected ally will assist him in his quest.
This is the first Rocklynne story I have read. It's really a heroic fantasy story set on Mars. Enjoyable, I wouldn't mind reading a few more like it. Although the love at first sight theme gets tiresome in these type of stories. Also Rocklynne is given to using footnotes. Footnotes can be interesting but in this case I found them a nuisance and distraction from what is going on. Add those details into your manuscript not as a footnote.
Man of Two Worlds by Bryce Walton
Bryce Walton is an author I've never heard of(somehow I had forgotten his story Princess of Chaos in Renegade Swords anthology). His story may be the longest in the collection.
A group of outcasts are being persecuted. Discovery of some ancient gateways to other times and places gives the outcasts a place to flee. They find themselves on an ancient Mars with many names very familiar to Earth's ancient past. The truth will turn an ancient Earth myth on its ear.
The story was interesting, but Walton tends to be repetitive and redundant. I guess he just wants to hammer the point down. Also a certain barbarian from Cimmeria makes an appearance, which was both surprising and jarring.
Conclusion
Another fine anthology to add to my collection. Some stories I enjoyed more than others, but overall each provided elements that I enjoy in my fiction. Of course there is always a big thank you to DMR Books for dusting these stories off and putting them in book format.
Recommended!!
June 16, 2021
Rocket Fueled Adventures from DMR!
Sword and Planet is the first cousin of Sword and Sorcery fiction. It may have started with Edgar Rice Burroughs, but the genre didn’t end there.
DMR continues the uncanny ability of knowing exactly what I want to read. The names Poul Anderson, Henry Kuttner and Edmond Hamilton were enough to get me to punch my ticket for the rocket ride, but they added two, new to me, authors: Ross Rocklynne and Bryce Walton.
Five stories make up this fast paced book. Even though I’m familiar with Anderson, Kuttner and Hamilton, all three of their stories I had not encountered before.
The stand out story for me was the last (and longest) “Man of Two Worlds” by Bryce Walton. Walton gives us a planetary adventure steeped in famous mythology. It was a treat to read. Side note, while reading the last story it reminded me of Dan Simmons’ Ilium/Olympos series. I wonder if Mr Simmons encountered it before?
These stories were published in the 30s/40s/50s in rags with names like Rocket Stories and Space Stories. They are not modern and might be off-putting to some modern readers; however, if like me, you enjoy Edgar Rice Burroughs and Otis Adelbert Kline and can place nostalgia above modernity, you will enjoy this book.
Snag it. Read it. It’s DMR, you can’t go wrong.
Sword and Planet is the first cousin of Sword and Sorcery fiction. It may have started with Edgar Rice Burroughs, but the genre didn’t end there.
DMR continues the uncanny ability of knowing exactly what I want to read. The names Poul Anderson, Henry Kuttner and Edmond Hamilton were enough to get me to punch my ticket for the rocket ride, but they added two, new to me, authors: Ross Rocklynne and Bryce Walton.
Five stories make up this fast paced book. Even though I’m familiar with Anderson, Kuttner and Hamilton, all three of their stories I had not encountered before.
The stand out story for me was the last (and longest) “Man of Two Worlds” by Bryce Walton. Walton gives us a planetary adventure steeped in famous mythology. It was a treat to read. Side note, while reading the last story it reminded me of Dan Simmons’ Ilium/Olympos series. I wonder if Mr Simmons encountered it before?
These stories were published in the 30s/40s/50s in rags with names like Rocket Stories and Space Stories. They are not modern and might be off-putting to some modern readers; however, if like me, you enjoy Edgar Rice Burroughs and Otis Adelbert Kline and can place nostalgia above modernity, you will enjoy this book.
Snag it. Read it. It’s DMR, you can’t go wrong.
July 2, 2021
This is a pretty solid collection of Sword and Planet and more action oriented sci-fi. It’s cut from the same clothe as Sword and Sorcery and makes a good fit to DMR’s bibliography. The first and last stories get it the 5/5 for me. Greater than sum of it’s parts.
Poul Anderson’s “Temple of the Earth.” This one I really loved. Man I wish Poul Anderson did more with this setting. Mankind has fallen back to barbarism on the moon. They’ve forgotten science, barbarians live in air tenys and raid cities, in space suites with bows and arrows! The earth is heaven and mars is hell. The last remaining engineers are basically the medieval Catholic Church. What more could you want?
Edmond Hamilton’s “World of the Dark Dwellers.” I’ve only read the 2 Ed Hamilton collection’s DMR has put out. His writing is fun and very flimsy. This is pretty typical Sword and Planet. It’s solid fun.
Henry Kuttner’s “The Eyes of Thar.” This feels very much like one of his wife, CL Moore’s Northwest Smith Stories. It’s not quite as good as the better NW Smith, but it’s pretty good. Henry Kuttner really is an unsung hero. Everything I’ve read by him is great. I discovered him because of DMR republishing his “Land of the Earthquake.” Good work shining some light on Kuttner’s stuff.
Ross Rocklynne’s “The Empress of Mars.” By no means bad but very generic Sword and Planet. It was decent but my least favorite of the batch.
Finally, Bryce Walton’s “Man of Two Worlds.” I have some minor gripes but overall loved this. Essentially, mankind has destroyed earth, the last survivors live on mars. Outlaws from the tyrannically colony discover a pyramid that sends them back in time. Turns out the labyrinth of Knossos is an ancient Martian civilization. Along with many other myths, Medusa, the Phoenix, Icarus, CONAN THE BARBARIAN, Thor. The villain is basically the collector from the marvel universe. And man that ending is classic pulp. My only issue is the writing is a bit self indulgent with the conceit of time travel, and the pseudo-science behind it. Idk, it’s just a little too self-aware? But overall still so excellent, I just think some of the protagonists reflections were repetitive. Still awesome though.
Poul Anderson’s “Temple of the Earth.” This one I really loved. Man I wish Poul Anderson did more with this setting. Mankind has fallen back to barbarism on the moon. They’ve forgotten science, barbarians live in air tenys and raid cities, in space suites with bows and arrows! The earth is heaven and mars is hell. The last remaining engineers are basically the medieval Catholic Church. What more could you want?
Edmond Hamilton’s “World of the Dark Dwellers.” I’ve only read the 2 Ed Hamilton collection’s DMR has put out. His writing is fun and very flimsy. This is pretty typical Sword and Planet. It’s solid fun.
Henry Kuttner’s “The Eyes of Thar.” This feels very much like one of his wife, CL Moore’s Northwest Smith Stories. It’s not quite as good as the better NW Smith, but it’s pretty good. Henry Kuttner really is an unsung hero. Everything I’ve read by him is great. I discovered him because of DMR republishing his “Land of the Earthquake.” Good work shining some light on Kuttner’s stuff.
Ross Rocklynne’s “The Empress of Mars.” By no means bad but very generic Sword and Planet. It was decent but my least favorite of the batch.
Finally, Bryce Walton’s “Man of Two Worlds.” I have some minor gripes but overall loved this. Essentially, mankind has destroyed earth, the last survivors live on mars. Outlaws from the tyrannically colony discover a pyramid that sends them back in time. Turns out the labyrinth of Knossos is an ancient Martian civilization. Along with many other myths, Medusa, the Phoenix, Icarus, CONAN THE BARBARIAN, Thor. The villain is basically the collector from the marvel universe. And man that ending is classic pulp. My only issue is the writing is a bit self indulgent with the conceit of time travel, and the pseudo-science behind it. Idk, it’s just a little too self-aware? But overall still so excellent, I just think some of the protagonists reflections were repetitive. Still awesome though.
February 28, 2025
Some really fun stories at the start but the last and longest of this collection really dragged the whole thing down for me. I think the Edmond Hamilton and Ross Rocklyne stories are the standouts.
September 8, 2021
A solid anthology of Sword and Sorcery fantasy sliding somewhere between pure Sword & Sorcery fiction, Swords and Planets (Planetary Romance), and early Science Fiction. Cosisting of 5 stories, they rand in quality from the incredible (The Temple of Earth by Poul Anderson) to the merely good(The Empress of Mars by Ross Rocklynne) with the other 3 falling somewhere in between. Biggest surprise for me was finding a Henry Kuttner story that I hadn't read yet (The Eyes of Thar).
July 8, 2022
Fun tales from the early days of Sci-Fi that feature a post-apocalyptic moon, a far future mars, and more exotic settings. Strong, vivid prose undermined by out-dated gender roles and occasionally funny out-dated tech, such as a tunnel lit by free-floating radioactive gas.
February 20, 2024
I had a lot of fun with this book. Fast, easy, and action packed. Would recommend to a friend.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews