The Death Crystal by George O. Smith
The Death Crystal is a science fiction novel written by George O. Smith and published in 1953. The story follows the adventures of space explorer Steve Randall, who discovers an ancient alien artifact known as the "Death Crystal" on a distant planet. As he attempts to unravel the mysteries surrounding the crystal, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous conflict with rival factions seeking to control its power. The novel is noted for its imaginative world-building and fast-paced action sequences.
By George O. Smith · First published 1943 · Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Adventure · 4 chapters · 13,743 words
First lines
_One by one, forty of the Earth's greatest scientists vanished into that world beyond the universe -- until one man, doomed by its fatal rays, carried humanity's last hope back the blinding, twisted corridors that led through -- _
They looked at the crystal in horror.
What this Textopian page supports
The Death Crystal is listed on Textopian as a novel by George O. Smith, dated 1943 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: George O. Smith
- Date: 1943 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller, Adventure, Mystery, Romance
- Length: 13,743 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 451 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Death Crystal by George O. Smith
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Death Crystal?
- How does this novel by George O. Smith fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The World Mover by George O. Smith
- Tidal Moon by Stanley G. Weinbaum
- Dark Recess by George O. Smith
- The Graveyard Of Space by Stephen Marlowe
- Planetoid 127 by Edgar Wallace
- Beyond The Ultra Violet by Frank M. Robinson
Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative is centered around advanced scientific concepts, such as interdimensional travel and futuristic technology, which are hallmarks of science fiction.
- Thriller — The plot involves high-stakes danger, suspense, and a race against time to prevent catastrophic events, typical of a thriller.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a perilous journey, facing numerous challenges and unknowns, which is characteristic of adventure stories.
- Mystery — The story includes elements of mystery, such as the unexplained disappearances of scientists and the enigmatic properties of the crystal.
Tags
science fiction · space exploration · mystery · adventure · technology · alien encounters · suspense · futuristic · interstellar · psychological · thriller · humanity
Contents
- The Shape of Danger
- The Crystal Phantoms
- The other World
- The Struggle for Earth