Parasite Planet

by Stanley G. Weinbaum

"Parasite Planet" is a science fiction short story by American writer Stanley G. Weinbaum originally published in the February 1935 issue of Astounding Stories. It was Weinbaum's fourth published story, and the first to be set on Venus. He quickly followed it up with a sequel called "The Lotus Eaters". In the story, tidal locking keeps one side of Venus perpetually facing the Sun. This side of the planet is a barren desert. Towards the planet's twilight region the temperature drops below the boiling point of water and the Hotlands begin: an area of the planet inhabited by native life forms, all of them parasitic to a greater or lesser degree.

Genres: Science Fiction

44 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1935

About the author

Full name: Stanley Grauman Weinbaum.

"In his short career, Stanley G. Weinbaum revolutionized science fiction. We are still exploring the themes he gave us." —Poul Anderson

"Stanley G. Weinbaum's name deserves to rank with those of Wells and Heinlein—and no more than a handful of others—as among the great shapers of modern science fiction." —Frederik Pohl

Reviews

[Xabi1990 · Rating 3 out of 5]

7/10 en 2012.
Entretenida historia de CF viejuna, vintage, con parejita que al comienzo se lleva mal y ya sabemos cómo acaba, en Venus, viviendo peripecias. Novelita.
Del 1935, ahí es nada. Y se nota el casi siglo que lleva encima.

[Richard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Starts off very strong, setting up the stage and the scenery. Our hero is in dire straits and must flee back to the nearest settlement. Along the way he discovers he is not alone in this wilderness.

Interesting character with a strong backstory for his motives. Circumstances lead predictably where you would expect.

The ending comes far to fast, with a rushed conclusion. Leaving me making a face and asking "Really?"

At least is was short.

[Sharly]

Es un curioso relato del año 1936, que no ha envejecido del todo bien. Analizado desde una perspectiva histórica, su argumento es bastante atrevido, ingenioso e innovador.

[Filipa Maia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love sci-fi. But, honestly, I've been reading these old timey books and I feel they all melt into one single plot: man from earth goes to another planet – the planet is filled with never seen creatures – girl (usual from some tribe or settlement) that lived her entire life on the planet gets saved by this man… the women (no matter the species) are always delicate, beautiful, and about to faint and the men are always strong, fearless and willing to ‘mate’ with these wild females… ugh...

And her... wow! For someone who was not raised in earth she is fairly annoying.

The story was kinda nice and the monsters pretty imaginative.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew there were such entertaining sci-fi stories way back in the 1930s?! I’ve never read anything like it before and just discovered there’s a sequel. I’m off in search of the next installment now!

[Victor Marling · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was alright, it started out pretty good, and strong with a ton of very good world building, and I loved the main character.

The ending however was weak, rushed, and the sudden love between the main character/that pat girl also made no sense/was just stupid.

[Muhammad Bilal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the writing style of this discusting and entertaining tale.

[Deydre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me ha gustado mucho la descripción del universo y la atmósfera de Venus en este relato.
El personaje principal es interesante, pero a pesar de empezar muy fuerte, el final es algo abrupto y no tiene demasiado sentido. Igualmente, es justo lo que buscaba: relato fácil de leer y con descripciones de naturaleza desafiante y peligrosa para el ser humano. Me ha gustado.

[Justin Couchot · Rating 3 out of 5]

A classic paperback. I was actually shocked to see afterwards that it was written in the 30's, as it feels pretty modern (except for the part at the end when the main character goes "Okay we're getting married at an American Chapel, let's go." and the woman meekly says okay.) Short, fun.

[Master · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trust an American to solve any problem on any world. If the gun is big enough and the shooting fast, the damsel will certainly fall at his feet ....

[Bárbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrendo.
No sé ni cómo describir lo malo que es.