Lorelei of the Red Mist

[Dan]

"Lorelei of the Red Mist" by Leigh Brackett and Ray Bradbury is a science fiction novella published in the Summer 1946 issue of Planet Stories. it's often called a "planetary romance."

According to an AI-generated summary: "The story follows Hugh Starke, a man who, after dying in a violent escape attempt on the planet Venus, awakens in a new body that he quickly discovers is both powerful and cursed by the influence of Rann, a devil-goddess who rules the planet Falga. The narrative blends elements of adventure and mysticism as Starke grapples with his new identity and the treacherous forces at play.

The opening of the book introduces us to Hugh Starke's desperate flight and subsequent death, which leads to his awakening in an unfamiliar setting—a world of striking beauty and peril. Initially disoriented, Starke learns that his previous identity is fading and that he is now entangled in a larger conflict involving the inhabitants of this alien realm, particularly Rann who seeks to manipulate him for her own ends. Moreover, the dynamics between Starke, the blind warrior Faolan, and the fierce leader Beudag create intriguing tension as the plot suggests a deep history of betrayal and war. As Starke confronts his new identity and the looming threats, the stage is set for a tale filled with complexity, emotion, and interplanetary intrigue."

Honestly, that synopsis makes the story sound better than reviews suggest it is. Most reviews are mixed to negative. So why did I choose it? I think we should make up our own minds. Leigh Brackett was a prominent 1940s pulp writer. Apparently she started this story, but couldn't figure out how to finish it. She handed it off to Ray Bradbury who polished it up and put in an ending. I'm curious to see what they came up with.

Join us this June if you're curious as well. Copies of this story abound at low to no cost. It's available via Gutenberg, which means it's likely free in Kindle.

[Dan]

It is easy to tell who wrote the first half (Brackett) and who wrote the last (Bradbury). I would give the first half three stars. It had its issues, particularly a character named Starke usurping Conan's body. Yes, the Conan. How did Brackett or Planet Stories manage not to get sued by Howard, or his estate, for blatant copyright infringement? That aside, it was a mildly enjoyable but frivolous read that didn't seem like it was going anywhere significant.

Clearly Brackett felt the same way, because she abandoned the story. Reportedly the Planet Stories editor wanted to print a final version and when he couldn't get Brackett to finish it commissioned Bradbury to do so. Bradbury made an effort, but not a good one. He kept the protagonist, but then introduced new characters who had no role, actions of significance, or even character except for being named as present.

The story drifted around meaninglessly for the back forty pages and then died a pointless death, mercifully for the reader. Neither writer shines from having their name associated with this heap of steaming dung.