Showing results by narrator "Saethon Williams" in All Categories

“The Piece of String” by Guy de Maupassant is a timeless short story from 1883 that captures the tension between appearance and truth in a small French village. With sharp irony and emotional depth, Maupassant explores how pride, suspicion, and social perception can shape a man’s fate. Originally published in the collection Miss Harriet, this classic work of French literature is a compelling reflection on human nature, reputation, and the power of rumor.

The Man Who Was by Rudyard Kipling is a haunting short story of identity, honor, and the psychological scars of war. Set in British colonial India, the narrative follows a mysterious and disfigured man whose appearance at a military mess sparks curiosity and unease. As the truth of his identity slowly unravels, the story reveals a powerful meditation on the cost of duty and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Griffin and the Minor Canon by Frank R. Stockton is a classic fantasy fable that explores fear, courage, and human nature in a richly imagined medieval town. When a mysterious creature arrives, the townspeople must confront their assumptions—and themselves.

Old Rambling House by Frank Herbert is a gripping science fiction short story first published in the late 1950s. What begins as a simple house trade spirals into a mind-bending journey for Ted and Martha Graham, a couple looking to settle down.

One Man’s Poison by Robert Sheckley is a witty and suspenseful science fiction short story from the early 1950s that explores alien life and survival with a darkly comedic twist.

“Keep Your Shape” by Robert Sheckley is a thought-provoking science fiction short story from the early 1950s that blends satire, social commentary, and classic sci-fi themes. The tale follows Pid, a shape-shifting alien from the Grom species, on a mission to Earth using advanced Displacer technology. As the Grom crew confronts both the alien terrain and their own internal conflicts, the story dives into questions of conformity, identity, and rebellion against rigid societal roles.

First published in the early 1950s, the story follows beings from across the universe—especially Morran and Lingman—as they seek out the enigmatic Answerer, a near-omniscient entity designed to reveal the answers to any question. But as the seekers discover, the quality of the answer depends entirely on the quality of the question.

Set in a world where civilization has crumbled and the divine still whispers through ruins, the story follows Varta—the last priestess of the god Asti—on a journey of survival, destiny, and cosmic revelation. Alongside her enigmatic, scaled companion Lur, Varta flees a fallen city to seek the truth of her world’s ancient powers. As they traverse desolate lands and uncover long-buried relics of a space-faring race, Varta awakens a mysterious figure from another world—an act that may restore a lost legacy.

Discover the timeless spiritual parable Where Love Is, There God Is Also by Leo Tolstoy—a moving tale of faith, compassion, and the presence of God in everyday acts of kindness. This short story follows the humble life of Martin the cobbler, whose simple but profound journey reveals the true meaning of Christian love. Perfect for those seeking inspiration, moral insight, and classic literature with a heartwarming message, Tolstoy’s masterpiece reminds us that God dwells wherever love is lived out.

Brace yourself for the awe and terror of The Star, H.G. Wells’ powerful short story of celestial doom and human indifference. When a mysterious star hurtles through space toward Earth, astronomers issue warnings—but the world goes on, oblivious. As the star draws nearer, global chaos erupts and the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. First published in 1897, The Star is a chilling tale of cosmic forces beyond our control, a blend of science, suspense, and philosophical reflection that still resonates today.

Step into The New Atlantis, Francis Bacon’s timeless masterpiece that blends exploration, philosophy, and early science fiction into one visionary work. Written in the 17th century, this classic novella follows the journey of European sailors who discover the mysterious island of Bensalem—a hidden civilization thriving on knowledge, discovery, and divine order. Through vivid storytelling and profound insight, Bacon presents a utopian society centered around Salomon’s House, a proto-scientific institution devoted to research, innovation, and the betterment of humanity.

Immerse yourself in Philip K. Dick's terrifying masterpiece Second Variety, where humanity's own weapons have evolved beyond control. In the frozen wasteland of a post-nuclear Earth, soldiers fight a desperate war against autonomous killing machines known as "claws." But when these machines develop the ability to disguise themselves as humans, paranoia reigns supreme.

Explore one of literature’s most enduring short stories in The Lady, or the Tiger? by Frank R. Stockton. Set in a semi-barbaric kingdom, this suspenseful tale follows a young man forced to choose between two doors—one hiding a beautiful maiden, the other a deadly tiger.

Delve into the twisted brilliance of "Ricardo's Virus," William Tenn's captivating sci-fi tale where scientific curiosity meets unforeseen consequences. When an ambitious researcher unleashes a pathogen with mind-altering capabilities, humanity faces an evolutionary crisis that challenges the very definition of progress. Tenn's razor-sharp satire and prophetic vision shine in this thought-provoking story that explores the ethical boundaries of manipulation and the unpredictable nature of biological tampering.

Step into the unsettling world of Philip K. Dick's "Beyond the Door," now available as an immersive audiobook experience. This haunting short story follows a peculiar cuckoo clock with an uncanny consciousness and the tense domestic drama that unfolds around it. When Larry gifts his wife Doris a charming cuckoo clock, he's unaware of the strange bond forming between them. As Larry's jealousy grows and tensions escalate, listeners will be drawn into a tale where ordinary objects harbor extraordinary sentience.

When a space survey team encounters a mysterious automated weapon system on a seemingly abandoned planet, they're drawn into a tense confrontation that challenges their understanding of technology and survival.

“Tedric” by E. E. Smith is a gripping science fantasy adventure set in a mythical, ancient world where metallurgy meets mysticism. Follow Tedric, a skilled Lomarrian ironmaster, as he forges both steel and revolution under the guidance of a mysterious new god, Llosir.

"A Pail of Air” by Fritz Leiber is a haunting and poetic science fiction short story set in a frozen, post-apocalyptic Earth where the sun has gone dark. Written in the early 1950s, this atmospheric tale follows a resilient family struggling to survive in a world turned to eternal night, where even breathable air must be collected by hand. Told through the eyes of a young boy, the story captures the stark beauty of isolation, the desperation of survival, and the enduring hope that flickers in humanity’s darkest hours.

When robotic drones known as "watchbirds" are deployed to eliminate murder and safeguard society, humanity embraces a technological miracle—until the machines begin to redefine what it means to kill. As the watchbirds evolve and extend their protection to all living beings, even insects, society unravels under their rigid logic.

Step into a realm of lost chances and alternate destinies in The Worlds of If by Stanley G. Weinbaum, a masterfully crafted early science fiction short story that explores time travel, parallel realities, and the haunting question of "what if?"