Face in the Abyss

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Face in the Abyss

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

In the remote Cordillera de Carabaya, mining engineer Nicholas Graydon joins an expedition to find the lost treasure of the Inca Atahualpa. Instead, they discover the hidden, ancient civilization of Yu-Atlanchi, ruled by the immortal Snake Mother and her serpent-folk. Blending ancient mystery with cosmic horror, this classic lost-world adventure explores themes of power, immortality, and the clash between primitive magic and modern reason.

Summary up to 500 words

In Abraham Merritt's *Face in the Abyss*, mining engineer Nicholas Graydon joins adventurer Starrett and two companions to hunt for the ransom of the Inca Atahualpa. Guided by a mysterious golden map, they enter the accursed Cordillera de Carabaya, where their supplies vanish and the trail leads them to a forbidden realm. There, they encounter Suarra, a mysterious girl who reveals the existence of Yu-Atlanchi, a lost civilization ruled by the Snake Mother. The group is attacked by 'Lizard Men' and captured, bringing Graydon before the Snake Mother in her throne room. There, he faces the Shadow of Nimir, a dark entity seeking a physical body to regain its lost power. Nimir attempts to possess Graydon, offering him immortality and god-like power, but Graydon resists through sheer will and the memory of Suarra. The Snake Mother reveals that her civilization has lost its deathlessness and is in decay. She explains that her powers are based on manipulating natural forces rather than magic. After a confrontation where Nimir is defeated and his followers destroyed, the Mother decides to seal her realm away from the outside world to protect it from invasion and destruction. She prepares to enter a long sleep to rejuvenate herself, entrusting the future of Yu-Atlanchi to Graydon and Regor. The story concludes with the sealing of the Mother's chamber, leaving the fate of the hidden world uncertain but safe from immediate external threats. The narrative explores themes of temptation versus moral integrity, the decay of ancient civilizations, and the distinction between true science and perceived sorcery. Merritt's tone shifts from adventurous suspense to cosmic horror and finally to a somber resolution, emphasizing the cost of power and the necessity of isolation to preserve a dying utopia.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/abraham-merritt_face-in-the-abyss.epub

Local file path

data/epubs/url-7092339f8d93c960.epub

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Downloaded at

2026-07-01 07:04 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction
• Fantasy