Tarrano the Conqueror

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21638

Title

Tarrano the Conqueror

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in 2430 A.D., this science fiction adventure follows Jac Hallen as he witnesses the murder of the Earth's President and a simultaneous coup on Venus. As interplanetary relations fracture, Hallen joins a resistance against the tyrannical Tarrano, navigating high-tech cities, melting ice fortresses, and desperate battles to save Earth from invasion.

Summary up to 500 words

In the year 2430 A.D., Jac Hallen, a correspondent for the Anglo-Saxon Rlic, witnesses the assassination of the President at Park Sixty. Simultaneously, the ruler of the Venus Central State is murdered, severing communication between Earth and Venus. Hallen identifies the culprit as Tarrano, a Venusian conqueror who has declared war on Earth. Hallen travels to Venus, arriving to find a planet defined by decadent luxury and simmering resentment among the oppressed lower class, known as 'slaans.' Tarrano has seized control of the Great City, establishing a regime with a stark division between the wealthy elite and the servile population. His ultimate goal is to conquer Earth, viewing it as a source of power and resources, while exploiting Venusian resentment to destabilize Earth's defenses. Upon arrival, Hallen is joined by his companions, including the Mars man Wolfgar and Princess Maida. They discover that Tarrano's influence is absolute, and his forces have gained the upper hand, forcing Hallen and his allies to retreat to Earth. Back on Earth, the group works to rally support against the impending invasion, facing the daunting task of defending their world against a technologically superior enemy. The narrative culminates in a climactic battle where Hallen and his allies must use their wits and courage to defeat Tarrano. The story explores themes of decadence versus resilience, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the fragility of interplanetary peace. Ray Cummings presents this tale not as pure fantasy, but as a logical extrapolation of future civilization, weaving a story of adventure and romance that addresses the probable trajectory of human society five hundred years hence. The conflict resolves with Tarrano's defeat and subsequent banishment to a barren asteroid, ensuring the survival of both Earth and Venus and restoring the possibility of future relations between the worlds.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-06-30 18:01 UTC

Categories

• Science Fiction