City of the Living Flame

"City of the Living Flame" by Henry Hasse is a science fiction novel written in the early 1940s. The book delves into themes of exploration and the supernatural, set against the backdrop of Mars, particularly its polar region. The narrative follows Jim Landor's quest to uncover the legendary city of M'Tonak, believed to be hidden beneath the Martian ice, and the dangers he faces in pursuit of both the city and his missing brother. The story begins with Jim Landor flying over the Martian polar cap, convinced of the existence of M'Tonak, a fabled city rumored to contain a powerful emerald that could change his life. As Jim arrives in the nearby town of Riida, he partners with a Martian named Kaarji, who has his own mysterious connection to M'Tonak. Setting out into the polar wastes, the expedition encounters bizarre creatures and a malevolent entity known as the Dim-Ing, which affects the minds of those who enter its territory. As tensions rise, Jim learns the truth about M'Tonak and its connection to an evil force that poses a significant threat not only to the Martians but to humanity at large. The climax reveals Jim's struggle against the Dim-Ing, culminating in a desperate bid to thwart its plans and escape the catastrophic events unfolding in the city.