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Cover of Ice Planet

Ice Planet

Written by Carl Selwyn

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Science FictionAdventure storiesMan-woman relationshipsWeaponsMystery fictionJournalistsEscaped prisoners

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About this book

"Ice Planet" by Carl Selwyn is a science fiction novel likely written in the early to mid-20th century. The story revolves around themes of crime and intrigue set against the backdrop of a distant, icy planet, Neptune. The narrative follows a character named Bill Ricker, a telenewsman, as he finds himself embroiled in a thrilling plot involving murder, conspiracy, and the potential for planetary domination. The plot unfolds as Ricker travels with the infamous murderess Molly Borden, who is aboard a spaceship heading towards Mars for a life sentence. During the journey, chaos ensues when a Martian accomplice attempts an escape. Ricker's curiosity leads him to uncover a larger conspiracy involving the theft of top-secret technology from Molly's murdered father, Benjamin Adison. As Ricker navigates through perilous situations, he discovers that the conspirators plan to launch an attack on Earth using stolen technology capable of melting entire planets. Eventually, Ricker must employ quick thinking and bravery to thwart the plot, leading to a climactic confrontation beneath Neptune's icy surface. The story combines elements of adventure with a critique of power and corruption, providing a gripping reading experience.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Ice Planet, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • mysterious
  • adventurous
  • thrilling

Carl Selwyn's "Ice Planet" is an early to mid-20th-century science fiction novel that plunges telenewsman Bill Ricker into a galaxy-spanning conspiracy. Initially covering the transport of infamous murderess Molly Borden to Mars, Ricker uncovers a far more sinister plot involving her murdered father's stolen, planet-melting technology. As he navigates treacherous space journeys and mysterious clues, Ricker discovers a plan by unknown conspirators to launch an attack on Earth. The narrative culminates in a thrilling confrontation beneath Neptune's icy surface, where Ricker must use his wits to prevent planetary destruction and expose the truth.

“"The cold of space was nothing compared to the chill of human ambition."”

Key themes

Corruption and Abuse of Power
The novel directly critiques how power can corrupt and be abused. The conspirators seek planetary domination, demonstrating the destructive potential when individuals or groups wield immense technological and political influence without moral restraint. This theme explores the insidious nature of ambition and the lengths to which people will go to achieve control.
Technology and its Dangers
A central theme is the double-edged sword of scientific advancement. Benjamin Adison's invention, capable of melting planets, represents incredible human ingenuity but also catastrophic destructive potential. The story highlights the moral responsibility that comes with creating powerful technology and the dire consequences when such power falls into the wrong hands.
Heroism and Individual Agency
The narrative celebrates the power of the individual to effect change, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. Bill Ricker, an ordinary telenewsman, transforms into an accidental hero whose curiosity, bravery, and quick thinking are crucial in thwarting a planetary-scale disaster. This theme emphasizes that courage and moral conviction can challenge even the most powerful conspiracies.

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How does 'Ice Planet' reflect the anxieties and aspirations of the mid-20th century regarding space exploration and technology?

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