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Cover of Never Come Midnight

Never Come Midnight

Written by H. L. (Horace Leonard) Gold

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Science Fiction

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About this book

"Never Come Midnight" by Christopher Grimm is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The book explores themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of immortality within a richly constructed universe. It centers around the life of Emrys Shortmire, a man navigating his strange heritage as the unknowing son of the brilliant inventor Jan Shortmire, who has made a pact with an alien race, the Morethans, leading to complex ramifications for humanity. The story unfolds amidst a backdrop of futuristic technology and interplanetary dynamics, primarily focusing on Emrys as he grapples with his dual identity—a blend of human and Morethan. Following the mysterious death of his father on the planet Morethis, Amrys emerges as a young man with unfulfilled desires but is burdened by an alien lineage that threatens the fabric of Earth. As he becomes aware of his immortality and the bargain struck by his father, he finds himself caught in a web of revenge against those who wronged him, particularly Nicholas Dyall, a rival inventor. The narrative culminates in a bittersweet exploration of what it means to be human, the cost of ambition, and the peril of playing god, while weaving a tale that questions the true value of life and legacy.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Never Come Midnight, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • advanced
  • dark
  • mysterious
  • philosophical

Set in a futuristic universe, "Never Come Midnight" by Christopher Grimm (H. L. Gold) delves into the complex life of Emrys Shortmire, the unknowing son of brilliant inventor Jan Shortmire, who brokered a dangerous pact with the alien Morethans. The novel explores profound themes of identity, the moral implications of immortality, and the far-reaching consequences of ambition. Following his father's mysterious death, Emrys grapples with his dual human-Morethan heritage, discovering his own immortality and the burden of his lineage. His journey transforms into a quest for revenge against Nicholas Dyall, a rival inventor, ultimately questioning the true value of life and legacy.

“What defines a man when time itself has ceased to be a boundary?”

Key themes

Immortality and Its Consequences
This theme is central to the novel, exploring the profound ethical, psychological, and social ramifications of an unending life. It asks whether immortality is truly a blessing or a curse, examining the potential for existential dread, the loss of empathy for mortals, and the burden of witnessing endless cycles of history.
Identity and Dual Nature
The core of Emrys's struggle lies in reconciling his human upbringing with his inherited Morethan physiology and immortality. This theme explores what it means to be human when one is also something more, questioning the boundaries of self and belonging. It delves into the internal conflict arising from a hybrid existence.
The Morality of Scientific Ambition and 'Playing God'
The novel critically examines the ethical boundaries of scientific pursuit, particularly through Jan Shortmire's pact with the Morethans. It questions whether the pursuit of knowledge, power, or even humanity's advancement justifies compromising moral principles or unleashing unforeseen dangers. The theme explores the hubris inherent in attempting to control fundamental aspects of life and death.

Worth discussing

How does 'Never Come Midnight' challenge conventional notions of immortality, portraying it as both a blessing and a curse?

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