When Kohonnes Screamed

"When Kohonnes Screamed" by Gardner F. Fox is a science fiction novel written during the late 1940s. The book explores themes of creation and destruction on a fantastical planet influenced by a god-like machine called Kohonnes, which reshapes the environment and creates havoc for the inhabitants and any visitors. Additionally, the novel delves into the adventures of the protagonist, Grim Thorssen, as he navigates this bizarre and hostile world. The story follows Grim Thorssen, a space commander sent to investigate the disappearance of trading vessels in the mysterious land of Stormland. Upon crash-landing, he encounters a realm where landscapes and creatures are manipulated by an omnipotent force known as Kohonnes. With the help of Tlokine, the Black Priestess of Kohonnes, he learns that another priestess, Althaya, seeks to harness Kohonnes’ power for her own ambitions. The narrative unfolds through a series of conflicts involving Grim, Althaya, and the pirate Black Randolph, who aims to exploit the power of the machine for personal gain. Ultimately, Grim discovers the essence of the machine behind Kohonnes and confronts the challenges that arise from this powerful force, leading to a dramatic battle between the desires for power and the struggle for freedom.