Books published by publisher Thunderchild Publishing

Tom and his sister, Ruth, are home from school for a holiday. They are joined by their American friends, the Wheatley twins, Jane and Boyd. The four have already planned to explore Orleigh Cave, which has a local reputation of being haunted. But they are searching for a lost treasure of the Romans which they believe to lie somewhere in the cave. After being trapped in the cave by a rock fall, they travel deeper into the cave and stumble upon and into a secret world beneath the earth which is inhabited by descendants of the very Romans whose treasure they have been seeking. These people, with their debased Latin and their partly archaic and partly modern technology, guard their secret and their habitat rigorously from the upper earth. Fortunately the children make contact with a contemporary who has long been a prisoner and who has the aid of a "native" girl. But even with their new friends’ help, an escape attempt will put them in grave danger with only a chance of gaining freedom.Paul Capon (1912-1969) was a British novelist of considerable reputation. He had over twenty novels to his credit and counted film editing and script writing as part of his experience. He traveled extensively in Europe and made hobbies of chess, book-collecting and swimming.

n route to the Center of the Galaxy for the Interstellar Olympic Games, the HELLAS, carrying Earth's team, intercepts a mysterious space ship, apparently derelict. Steve Frazer, champion spacesuit racer, volunteers to investigate.Once aboard, he discovers astonishing evidence of an intelligent nonhuman race that can speak by telepathy and disappear at will - a race superior in some ways to human beings. Stunned, Steve returns to the HELLAS to find that no one believes his startling story.His attempts to prove that he is telling the truth plunge Steve quickly into the midst of interstellar conflict and intrigue. Disqualified from the Games on a trumped-up charge, Steve soon realizes that someone very powerful thinks he knows too much.Tightly written and intensely dramatic, the story sweeps to the outermost reaches of the galaxy. Its picture of the Games with their brilliant color and keen competition is entirely new to the pages of science fiction.Milton Lesser was raised in Brooklyn and attended the College of William and Mary. After several years writing science fiction under his given name, including four books for the Winston Science Fiction series, he legally adopted the pen name Stephen Marlowe. He authored more than fifty novels, including nearly two dozen featuring globe-trotting private eye Chester Drum.

The circus loses one of it's star animal performers on Mars. Mel Oliver and the owners of the circus decide to travel to Ganymede, the largest moon of Jupiter, to capture new and exotic animals for the circus. There they meet their arch rival, Gard Closker and his beautiful niece, Betty. Soon they are plunged into a series of exciting and dangerous adventures. But fortunately, the highly intelligent and courageous enhanced collie, Space Rover, is there to rescue them.About the author: William Morrison was a pen name used by Joseph Samachson (1906-1980). He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from Yale at the age of 23. He was an assistant professor at the College of Medicine, University of Illinois. He also headed a laboratory in metabolic research dealing with diseases that affect the skeleton. Samachson worked as a research chemist until 1938, leaving to become a fulltime writer. He worked as a technical writer but also wrote science fiction for the pulp magazines. In the early 1940s he wrote primarily for the comics. From that period, he is best known as the co-creator of the Martian Manhunter at DC but also created other characters like Zatara, Tomahawk and Two-gun Percy. In the 1950s he produced science fiction novels and many short stories and was a frequent contributor to major magazines like GALAXY. With his wife, he wrote books about various subjects, including the theater, music and ballet. He returned to biochemistry in 1953, eventually retiring in 1973 after five years as Associate Clinical Professor of biochemistry at Loyola University, Chicago.

No one believed Professor Elrick of the London Radar Research Laboratory when he announced in 1977 that Earth was in imminent danger of attack. Ever since his discovery of the dark star, Nero, the Professor and his young assistant, Jim Shannon, had studied the planet and its satellites through the radaroscope with a growing sense of impending doom. There seemed to be positive proof that the third planet, Poppea, had a civilization which was technologically far more advanced than Earth's!The grim truth of the Professor's warning came upon an unprepared world with a frightful concussion that seemed to rock the planet in its orbit. The space fleet from Poppea had hit Earth's atmosphere! When the English government realized the dire circumstances, the Home Guard was called out, the ack-ack guns manned and plans drawn up for London's evacuation. But the measures that saved the heroic island during World War II proved ineffective against the grotesque Poppeans. Gray-skinned, horny-limbed, they landed in impregnable space ships, releasing bacteria-laden white powder.His advance knowledge saved Jim Shannon and his associates from the sleep-inducing drug that blanketed Britain, and they lived to see the climax of man's battle with a superior civilization. How they met the Poppean leader, flew with him to the Arctic and watched with relief the slow withdrawal of the deadly Poppean grip make reading THE WORLD AT BAY a supremely exciting experience.PAUL CAPON (1912-1969) was a British novelist of considerable reputation. He had over twenty novels to his credit and counted film editing and script writing as part of his experience. He traveled extensively in Europe and made a hobby of chess, book-collecting and swimming. His first book for Winston was written in Hythe, an almost-deserted seaside resort on the English Channel — a town steeped in the past, which ironically enough inspired him to write THE WORLD AT BAY, most definitely a tale of the future.

ROCKETS THROUGH SPACE is a juvenile science fact book, published first in 1957 as a companion to the Winston Science Fiction series. Of course, at the time of its publication, no one had yet been into space and even the first satellite launch was still in the future. But the Space Age was coming and this book was one of those that explained what that meant to the young people of the time. Here's how it was described then:"We are on the threshold of Space. Very soon - perhaps before this book appears - the first man-made satellites will be launched by rockets into outer space and will begin to circle the Earth. What we learn from the instruments in these tiny spheres will help us to take the next important steps in our efforts to explore the Moon and, later, the far reaches of the Universe."In this absorbing book, Mr. del Rey explains why the idea of penetrating the great void of Space is no longer a wild dream. ROCKETS THROUGH SPACE is not a science-fiction book. It is science fact. Here you will read what we already know about the realms beyond Earth's atmosphere. You will examine the inside of a future rocketship. You will learn the principles of jet propulsion; how men will live where there is no gravity; what dangers will be faced by the first daring pioneers in Space."As far as human ingenuity can determine, every detail will be worked out in advance. Very little will be left to chance. Yet, as in all ventures into the unknown, experience alone can give us the final answers."ROCKETS THROUGH SPACE gives every known answer to the questions young people ask about space travel. At the same time, it offers fascinating speculation, including the best theories proposed by scientists, about those questions which will only be answered when men are actually out there."This is a book every young air- and space-minded reader must have."

One of the most fascinating areas in the solar system—the Asteroid Belt—gives this tale of mystery, intrigue and excitement a unique background. In this “orbit of danger," where rugged space frontiersmen risked their necks in a sea of swirling rock, teen-age Peter Clay and his father were faced with the possibility of having their small claim to Asteroid mining rights wiped out.In the shaky system of justice that had grown up between Mars and Jupiter to protect the individual miner, the Ama (Asteroid Miners’ Association) played an important part. It policed the Belt, spotted claim jumpers and was expected to aid any individual unlucky enough to get lost or disabled. When events led the Clays to suspect the Ama of invalidating claims for criminal purposes, they could only look to themselves and the sketchy Martian-sponsored government for help.From the moment the Clays heard a miner signaling for help from a tiny asteroid until they, with a group of honest men and women, band together to protect their claim from the Ama’s marauding ships, action and suspense color every page of this unusual story. How Peter Clay unraveled a maze of false clues; his narrow brush with desperate men who had a mining empire within their grasp; the details of life on the Asteroid frontier create, in MYSTERY OF THE THIRD MINE, a vivid world of drama and danger unique in the annals of science fiction.About the Author: Robert W. Lowndes was editorial director of Columbia Publications. He played a vital part in producing such magazines as FUTURE SCIENCE FICTION and was well acquainted with the writing being done in the fast-growing fantasy field. In writing MYSTERY OF THE THIRD MINE he considered all the unique forces that will affect man in outer space. Readers will see examples of how mankind may change when succeeding generations are born and raised on worlds with low gravity. The author has filled his story with details of how people, millions of miles away from Mother Earth and her comparatively warm and friendly environment, will live, think and feel. An engrossing story about people, as well as events, MYSTERY OF THE THIRD MINE is evidence of Robert Lowndes’ talent and ability in a demanding creative field.MYSTERY OF THE THIRD MINE is a juvenile science fiction novel, published first in 1953 as one of the books in the Winston Science Fiction series.

On the day that the theft of the solar system’s light begins, Burl Denning is with an archaeological expedition in the Andes, only a few miles from the source of the “disturbance." Within hours the United States Air Force has ordered the expedition to investigate the strange phenomenon that is causing a dimness and a drop in temperature throughout the world.This is the start of a fantastic adventure that eventually takes Burl, a high-school senior, on the first circumnavigation of the solar system. On planet after planet, he and the crew of the Magellan, a gleaming, powerful, and virtually untested spaceship, discover the weird trappings of a brilliantly-designed Sun-tap station. Each planetfall brings unexpected hazards, as the ship draws closer and closer to solving the mystery of the theft.This book originally was published in 1959 as part of the Winston Science Fiction series. This new edition includes an article, “The Winston Science Fiction Series and the Development of Children’s Science Fiction” by Francis Molson, originally published in EXTRAPOLATION; Spring 1984, Vol. 25 Issue 1. Dr. Molson, a noted scholar in the field of children's science fiction and fantasy, discusses the history of the Winston series and its impact.

Judo Boy is an adventure story for boys built around the ancient traditions of Judo. Rod Mitchell wants to fight his own battles. After being beaten and humiliated by the school bully and his gang, Rod is determined to fight back. Hearing about Judo from his friend, Mark Takahashi, a Nisei (Japanese-American), Rod joins the Judo school and is soon deep in a strange and fascinating new world.To his surprise Rod learns that Judo is, first of all, a sport with a strong and inspiring code of sportsmanship. Next he finds that Judo teaches courtesy, respect, and discipline as well as technique. Then, and most difficult of all for the fiery-tempered Rod, he discovers that the best thing a Judoist can do when a fight is starting is to walk away.Plenty of action, both on and off the Judo mat, keep this story of Rod Mitchell's self-development in Judo exciting. Based on accurate Judo data, it provides an original and valuable view of a new world of sport for boys.About the Author: (From the dust jacket) "JOHN BALL, JR., is the author of two other books for boys, OPERATION SPRINGBOARD and SPACEMASTER 1, and of EDWARDS: FLIGHT TEST CENTER OF THE U.S.A.F. Pilot, journalist, and specialist in the field of Japanese culture in the United States, Mr. Ball has written books and articles on aviation, music, sociology, and adventure, and mysteries. A member of the Judo Black Belt Federation of the U.S.A., he has cultivated his musical hobby of playing the Japanese samisen." Now Ball is best known for mystery novels involving the African-American police detective Virgil Tibbs. Tibbs was introduced in the 1965 novel IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, which won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel from the Mystery Writers of America and was made into an Oscar-winning film of the same name. Ball's departure from the mystery genre was a bestselling what-if political thriller THE FIRST TEAM.

Mayfield was the typical college town. Nothing too unusual ever happened there until a mysterious comet was suddenly observed by the scientists on College Hill.And then one day the modified engine on Ken Maddox's car began overheating mysteriously. By morning it didn't run at all.Art's Garage, local headquarters for hot-rodders, was soon so full of cars that wouldn't run, that Ken's science club began working in the garage after school. It didn't take long for the club to discover that all the moving parts on these stalled cars had fused together. Soon all machinery had stopped in Mayfield. There was no longer any light or power anywhere. This mysterious creeping paralysis was spreading.The copper-yellow glow of the comet seemed to have brought the whole world to a grinding halt. Airplanes, trains, generators and heavy machinery were immobilized. Finally man was left with only a few primitive tools and communication became possible only by means of amateur radio. In the resulting chaos parts of Mayfield were burned and looted by hunger-crazed mobs that stole and killed as they advanced.Here is science fiction at its thrilling best. A startling and thought-provoking book that shows how human nature might react to catastrophe. THE YEAR WHEN STARDUST FELL is a juvenile science fiction novel, published first in 1958, by Raymond F. Jones (author of THIS ISLAND EARTH) with cover illustration by James Heugh and endpaper illustration by Alex Schomburg. It was one of the books in the Winston Science Fiction series.

When Zoey Jones's long-time boyfriend, Finn, cheats on her—kissing a girl he “just can’t resist”—he gives Zoey a “Free Pass,” telling her she can kiss any guy she wants. Finn is so cocky and sure of their relationship that the arrangement seems perfect. He’s not worried Zoey will fall for another guy, and he’s itching to get rid of his feelings of guilt. But the thing is, Zoey knows exactly who she wants to kiss—longs to kiss— Finn’s best friend, Riley. But, she wants the kiss too much. She knows that. So, she resists the “Free Pass.” Still, she’s pushed into it when Finn loses a bet to Riley, and Riley wants his payment—a kiss from Zoey.***An hour read (or two at the most)***Use the "Look Inside" feature to sample the storyNovella17,000-words Fun, clean teen novellaNo f-bombsFrom the author of The Dating Dealand HIS KISS**Update: The book now also includes a short teen romance story called, "The Boy From The Mall."

Chester Pawling, keenly interested in space travel, is invited to work at a base in the South Pacific where the great scientist, Dr. Havensson, is conducting highly secret experiments. That is just the beginning of a grand adventure that fulfils Chester’s dream of traveling into space. But it is not simple or safe. A rival national group has launched a rocket ship and a dangerous space race has begun. Chester, who is physically handicapped, gets more than one chance to prove that he is as capable as any other member of the crew.OPERATION SPRINGBOARD is a juvenile science fiction novel (published first in 1958) by John Ball. Ball is best known for mystery novels involving the African-American police detective Virgil Tibbs. Tibbs was introduced in the 1965 novel IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, which won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel from the Mystery Writers of America and was made into an Oscar-winning film of the same name. Ball's departure from the mystery genre was a bestselling what-if political thriller THE FIRST TEAM. Mr. Ball was also a member of the Aviation Space Writers Association and served for a time as the public relations director of the Institute of Aerospace Sciences. His interest in and knowledge of aviation and space add a sense of authenticity to OPERATION SPRINGBOARD that was not always present in the young adult science fiction of the period.