In the Walls of Eryx (Fantasy and Horror Classics)

On the swampy planet of Venus, the greatest threat isn't what you can see: it's what you can't. Kenton J. Stanfield is a prospector for the Crystal Company, one of many greedy Earthmen mining the lush, dangerous world of Venus for valuable crystal orbs. He's armed with a flame pistol, a breathing mask, and a condescending disdain for the planet's tribal, lizard-like inhabitants, whom he views as primitive obstacles to human commerce. His arrogance is about to cost him everything. Stanfield's final, frantic report records not just his death, but a terrifying warning for all of humankind: leave to Venus that which belongs only to Venus. In the Walls of Eryx is a vivid blend of pulp sci-fi and Lovecraftian dread, trading the gloomy towns of New England for the claustrophobic terror of an alien planet. It explores the themes of interspecies conflict and the ultimate insignificance of human greed against the ancient, indifferent forces of the cosmos.