The Dark Door By: Alan Edward Nourse (1928-1992)
In "The Dark Door" by Alan Edward Nourse, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through the unknown depths of the human mind. Set in a multiple reality universe, the story follows protagonist Mark Standish as he embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets hidden behind the enigmatic dark door, a portal connecting parallel worlds. Nourse effectively captures the reader's attention from the very beginning with his skillful writing and intricate world-building. Through vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail, he creates a palpable sense of tension and unease. This, combined with his ability to craft complex and relatable characters, truly immerses the reader in the narrative. The book is thought-provoking, delving into the realms of perception, identity, and the nature of reality itself. Nourse tackles these philosophical themes with finesse, offering readers a profound exploration of the human condition. As Mark Standish wrestles with his own sanity and grapples with the consequences of opening the dark door, readers are invited to reflect on their own perceptions of the world around them. Moreover, the suspenseful plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats throughout. Nourse masterfully weaves together various elements of mystery, science fiction, and psychological thriller genres, resulting in a captivating and unpredictable storyline. The pacing is well-maintained, ensuring that readers are constantly engaged in the narrative and eager to unravel its secrets. One aspect that particularly stands out in "The Dark Door" is the author's ability to create a vivid and imaginative world. Each parallel reality Mark encounters is intricately designed and distinct, showcasing Nourse's creativity and attention to detail. The descriptions of these diverse realities add depth to the story and enrich the reader's experience, making it feel all the more immersive. While the book may be classified as a science fiction novel, Nourse's exploration of human emotions and relationships elevates it beyond mere genre conventions. The characters are multifaceted and deeply human, offering readers an emotional connection to the story. Their struggles, fears, and triumphs resonate with the reader and add an extra layer of complexity to the narrative. In conclusion, "The Dark Door" by Alan Edward Nourse is a captivating and thought-provoking read. Nourse's skillful writing, intricate world-building, and exploration of philosophical themes make this book a standout in the genre. With its suspenseful plot and relatable characters, it is sure to keep readers enthralled from beginning to end. Prepare to unlock the dark door and be transported to a world of mystery and self-discovery. First Page: Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from The Counterfeit Man More Science Fiction Stories by Alan E. Nourse published in 1963. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. Minor spelling and typographical errors have been corrected without note. The Dark Door 1 It was almost dark when he awoke, and lay on the bed, motionless and trembling, his heart sinking in the knowledge that he should never have slept. For almost half a minute, eyes wide with fear, he lay in the silence of the gloomy room, straining to hear some sound, some indication of their presence. But the only sound was the barely audible hum of his wrist watch and the dismal splatter of raindrops on the cobbled street outside. There was no sound to feed his fear, yet he knew then, without a flicker of doubt, that they were going to kill him. He shook his head, trying to clear the sleep from his brain as he turned the idea over and over in his mind. He wondered why he hadn't realized it before, long before, back when they had first started this horrible, nerve wracking cat and mouse game. The idea just hadn't occurred to him. But he knew the game playing was over. They wanted to kill him now. And he knew that ultimately they would kill him... Continue reading book >>

The Dark Door By: Alan Edward Nourse (1928-1992)

In "The Dark Door" by Alan Edward Nourse, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through the unknown depths of the human mind. Set in a multiple reality universe, the story follows protagonist Mark Standish as he embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets hidden behind the enigmatic dark door, a portal connecting parallel worlds.

Nourse effectively captures the reader's attention from the very beginning with his skillful writing and intricate world-building. Through vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail, he creates a palpable sense of tension and unease. This, combined with his ability to craft complex and relatable characters, truly immerses the reader in the narrative.

The book is thought-provoking, delving into the realms of perception, identity, and the nature of reality itself. Nourse tackles these philosophical themes with finesse, offering readers a profound exploration of the human condition. As Mark Standish wrestles with his own sanity and grapples with the consequences of opening the dark door, readers are invited to reflect on their own perceptions of the world around them.

Moreover, the suspenseful plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats throughout. Nourse masterfully weaves together various elements of mystery, science fiction, and psychological thriller genres, resulting in a captivating and unpredictable storyline. The pacing is well-maintained, ensuring that readers are constantly engaged in the narrative and eager to unravel its secrets.

One aspect that particularly stands out in "The Dark Door" is the author's ability to create a vivid and imaginative world. Each parallel reality Mark encounters is intricately designed and distinct, showcasing Nourse's creativity and attention to detail. The descriptions of these diverse realities add depth to the story and enrich the reader's experience, making it feel all the more immersive.

While the book may be classified as a science fiction novel, Nourse's exploration of human emotions and relationships elevates it beyond mere genre conventions. The characters are multifaceted and deeply human, offering readers an emotional connection to the story. Their struggles, fears, and triumphs resonate with the reader and add an extra layer of complexity to the narrative.

In conclusion, "The Dark Door" by Alan Edward Nourse is a captivating and thought-provoking read. Nourse's skillful writing, intricate world-building, and exploration of philosophical themes make this book a standout in the genre. With its suspenseful plot and relatable characters, it is sure to keep readers enthralled from beginning to end. Prepare to unlock the dark door and be transported to a world of mystery and self-discovery.

First Page:

Transcriber's Note:

This etext was produced from The Counterfeit Man More Science Fiction Stories by Alan E. Nourse published in 1963. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. Minor spelling and typographical errors have been corrected without note.

The Dark Door

It was almost dark when he awoke, and lay on the bed, motionless and trembling, his heart sinking in the knowledge that he should never have slept. For almost half a minute, eyes wide with fear, he lay in the silence of the gloomy room, straining to hear some sound, some indication of their presence.

But the only sound was the barely audible hum of his wrist watch and the dismal splatter of raindrops on the cobbled street outside. There was no sound to feed his fear, yet he knew then, without a flicker of doubt, that they were going to kill him.

He shook his head, trying to clear the sleep from his brain as he turned the idea over and over in his mind. He wondered why he hadn't realized it before, long before, back when they had first started this horrible, nerve wracking cat and mouse game. The idea just hadn't occurred to him. But he knew the game playing was over. They wanted to kill him now. And he knew that ultimately they would kill him... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Science
Short stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Alan Edward Nourse
Wikipedia – The Dark Door

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