Vital Ingredient By: Charles V. De Vet (1911-1997)
Vital Ingredient by Charles V. De Vet is a gripping science fiction novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through time and space. Set in a future where humanity has perfected the art of interstellar travel, the book follows the life of Jeremy Stanton, a brilliant scientist who embarks on a dangerous mission to find a substance that could save humanity from extinction. The story unfolds in a meticulously crafted world where humans have colonized various planets and civilizations have evolved differently on each one. De Vet masterfully describes these unique worlds, painting vivid landscapes and diverse cultures that spark the imagination. From the vibrant floating city of Randor to the harsh desert terrain of Thark, each setting feels incredibly alive and contributes to the overall richness of the narrative. Protagonist Jeremy Stanton is a complex and relatable character. His unwavering determination to save mankind and his thirst for knowledge make him a compelling hero. The author skillfully delves into his inner turmoil and personal growth as he confronts unforeseen challenges and experiences life-altering events throughout his journey. The plot of Vital Ingredient is packed with action, suspense, and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. De Vet seamlessly combines elements of mystery, romance, and philosophy, creating a multi-layered story that appeals to a wide range of readers. The pacing is excellent, and the author's ability to balance character development and plot progression is commendable. One aspect of the book that stands out is the thought-provoking exploration of ethical dilemmas and the consequences of scientific advancements. De Vet raises questions about the limits of human ambition and the potential dangers of tampering with nature, forcing readers to contemplate the moral implications of the characters' actions. While the book tackles complex themes, it remains accessible and engaging throughout. De Vet's writing style is straightforward yet evocative, with just the right amount of descriptive detail to allow readers to fully immerse themselves in the story. Additionally, the dialogue flows naturally, adding depth and believability to the characters' interactions. The only minor drawback of Vital Ingredient is the occasional tendency toward exposition, particularly in the early chapters. However, once the story gains momentum, this becomes a negligible issue, easily overlooked in the grand scope of the narrative. In conclusion, Vital Ingredient is a captivating science fiction novel that shines in its world-building, character development, and narrative twists. Charles V. De Vet skillfully crafts a thought-provoking story that will leave readers pondering the deeper implications long after turning the final page. Whether you're a die-hard science fiction enthusiast or simply seeking an engrossing read, this book is an excellent choice. First Page: It is man's most precious possession no living thing can exist without it. But when they gave it to Orville, it killed him. For the answer, read 1/M. Vital Ingredient By Charles V. De Vet "Now watch," Remm said, indicating the native. Macker had been absent, exploring the countryside in the immediate vicinity of their landing place, and had not witnessed the capture of the native, or the tests his two companions made on it. Macker followed Remm's gaze to where the biped native sat hunched. The creature was bent into an ungainly position, its body crooked at incongruous angles, in such a way as to allow most of its weight to rest on a packing box at the base of a middle angle. Its stubby feet, on the ends of thin, pipelike legs, rested against the floor of the space ship. Its body was covered, almost entirely, with an artificial skin material of various colors. Some of the colors hurt Macker's eyes. In the few places where the flesh showed through the skin was an unhealthy, pallid white. Slowly the creature's head swiveled on its short neck until it faced them. "Those orifices in the upper portion of its skull are evidently organs of sight," Remm said. "It sees that we are quite a distance away. It will probably attempt to escape again." Slowly slowly the native's head rotated away from them in a half circle until it faced Toolls, working over his instruments on the far side of the room... Continue reading book >>

Vital Ingredient By: Charles V. De Vet (1911-1997)

Vital Ingredient by Charles V. De Vet is a gripping science fiction novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through time and space. Set in a future where humanity has perfected the art of interstellar travel, the book follows the life of Jeremy Stanton, a brilliant scientist who embarks on a dangerous mission to find a substance that could save humanity from extinction.

The story unfolds in a meticulously crafted world where humans have colonized various planets and civilizations have evolved differently on each one. De Vet masterfully describes these unique worlds, painting vivid landscapes and diverse cultures that spark the imagination. From the vibrant floating city of Randor to the harsh desert terrain of Thark, each setting feels incredibly alive and contributes to the overall richness of the narrative.

Protagonist Jeremy Stanton is a complex and relatable character. His unwavering determination to save mankind and his thirst for knowledge make him a compelling hero. The author skillfully delves into his inner turmoil and personal growth as he confronts unforeseen challenges and experiences life-altering events throughout his journey.

The plot of Vital Ingredient is packed with action, suspense, and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. De Vet seamlessly combines elements of mystery, romance, and philosophy, creating a multi-layered story that appeals to a wide range of readers. The pacing is excellent, and the author's ability to balance character development and plot progression is commendable.

One aspect of the book that stands out is the thought-provoking exploration of ethical dilemmas and the consequences of scientific advancements. De Vet raises questions about the limits of human ambition and the potential dangers of tampering with nature, forcing readers to contemplate the moral implications of the characters' actions.

While the book tackles complex themes, it remains accessible and engaging throughout. De Vet's writing style is straightforward yet evocative, with just the right amount of descriptive detail to allow readers to fully immerse themselves in the story. Additionally, the dialogue flows naturally, adding depth and believability to the characters' interactions.

The only minor drawback of Vital Ingredient is the occasional tendency toward exposition, particularly in the early chapters. However, once the story gains momentum, this becomes a negligible issue, easily overlooked in the grand scope of the narrative.

In conclusion, Vital Ingredient is a captivating science fiction novel that shines in its world-building, character development, and narrative twists. Charles V. De Vet skillfully crafts a thought-provoking story that will leave readers pondering the deeper implications long after turning the final page. Whether you're a die-hard science fiction enthusiast or simply seeking an engrossing read, this book is an excellent choice.

First Page:

It is man's most precious possession no living thing can exist without it. But when they gave it to Orville, it killed him. For the answer, read 1/M.

Vital Ingredient

By Charles V. De Vet

"Now watch," Remm said, indicating the native. Macker had been absent, exploring the countryside in the immediate vicinity of their landing place, and had not witnessed the capture of the native, or the tests his two companions made on it.

Macker followed Remm's gaze to where the biped native sat hunched. The creature was bent into an ungainly position, its body crooked at incongruous angles, in such a way as to allow most of its weight to rest on a packing box at the base of a middle angle. Its stubby feet, on the ends of thin, pipelike legs, rested against the floor of the space ship. Its body was covered, almost entirely, with an artificial skin material of various colors. Some of the colors hurt Macker's eyes. In the few places where the flesh showed through the skin was an unhealthy, pallid white.

Slowly the creature's head swiveled on its short neck until it faced them.

"Those orifices in the upper portion of its skull are evidently organs of sight," Remm said. "It sees that we are quite a distance away. It will probably attempt to escape again."

Slowly slowly the native's head rotated away from them in a half circle until it faced Toolls, working over his instruments on the far side of the room... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Science
Short stories

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Wikipedia – Charles V. De Vet
Wikipedia – Vital Ingredient

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