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Hang head, vandal

By Mark Clifton

(3.5 stars) • 10 reviews

When a nuclear experiment awakens a hidden Martian civilization, a team of scientists must face the devastating consequences of their pursuit of knowledge.

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Released
2023-11-21
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Summary

"HANG HEAD, VANDAL!" by Mark Clifton is a science fiction novel that grapples with the weighty responsibilities of humanity venturing into the stars. Follow a communications officer and Dr. VanDam as they undertake Project Slow-Burn, a nuclear experiment on what they believe is a desolate Mars, aiming to transform its landscape into limitless energy. But their scientific hubris unleashes a devastating truth: a miniature civilization thrives beneath the Martian surface. The crew's excitement swiftly turns to horror and remorse as they witness the destruction they've caused, forcing them to confront the ethical fallout of their actions. Ultimately, they abandon the project and return to Earth, forever haunted by the knowledge of their unintended devastation and the realization of humanity's destructive potential when pursuing progress.

About the Author

Mark Clifton (1906–1963) was an American science fiction writer, the co-winner of the second Hugo Award for best novel. He began publishing in May 1952 with the widely anthologized story "What Have I Done?".

Average Rating
4.0
Aggregate review score sourced from Goodreads
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Total Reviews
10.0k
Total reviews from Goodreads may change