Hellflower

"Hellflower" by George O. Smith is a science fiction tale of a former space pilot, Charles Farradyne, trying to overcome a dark past. After a spaceship accident that cost lives and his reputation, Farradyne finds himself on Venus, where he's given a chance to redeem himself. His mission involves going undercover to stop the spread of the Hellflower, a plant that can control people's desires. In this dangerous world, he meets Norma Hannon, a woman deeply affected by the very thing he's fighting against. Their complicated relationship highlights themes of addiction, intense loathing, and the difficult path to redemption.