Prison of a Billion Years

Illustrated by Harold W. McCauley

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"Prison of a Billion Years" by C. H. Thames is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the intriguing concept of a time prison set in the archaeozoic era, where the protagonist, Adam Slade, sees no hope of escape from the bleak reality of his situation. Facing imminent execution, he takes a desperate gamble to free himself, only to learn that the harsh, primordial world outside offers its own set of dangers. The plot unfolds as Adam Slade escapes from his time prison with Marcia Lawrence, a reporter who had come to interview him prior to his execution. The two navigate a desolate landscape dominated by molten rock and primordial seas, struggling to evade capture amidst brutal storms. As they attempt to double back to the prison and access a time machine, Slade’s intentions become increasingly ambiguous, leading to tension and conflict between the two. Ultimately, a violent storm takes Slade down into the sea, leading Marcia to realize in a shocking twist that he may unwittingly become the catalyst for the emergence of life on Earth. The narrative explores themes of desperation, survival, and the interconnectedness of time and existence.

Summary written by Project Gutenberg, by machine.