The Night Land by William Hope Hodgson

The Sun has gone out: the Earth is lit only by the glow of residual vulcanism. The last few millions of the human race are gathered together in a gigantic metal pyramid, the Last Redoubt, under siege from unknown forces and Powers outside in the dark. These are held back by a Circle of energy, known as the "air clog," powered from the Earth's internal energy. For millennia, vast living shapes - the Watchers - have waited in the darkness near the pyramid: it is thought they are waiting for the inevitable time when the Circle's power finally weakens and dies. Other living things have been seen in the darkness beyond, some of unknown origins, and others that may once have been human.

To leave the protection of the Circle means almost certain death, or worse, but as the story commences, the narrator establishes mind contact with an inhabitant of another, forgotten, Redoubt, and sets off into the darkness to find her.


Table of Content:

THE DREAMS THAT ARE ONLY DREAMS
1. MIRDATH THE BEAUTIFUL
2. THE LAST REDOUBT
3. THE QUIET CALLING
4. THE HUSHING OF THE VOICE
5. INTO THE NIGHT LAND
6. THE WAY THAT I DID GO
7. THE NIGHT LAND
8. DOWN THE MIGHTY SLOPE
9. THE DARK PYRAMID
10. THE MAID OF THE OLDEN DAYS
11. THE HOMEWARD WAY
12. DOWNWARD OF THE GORGE
13. HOMEWARD BY THE SHORE
14. ON THE ISLAND
15. PAST THE HOUSE OF SILENCE
16. IN THE COUNTRY OF SILENCE
17. THE LOVE DAYS