Crown of the Serpent

In farthest space lie hidden fortunes... and unknown enemies.

BATTLE OF THE MINDS

The Tathas was bigger than any Rikard had ever seen and each of its tendrils was tipped in red. It was this which was broadcasting the devastating psychic weapon.

Rikard's panic was overwhelming. He knew all too well the kind of madness those alien thoughts could engender, the horror of being touched by one of those degenerate things, being dissolved and eaten while still alive. He fought to control his fear, fumbled for his gun. But even as he pulled the gun, his vision blurred from the effects of the Tathas' psychic attack.

He tried to reach under his shirt for the dragongem, the one thing which, once long ago, had helped him against this evil, but he couldn't get his hand to work. There was a gun in it. He let the gun go, tried to raise his head, saw raiders coming out of the balcony, down ramps, across the floor from first level entrances. The Tathas loomed large, its carrier zombies striding, clumsy but purposeful, toward him.

He concentrated all his energy in retaining awareness...

Allen L. Wold is the bestselling author of nine science fiction novels: THE PLANET MASTERS, STAR GOD, THE EYE IN THE STONE, JEWELS OF THE DRAGON, CROWN OF THE SERPENT, LAIR OF THE CYCLOPS, and three novels in the V series.

Critical Raves for Allen L. Wold's Novels:

"Unique and lively... hair-raising and thought-provoking... absorbing."
—Fantasy Newsletter

"A remarkably expansive imagination... highly recommended."
—Library Journal

"Engrossing... gives your wonderbone a good tingle."
—Milwaukee Journal

"Plenty of excitement"
—Publishers Weekly