Last Days of Thronas: The Science Fantasy Classic

By: Stuart J. Byrne

Narrated by: Tim Harper

Length: 5 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Swords, sorcery and space ships clash in this science fantasy classic!

Last Days of Thronas is one of the rarest of the fabled science fiction adventures from the golden days of the pulp magazines. It appeared only in a rare 1954 issue of Science Stories and has never been reprinted.

After five years of slavery, Garthanas, the Hamarian Sword and defender of his oppressed people, returns to find the woman he loves has deserted him and his best friend has betrayed him. Now Garthanas lives only for revenge. But, his plans change suddenly when he learns of a plot by Thamas I, the planet's evil ruler, to liquidate the entire Hamarian race. It’s a plan Garthanas swears to stop, even if he has to fight his way through every guard and soldier in the palace. And he will! But what can one lone swordsman do when Thamas I is protected by the might of the golden Godship, relic of a now lost science?

Evoking echoes of Edgar Rice Burroughs and Robert E. Howard, legendary pulp author Stuart J. Byrne's dazzling novel goes far beyond mere action to blend swordplay, feats of heroism, tangled family relationships, sexual psychology, social criticism, physics, metaphysics, and even echoes of the holocaust. This is one of the don’t-miss novels from the pulps with overtones of sophistication and scientific thought rarely found there.

Includes a personal introduction by the author about the origins of the book in speculations about the origin of the asteroid belt and certain biblical legends. This FuturesPast Edition is the only edition of Last Days of Thronas authorized and licensed by the SJByrne estate.

©2005 Stuart J. Byrne (P)2019 Stuart J. Byrne

Critic reviews

"A compelling read, SF in its primal form!" (Ardath Mayhar, Balrog Award winner, Nebula Award nominee)

Garthanas the Barbarian

Last Days of Thronas is an action packed, fast moving fantasy with a touch of science fiction. It’s like a Conan the Barbarian soup with sci-fi seasoning. Outstanding, enthusiastic narration

Wrote in the 50's great story

If you are a lover of Sci-fi you must or read this book the author wove an awesome story with many twist and turns and so many surprises but in the end the characters get what they want but at a great lost and cost and as a reader or listener you are left thinking was it worth it.

Interesting premise

This book is old school sci fi. Less science, more social commentary. I read that it was written shortly after WWII (50s or 60s) and do the themes of genocide, planetary destruction, exile, etc made a lot more sense in that context.

An overall interesting listen with engaging characters, action, and enough plot. (It is a bit transparent...)

Great narration.

I received this audiobook for free in exchange for a fair review.

Classic for a Reason

When I read a description of this story, I saw the words classic, science and fantasy and wanted to give it a try. As someone who has not read a lot of the classics of science fiction or fantasy, I am making an effort to fill in that gap in my genre reading. I requested and received a free review copy of this audiobook and am now giving a voluntary review.

Stuart J Byrne has written a story that blends the fantasy and the science together into a story of rebellion and vengeance. He created his fantasy worlds with a realism that is easily believable. The sci-fi elements were my favorite, but I don't want to reveal too much about them. The author has written the story with a bit of a mystery that is slowly revealed during Garthanas' quest for vengeance.

Narrator, Tim Harper, was a great choice for this story. His interpretation of the narration and characters gave the story a wonderful emotional impact. The individual character voices are superb. It made the story all the more enjoyable to listen to.

I see why it is considered a classic, It is well-plotted and well-written. I loved it and I think it is a good story for anyone, not just sci-fi or fantasy fans. It is well worth the time to listen to it. Highly recommended.

50’s Pulp Fantasy true to the spirit of the story

This story makes me nostalgic for the golden age of SciFi and Fantasy. Raised on ERB Mars books as a boy, I enjoyed the pulp fiction, especially the narrator. Tim Harper did the dialogue and narration in the style of 1950’s radio and the good old Saturday matinees. I hope to hear more of Mr Harper’s work, Stellar!

Great listen, grand adventure

Last Days of Thronas is one of those classic tales that combines sci-fi and fantasy into one exciting adventure tale. Where else will you find sword-fights and mythic creatures in the same story as space ships and interstellar travel? It's a classic hero's journey, with a surprising but inevitable ending that satisfies the reader and does justice to the story and the protagonist.

The performance is excellent, well-paced, and serves the story well. All the characters are distinct and fun to listen to. The narrator does a great job making the story come alive in the mind of the reader. Definitely want to hear more from this narrator.

Nostalgia reignites into fun times

Prepare to be transported to an awe-inspiring world of science fiction and fantasy with the audiobook "Last Days of Thronas: The Science Fantasy Classic." Stuart J. Byrne's imaginative storytelling, brought to life by the talented narration of Tim Harper, creates an immersive experience that captivates the mind and stirs the imagination.

Byrne weaves a tapestry of intricate storytelling that seamlessly blends the elements of science fiction and fantasy. The world of Thronas is a place where advanced technology and mysticism coexist in harmony, and listeners are treated to a breathtaking adventure that pushes the boundaries of imagination. Byrne's prose is rich and evocative, painting vivid landscapes and characters that leap off the page and into the mind's eye.

Tim Harper's narration is a perfect match for the material. His voice carries a warm and engaging quality that draws listeners in, making them feel like participants in the unfolding saga. Harper's ability to embody the diverse array of characters with distinct tones and inflections adds depth to the narrative, making each encounter and interaction feel genuine and compelling.

Last Days of Thronas isn't a true masterpiece, it is a product of its time, and that means it is fun and a solid fixture in the science fantasy genre. Byrne's storytelling prowess lies not only in his world-building and plot intricacies but also in his exploration of profound themes that resonate with listeners on a deeper level. The interplay between technology and magic, the struggle for power, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit are all themes that enrich the narrative and leave a lasting impact.

What sets this audiobook apart is its ability to transport the audience to another realm entirely. From the bustling streets of Thronas to the enigmatic forests and mystical creatures, every detail is expertly crafted to create an immersive experience that allows listeners to escape the mundane and enter a world of wonder and adventure.

Stuart J. Byrne's brilliant narrative combined with Tim Harper's exceptional narration creates an audiobook that will captivate both avid fans of the genre and newcomers alike. If you're seeking an epic tale that seamlessly merges science fiction and fantasy, look no further – this audiobook deserves a place at the top of your must-listen list.