In the Walls of Eryx

It seems this was Lovecraft's only science fiction story - it shows. It was also a collaborative effort where he took over an existing script so we probably don't know where one author stopped and the other started.

The prose was somewhat subdued, when compared to his other works. But the atmosphere was painted with Lovecraft's touch - a deadly and depressing environment covers Venus. The prose and a certain creepy factor earned it a second star.

We follow a prospector on his trip to find crystals - apparently a mineral that proves extremely efficient in providing energy for terran needs. As the description of the dominant alien species came up, I can't help thinking of Avatar - is this where the latter's inspiration came from?

The prospector then encounters the titular edifice - the walls - and he got ridiculously trapped. This is where the plot and setting just fell apart. If they would just equip their lone prospectors walking about in dangerous flora and fauna with a radio for emergency evacuation, there really wouldn't be a story at all. The closing reports on the rescue operation (more Avatar inspirations) clearly shows that they have the technology, the hardware, and the manpower to better equip their prospectors - not doing so just doesn't make sense, even though the protagonist tried to justify with a weak excuse.