Audio Book Review: Voodoo Planet by Andre Norton

This is an entertaining, quick, vintage sci fi.

Voodoo Planet

Written By: Andre Norton

Narrated By: Mark Nelson

Publisher: LibriVox

Date: January 2011

Duration: 2 hours 47 minutes

Genre: Science Fiction, Vintage

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; 4.0 Story; 4.0 Narrative

Also available as free Kindle at Amazon.

Summary:

The sequel to Plague Ship, Voodoo Planet finds the Solar Queen banned from trade and starting her supposed quiet two-year stint as an interstellar mail carrier. But instead her crew accepts a visit to the safari planet of Khatka, where they find themselves caught in a battle between the forces of reason and the powers of Khatka's mind-controlling wizard. (Summary by Mark Nelson)

Review:
There are less than a handful of crew on the Solar Queen as it starts a demoted trek from trade to international a mail carrier. Before their route begins, they are visited by a chief ranger seeking help on his home planet Khatka. Khatka is a colony planet inhabited by descendants of people from Africa who escaped from Earth. The people have developed special skills and developed a combined clan effort to promote a successful luxury hunting vacation to the wealthy in the universe. But there appears to be a new problem with poachers and one of the clan families is becoming unstable.

Chief Ranger, Kort Asaki, asks the Captain to come with his Medic Tau to observe and, if needed, intervene to challenge an unstable ‘witch’ doctor. Dale, the Queen’s “general errand boy” is fortunate to get to travel on the unexpected safari.

The investigative team arrives at a game park to be greeted with a frightening display of a hypnotic dance that resembles voodoo rituals (thus the title Voodoo Planet). They set off on a journey over the mountains where teams have gone but never returned. Can they survive the natural dangers, the hallucinations and the threats of human enemies?

This read fine as a stand-alone although it is apparently a sequel. The story is told in third person with a good blend of dialogue and narrative. There is plenty of action and intrigue. I liked the ironic trick that was used to face the magic. I enjoy reading Andre Norton especially when I realize that she is a female author who wrote in 1950s.

Audio Notes: Mark Nelson does a nice job narrating this as a public domain work. Although he doesn't focus on voice characters, he still gives energy to the story. I am glad I listened to this on audio.

Source: 2017 Audiobooks.com Public Domain Vintage free download. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook and 2019Alphabet Goals.

Audible Book Review: Ubik by Philip K. Dick

I enjoyed this suitably ironic Vintage Sci Fi.

Ubik
By: Philip K. Dick
Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 04-28-16
Language: English
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Classic, Sci Fi, Vintage
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
A mind-bending, classic Philip K. Dick novel about the perception of reality.
Named as one of Time's 100 best books.
Glen Runciter runs a lucrative business - deploying his teams of anti-psychics to corporate clients who want privacy and security from psychic spies. But when he and his top team are ambushed by a rival, he is gravely injured and placed in "half-life," a dreamlike state of suspended animation. Soon, though, the surviving members of the team begin experiencing some strange phenomena, such as Runciter's face appearing on coins and the world seeming to move backward in time. As consumables deteriorate and technology gets ever more primitive, the group needs to find out what is causing the shifts and what a mysterious product called Ubik has to do with it all.
©1969 Philip K. Dick (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Review:
Joe Chip is sort of an everyday guy who works a special job for Glen Runciter’s security business. Joe operates the test systems to determine the level of skills of anti-psychics who are hired by Runciter’s firm. Joe has brought a new employee to be hired who has a unique but dangerous skill.

In the world where Runciter and Chip live, people can be put into a suspended “half-life” right before they die. Runciter’s wife and partner, Ella, is in such a state. Runciter meets with Ella to get her advice when troubles arise, like facing the challenge of a rival company.

The rival manages an ambush against the team that puts Runciter into “half-life” and leaves the team in shock. Soon members of the team begin to die and the world around them twists with Joe seeing strange messages that seem to be coming from Runciter and in a product called Ubik. It isn’t clear what the product is as it changes from one chapter to the next, but it is always described as “safe when used as directed”.

Joe realizes that the team members are dying when they become separated. He does his best to pull them together but the world around them is deteriorating and the means of travel are retrograding from teleporting to planes to trains to automobiles. This makes it more difficult to keep the group together while they try to decipher the clues.

I enjoyed the rather crazy events, the clues and twists. It can be confusing but if you stick with it the twists become understandable and the ending pulled together. This is the type of futuristic, sci fi irony I have learned to enjoy in the vintage stories. I recommend this to sci fi fans.

Audio Notes: Luke Daniels does a fine job with the voices managing the various nuances of the characters. He captures the sardonic irony of the story. I am glad I listened to this in audio.

Source: Audible Daily Deal 2017. I listened to this for Vintage Sci Fi. This qualifies for 2018 TBR, Audiobook and Alphabet challenges.

Audible Book Review: Island by Aldous Huxley

UGH - This one was not for me.
Island
By: Aldous Huxley
Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 09-13-16
Language: English
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Classic, Vintage Sci Fi
My Rating: 2.0 of 5.0
Narrator Rating: 4.0

Publisher's Summary
In his final novel - which he considered his most important - Aldous Huxley transports us to the remote Pacific island of Pala, where an ideal society has flourished for 120 years.
Inevitably, this island of bliss attracts the envy and enmity of the surrounding world. A conspiracy is underway to take over Pala, and events are set in motion when an agent of the conspirators, a newspaperman named Faranby, is shipwrecked there. What Faranby doesn't expect is how his time with the people of Pala will revolutionize all his values and - to his amazement - give him hope.
©1962 Aldous Huxley (P)2016 Tantor

Review:
Will Faranby is a journalist who awakens on the shores of Pala, a remote Pacific island. He is found and cared for by native people. As he recovers he learns of the peaceful nature of the people from a young widow and the doctor who treats him.

Faranby also meets the 17-year-old prince and his worldly, controlling mother. The prince will be crowned ruler when he reaches 18. Faranby recognizes the boy who he met recently with a military official on a nearby island. It seems the boy and his mother are making plans with the dictatorial Colonel to bring social and economic modernism to Pala. Faranby spends a short time with the prince who explains his goals and reasonings.

Faranby then gets an explanation regarding the benefits of “yoga love” and Moksha meditation from the widow and the doctor takes Faranby on a tour of Pala. He is shown the schools, which include dance that helps stamp out anger, and art that helps to open creativity. He is also shown the research facilities which involve artificial insemination for genealogical selection.

These elements could have been interesting except they are presented by monologue lectures which advance a platform of Buddhist training, practices, beliefs and precepts often compared to Faranby’s wicked nature and inadequate Calvin principles. Huxley also presents a few brief ‘discussions’ of politics (communism versus capitalism) and there was a morality lecture including adaptations of Aesop’s Fables and principles of ecology and conservation. 80% of the book is lecture although some brief periods of dialogue included Faranby’s irreverent, ironic, quotes of scripture and even some recited poetry.

I found three items I liked: the beginning “attention” and “here and now boys” screeches of the mynah; the description of a landscape painting in the meditation room; and the description of “chewing grace” where, with first bite, they focus attention to the food, tastes and textures. The last hour consisted of a description of a drug induced experience – first with joy and beauty then with fear and ugliness.

I struggled through the first half hoping to get to some plot. Then, having committed six hours already, I forced myself to finish. If I wanted a lecture on Buddhism I could take a class. That is not what I want in a fiction book. The overall experience: UGH!

Audio Notes: Thank goodness for Simon Vance! I always like his voice so it was really the saving grace of pushing through this listen. He gives the characters suitable accents and manages not to drift off during the lectures.

Source: Audible Daily Deal 2018 Purchase for Vintage Sci Fi. This qualifies for 2018 Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.

Audible Book Review: Time for the Stars by Robert A. Heinlein

This is entertaining, ironic and introspective sci fi.

Time for the Stars
By: Robert A. Heinlein
Narrated by: Barrett Whitener

Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 01-25-11
Language: English
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Classic, Space Marine, Vintage Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Travel to other planets is now a reality, and with overpopulation stretching the resources of Earth, the necessity of finding habitable worlds is growing ever more urgent. There’s a problem though—because the spaceships are slower than light, any communication between the exploring ships and Earth would take years.
Tom and Pat are identical twin teenagers. As twins they’ve always been close, so close that it seemed like they could read each other’s minds. When they are recruited by the Long Range Foundation, the twins find out that they can, indeed, peer into each other’s thoughts. Along with other telepathic duos, they are enlisted to be the human transmitters and receivers that will keep the ships in contact with Earth. But there’s a catch: one of the twins has to stay behind—and that one will grow old—while the other explores the depths of space and returns as a young man still.
©1956 ; 1983 by Robert A. Heinlein; 2003 by the Robert A. and Virginia Heinlein Prize Trust (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Space travel is a reality but there is a problem with getting communication back and forth in a timely fashion. The Long Range Foundation has discovered that twins, or more rarely other family members, can share thoughts even at a distance… through space.

Tom and Pat are identical twins who have always been close but didn’t realize the skill they have until they were tested. They are able to communicate by telepathy. This is good news for the young men and their family as their talents are sought after and will bring good pay. The only problem is that one will travel in space, barely aging, while the other will remain on Earth growing old.

Pat has always been the bit more aggressive of the twins so he steps forward to go. But Tom isn’t ready to take second place this time. All of this distresses their mother and causes some resentment in Tom. But space can be dangerous and things rarely remain the same.

The story is told in first person by Tom. Although there is some space adventure and danger, much of the story is centered on the inner thought struggles that Tom experiences through the situations. This makes it more than just a fun space tale. Although there is retrospection and self-searching the pacing is good so the text moves forward well.

I enjoyed the story. It has the science fiction irony I have come to expect and admire in the classic sci fi stories. I recommend this as a fun vintage sci fi.

Audio Notes: Barrett Whitener does a good job with the narration. The performance is not vibrant or exciting but it suits the character of Tom, especially as a good part of it is set as journal entries. I enjoyed the audio version.

Source: Audible TBR 2016. Read for Vintage Sci Fi. Also qualifies for TBR, Audiobook and Alphabet Challenges.

Audible Review: X Minus One: Old Time Radio, Sci-Fi Series

This is a wonderful collection of classic sci fi short stories where, as the intro to the weekly show states: "you'll live in a million could-be years on a thousand may-be worlds."
X Minus One: Old Time Radio, Sci-Fi Series
Written by: Ray Bradbury , Philip K. Dick , Robert A. Heinlein , Frederik Pohl , Theodore Sturgeon , Isaac Asimov , Ernest Kinoy , George Lefferts
Narrated by: Old Time Radio

• Length: 20 hrs and 5 mins
• Radio/TV Program
• Release Date:02-04-13
• Publisher: BN Publishing
Genre: Vintage Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

X Minus One was a half-hour science fiction radio series broadcast from April 24, 1955 to January 9, 1958, in various timeslots on NBC. Initially a revival of NBC's Dimension X (1950-51), X Minus One is widely considered among the finest science fiction dramas ever produced for radio. The first 15 episodes were new versions of Dimension X episodes, but the remainder were adaptations by NBC staff writers, including Ernest Kinoy and George Lefferts, of newly published science fiction stories by leading writers in the field, including Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Philip K. Dick, Robert A. Heinlein, Frederik Pohl, and Theodore Sturgeon, along with some original scripts by Kinoy and Lefferts.
Episodes of the show include adaptations of Robert Sheckley's "Skulking Permit", Bradbury's "Mars Is Heaven", Heinlein's "Universe" and "The Green Hills of Earth", Pohl's "The Tunnel Under the World", J. T. McIntosh's "Hallucination Orbit", Fritz Leiber's "A Pail of Air", and George Lefferts' "The Parade".
The program opened with announcer Fred Collins delivering the countdown, leading into this introduction (although later shows were partnered with Galaxy Science Fiction rather than Astounding Science Fiction):
"Countdown for blastoff.... X minus five, four, three, two, X minus one.... Fire!" [Rocket launch SFX] "From the far horizons of the unknown come transcribed tales of new dimensions in time and space. These are stories of the future; adventures in which you'll live in a million could-be years on a thousand may-be worlds. The National Broadcasting Company, in cooperation with Street and Smith, publishers of Astounding Science Fiction presents...X Minus One.
©2012 BN Publishing (P)2012 BN Publishing.

Review:
This audio book consists of stories originally broadcast on radio in 1955. The dramas are very engaging and I enjoyed the voice production and background sounds. Each story runs about 25 minutes so they are great for little snippets although the introduction and ending credits for each one become a little annoying. I could just picture an older generation sitting in front of the radio listening.

My favorite was Heinlein's “The Green Hills of Earth” which tells the tale of a space mechanic who protects the ship when automation fails. He becomes a beloved space “sailor” traveling along the freight lines and writing songs to sing on his guitar. A very special song is about the green hill of his home planet.

Another one that I really liked was George Lefferts' "The Parade". A wealthy man asks a slick public relations man in New York to prepare a plan to announce “the Martians are Coming.” The PR man is thrilled to have the high paying job and thinks the ad plan is for a new spectacular movie. The campaign will culminate in a gala parade to introduce “the Martians” to the city.

The stories are classic sci fi with the twist of irony I have come to expect in science fiction. There is a bit of humor and a strong dose of creepy horror. I do think it is fun that some of the stories treat the 1970s or '90s as a future world. I recommend this to those who enjoy vintage sci fi and like the idea of the broadcast format.

Audio Notes: If you have ever listened to an old radio broadcast you know how they are presented with good actor voices and background stories, including music building to enhance the mystery and danger.

This is from my Audible library, picked up in 2016 and planned for Vintage Sci Fi. It qualifies for my 2017 TBR and Audio challenges and “X” in Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: We by Yevgeny Zamyatin

This is an important vintage sci fi dystopia, said to have influenced George Orwell’s 1984.

We
Written by: Yevgeny Zamyatin
Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-28-11
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Vintage Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Set in the 26th century A.D., Yevgeny Zamyatin's masterpiece describes life under the regimented totalitarian society of OneState, ruled over by the all-powerful "Benefactor." Recognized as the inspiration for George Orwell's 1984, We is the archetype of the modern dystopia, or anti-Utopia: a great prose poem detailing the fate that might befall us all if we surrender our individual selves to some collective dream of technology and fail in the vigilance that is the price of freedom. Clarence Brown's brilliant translation is based on the corrected text of the novel, first published in Russia in 1988 after more than 60 years' suppression.
Public Domain (P)2011 Tantor

Review:
D-503 is a citizen of OneState where the “Benefactor” takes care of everyone for the collective good. Everyone is provided housing, identical clothing, work, food and sexual engagement with choice of partners. Everyone is expected to be happy and satisfied with their needs taken care of within the glass city. The secret police and spies are quick to deal with anyone who tries to go beyond the Green Wall, or refuses to conform to the regulated routines.

D-503 has an important job as one of the mathematicians helping to build the Integral, the first space ship to expand the world of OneState. He deals with numbers, facts and logic. He is not a poet but he is intent on journaling his thoughts as a record to share with the future even as he records the steps of his 'madness'.

One day D-503 and his usual female partner are walking during personal time, the time when the masses walk along the prescribed route. D-503 becomes aware of another couple walking beside him. He is immediately smitten by I-330, a woman who defies the rules and invites him to meet her a few days hence. She leads him on a walk at an unscheduled time to a strange house off the usual paths and then proceeds to captivate his thoughts and energies.

D-503 shares his jumbled emotions and fears as I-330 leads him into rebellion and a conspiracy to take down OneState. He struggles with his logical training to obey the regulations and his inner yearning to break free of the government system. Is it better to be controlled and ‘taken care of’ or to be free and experience the highs and lows available with individual freedoms?

This is not an unusual theme for a science fiction dystopian but I found the story remarkable particularly because it was written in 1921 by a Russian. The story was banned in the author's own country for over half a century. The world that Zamyatin creates may not be so fantastic by today’s standards but in its own time was an excellent creation. Although the story was a bit confusing, I found myself fascinated by D-503s dilemma of self-discovery. It was also fascinating understanding this was penned by an author living during revolutions in a totalitarian country.

The introduction provides a good history of the writing and the struggles to provide a proper translation. Some translators call the city ‘United State’ but this translation uses OneState which I think fits. Also, the prose and satire are nicely presented in this translation. This may not be as exciting as some of today’s sci fi adventures but it is a worthwhile read in the catalog of vintage sci fi.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner is a masterful narrator. I have listened to him on many titles and I discovered I had to adjust to his narration on this. Once I was absorbed by the web of the character’s life and confusion I totally enjoyed the easy flow of the narration. I recommend this in audio format.

This audio was from my own Audible library. It qualifies for 2017 TBR, Audio Challenge and “W” in Alphabet Challenge.

Audio Book Review: Two by Vonnegut: The Big Trip Up Yonder and 2BR02B by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

Quick, engaging and thought provoking vintage sci fi. (ABB-Narrator)
Two by Vonnegut: The Big Trip Up Yonder and 2BR02B
Written by: Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Narrated by: Kitty Hendrix

Length: 44 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-08-16
Publisher: Listen2aBook.com
Genre: Sci Fi, Vintage
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (1922-2007) was a prolific and genre-bending American novelist known for works blending satire, black comedy, and science fiction, such as Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), Cat's Cradle (1963), and Breakfast of Champions (1973).
These two short works, "The Big Trip Up Yonder" and "2BR02B", are science fiction tales originally published in the magazines Galaxy Science Fiction and If: Worlds of Science Fiction in 1959 and 1962.
©2016 Kurt Vonnegut (P)2016 Kitty Hendrix

Review:
These are two short sci fi stories that address aging in the future; or more accurately not aging. They reflect two different extremes which make them interesting as a pair.

The Big Trip Up Yonder tells of Gramps Ford, a 172-year-old, who is the head of his clan of children and grandchildren. They are all living together cramped into one three bedroom apartment where the head of the family gets the perk of the best bed in a private room. Gramps gets to dole out the use of the bedrooms as a reward to his favorite child, grandchild or great-grandchild of the moment, as well as changing his Will bequeathing his bed and couch anytime one heir falls out of favor. If Granps continues to take the special medicine that keeps him from aging and dying the family is stuck in this terrible routine. Everyone’s nerves are on edge and Gramps decides something has to be done. The solution is an ironic twist that I have seen so often in these vintage sci fi stories…and in the modern ones.

2BR02B is another satiric story that deals with death in a future world where government controls the population and a new child is only permitted if another person dies. I really liked the authors use of the wall mural to mirror the events that were happening.

I wouldn’t want a steady diet of these stories, but they are fun to read/listen to. I particularly like to compare the “vintage” tales of the future with the current day imaginings. Often the themes are similar and certainly the twists of irony are always present.


Audio Notes: Kitty Hendrix does an excellent job with the narration. This is not so much an issue of presenting character voices, although she does that well also. The plus is that the narration focuses on the story so the listener gets to think about the point that Vonnegut is making. I’m glad I received this audio for an honest review.

I received this audio title from the narrator in exchange for an unbiased review. This qualifies for 2017 Audiobook Challenge, 2017 TBR, Sci Fi Experience and Vintage Sci Fi.

The 2017 Sci Fi Experience and Vintage Sci Fi Not a Challenge

The 2017 Sci-Fi Experience began December 1st, 2016 and runs through January 31st, 2017. It is hosted by Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings.

Image art supplied by Stephan Martiniere.

The Sci-Fi Experience will hopefully give people an opportunity to:
a) Continue their love affair with science fiction
b) Return to science fiction after an absence, or
c) Experience for the first time just how exhilarating science fiction can be.

Since I have been increasingly enjoying Sci Fi this past year, I fall into the a) category. I have several reviews already for December and have Vintage sci fi titles lined up for January.

Here are Sci Fi books read  in December, 2016:
1. Audible Book Review: Swarm: Star Force, Book 1, by B. V. Larson; Narrated by Mark Boyett; Military Sci Fi, my rating 4.0.
2. Audible Book Review: The Synchronicity War, Part 1 by Dietmar Wehr; Narrated by Luke Daniels; Military Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.
3. Book Review: Toru: Wayfarer Returns by Stephanie R. Sorensen; Sci Fi, Steampunk; my rating 4.5.
4. The Circuit: Executor Rising by Rhett C. Bruno
5. The Great Martian War: Invasion by Scott Washburn; Narrated by Ray Greenley


Read in January, 2017:
{See Vintage Reviews below to be added}

I also have several books already lined up for January, especially Vintage Sci Fi titles.

The Vintage SciFi Not-a-Challenge event is hosted by Andrea at Little Red Reviewer.

I am starting with these Vintage titles:
1. X Minus One: Old Time Radio, Sci-Fi Series (broadcast from April 24, 1955 to January 9, 1958) by Ray Bradbury, Philip K. Dick, Robert A. Heinlein, Frederik Pohl, Theodore Sturgeon, Isaac Asimov, Ernest Kinoy, George Lefferts
2. Invisible Man: A Novel by Ralph Ellison; Narrated by Joe Morton (1953)
3. Time for the Stars by Robert A. Heinlein; Narrated by Barrett Whitener (1956)
4. We by Yevgeny Zamyatin; Narrated by Grover Gardner (1921)

Book Review: The Steam Man of the Prairies by Edward S. Ellis

This is an interesting and fun vintage science fiction.

The Steam Man of the Prairies
by Edward S. Ellis

Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Dover Publications (July 20, 2016)
ISBN-13: 978-0486806136
Genre: Vintage Sci Fi, Steampunk
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

One of the earliest examples of steampunk literature, this 1868 story was actually written during the Victorian era and was among the first American science-fiction novels. In fact, the tale features the very first literary instance of a mechanical man, published long before the term "robot" was coined. Extremely popular and much imitated in its day, The Steam Man of the Prairies recounts a teenage inventor's road test of his automaton, in which he conducts a party of gold prospectors across Indian territory.
This book marked the beginning of a genre that came to be known as edisonades — dime novels centered on a young genius and his invention that captivated boys of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Educator and author Edward S. Ellis wrote more than 100 such tales, under his own name and more than a dozen others. In addition to appealing to boys' fascination with engineering and technology, edisonades offered plenty of action and adventure in untamed parts of the world. As Kirkus Reviews noted, "Ellis' works serve as a good window into the attitudes of the time and provide some context for how the future was viewed as well as how much the world was changing."

Review:
Young Johnny Brainerd started being a tinker almost as a toddler. Once bored with standard inventions, he jumps upon his mother’s suggestion to create a mechanical man. He hides it in his garage until one day a strange looking man gets a glimpse. Tracker, frontiersman, Baldy Bicknell, is immediately fascinated by the steam man. He assures Johnny that they can test it out on the prairies where it can be very useful to help another project that he is involved with. Baldy is working with two rough miners seeking gold! But the men have been under constant threat from Indian attacks. Perhaps the appearance of a huge steam man could scare the Indians.

This story was written in 1868 which I think makes it remarkable fun. The steampunk elements are presented with good, reliable detail. The author uses rough accents to convey personalities to the characters. They are not deeply developed but there is enough portrayal to make them interesting and real to the time period. The story is creative and has action with the running steam man and dangerous confrontations with the Indians. The writing is not precise and could have benefited from a good editing. Still this is a quick, fun read. I recommend it to steampunk fans and to those interested in sci fi literature history.

I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley. This qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Audible Book Review: The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein

Excellent narration enhances this fascinating sci fi classic.
The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
Written by: Robert A. Heinlein
Narrated by: Lloyd James

Length: 14 hrs and 12 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-11-06
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Sci Fi, Vintage
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In what is considered one of Heinlein's most hair-raising, thought-provoking, and outrageous adventures, the master of modern science fiction tells the strange story of an even stranger world. It is 21st-century Luna, a harsh penal colony where a revolt is plotted between a bashful computer and a ragtag collection of maverick humans, a revolt that goes beautifully until the inevitable happens. But that's the problem with the inevitable: it always happens.
Winner of the 1967 Hugo award, this novel marked Heinlein's partial return to his best form. He draws many historical parallels with the War of Independence, and clearly shows his own libertarian political views.
©1965 Robert A. Heinlein; (P)1999 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Review:
Luna was set up years ago as a penal colony where prisoners were sent to serve time. They do not have cells and the peace keepers are few since there is no place to escape to. There are no laws but common sense rules of society have developed over the years that maintain order. There is now a large population of free people on Luna, either having served their time or having been born free. But the Warden still governs and he answers to Luna Authority which keeps the population at a level of slavery by controlling the exports and finances.

Manuel, “Mannie”, Davis is a free born citizen who lost an arm in a work accident. He now has a collection of six or seven arms designed for specialized purposes. Mannie works as a computer technician on the main computer that controls the life systems on the moon. When the computer asks about a joke, Mannie realizes that it has become “sentient”. Mannie, with his new friend “Mike” (the lonely computer), inadvertently ends up as one of a handful of leaders of a revolution to free Luna.

Mannie meets a beautiful young activist, Wyoh, at a political rally he attends mostly out of curiosity. The event is interrupted by a police raid and the police, and a few citizens, are killed. Mannie leads Wyoh out of the crowd to a safe place, ultimately bringing her into his interesting family farm. Wyoh is named a fugitive, and Mannie’s longtime friend, Prof, is suspect, but Mannie has not caught the eye of the authorities. The three enlist Mike to help them as they form an Emergency Committee to Free Luna.

The revolutionists have limited weapons and know that they are facing the vast technological resources of Terra. Their best secret is Mike with his analytical skills and circuits of control. Mike warns them that their circumstances are more urgent than they know when he predicts starvation in only seven years. After some brainstorming with Mike the leaders recognize that they do have a weapon they can use… they will become like David slinging stones at Goliath.

I became fascinated with the society make-up of Luna, the differences resulting from the lesser gravity and the values developed. The marriage and family system was creatively adjusted to accommodate large family groups with multiple husbands and wives. The set up and progress of the Revolution is interesting study in strategies.

Mike’s multiple roles as a friend, co-conspirator, party leader and political satirist make him a wonderful character. I enjoyed Prof’s initial manipulations of the temporary council and later efforts to direct the nature of the ‘new government’. I grew very attached to Mannie who tells the story, first person, as a form of memoir of the revolutionary years. The language is a mixture of English and Russian with a few other words thrown in. Mannie was an easy going fellow who didn’t choose to be a leader but stepped up, with support of his friends, to complete the mission, even if the results weren’t quite as planned.

The story has a great blend of humor, social and political issues, revolutionary strategy, danger, and that touch of irony I now anticipate as an element of science fiction. I highly recommend this as a fun and intriguing story.

Audio Notes: Lloyd James does a great job with the narration. The Russian accent for Mannie is at first surprising but soon becomes friendly and natural. James nails the multiple personalities of Mike and does a good job with the other characters too. I was delighted by the story and the audio.

This is another Vintage Sci Fi from 1966. This has been in my Audible Library since 2011 so it is a good TBR as well as qualifying for Audio Challenge.

Audible Book Review: To Live Forever by Jack Vance

This presents an interesting character study in a futuristic society.
To Live Forever 
Written by: Jack Vance
Narrated by: Kevin Kenerly

Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date: 08-25-15
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc
Genre: Vintage Sci Fi, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Waylock had been granted eternal life - but now he was killing on borrowed time.
Gavin Waylock had waited seven years for the scandal surrounding his former immortal self to be forgotten and had kept his identity concealed so that he could once again join the ranks of those who lived forever. He had been exceedingly careful about hiding his past. Then he met the Jacynth. She was a beautiful 19-year-old, and Gavin wanted her. But he recognized that a wisdom far beyond her years marked her as one who knew too much about him to live. As far as she was concerned, death was a mere inconvenience. But once the Jacynth came back, Gavin Waylock's life would be an everlasting hell.
©2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc. (P)2015 Blackstone Audiobooks

Review:
Waylock is a man living in a society where levels of achievement determine the number of years a person lives. Men strive to increase their “sloop” through innovation, great study, artistic talent or remarkable work achievement. When a person reaches the top elite level, they are inducted into the Amaranth where they are granted eternal life. To accomplish this eternal life, they have ‘clones’ or replicas who are matured over seven years.  The clones have the DNA coding and memories of their primary so it is as if they continue on for eternity.

The governing authorities do their best to maintain smooth operations with strict and swift enforcement, including humiliation and execution. But problems are beginning to be exposed in the calm society. It is difficult for the lower working levels to gain sloop and rise to Amaranth. Not only that but, to keep balance for the resources, for each Amaranth that is inducted, 1700 lowest levels must be removed from the city rolls. This causes depression or mental illness in some who can’t accept that they can’t get beyond the middle level.

Waylock was an immortal sentenced to death for killing another immortal. He is believed to have been eliminated as his replicates should not have had time to mature. However, he lives quietly in hiding for seven years hoping that his past deed will be forgotten and he will be able to work his way back to Amaranth. Then he meets a beautiful young woman, Jacynth. He is drawn to her until he suspects that somehow she knows his secrets. Waylock will take extreme measures to protect himself.

The second time Waylock meets the Jacynth he is again attracted but wary. He soon learns that she is now an investigator for the enforcers and she is determined to bring “the monster” to justice. They begin a cat and mouse dance trying to best each other. Waylock's ambitions drive him to use methods that may destroy the very foundations of the society in which he seeks to advance.

This story portrays an interesting, if sometimes depressing, future world. The story is built around a somewhat evil protagonist and the author develops the character with cleverness and perseverance. I didn’t like Waylock but he makes for an interesting character study. The story includes a dissertation on mental illness and political commentary woven in between the scheming mystery. I was once again struck by the irony in the ending which is a feature I have found in the vintage sci fi stories I have been reading. It seems to be a theme tied to the imaginative futuristic view of life. I recommend this to readers who like crime novels as well as those who like futuristic society sci fi.

Audio Notes: Kevin Kenerly delivers a solid narration that fits the tone of the story. Kenerly provided good character voices and an appropriately dry presence that added to the mystery. It is not flashy or exuberant but the accent added to the engagement for me.

Originally published in 1956, this is one of my books for Vintage Sci Fi month. This is from my own Audible library. It qualifies for Audio Challenge, “T” in Alphabet Soup and TBR Triple Dog Dare.

Audible Book Reviews: Three X Minus One #VintageSciFi Stories

These are wonderful short stories of imagination and irony!

(Applicable to all three stories.)
Publisher's Summary
X Minus One premiered in April 1955 on NBC and ran until January 1958. Like its predecessor series, Dimension X, X Minus One featured stories by the greatest names in modern science fiction: Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, Clifford Simak, Robert Bloch, and many more.
Public Domain (P)2012 BN Publishing

“From the far horizons of the unknown come transcribed tales of new dimensions in time and space. These are stories of the future. Adventures in which you’ll live in a million could be years in a thousand maybe worlds.”


X Minus One: Cold Equations (August 25, 1955)
Written by: Tom Godwin, George Lefferts - adaptation
Narrated by: Fred Collins
Length: 23 mins
Radio/TV Program
Release Date:05-22-15
Publisher: BN Publishing

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Review:
Barton is a pilot of an EDS, Emergency Dispatch Ship. These are specialized rescue units used to make the emergency trips when and where no one else can. Barton has been assigned to deliver life-saving serum to a work force of 16 men who have already become ill. Time is of the essence and the trip is planned with precise detail to make the mission successful.

As his ship settles into its journey Barton notices an unexpected heat signature. He discovers a stow-away who turns out to be the lovely wife of one of the men on the planet. The couple have been apart for a number of years and she snuck on board to make a surprise visit. How can Barton handle this when the trip doesn’t factor in another person?

This is a wonderfully engaging and ironic, if sad, short story. I saw the dilemma and appreciated Barton’s compassion. The solutions are limited. I held my breath a bit as I waited to see what would happen.


X Minus One: Protective Mimicry (October 3, 1956)
Written by: Algis Budrys, Ernest Kinoy - adaptation
Narrated by: Fred Collins
Length: 29 mins
Radio/TV Program
Release Date:05-27-15
Publisher: BN Publishing

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Review:
One Protective Mimicry finds us with Bamhoser, a special agent in "United Galactic Federation Department of Treasury, Investigation Division, Currency Section". Bamhoser has to track down a counterfeiter who is believed to have created a matter duplicator. His investigation takes him deep into the jungles of a humid, alien world where primitive natives live without sophisticated machinery. The counterfeiter captures Bamhoser and, in his arrogance, the thief explains his methods. When Bamhoser’s companions arrive and a battle breaks out, an unexpected event wins the day for the good guys.

Again the story is quick and I had to laugh at the ironic ending. There is some fun, 50’s appropriate views of women and repartee among the characters. The descriptions are well done, putting the reader in the stifling jungle, including a character blood-sucking bug.

X Minus One: Target One (December 26, 1957)
Written by: Frederik Pohl, George Lefferts - adaptation
Narrated by: Fred Collins
Length: 20 mins
Radio/TV Program
Release Date: 05-28-15
Publisher: BN Publishing

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Review:
This story takes place in a future world where the humans have been all but extinguished with the devastation and destruction caused by atomic war in 1960. The current society, even thirty years later, is suffering from the fall out, with birth deformities and mutations. The world council president believes that drastic steps must be taken to save humanity. Secretly a time machine has been developed and a plan is put into place to send a scientist who understands the problem back to assassinate the original source of the problem.

The question is: can eliminating one man really stop scientific progress and prevent the knowledge and development the future leaders most fear? When Dr. Maron returns to his own time, ninety years in ahead, what world will await him?

There is always a twist when it comes to time travel and this is no exception. Time travel to assassin someone in the past never quite comes out as expected. After all - how do you kill an idea? Once again, the quick story has an ironic end.

(Image and Plot Archives found at this site.)

I love how each of these stories are engaging, quick and ironic. The other thing I noted is that I can identify themes in these stories in contemporary stories I have read over the past year or so. It makes me wonder: how much of what we read now draws upon the authors of the past?

Audio Notes: These are presented as NBC broadcasts with some audio effects. I could imagine sitting by a radio in the 1950s to listen to these wonderful episodes. This is great entertainment for under $1.00 per selection!

I selected these three short audios for Vintage Sci Fi reading. They also begin my 2016 Audiobook Challenge and X on the Alphabet Soup Challenge! This is also my 2016 First Book of the Year

Sci Fi Experience and Vintage Sci Fi Participation

As I noted in my First Book of 2016 post, I decided to participate in two Sci Fi events that are going on right now.

Image art supplied by Chris Goff.

The 2016 Sci-Fi Experience begins December 1st and runs through January 31st, 2016.
It is hosted by Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings.

The Sci-Fi Experience will hopefully give people an opportunity to:
a) Continue their love affair with science fiction
b) Return to science fiction after an absence, or
c) Experience for the first time just how exhilarating science fiction can be.

Since I have been increasingly enjoying Sci Fi this past year, I fall into the a) category.

Here are Sci Fi books read (or reviewed) in December, 2015:
1. Audible Book Review: The Genuine Particle by Stephen Punt; Comedy, Radio Broadcast; my rating 4.25. (Not read in December but review posted.) 
2. Audible Book Review: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld; Steampunk, Fantasy Adventure; my rating 4.5. 
3. Audio Book Review: Goon Squad, Vol. 2: Without Sin by Jonathan L. Howard; Sci Fi, Comic Storytelling; my rating 4.0. 
4. Book Review: Xenonauts: Crimson Dagger by Lee Stephen; Sci Fi, Fantasy; my rating 4.5.

Read in January, 2016:
5. Audible Book Reviews: Three X Minus One #VintageSciFi Stories; Vintage Sci Fi; my ratings 4.5, 4.25 and 4.25.
6. Audible Book Review and #Giveaway: Time Heist: Firstborn Saga Volume 1 by #Anthony Vicino; Sci Fi, Mystery; my rating 4.5.
7. Book Review: The Feral Sentence: Part One by G. C. Julien; Dystopian, Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.
8. Book Review: Brilliance (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 1) by Marcus Sakey; Sci Fi, Suspense Thriller; my rating 5.0.
9. Audible Book Review: To Live Forever by Jack Vance; Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.
10. Book Review: Steamborn (Steamborn Series) (Volume 1) by Eric R Asher; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Steampunk; my rating 4.25.
11. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein; (Review to be linked.)

I have several books already lined up for January, including some Vintage Sci Fi titles.

The Vintage SciFi Not-a-Challenge event is hosted by Andrea at Little Red Reviewer.

I am starting with these Vintage titles (the first three I listened to as First Book(s) of 2016); The review links are above under Sci Fi Experience:
1. X Minus One: Protective Mimicry (October 3, 1956) by Algis Budrys, Ernest Kinoy - adaptation
2. X Minus One: Cold Equations (August 25, 1955) by Tom Godwin, George Lefferts - adaptation
3. X Minus One: Target One (December 26, 1957) by Frederik Pohl, George Lefferts - adaptation
4. To Live Forever by Jack Vance (original publication 1956)
5. The Moon is A Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein.