Red Planet
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4.2 • 32 Ratings
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
"The most thrilling and tingling kind of science fiction story."─ Kirkus Reviews
"Heinlein found his true direction…. The Martian setting is logically constructed and rich in convincing detail [while] the characters are engaging and the action develops naturally." ─Jack Williamson
Marking the first appearance of the Martian elder race that plays such a prominent role in Stranger in a Strange Land, Robert A. Heinlein's iconic Red Planet tells the story of Jim Marlowe and Frank Sutton's journey to the Lowe Academy boarding school on Mars, and the discoveries they make there that impact the future of their entire colony.
While on their way, along with Jim's volleyball-sized native pet, Willis the Bouncer, the boys wander into the 'forbidden' territory where they meet a native Martian, Gekko. The Martian, who is oddly protective of Willis, becomes a "water friend" to the young boys and exposes them to the true wonders of the planet.
Once enrolled at the school, Jim and Frank rescue Willis from the authoritarian headmaster who had confiscated the "pet", Willis, and discover the colonial administrator's plans for Mars, which threatens the very survival of the colony in its present form. Jim and Frank run away from the school. Can they warn the colony in time to save it from the administrator's nefarious plans?
Red Planet is Robert A. Heinlein at his best, with an exciting adventure story, colorful characters and exquisite aliens. The original ending had been changed by the first publishers of this book. This edition contains the true ending of the story, as Heinlein had intended it.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Heinlein's 1949 novel of a space frontier culture is brought to life with Full Cast Audio's signature quality of talented voices and an evocative musical score. The colonists live a fragile existence on Mars as they try to survive without offending the native Martians while satisfying the Corporation's hunger for profit. But greed throws this delicate balance off, and young Jim and Frank with their Martian friend, Willis, must negotiate their way among the opposing groups in order to keep their families safe and the Martians content. The masterful William Dufris, director and main narrator, pulls listeners into the stories with his deep, smooth voice. The energetic cast provides colorful voices for the quirky characters without overacting. The musical score helps with transitions as well as setting the mood and declaratively ending a scene. A Del Rey paperback.
