The Red Planet

Review Review of book: "A fascinating story of Earth-humans on Mars . . . the most thrilling and tingling kind of science fiction story by an experienced hand." --KirkusReview of book: "Readers young and old will enjoy this fastpmoving adventure novel." --Chicago Tribune Product Description Jim Marlowe’s Martian pet, Willis, seems like nothing more than an adorable ball of fur with an uncanny ability to imitate the human voice. But Jim’s devotion to the little creature will soon lead Jim and his pal Frank into a death-defying trek across Mars. Their journey of wonders—including an encounter with the mysterious ancients of Mars—ends when they are plunged into the midst of a dangerous rebellion. About the Author ROBERT A. HEINLEIN (1907–1988) was the first recipient of the Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. A four-time Hugo Award winner, he is best remembered for the sensational bestseller Stranger in Strange Land. From AudioFile Written in 1949, RED PLANET shows its age with some sexism and anachronistic phrases. Still, the tale is fast and action-packed. Among the first colonists on Mars are teens Jim and Pete and their families. The human colonists live in peace with the mysterious Martians but have a conflict with their government. Narrator William Dufris holds all the excitement together. The actors for Jim and Pete have bright, energetic voices and move things right along. The rest of the cast fills things in nicely, voicing crotchety doctors, noble parents, duplicitous bureaucrats, impatient men of action, and mysterious Martians. In this full-cast treatment, the production would be an excellent choice for a family car trip. G.D. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine