Christopher Lane demonstrates a rich vocal range in this quirky homage to pulp fiction. During WWII, science-fiction writers—including Robert Heinlein and Isaac Asimov—are given the task of creating the scientific discoveries they hypothesized in their works in order to help the U.S. defeat the Nazis. Lane’s narration maintains a good balance between his speed of delivery and the pace of the ongoing action. His clear and commanding projection reveals a confidence in his narration, and his male character voices sound authentic. His female voices also maintain a timbre that works well for a story inspired by the conventions of pulp fiction.
Pub Date: July 5, 2011
Duration: 16 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781455825370
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ayla, one of the "others," is adopted by a clan of Neanderthal cave people. She struggles to conform to their ways, but her advanced human traits overwhelm and threaten their primitive culture in this initial installment of an immensely popular series. Although the story might benefit from abridgment, Rowena Cooper easily carries out the formidable task of enlivening the mostly silent and stereotypical characters with consistent, diverse personalities and human dimension. Through skillful phrasing and inflection, she maintains the reader's interest and suspense, especially with Ayla and her plight, throughout this rambling and imaginative story.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This lyrical, sensual novel of woman's lot in Manchu, China, is as well researched as it is well written. Authentic in tone, it's nonetheless written for Westerners by a Western expert on China. Moreover, Susan Clark performs the demanding text superbly, with only occasional signs of fatigue. For the most part she not only sustains the quaint diction and Asian atmosphere, but also, creates whole worlds with her voice. She acts the book, rather than reads it, and, in so doing, turns a pretty trifle into a stupendous beauty.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Literature
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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