The Defenders


Read by Phil Chenevert

(4 stars; 392 reviews)

The terrible destruction of total nuclear war between the Western and Eastern Blocks has succeeded in sterilizing the surface of the earth. No living creature can now exist there and all humans on both sides, have fled to the hives built miles below the surface where they constantly work to produce the war materials necessary to carry on the battle. For 8 years now, the actual fighting between these super powers has been conducted by robots known as Ledeys since only they can sustain the terrible levels of radiation caused by the constant bombardment. They are the Defenders, standing between the combatants far below and ultimate victory or defeat. Life is hard in the tunnels, but liveable, while it is lethal on the surface. The ledeys keep the generals informed on everything through vids and pictures; but how can this continue? what will happen? Who will win? (Summary by Phil Chenevert) (0 hr 59 min)

Chapters

1 - Part 1 13:49 Read by Phil Chenevert
2 - Part 2 14:09 Read by Phil Chenevert
3 - Part 3 20:11 Read by Phil Chenevert
4 - Part 4 11:35 Read by Phil Chenevert

Reviews

wonderful story & narration

(5 stars)

I was browsing through LibriVox's Sci-Fi collection on a hunt for some stories to listen to (whether for the first time or not) and ended up looking over PKD's works. I recall listening to this particular piece ~1.5 or so years ago. How anyone can have anything negative to say regarding Phil Chenevert's readings, is, to me, utterly dumbfounding. He's easily one of the best, most especially in his Sci-Fi contributions. Thank-you!

(3 stars)

The story is simpler than you would expect from pkd, and the reader is mediocre: his robots are a-nnoy-ing to listen to, and his Russians sound French.

Enjoyable Sci-fi

(4 stars)

An enjoyable short story that's a little predictable but enjoyable nonetheless. Narrator was particularly exceptional, I actually liked the old-school robot voice used. For anyone who likes short sci-fi stories, you'll probably enjoy this one.

worth the listen

(5 stars)

Philip k Dick is one of the best modern sci-fi writers. This short story is to the point without being convoluted. Excellent twist, characters most importantly the social commentary this genre offers us. Leaves you inspired with internal questions to ask.

Nice story, poorly read

(3 stars)

Story is nice, with what would probably had been an element of surprise at the time (and rather predictable nowadays) but the narration is horrible, as if read by some old text-to-speech tool. Hate saying this, but the narration just made me wish the story ended already...

Enjoyed story & narrator

(4 stars)

Good story made much better by Phil Chenevert's reading. I would have liked to have seen this story written with much more detail,and a bit longer. But is a good tale as is. Lend a ear and enjoy Phil's reading of The Defenders.

Good story

(4 stars)

So humans have been underground for years. Now a scientist thinks something is up on the surface. What could it be? Reader does his usual excellent job. Enjoy!

(4 stars)

Old school Syfy story. By today's standards, the outcome was predictable. However the story is still enjoyable. Narration is clear and well paced, although the sing-song quality of the narration seems a little strange at first. If you get past that, you will enjoy the story.