Nightmare Planet
Murray Leinster
Read by Zachary Brewster-Geisz
In science-fiction, as in all categories of fiction, there are stories that are so outstanding from the standpoint of characterization, concept, and background development that they remain popular for decades. Two such stories were Murray Leinster's The Mad Planet and Red Dust. Originally published in 1923, they have been reprinted frequently both here and abroad. They are now scheduled for book publication. Especially for this magazine, Murray Leinster has written the final story in the series. It is not necessary to have read the previous stories to enjoy this one. Once again, Burl experiences magnificent adventures against a colorful background, but to the whole the author has added philosophical and psychological observations that give this story a flavor seldom achieved in science-fiction. - Summary by Original magazine blurb from Science Fiction Plus, June 1953 (1 hr 47 min)
Chapters
| Part 1 | 43:54 | Read by Zachary Brewster-Geisz |
| Part 2 | 30:01 | Read by Zachary Brewster-Geisz |
| Part 3 | 34:03 | Read by Zachary Brewster-Geisz |
Reviews
mafinokc
This is the third and last story Leinster wrote about this planet with its huge fungi and insects. The reading is excellent and conveys the horror of life on the planet. However, Leinster leaves some very large scientific holes unfilled. First: When the lifeless planet was first discovered, it had an oxygen atmosphere. The planet's geochemistry would have to be very different from Earth's if this were true. Second, fungi are incapable of photosynthesis; so in order for them to survive, most of the planet's flora would have to be green plants. Why are the humans, then, seemingly stuck in the fungus valley? Third, unless the insects had evolved lungs, in order for them to grow as big as they're described here, the atmosphere would have to be at least 50% oxygen; and again, that would indicate a very different geochemistry, and in such a superoxygenated atmosphere, a tiny spark could result in a conflagration, or a lightning strike could cause a huge explosion.
Zac Slade
Murray Leinster's Burl series is, as of finishing this book, decidedly my favorite of all the 100-or-so hours of scifi I've heard from librivox. This is now the bar for 5 stars which other works will have to reach. (Plus, I'm sure my young son will absolutely love my retelling of this adventure). The narrator for this recording did a great job, too. His voice has some good atmosphere to it -- thanks for reading!
Fine story
JMB
It's a wonderful cap to the series. It's fine as a standalone story. But, if I were you, I would listen to the series in order - - it will be much more meaningful
Very much enjoyed this
psichick
Excellent reading by Zachary! I'm left the sad understanding that what was quickly becoming a society of health, prosperity, & happiness will degenerate into one of disease, want, & meaninglessness.
well read , not so well written
MrMarkN4CC
Very well read or I think I would have given up before the end. Sorry this one just didn’t work for me.
Excellent!!
Fiddle Sticks
A worthy end to the trilogy, it had me gripped in the story right to the end. Beautifully read too.
Seven Archers
This is just the retelling of the end of the "Forgotten Planet," the reader did a good job.
Wow - 10 stars!
Michele Walker
Excellent, unique book well read! Definitely recommended! Wish it was longer...