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First Lensman

Lensman Series

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First Lensman

By: E. E. Doc Smith
Narrated by: Reed McColm
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About this listen

 In the not-too-distant future, while fleets of commercial space ships travel between the planets of numerous solar systems, a traveler named Virgil Samms visits the planet Arisia. There, he becomes the first wearer of the Lens, the almost-living symbol of the forces of law and order. As the first Lensman, Samms helps to form the Galactic Patrol, a battalion of Lensmen who are larger-than-life heroes. These soldiers are the best of the best, with incredible skill, stealth, and drive. They are dedicated and incorruptible fighters who are willing to die to protect the universe from the most horrific threat it has ever known.Hi-fi sci-fi: listen to more in the Lensman series.©2006 Books in Motion. This recording is produced by arrangement with The Estate of E. E. "Doc" Smith and Virginia Kidd, Inc. (P)2006 Books in Motion. This recording is produced by arrangement with The Estate of E. E. "Doc" Smith and Virginia Kidd, Inc. Adventure Space Opera

Critic Reviews

"The most towering figure in science fiction, thanks to the enormous scope of his novels." (Isaac Asimov)
"If you wish to understand the roots of modern science fiction, you have to read the Lensman saga." (Allen Steele)
"A finalist for a special Hugo Award for All-Time Best Series, 'Lensman' is considered by many sf heads to be the greatest of the space operas and clearly a source for such successors as Star Trek and Star Wars." ( Library Journal)

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Picks up a little

Originally published as a serial the story has been added to when published in book form. I'm not sure that the first half of the novel is necessary but at least we are warned of this in a preamble. After the sixth hour a bit more of a plot starts to develop, but I'm still not sure if I would rate this novel as highly as master works like Asiwov's Foundation series. Maybe I'll change my mind after another book or two but the first doesn't suck you in.

The flat text is delivered with a flat narration, which certainly doesn't add anything. Not the worst narrator I've heard, but nowhere near the best.

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