I adore space stories, but I don’t really consider The Planet Savers of that genre. Sure, it’s not set on earth, but it is set on an earth-like planet. Yes, it has aliens, but the aliens seem like they could easily be one of earth’s indigenous peoples. Not much in the way of space ships, cool weaponry, or alien technology is featured. Instead, the plot revolves around the Terran colonists on the planet Darkover having to find and ask the elusive native Trailmen for their assistance to develop a serum to fight a deadly plague which threatens to wipe them out, but one which for the natives is a common childhood ailment.
I will say however, that it is a terrific little adventure story. The colonists have to mountain climb their way over challenging and dangerous terrain, look out for potential ambushes, locate the elusive natives and plead for their help. I also really liked the plot device of split personalities for parasitologist Dr. Jay Allison, who leads the group, and his reliance on both parts of himself to accomplish his mission.
The Planet Savers is read by the excellent Mark Douglas Nelson. My only quibble was with the sound effect? in Part 1 - it sounded as if he were in a very large echoey metal room. I’m not sure if this was intentional, but it was distracting. Otherwise, a very enjoyable listen.
Available at SciPodBooks Reading time 3:13:18
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