Why I Read It: It leaped off the library shelf at me!
Where I Got It: My library.
Who I Recommend This To: This was a quick, quaint space mystery.
Narrator: Kevin T. Collins
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America (2009)
Length: 7 CDs
Series: Book 2 Galactic Empire
Rik had his mind wiped clean, which is a pretty rude thing to have happen (unless you are a violent criminal, in which case I have no pity for you). In fact, Rik couldn’t even tend to basic needs without encouragement and assistance at first. Under Lona’s care and guidance, he slowly comes part way back to himself and can hold down a very simple job at the local manufacturing plant on Florina. When Lona takes him to a doctor, they learn that he had been psycho-probed and that he might not get his memory back.
Yet there is something that is trying to worm it’s way out of Rik’s brain; something that connects Florina, the planet’s main export (kryt, which is used for making beautiful cloth), and himself. As Rik remembers more and more, the mystery deepens and they find themselves caught up in a web of intrigue with a growing body count. The regional power of Trantor and the government of the planet Sark vie for possession of Rik and what he will soon remember (hopefully).
I enjoyed this book for the mystery and because I liked watching Rik muddle and struggle through. Even though simple country Lona didn’t understand much of what Rik was trying to remember, she stuck with him throughout. The class differences between the Florina workers and the Sark nobility threw in some added tension between the characters of the story.
I actually didn’t realize this was Book 2 of the Galactic Series until I started writing up the review. This book reads fine as a stand alone space mystery. (Though I am excited to have this simple excuse to dig up the other two Isaac Asimov books in the series.)
Kevin T. Collins did a great job with men’s and women’s voices, with provincial country accents, and imperial demands, even throwing in dialect accents. I enjoyed his crisp and clear pronunciation and the pacing.
What I Liked: Mystery most tangled; ‘Rik’ is the equivalent of ‘idiot’ in the Florina language; nice twist at the end that I didn’t see coming; works fine as a stand alone novel.
What I Disliked: Out of the whole cast of characters, only two females.
As part of Stainless Steel Droppings’ R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril event, I am going to count this as a mystery, even though it happens in the very far future in space. This event is still going strong until the end of October, so feel free to hop over there and join the fun.