Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Inhumanity Quest

by T. Ray Gordon / Rick Sellers
Read by Richard Sellers



      The title credits that appear on the CD jacket (listed above) are somewhat deceiving. This nostalgic piece is actually narrated, not read, by Richard Sellers, who also doubles as producer, director, and effective one-man crew. This production is definitely not a sci-fi book on CD; rather, Inhumanity Quest is a full-fledged theatrical radio play, filled with numerous, well-defined characters, sound effects, and a moving, original, music score. (note: the jacket contains an obviously staged picture of "last known photo of T. Ray Gordon". I would like to see a comparison photo of Richard Sellers).

The play involves a journey into space during an interplanetary war, and a "black helicopter" scheme hatched at the very top of Earth's government. The ship's captain sounded a bit like "Jimmy Stewart does George C. Scott", but was appropriate for the role. Numerous characters are well played, especially the woman who voiced the android who sacrifices herself for the good of the mission. She had the difficult task of expressing a hint of emotion in an otherwise emotionless incarnation. A very good job. And Mr. Sellers narrates with an earnest tone, "selling" the importance and tragic nature of the events as they unfold.

The story is divided into chapters, each one with a climax that leads into the next part of the story. Music, as stated above, was well done, as were the sound effects. I understand that there really would be no sound in space, but our film/TV culture teaches the opposite, so I regretfully give-in to this scientific impossibility. One slight point: the effect used for the "monster" (the Kaden) sounded mostly like a combination of a thousand industrial toilets and the MGM lion. I chuckled when I heard it, probably not the desired effect. But, after all, this is supposed to be a bit "cheesy", so maybe an occasional laugh is intended.

I listened to Inhumanity Quest on a cross-country car trip, specifically through a long, endless stretch of I-70 through Kansas. This story made me smile; it kept my interest and made me forget that I was in the middle of Kansas. I admired the obvious care and feeling that went into each aspect of the production. Mr. Sellers has assembled a terrific team of actors/technicians, and I encourage him to take his talented efforts onward. Truly, Inhumanity Quest deserves an encore.

The Book

Apex Audio Theatre
9-1-05
Audiobook radio play
ISBN
Teen / Young adult - Science Fiction / Space
Hear an excerpt and purchase
NOTE:

The Reviewer

Lane Cohen
Reviewed 2005
NOTE: Reviewer Lane Cohen is the author of Down Time.
© 2005 MyShelf.com