Pete

I consider the print and audio equally good.

Sam, ex marine, finagling, 'sidekick'.

Spoiler alert!


Yes, when Sam gave his life to save Max and Ellie.

The Heinlein Juveniles (minus Podkayne of Mars) are, for me, the very finest of YA writing and this particular story is certainly in the top five of these fine books. It as been a favorite of mine since I first read it in the late 50's early 60's. I reread it every few years and am very happy to have it well performed in audio.

Beastmaster had all the familiar Norton strengths, a young man trying to make his place in the adult world, an empathic animal team, a quest through an exotic (this time wild western-ish) alien world, and, of course, caves. What I liked the best? I suppose it was the caves.

Did I mention the caves?.

Brewer gave a straight forward, well inflected performance, with a voice that worked well for a young protagonist.

Norton doesn't make you laugh or cry, usually; she just takes you for an absorbing, even spellbinding -- if you let yourself be in the mood -- journey.

This is one I missed from my youth (when they were being written!) though I remember the fuscia and yellow cover of the original well. It's much better than and much different from the movie of the same name. I'll reread it again, and if I like it as much a second time, it may move up onto my very favorite Norton list with Catseye, Galactic Derelict, and The Stars are Ours. Not high art, but great reading.

I am a great fan of Heinlein Juveniles so I rate this audio copy highly

Probably the 'moon quake' and its aftermath.

Bill, the lead. A typically competent (with guidance from convenient father figures, as usual, in H's juveniles) Heinlein YA character.

Yes, though I didn't have the time to do so. It is a book I will listen to again and again, as well.

I love the Heinlein juveniles (except for Podkayne of Mars) and while this books has structural 'problems' with the final sequence kind of seemingly tacked on (but interesting in itself). I had forgotten how good this particular Heinlein Juvenile was -- it's not at the very top of my list of the best of these books -- until I listened to it this time.

Great stuff!