Treason

By: Orson Scott Card

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Lanik Mueller is a "rad" - radical regenerative - a freak who can regenerate injured flesh...and trade extra body parts to the Offworld oppressors for iron. On a planet without hard metals, or the means of escape, iron offers the promise of freedom through the chance to build a spacecraft.

But it is a promise which may never be fulfilled, as Lanik uncovers a treacherous conspiracy beyond his imagination. Now charged with a mission of conquest - and exile - Lanik devises a bold and dangerous plan to finally break the vicious chain of rivalry and bloodshed that enslaves the people of the planet Treason.

©1988 Orson Scott Card (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Card provides a colorful dramatization of ethical issues and questions of identity against a backdrop of bizarrely fascinating races." ( Publishers Weekly)
"Exemplifies Card's talent for creating disturbingly compelling, beautifully written stories." ( Library Journal)

Can't believe I missed this

Card is one of my favorite authors and Enders game is what got me into Science fiction in the first place. I can't believe I hadn't read this before but I'm so glad I found it now. I didn't even realize it was written in 1979 until the end of the book! It reminds me a lot of cards more recent series "pathfinder" but it much shorter. I highly recommend for any science fiction fan.

Interesting and thought-provoking

I like everything of Card's that I've read. This was just as good as most of his work. Very similar in some ways (young man + extraordinary powers + saves the world + questions regarding whether the world is worth saving) but still the world itself is very interesting and distinct. Very thought-provoking.

Sure there are stereotypes and it's pretty clear what Card thinks about women and minorities and academics, but the science fiction part was interesting enough to make the mild moralizing and stereotyping bearable.

The narration is very well done.

His First Book

Enough alternate worlds in this one novel to populate 6-7 novels. His audio clip about the book says he would have rewritten if given the chance... and doubled its thickness. I think if written later it would have been a whole series. I am glad he couldn't rewrite, it is a stand alone book that is classic OSC.

Excellent, thought provoking, and enjoyable

If you enjoy thought provoking, well written, stories, you'll enjoy this. Expertly narrated, strong original story, good character development, good dialog, what else do you want? Okay so there are no car chases, or gun fights, but this is a planet without a lot of hard metals, so you'll just have to deal with that.

Interesting concepts, disjointed story.

I enjoyed snippets of this book, but the overall plot line wandered and seemed forced. Card wrote this very early in his career, and it shows. The characters and concepts he introduces are strong but they don't hold together very well. I think the concepts would have worked better as a series of short stories about the world of Treason, rather than strung together as one narrative. I also thought the ending was unsatisfying and sort of cheesy. Great narration from Rudnicki as always, though! (Although my boyfriend had to stop listening because of Rudnicki's deep voice - his style certainly isn't for everyone!)

One of my favorite sci-fi authors!

I don’t know how I missed this book by Orson Scott Card - but I am glad I did! The author introduces this book as one of his favorite of all his books with a rewritten beginning. The story was great and the intro by the author was outstanding!

my God!

in the beginning of the book, when the intro is being read, the way he talks about the book...it doesn't lead one to believe it will be so stupendous and terrible and lovely as it is. the world that was built, and the history of the families is wonderful. I would love to know more about this world, and wish somehow that he could/would write another book about this universe.

Best book I've listened to this year, maybe ten.

As a great fan of OSC since I first read Enders Game during my first year as a Chaplain with the Marine Corps in 1992 [It was REQUIRED reading for every Marine regardless of rank. I hope it still is.], i've read (nearly?) everything he has written. I've not always agreed entirely with his philosophy or worldview, but close. This book, one of his earliest written, is also one of his very best works to date, perhaps the very best. The world is new & very creative, tho a bit confusing most of the way through [there may be a map in the book itself, however?]. There are many surprises as Lenik makes his way through it, learning the abilities of the bayous "families"/domains he encounters or visits--while his amazing healing & learning abilities keep him alive. Since it is written in first person, the opportunity for deeper character development isn't available, tho OSC dues a great job helping us get to know many of them from the main characters' perspective. However, the character of Lenik is so well written that you souks know him as a close friend were he to knock at your door. The wiser reader will also see the much deeper meaning & application to the world we live in, tho that is certainly not necessary to thoroughly enjoy the adventure. The ending is very satisfying, if unexpected. Yet, I keep going for the sequel to find out what Lenik is up to now. Enjoy! (P.S. to Orson Scott Card - please do not rewrite this in third person. I know it would be awesome, but it would not be the same tale.)

Great story!

Really enjoyed the story. The narrator did well with the characters. Did not expect that ending.

Outstanding

Truly one of the best books I’ve ever “read”. Excellent sci-fi that explores people over time