When Worlds Collide

By: Edwin Balmer, Philip Wylie

Narrated by: Peter Ganim

Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

A runaway planet hurtles toward Earth. As it draws near, massive tidal waves, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions wrack our planet, devastating continents, drowning cities, and wiping out millions. In central North America, a team of scientists race to build a spacecraft powerful enough to escape the doomed Earth. Their greatest threat, they soon discover, comes not from the skies but from other humans.

A crackling plot and sizzling, cataclysmic vision have made When Worlds Collide one of the most popular and influential end-of-the-world novels of all time.

©1932, 1933 Edwin Balmer & Philip Wylie (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

A great classic of Sci-fi

Would you listen to When Worlds Collide again? Why?

I had seen the movie and read the book and now listened to it and I was just as impressed with the audio as I was the book. Peter Ganim performance was good. This is a recommended listen for those that like classic science fiction.

glimpse of how to react to earth shattering news

What made the experience of listening to When Worlds Collide the most enjoyable?

The author made me feel like this could really happen

What was one of the most memorable moments of When Worlds Collide?

The battle with the outsiders at the compound

Which scene was your favorite?

The flooding of New York

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The description of the Bronson bodies- terrible & beautiful

Any additional comments?

The characters were interesting and believable, it really made me think of what mankind would do with the opportunity to completely start over.

Fun listen

Where does When Worlds Collide rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I sought this book out because it brought back my child hold love of sci-fi movies

What did you like best about this story?

I like the imagination, and for thought of ideas presented in this book. Here you had a very ridged moral, thinking group stepping away from the foundations they believed in. In a hope of save the human race.

great book

read 1st time in 10th grade, still great. loved it. hope you like it also.

Wanted to hear the original story

Being a fan of the 1950s movie, I always wanted to read/hear the original story. It's an interesting idea for the period the story was written, however I found the story lacking particularly in the middle third which concentrated too much on the relationship/love story. I thought it was very boring and seemed like a lot of filler. I almost jumped ahead to the last part of the story but stuck it out. I'm glad Audible has this available because I probably wouldn't be able to finish it if I had to read it. So, for some it will be worth your time and I can say I know the original story now, but I prefer the movie.

Still as good as I remember!

I loved this book and its sequel many years ago when I first read it. I am delighted to find it has stood the test of time, as I found the audiobook years later to be just as riviting. It is hard for me to believe it was written in 1931! Of course, there are certain details, prose style and attitudes that bring to mind the era in which it was born. The story itself, however, is timeless, exciting and very well written. I found, despite my familiarity with the story, I could hardly bear to put it down. The characters, while a little larger than life, still resonate today. If you love science fiction, you will love this classic!

great story, lousy narration

Would you listen to When Worlds Collide again? Why?

I love this novel. but I have to say that Peter Ganim's narration was just horrible. He reads it in an overly dramatic style that turns a great story into a corny piece of junk.

I recommend reading the book and skipping the audio version. Same with the sequel "After worlds Collide"

excellent narration

The narrator does an excellent job with accents, and voices which makes this a very enjoyable listen. This has long been my favorite story, and to hear it with this narration really makes the story live.

Stands the Test of Time

I downloaded the book based on the narrator, Peter Ganim, who is my favorite narrator listen to. Knowing nothing of the book, I thoroughly enjoyed it and have already downloaded the second book. Given that is was written 80+ years ago, I was surprised that there was very little detail that suggested that time frame. By listening and immersing yourself in the book, you might have thought that it was published only 10 years ago.

Very Enjoyable

I first read this one as a teenager in the sixties. An early but effective "end of the world" novel. Characters are well done and the story moves along. Give this one a listen but skip the sequel.