Destination: Void

By: Frank Herbert

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

The starship Earthling, filled with thousands of hibernating colonists en route to a new world at Tau Ceti, is stranded beyond the solar system when the ship's three organic mental cores - disembodied human brains that control the vessel's functions - go insane. The emergency skeleton crew sees only one chance for survival: build an artificial consciousness in the Earthling's primary computer that can guide them to their destination - and hope it doesn't destroy the human race.

Don't miss Frank Herbert's classic novel that begins the epic Pandora Sequence.

©1966 Frank Herbert (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Amazing

Scott Brick does a phenomenal job conveying the weight and intricacies of this book. Fantastic

Such a good writer

This is a well written book narrated by one of the best.
It may be a bit dated but it is still so good.

A tense read

While outdated in regards to tech, Frank Herbert delivers a tense and fascinating read into the nature of humanity.

dated but engaging hard sci fi

thought provoking and profound concepts. spaceship/computer jargon that doesn't age well. still glad I read it.

Not Herbert's best work

The story required continuous suspension of disbelief. Very little of the story was credible. Many times I was tempted to stop, but I went on. Having finished it, I can say I wouldn't have missed anything by stopping.

Awesome

Great book. I would recommend this to anyone who is a true sci-fi fan.

OK for a listen

This Herbert ovel is a bit too chock full of scientific theories and psycho babble to be solidly entertaining, but it's ok for a listen. Just don't expect too much.

one of my favorite books ever

A fantastic book that does not oversimplify complicated Concepts. a wonderful preview to the following books in the series.

Slow burn

Destination: Void was the first book I’ve read from Frank Herbert and it was certainly a slow burn. I immediately was interested but also confused and found the reading a bit difficult and the story moving in a slow pace focused on minor details. I was frustrated with my intrigue and also the feeling that I didn’t immediately enjoy the book. Ultimately I finished it and found it to be very interesting full of ideas of philosophy and faith and of course, consciousness. I would recommend going into this book expecting it to be difficult but gripping and rewarding.

Best for fans of Hard Sci-Fi

What did you love best about Destination: Void?

If you are looking for something like Dune, I would suggest book 2 (the Jesus Incident) onward. Destination: Void is very much a hard sci-fi novel exploring specific theories of consciousness, philosophical themes, and their connection to engineering - all of which is expounded upon in great detail and (sometimes a bit tedious) minutia. Hard sci-fi isn't for everyone, but if you are a fan this might well hit the spot.

If you love Herbert for character work, scope, and pacing (of the kind seen in Dune), you might want to dig out the short story DV was expanded from, skip this book, and jump right to Book 2 - which has more of an action/adventure sci-fi feel. But if you want a truly challenging and fascinating book that will stick with you and cause you to think deeply, albeit a bit dryly, then Destination: Void is a great choice.

Which scene was your favorite?

The last few pages of this book are really worth the ride. That last line.... WOW!