H.G. Wells: The Science Fiction Collection

De: H. G. Wells

Narrado por: Hugh Bonneville, Jason Isaacs, Sophie Okonedo, David Tennant, Alexander Vlahos, Eli Roth - introduction

He’s often been called the father of science fiction. Now, listen to H. G. Wells’ five science fiction novels in one definitive collection. Introduced by film director and H. G. Wells fanboy Eli Roth, the collection features unabridged recordings of the novels performed by Hugh Bonneville, Jason Isaacs, Sophie Okonedo, David Tennant and Alexander Vlahos.

The War of the Worlds narrated by David Tennant

When Earth is invaded by Martians in great mechanical tripods, terror ensues. They are equipped with heat rays and poisonous black gas, intent on wiping out the human race. During the destruction, one man’s story details the monstrous invasion and his struggle to find his wife in the devastation.

The First Men in the Moon narrated by Alexander Vlahos

A chance meeting between penniless businessman Mr Bedford and absentminded scientist Dr Cavor leads the two on a fantastical journey to the moon. However, they are unprepared for what they find: freezing nights, boiling days and sinister alien life. Will they be trapped forever?

The Time Machine narrated by Hugh Bonneville

Transported to the year AD 802,701, the Time Traveller encounters the peaceful Eloi, a beautiful elfin race of childlike adults afraid of the dark, and with good reason. Beneath the earth’s surface live the Morlocks, apish troglodytes who torment the Eloi. When the time machine is stolen, the Time Traveller must enter Morlock territory if he ever hopes to return home.

The Invisible Man narrated by Sophie Okonedo

When a strange man takes shelter at an inn, his skin covered from head to toe in bandages, he causes distrust. Griffin, a scientist, reveals that he has successfully managed to turn himself invisible, but alas without a way of undoing it. Desperate for a cure, his ailment drives him to many sinister actions, including murder.

The Island of Dr Moreau narrated by Jason Isaacs

Edward Prendick, the single survivor of a shipwreck, is rescued by Montgomery in a vessel carrying a menagerie of savage animals. Taken to an uncharted island, he meets Dr Moreau - a brilliant scientist whose notorious experiments have caused him to abandon the civilised world. It soon becomes clear he has been developing these experiments - with truly horrific results.

Known as ‘The Father of Science Fiction’, Herbert George Wells’ writing career spanned over 60 years. He was a writer of novels, short stories, nonfiction books and articles. As a young man, Wells won a scholarship to the Normal School of Science in London, sparking his infamous vocation as a science fiction writer.

Public Domain (P)2019 Audible, Ltd

Largely enjoyable.

Wells's mostly first-person, somewhat detached narration might be off-putting to some, so having a professional narrator can help break up any monotony.

I'd not read War of the Worlds since high school, and had never read the others, that I can recall (although I'd seen the film adaptations). Of the lot, David Tennant gave the most animated and varied reading. It took a few minutes to get used to the tone he chose, which seemed targeted toward a younger audience, where, for some reason, I'd expected something more somber and mature. But he made it come alive and I enjoyed it very much. He appeared to be the most experienced narrator, building and releasing tension, pulling the listener into the story, where other appeared more to be impassively telling the story. Also, it made me really want to see a filmed adaptation set in the proper time period, with horses and carriages! What a marvel this would have been for a Victorian village!

I rather liked Jason Isaacs' reading of The Island of Doctor Moreau. A sort of horror story, with ruminations about religion, morality and ethics, themes that are still relevant today, some even more so.

Hugh Bonneville's reading of The Time Machine was fine. He felt like a scientist who was caught up in an experiment. Methodical, curious, professorial. Taking note of what he saw and experienced.

I was unable to finish First Men in the Moon. It was interesting to hear the imaginings of an eighteenth century man about what the moon would be like, and how it would feel to be there, but it got tedious for me. I may go back and try again, but I have too many books in my queue for now.

The Invisible Man is less sci-fi and more about what would happen if you had this condition or power. It's kind of more like a super-hero story which focuses on the villain.

A negative observation about the production: There is an appalling number of editing errors in The Invisible Man. On numerous occasions, lines are repeated sometimes multiple times. Also, more than once, Sophie Okonedo stumbled on words; these mistakes should have been edited out. One or two errors can be overlooked, but, over time, the many errors became a big distraction, causing aggravation. There really is no excuse for this.

One small issue

I love this collection. HG Wells is one of my favorite science fiction writers. That being said. The narrator in the beginning makes and error. He says that blade runner was thanks to HG wells. When we all know that Philip k dick’s “do androids dream of electric sheep” was the inspiration for that movie. Other than that. Love it. Love everything about it. Buy it!!

the stories of a prophet

Listening to these tales, I had to remind myself over and over that this author wrote these a century ago. it's remarkable the amount of technological predictions and cultural assertions he made that came to pass. the narrators did a wonderful job making these stories come to life. well done.

Excellent all around

Great performances of classic science fiction. The actors brought these HG Wells' novels to life.

Mostly fantastic

The War of the Worlds is incredible! The Island of Dr. Moreau is an adventure and The Time Machine is enjoyable. The first three stories are ample compensation for the last two. The Invisible Man is dry and full of boring dialog, as is the man in the moon story. "The First Man in the Moon" or whatever was an awful story with unlikable characters. In general, I recommend taking a listen!

Worth the wait

I've begun to read the classics - or at least the ones I wasn't required to read in school. The Time Machine was on my list & I couldn't pass up this collection. I now completely understand the admiration for H.G. Wells! Highly recommend any or all of his works - Especially enjoyed The Time Machine!

Loved it

I really loved each story and way way way better then any of the movies. I especially love the time machine

WOW!!!!!!!!

if you're not familiar with HG Wells works then give this book a listen. it is well worth the time he will spend listening to it.

Wells LOVES the word tumultuous!

A must read for patient readers. Remembering this is written around the turn of the century allows to find greater enjoyment. Otherwise one may find this a laborious read

Classic stories, amazing narrators

Absolutely love these stories, and love the way they were brought to life by the different narrators.