The Kinsman Saga

By: Ben Bova

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

Length: 19 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's Summary

Hero or killer?

In a startling future that's coming closer every year, Chet Kinsman is an astronaut ace who has done everything one can in space - including commit the first murder. It's a secret he can never escape, not even on the moon, where he's head of the first U.S. lunar colony.

A series of shocking yet strangely inevitable circumstances will force Kinsman to confront his hidden past and decide Earth's destiny. In a desperate countdown to nuclear annihilation, Kinsman will struggle against a deadly dilemma: if he rescues the world, he risks destroying himself.

©1987 Ben Bova (P)2013 Blackstone Audiobooks

Better than reported!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely ( assuming my friend appreciates speculative fiction). This is a striking book, with characters you come to know, appreciate, care for , and, in all to many instances, miss.

I was unaware that this was the beginning of another Nova saga, but notwithstanding, it stand strongly alone, and is wonderful in it's breadth, dialogue and authenticity.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kinsman. The real deal.

What does Stefan Rudnicki bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Damn he does a fine job here. Owns ( for obvious reasons ) the many, and varied, Russian characters. Moves seamlessly between all the characters with ease and style. A tour de force.

If you could take any character from The Kinsman Saga out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The head of the Russian camp, and the American entrepeneur at the moon Camp. And Kinsman, of course.

Any additional comments?

Listen to this. Soon. Now.

Slooow unraveling keeps you on edge of your seat

Bova unwraps the story of Chet Kinsman with a deliberate eye to building suspense. In the first several hours, you are wonder 'what is that about?' Then in his patented style he breathes momentum into story telling and you are swept way. This book is man-against himself as much as it is about rushing to save the world. What will he choose? What causes the choices and why?

I absolutely love the narration by Stefan Rudnicki. He had done many Orson Scott Card and Ben Bova novels. You'll really enjoy what he brings to the dialog.

This novel will appeal to all ages. I think late teens all the way to seniors will get the most enjoyment. Young teens will miss many of the nuances but they will still enjoy. The novel is 20 hours long so be prepared. I give it a thumbs up.

The story is dated.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The story is worth listening to if you want the full story of the moon base that Ben Bova has crafted.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Updated the story for our time.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Stephan Rudniki is for me something like a sleeping pill.

Excellent narration of a dated story

This is a story very much of its time. Dated by the passage of time and history. The characterisation of the few women is quite superficial, sexist and boring. However as a whole it was entertaining and a bit of an emotional kick in the face at the end. I tend to think if I'm emotionally affected by a story it must be at least half good. This is the first Ben Bova audio book that I have listened to, having read most of his other works. Not my first Stefan Rudnicki narration though, as wonderful as always. That man has a voice like chocolate.