Valley of the Flame

By: Henry Kuttner

Narrated by: James Roberts

This is a lost world fantasy story with elements of science and science fiction. It was first published in 1946. In this revised edition, nothing has been done to change the plot or characters. However, there are times in the story where it dates itself. These areas have been respectfully updated in this revised edition. A few spelling and grammatical errors have also been corrected. The story itself remains true to the original.

©1946 Henry Kuttner; 2013 ©Killco Publications (P)2013 Killco Publications

Strange goings on in the Amazon

Henry Kuttner's Valley of the Flame is a tale of jungle mystery. Set deep in the Amazon, a group of scientists studying tropical diseases encounters a strange person who disappears along with one of their group. The hunt takes one member of the of the team further into the jungle encountering strange and bizarre people with unusual powers.

Kuttner’s tale is mostly of pulp fiction variety with strange unearthly happenings taking place in a primitive and uncontrolled setting. While likely engaging for the 1940’s, the story has not aged well.

The narration is decent with modest character distinction. Pacing is smooth making for a quick listen.

INCHOATE MENTAL PATTERN

PARADOXICAL FACE
I honestly could not get into this story as it is narrated. Not 100% the narration, but the pulp fiction story does not grab me itself. I love Henry Kuttner's short fiction and have read and loved His Share OF Glory, which contains his shorter works. He is obviously a master of the English language and that alone could be enough for some to read the book. TANTALIZING, FASTIDIOUS, TURBULENT MOTION, LENTICULAR, WIPING HIS MOUTH DELICATLEY , and BREATHE OUT A TREMENDOUS VITALITY or small examples of the intelligence that Henry puts into his descriptions. The story on the other hand is not all that compelling.

Jim Roberts
I don't like to be hard on Jim, who has read hundreds of books, and it is my belief that he is behind getting some of these lesser know works out to the public. He does not have a voice for audible, which was very obvious when I switched from this book to We which was read by Grover Gardner. The smooth professional voice of Gardner, just makes the book a more pleasurable experience for the listener.