Mr. Spaceship


Read by Phil Chenevert

(4.1 stars; 1100 reviews)

The war with the Yucks from Proxima Centauri was claimed to be a stalemate but they were really winning. The mine belts they laid seemed to propagate themselves and were slowly strangling Terran planets. How did they do that? What was their secret? The answer was baffling and the best human minds could only conclude that their ships and mines were somehow alive. So, the next desperate step was to ask "If they are using organic ships, why can't we do the same?". Thus Mr. Spaceship was conceived and carried out. But will a conscious warship do what the generals wish? Perhaps and perhaps something entirely surprising! (1 hr 12 min)

Chapters

1 - Section 1 16:33 Read by Phil Chenevert
2 - Section 2 14:08 Read by Phil Chenevert
3 - Section 3 16:25 Read by Phil Chenevert
4 - Section 4 25:10 Read by Phil Chenevert

Reviews

Take it for what it is


(4 stars)

It never ceases to dazzle, the heights of arrogant narcissism we humans reach when given the chance to express an opinion...this is a sci-fi story, and some take opportunity to somehow damn the winners of the survival of the fittest. Sometimes, a cigar is just a f**king cigar LD.

fascinating novel of its time very well read.


(4.5 stars)

Really enjoyed this. The novel is of its time but raises an interesting question. I love the fact that they are all puffing away on cigarettes in space, on the moon etc and where will they get cigarettes where they are going. Also clearly they’ve never heard of genetic diversity or in breeding but don’t let that stop you enjoying this book. The reader has a clear, interesting voice and I look forward to hearing more if his titles

3rd listen is just as fun as the 1st


(5 stars)

I've just listened to this book for the third time. Definitely worth a listen, it's a whole new universe when Phillip Dick is in charge. Biomechanical engineering, talking spaceships, space battles; all with the tongue-in-cheek style we all love from Phil Dick.

Really good reader, rather basic story with a fascinating topic


(4 stars)

The short story comes across as merely a draft, certainly not the most fleshed out, deep or dense of Dick's stories. Nevertheless, the basic idea of a ship with a real mind is (nowadays) a staple for sci-fi and for a reason. To those fascinated by ships with minds of their own I strongly recommend the Culture series by Iain M. Banks. The reader sounds very distinct, almost a bit highbrow but with a kind of gentleman attitude one can hardly dislike - very well read!

Mr. Spaceship, smater than the average… .


(4 stars)

In this case the average military complex that produced him. While this is not PK Dicks best work it is a good example of his clear concise writing style. Couple that with the times and expectations in writing marketable Scifi by publishers and herw you are. Simple fun Scif.. Let's not forget Phil Chenevert and the womderful job his does in bringing classics alive!

One of Philip K's happier stories


(5 stars)

I really enjoyed this one. If you look a bit more closely, you can see the beginnings of the concept of the God machine, which was taken to extremes in the Exegesis, and the actual novel, Valis, much later on. Still, this entertaining little tale has something akin to a happy ending, or at least, the possibility of happiness, eventually, if all goes well.

Nor his best but still enjoyable


(4 stars)

Discounting the juvenile attempts at humor some of the other reviewer indulged in. while not P.K.Dicks best works it's still enjoyable. the writing is clear and concise, which was pretty much decided by the publishers and the vehicles of the time.


(3 stars)

The narration was well delivered, and the plot was a good example of early sci-fi, an inspiration for later plotlines exploring the possibilities of blending human and machine. Also begs question: Is humanity capable of peace? I enjoyed listening.