Direct Descent Audiobook By Frank Herbert cover art

Direct Descent

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Direct Descent

By: Frank Herbert
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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A library planet: The greatest treasure, the deadliest weapon.

Earth has become a library planet over the last several thousand years, a bastion of both useful and useless knowledge - esoterica of all types: History, science, politics - gathered by teams of "pack rats" who scour the galaxy for any scrap of information. Knowledge is power, knowledge is wealth, and knowledge can be a weapon. As powerful dictators come and go over the course of history, the cadre of dedicated librarians is sworn to obey the lawful government - and use their wits to protect the treasure trove of knowledge they have collected over the millennia.

©1980 Frank Herbert (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Adventure Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction Solar System
Captivating Storytelling • Fascinating Worldbuilding • Skilled Narrator • Interesting Premise • Imaginative Concept
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The transition between the first part and the second part for me was a little rough. kind of just joined the flow trying to figure out where it's going to go and where it's coming from.

discombobulated

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I read this as a young boy, it brought back fond memories. This doesn’t have a deep story line or impossible new science, just good writing and your own imagination to bring the story alive.

Fun old time Science Fiction

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I couldn’t get to care about the first story at all. The second one was easier to follow and care about. Scott Brick: 49 minutes from the end, you pronounced “unguent” as “un-gent”! You’re always better than that—I can’t believe no one caught that.

Weird first story; 2nd better

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This is really two short stories in the same setting, the first story is the best writing I've read from Herbert and the second one is okay. Scott Brick is always good but he is especially well suited for these.

big ole libbies

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Herbert always had a most interesting twist of mind.
If you loved that in other stories you will appreciate it this short story as well.
A true hidden treasure of the author of Dune.

An interesting twist of mind!

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What an Amazing two hours ! This is exciting, you feel you’ve been hurled into a possible parallel universe, full of all we have been and will be witness too …

Big Book Content

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I haven't read Dune. Should've started there. I just finished this and won't remember it tomorrow.

boring and bland

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Every time I read Frank Herbert I am consumed by his amazing world building. This short story showcases Herbert’s unique ability to create a vision of society evolving in fascinating directions all the while maintaining realistic and very human cultures. I wish it was 20 hours long instead of three.

Wonderful

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A perfect combination. The Master of Narration--Scott Brick--narrates a work by the Master of Science Fiction. Truly a match made in heaven. The story, though short, is rich and captivating, made more so by the skills of the narrator. A definite must-listen!

The masters speak

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it's a Frank Herbert novel, short, intricate and well adorned. Worth your time so just sit back and let it roll.

Frank Herbert, one of his

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