Star Settlers

Narrator Peter Berkrot's smooth, assured tone perfectly suits author Fred Nadis's thorough exploration of humanity's long-held spacefaring aspirations, with Mars a particular focus. Nadis reveals how the popular imagination--from nineteenth-century sci-fi novels to blockbuster films--along with scientific research and government and commercial endeavors, has delivered the necessary impetus for innovation and exploration. Berkrot's companionable pacing engages listeners with the scientific discoveries, ambitions, and dreams of each successive generation. Fascinating stories of Mars-enthusiast conventions, communes and biospheres, tourism ventures, and key figures enhance this production. While expansion to the outer orbits is anything but straightforward or guaranteed, Nadis provides hope that someday it will take place. J.R.T. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine