Mortal Engines

These fourteen science fiction stories reveal Lem’s fascination with artificial intelligence and demonstrate just how surprisingly human sentient machines can be. Written in the form of grotesque folk fairy tales, these stories about robot kings, robot dragons, and robot scientists are brought to life by Scott Aiello.

©1977 The Seabury Press (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Once Upon a Time…in Robot Land

A whimsical yet dark collection of Sci-Fi stories told in a fairytale format. A unique idea that worked better than it had any right to even though one had to trudge through a hearty helping of gobbledygook along the way (Lem did not skimp on the made up words). This collection forced one to contemplate the legacy of mankind when humanity’s inevitable departure from this mortal coil finally comes to fruition. Mortal Engines poses an impactful twofold question; Will our metal creations be all we leave behind? And, if so, will they inherit the singular trait that truly makes us human which of course is storytelling? Lem’s philosophical and layered approach to his writing is on full display here and is an excellent showcase of his creative genius.

good narrator

I enjoyed how the narrator realized it was a comedy and had fun with the voices. I especially enjoyed the stitch like voice for the tiny mischievous robot by microx.

who can listen too this?

If this is a children's book they won't understand it, and if it is an adult book they will find it childish and very disappointing. A real struggle to get through due to the wandreing storytelling. Never used the rewind so many times to understand the plot line...