Postcards from Gliese

By: Mary O. Paddock

Narrated by: Trish Helsel

She came to Gliese to save her marriage. Now she's trying to save herself. This dangerous bit of rock is quite possibly the worst place in the universe to bring a troubled relationship. And trying to save it while hiking through the wilderness might be the worst decision Annie's ever made.

She's willing to risk it.

The light jumper drops Annie and her researcher-husband on the planet's surface. All that's left is the treacherous Wadamongo River, bad directions, and the trail leading to the safety of the big water station. It isn't long before her husband's arrogance translates to disaster, leaving Annie to make her way alone. At the station, she finds more danger than safety and more questions than answers. What destroyed all the electronic equipment? What are the noises she's hearing at night?

Who is the man whose cabin she's inherited?

And happened to the scientists who were supposed to greet her?

©2018 Mary O Paddock (P)2019 Mary O. Paddock

"With this pen ..."

Her 30 years of marriage was floundering on his infidelities so, when he told her that he'd been chosen to go as the eminent anthropologist to a colony on Gliese, instead of objecting, she saw it as a five year period in which he couldn't stray. The journey across country to Big Water was to be of several days duration: of course, he knew a better way to travel - he always knew better!

There is so much packed into this short story, about, amongst other things, adventure, monsters and salvation. It is a real joy, funny, too. I loved this tale and it should have been five stars; unfortunately a star was lost in the narration. Although Trish Helsel has a pleasant sounding voice and reads well, she also adds such a depressing down turn in most sentences that I personally found it difficult to listen to her and it distracted me from what was being said. Even though, told in the first person as it was, a little pessimism could easily have crept in, if the intention was to convey perhaps, frustration, irritation and ongoing anger, it failed badly. Better to read the text version, if possible, to fully enjoy the story without distraction.

I received a freely gifted complimentary copy of Postcards from Gliese, at my request, via Free Audiobook Codes.

A fun short story

Reader Postcards is like slipping into a comfortable pair of shoes you haven't worn yet. Paddock's turn of phrase is delightful, and make you read this joy cover to cover.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I am happy I picked up the book!

My first read from Mary O. Paddock, and I am happy I picked up the book. Overall an interesting and unique story and I would recommend. Narrated by: This is my first time listening to Trish Helseland she did a great job with this story and the overall story.

Fun listen

I was a fun listen. I liked the quick "note" premise. Really enjoyed the end

I could see it as a movie

Good narration. Interesting world creation. I was amused by the arrogant academics ignoring the advice of the locals.