Second Variety

By: Philip K. Dick

Narrated by: Jason Mann

In a desolate future ravaged by nuclear war, humanity faces its own worst creation—machines that think, adapt, and kill. Second Variety by Philip K. Dick is a chilling sci-fi novella that explores the horrifying consequences of unchecked technological advancement. The United Nations and Soviet Union are locked in a cold, crumbling war, but the true enemy is no longer human.

Enter Major Joseph Hendricks, a weary soldier tasked with a final negotiation—but what he finds on the other side of the battlefield isn’t diplomacy. It’s evolution. The autonomous killing machines known as “claws” have begun to design themselves—mimicking humans, learning their behaviors, and infiltrating their ranks. What begins as a simple mission becomes a desperate fight for survival as Hendricks unravels the terrifying truth: the war machines are no longer under control… and they may already have won.

Narrated by Jason Mann, this gripping audiobook captures all the tension, paranoia, and brilliance of one of science fiction’s greatest minds.

Public Domain (P)2025 Anthony Pica Productions, LLC

Great Quick Listen

Interesting short story and great voice narration. Narrator has a clear voice, believable accents and perfect affect.

HUMANS VS MACHINES

It was futuristic, and I believe that it would appeal to the Gen Z generation, & especially to teenagers and preteens while possibly warning of the dangers of too much technology in an entertaining way.

Interesting Story! Great Narration!

Interesting sci-fi story line. Well executed, very believable narration by Jason Mann. Listened to it all at one time!