The Vortex Blaster

Lensman Series

By: E. E. Doc Smith

Narrated by: Reed McColm

One man against the basic energy of the universe, unleashed in a ravening fury: that's Dr. Neal "Storm" Cloud. Unique is the only way to describe him. Alone in his single-handed battle, he finds that the appalling destructiveness of a loose atomic vortex can be canceled out only by destroying the vortex itself. While not even the most massive and modern of computers could figure out how to destroy a loose vortex, "Storm" Cloud can - and does.

To galactic civilization, loose vortices are just one menace among many. It is "Storm's" unique brain - itself a computer with fantastic powers - that enables him to select and direct a duodecaplylatomate bomb with exactly the right energy to snuff each vortex out of existence. The day a runaway vortex exploded in his home was the day "Storm" Cloud became the Vortex Blaster!

Hi-fi sci-fi: listen to more in the Lensman series.©2007 The Estate of E. E. "Doc" Smith and Virginia Kidd, Inc. (P)2007 Books in Motion. This recording is produced by arrangement with Books in Motion. This recording is produced by arrangement with The Estate of E. E. "Doc" Smith and Virginia Kidd, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The most towering figure in science fiction, thanks to the enormous scope of his novels." (Isaac Asimov)
"If you wish to understand the roots of modern science fiction, you have to read the Lensman saga." (Allen Steele)
"A finalist for a special Hugo Award for All-Time Best Series, 'Lensman' is considered by many sf heads to be the greatest of the space operas and clearly a source for such successors as Star Trek and Star Wars." ( Library Journal)

Nice little side story

This was kind of relaxing, after having listened to the complete Lensmen saga books one after another.

It suffers from some of the same fundamental flaws that saga shows - see my review there - namey, here: it’s all-good vs all-bad, there are no grey tones - but at least it’s short and isn’t following the tiring chase of the ultimate baddie on top.

Not sure how this reads for someone not having gone through the Lensmen, but for those who did, it’s quite nice.

Great pulp sci-fi.

I've read the book years ago and enjoyed it as great light science fiction. I enjoyed it again through Reed McColm's narration which I thought was perfect for the book. Thanks, I really enjoyed it.:-)

Tail High Vesta!

Story read 50+ years ago!

Still like it and the characters.

Only loosely associated with Lens men series. Presumably after the war to save civilization.

Character vocalizations by narrator better than early Lens men characters.

Thanks.
Bob Cooper

Wish this story line had more entries!

I think this could lead to the mates for the Children of the Lens. If it was continued further.

vortex blaster sucked

horrible, complete waste of time had little to no connection to the previous books in series.