December 22, 2008
In a world of continual war between the East and the West, and dwindling oil supplies, John Ramsey has been hired to root out the spy aboard a small submarine. But as the submarine crew attempts to steal underwater oil supplies from the East, Ramsey’s determination to discover the spy is subverted by continual red herrings and a variety of psychological and biological effects that renders Ramsey and the rest of the crew physically and emotionally vulnerable. This 1956 novel was Herbert’s first published work, and it shows his early interest in clashing cerebral and physical backdrops and individuals as actors of larger epic and ideological battles. As usual, Scott Brick serves as a great narrator, using his emphasis and rhythm to elicit the stress and doubt among the crew with good vocal characterizations. His narrative voice complements Herbert’s prose to emphasize the claustrophobic elements of the submarine. A Tor paperback.