The Door Through Space

By: Marion Zimmer Bradley

Narrated by: Geoffrey Giuliano, The Spire

Length: 3 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Marion Zimmer Bradley was an American author and feminist activist born in 1930 in Albany, New York. She is best known for her work in the science fiction and fantasy genres, including the Darkover series, which she began writing in the 1950s.

One of Bradley's lesser-known works is the novel "The Door Through Space," which was first published in 1961. The novel is a classic space adventure story that follows the exploits of a mercenary named Richard Ashe, who is hired to investigate the disappearance of a spaceship.

Ashe is sent to the planet Wolf, where he discovers a mysterious gateway known as the "Door through Space." The Door is said to lead to a mythical world known as the "Forbidden Planet," where ancient and powerful aliens are said to reside. Ashe must navigate treacherous alien terrain, outwit dangerous adversaries, and confront his own demons in order to unravel the mystery of the Door and the secrets it holds.

One of the most interesting aspects of "The Door Through Space" is its portrayal of gender roles and power dynamics. Bradley was a vocal feminist and many of her works explore themes of gender equality and social justice. In "The Door Through Space," the powerful aliens who control the Door are all women, who use their telepathic powers to control and manipulate the men around them.

Ashe himself is a complex character, who is torn between his loyalty to his male employers and his growing admiration for the powerful women he encounters on his journey. The novel also features several strong female characters, including Kyla, a fierce warrior who becomes Ashe's ally, and Zulena, the powerful alien queen who holds the key to the Door's secrets.

Overall, "The Door Through Space" is a thrilling and thought-provoking work of science fiction that showcases Marion Zimmer Bradley's talent for world-building and character development.

Public Domain (P)2023 Icon Audio Arts

Story seemed to wander absent-mindedly.

First off - the story was narrated by two separate narrators. There was no place in the book that justified changing from the first narrator (woman) to the second (man). The entire book was from the perspective of a male Terran character so why the female voice at all?
Second - The narration for both was so obviously sped up post production that changing it to x85 speed was the only way to make it comprehensible.
Lastly - This is definitely not one of Marrion Zimmer-Bradley's best endeavors. It wandered aimlessly before settling down to a storyline and then abruptly veering off into left field again. When it finally did end, it left you feeling exhausted and incomplete.
I would say a do-over narration but it wouldn't improve the storyline or the inconclusive ending. Her Darkover books are very enjoyable, as are some of her other books. This was just not one of them.