EARTHSEED

Twenty-nine years after its original publication in print, as performed by Amy Rubinate, EARTHSEED justifies the wait. Born in space and raised by Ship’s mind core, Zoheret and dozens of other 15-year-olds will soon seed a new planet with human life. Rubinate imbues each character with a personality that enhances the dynamic and carefully crafted interpersonal conflicts of the characters. Zoheret’s voice begins soft and meek but tightens and grows cold with cruel experience. Ship’s computer voice is stilted yet compelling, a testament to Rubinate’s skill. The third-person point of view, with diction halfway between computerized and human, is an inspired choice that hints at the story's conclusion and resonates with its themes of evolution and free will. A.M.P. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2012]