THE SECOND SHIP: THE RHO AGENDA, Book 1 by Richard Phillips

Narrated by MacLeod Andrews

Solid Science Fiction Story-Telling

Tired of authors writing Young Adult stories vying to become the next Heinlein heir apparent?  Me too! This was my mindset going in, and that thought carried me about three-quarters of the way into it; then something changed. The realization swept over me that I was engaged with the story. I began to care about the characters, to relate with them, even though I long ago left the “young” phase of my adulthood behind. Some of the elements put me off at first as too much in the superhero vein for my tastes, but Phillips was careful to give them a scientific explanation which dispelled my initial reservations, and kept the story firmly in the Science Fiction camp. This is the main appeal of this novel: it is classic Science Fiction. You get space ships from outer space, advanced technology bordering on magic, and a decent mystery to keep things interesting.

I can imagine Phillips taking on this book as a writing challenge; to craft a story that will engage the most jaded reader of modern fiction and prove that there is value in a tale told well. Forget gratuitous sex, Phillips doesn’t need it — although there is copious blood and violence. So, while I agree that this has all the characteristics of a Young Adult novel, it also has the features expected from more mature fiction. It does accomplish what novels targeted for any age group strive to do: keeps the listener interested. Young Adult? Yes. Worthy of your attention? Also yes.

MacLeod Andrews delivers a solid performance. His voice has a youthful timbre fitting for the protagonists. Some of his portrayals of women are a bit too masculine. In the main he does not intrude into the story, allowing the listener to fully interact with the story.