Podcast review: ANCESTOR

[Cross-posted at Rebels of Mars]

The nineteenth and last episode of Scott Sigler’s newest podcast novel, Ancestor, arrived sometime during my vacation, so I’ve been playing catch-up. Like EarthCore, its predecessor from last spring and summer, Ancestor is a compelling sci-fi thriller filled with, as Scott reminds us before each episode, “adult language, mature themes, and lots and lots of violence.” It’s kickass. Here’s Scott’s summary of the novel:

On a remote island in Lake Superior, scientists struggle to solve the problem of xenotransplantation — using animal tissue to replace failing human organs. Funded by the biotech firm Genada, Dr. Claus Rhumkorrf seeks to recreate the ancestor of all mammals. By getting back to the root of our creation, Rhumkorrf hopes to create an animal with human internal organs. Rhumkorrf discovers the ancestor, but it is not the small, harmless creature he envisions. His genius gives birth to a fast-growing evil that nature eradicated 250 million years ago — an evil now on the loose, and very, very hungry.

A few of you are probably nodding and muttering, “Jurassic Park.” No way. I promise. I honestly think Crichton takes a backseat to Sigler. Scott’s heroes (when you find them) are sympathetic...and shockingly dispensable. His bad guys are strikingly vile. And his “monsters”...

Scott reads/performs Ancestor himself, and he does a remarkable job. He’s learned a lot since EarthCore and seems to have put a greater effort into making each character’s “voice” unique. There isn’t a single slow moment.

You can download Scott’s entire performance of Ancestor, all 19 installments, for free. And look for EarthCore, if you haven’t already listened to it.

Added note: Scott has posted a comment indicating that Ancestor will only be available a short while longer for free; EarthCore is now available for a small fee at iTunes...and it's still a bargain.