Strange Worlds

Five disparate tales showcase Jonathan Maberry's versatility across genres, from gritty noir to cosmic adventure. An aging MMA fighter confronts a Faustian bargain that promises eternal youth at a terrible cost. Warriors prepare for a final battle on the red sands of Barsoom in homage to Edgar Rice Burroughs' Mars. A seedy Las Vegas private investigator stumbles into atomic espionage in this tongue-in-cheek prequel to the infamous Plan 9 from Outer Space. A reporter embeds with special forces hunting space pirates across the galaxy. Auguste Dupin, Poe's legendary detective, faces his most confounding case when tasked with catching an invisible murderer stalking Victorian streets.

Ray Porter's narration elevates each story through distinct vocal characterizations that capture the unique atmosphere of every tale. His gravelly delivery suits the noir detective perfectly, while his commanding presence brings weight to the Martian warriors' final stand. Porter's background as both co-author and performer creates an intimate understanding of the material's rhythms and intentions. The audio format allows listeners to fully appreciate the genre-hopping nature of the collection, as Porter's vocal transitions help signal each story's distinct tone and setting within the compact runtime.