The Big Time


Read by Karen Savage

(4.2 stars; 224 reviews)

The Big Time by Fritz Leiber transports listeners to a unique blend of science fiction and mystery, where the stakes are as high as the cosmos itself. Set in a surreal, interdimensional space known as the Change, a group of characters finds themselves caught in a locked room scenario that defies the laws of time and reality.

As the narrative unfolds, the inhabitants of the Change grapple with their identities and the nature of their existence, all while facing the enigmatic forces that manipulate their fates. With a backdrop of shifting timelines and alternate realities, Leiber crafts a thought-provoking exploration of choice, destiny, and the human condition.

This novel stands out not only for its inventive premise but also for its rich character development and philosophical undertones. Listeners will find themselves immersed in a world where every decision can alter the course of history, making The Big Time a distinctive entry in the science fiction genre.

Chapters

Select a chapter to play

Enter Three Hussars 22:40 Read by Karen Savage
A Right-Hand Glove 19:38 Read by Karen Savage
Nine For A Party 12:14 Read by Karen Savage
Sos From Nowhere 10:01 Read by Karen Savage
Sid Insists On Ghostgirls 7:02 Read by Karen Savage
Crete Circa 1300 B.C. 9:46 Read by Karen Savage
Time To Think 16:14 Read by Karen Savage
A Place To Stand 22:03 Read by Karen Savage
A Locked Room 13:11 Read by Karen Savage
Motives And Opportunities 11:15 Read by Karen Savage
The Western Front, 1917 11:56 Read by Karen Savage
A Big Opportunity 18:02 Read by Karen Savage
The Tiger Is Loose 9:57 Read by Karen Savage
Now Will You Talk? 10:16 Read by Karen Savage
Lord Spider 13:17 Read by Karen Savage
The Possibility-Binders 16:00 Read by Karen Savage

Reviews

A rip-roarer of a tale by one of SF's masters


(5 stars)

Lieber is best known for his Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser series, but his other works are equally good. How the copyright lapsed on this one I can't imagine, but to hear it read by the vastly talented Karen Savage has been a privilege I intend to repeat. She does Jane Austen just as well, which amazes me. From party girl to upper-crust British lady without a hitch. Go figure.

The Big Time


(5 stars)

A great scifi story by its own means, but Karen's reading breathea life into the story and makes it very enjoyable to listen to.

blech


(3 stars)

I didn't like this story at all, the first three chapters were all over the place, introducing just too much material and too many plot points. I got annoyed with the story very fast. The reader is excellent, she always does a great job with her books, I just didn't care for how this story was set up. Story - 1 Reader - 5 Overall (average) = 3

I found I had to concentrate to follow.


(5 stars)

excellent book excellent reader thank you Karen

pretty good reading


(3 stars)

some of the team read books are unlistenable, but when you get one good reader to do a whole book it really elevates the story. i like the premise of this book. it may take some reflection to figure out if i liked the story, buy it is still worth a listen for the performance alone


(5 stars)

not your usual sf story...much deeper. The idea of a time war, different powers fighting to change the Events of the past to their advantages is most unique, the different voices tremendously read with different accents by one of my favorite readers...thx a lot! Looking forward to know more by this author!

well read but odd story


(3.5 stars)

I found the first couple of chapters quite slow going. I really enjoyed the world building that was going on. When the plot gets moving, it gets interesting! It’s an odd story and one I am glad that I persevered with.


(5 stars)

Just listen and ride it out, don't try to understand everything all at once. It's not meant to. There's a ton of interesting ideas, all thrown into a short story. Read brilliantly as always by Karen, if a bit fast paced.