A Novel of Rogues, Romance, and Royal Con Games in 1930s Europe
November 24, 2008
Prolific pulp-fiction author Hubbard (1911–1986) offers a variation on a familiar romantic theme with this fast-paced if derivative thriller set in pre-WWII Europe. Blacky Lee, an American weapons dealer, just happens to be the spitting image of Archduke Philip of Aldoria, a coincidence that enables him to dodge Nazis and ensnare the heart of the attractive Countess Zita, plot elements familiar to readers of Anthony Hope's The Prisoner of Zenda
and Rupert of Hentzau
. Those 19th-century swashbucklers successfully blend action with emotion, while Hubbard's breezy romp is only an easily digested, quickly forgotten time-filler.
Starred review from December 22, 2008
The latest addition to the fantastic Stories from the Golden Age series of vintage L. Ron Hubbard pulp tales, this full-cast recording takes listeners to 1930s Europe. A man who is the spitting image of the Prince of Aldoria finds himself in over his head with Nazis and Communists. Read by a small cast, most notably Michal Yurchak, the story leaps off the page. Filled with realistic sound effects, comical and over-the-top characters and a classic film noir atmosphere, this inspired and well-polished entertainment will immerse listeners. A Galaxy paperback.