DR
Set in a contemporary setting where cold war didn't end. The communist pestilence, red nomenklatura continue to rule over masses in USSR. On Mars scientific research base allied scientists mistakenly think they are on the verge of a discovery that could swing the power balance in their favor. Building a device they barely understand. As the gate opens on it's own, the reality bleed allows creatures through. After Mars base has gone silent. Fastest available on hand space ship, a squad of space force logistics, is sent to investigate. Constantly on edge, underinformed, underqualified and undermanned. What they encounter horrifies them. No matter how much reserves of the reserves they are all space force military are infantrymen first. Good soldiers follow orders.
Love the setting. The author's choice to include the horror's perspective makes them surprisingly human. As monstrous as hive mind world devouring cancer-like in it's adaptivity predator thing can be. If one were to be communicated by god who wouldn't wish to follow it's voice and devote their being to please it, if not to experience it's communication again.
The von Braum is amazing anti-hero/dark hero/sociopath. Reminds me a lot about main protagonist - Dr. Riley - from M.R. Forbes "The Forgotten" series. Both, unapologetic meritocrats for whom the end justifies the means. Von Braum doing what von Braum does, making cold decisions based on facts and highest probability to achieve the goal - consequentialism. Space force gofers are pushed onward by moral obligation and sworn duty - deontology. But Dr. Braum is tired. While Perihelion's crew had time to acclimatize after cryosleep and a moment of bliss with Perihelion taking off Felicity station, Braum hasn't had that luxury. The environment is demanding and without an environmental suit for half the duration and no CAG at all, he is primed to make a decisive mistake.
Conclusion: 4/5. Listened on Audible included in plus catalogue, bought for re-listening for 1 credit. Narrated by: Tom Taylorson. Audible sells Reality Bleed: Season 1 (book 1 - 4), for one credit, the length of the book and the quality of the story, an amazing purchase. Author understands the red tide and the danger to the good and worthwhile values protecting which cold war was about.
"We heard a knock!" says the person with eyes shining the glint of innocence and excitement. And the loop begins anew. What a way to finish season 1. World needs more men like Alice Winter's father (God knows we don't deserve more men like Dr. Braun). "The world is a horrible place! A shithole!", "The world is a terrible place... There is going to come a time in your life when you don't have any good options. Where anything you do makes you hurt. But you decide what's right." Terrible value for the length of the book - 2.03 $/hour ( 34.99 $ / 17 hrs 14 mins ).
Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour
Stars:
1 - Not worth the resources to reproduce/preserve this title.
2 -Bad
3 -Good
4 - Personally, love it
5 - Recommended to everyone