The Man Who Used the Universe

Kees vaan Loo-Macklin has the drive to succeed at whatever he does. Initially an underling in a crime syndicate on a planet of the United Technological Worlds (an intragalactic federation of multiple species cooperating economically, socially, and politically), he quickly advances to head the organization, amassing tremendous resources. Even more quickly and nefariously he transitions to legitimate businesses, garnering even greater wealth and social and political influence and partnering with a species warring with the UTW, known as the Nuel, to overtake his own species. All the while, he maintains few close relationships and a noticeable lack of interest or discernible motivation for his ambitions. Only through persistent, decades-long investigation does one alien even come close to understanding Kees vaan Loo-Macklin. Narrator Paul Ansdell does an excellent job of adapting his cadence, tone, and voice not only to individuals but also to species, embodying the cultural differences in an appealing, immersive way.