Download Popular Authors Audiobooks in Romance, Fantasy

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Title: Lover Awakened

Subtitle: Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3

Author: J.R. Ward

Narrator: Jim Frangione

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-21-09

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3978 votes

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

The third book in the series tells the story of the vampire Zsadist, a former blood slave with a violent past. When he meets Bella, Zsadist thinks her human love could be his path to salvation. Then Bella is kidnapped, and Zsadist will stop at nothing to get her back.

Critic Reviews:

"This genre-bending third novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series...is a perfect fit for those who like fast-paced urban fantasy rich in both fury and poignancy." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

My Favorite!

Hands down, this is one of the most addicting series I've listened to. I'm on a BDB roll these days and I can't get enough. It's like a movie that I don't ever want to end, the books seamlessly transition to the next one, and so far, each one has been enthralling, erotic, funny and for me, emotional. I was so ready to be consumed by book 3 when Bella and Zsadist met in book 2-----I knew his story was going to be a good one, and it totally surpassed my expectations. Loved, Loved, Looooooved this story! Can't wait to hear what happens next!

LOVED IT! WAITING FOR BOOK 4

I love this series but am very disappointed that they do not put them out in order! please, hurry with book 4! There are several series books that I have looked at here in Audible but will not purchase them because the whole series is not available. They go from book 1 then my skip to book 6 or 7. Very annoying!

FINALLY!!!!!

This is the best book of the series, and it is great that it is finally available on audio.

Into the series now!

Lover Awakened is the 3rd Black Dagger Brotherhood books and so far I have to say is my favorite. I couldn't put this one away, walked around with my headphones in my ears for much of my days while I listened. This book started out at a rapid pace and stayed that way. This is mostly about Zsadist and Bella. If you haven't read the first two books I recommend it because I think its a good idea to have an idea of who Zsadist is and where he fits in the brotherhood before starting this book. Have already downloaded Book 4. Really am enjoying this series but its a very unusual take on the whole vampire thing. Be warned these books are highly sexual/erotic reads but I thought of the three so far this one had the most substance in it.

Wonderful story of overcoming trajedy!!

I love this book...and hearing it on audio was a special treat! J. R. Ward has a way for drawing you in to the lives of her characters...and this story of Zsadist is my favorite of hers. It is a compelling emotional story of victory over enormous abuse. Everyone loves to see the victim rise above the ashes to soar in life. Zadist is that victor!! I loved it!!

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Title: Lover Eternal, The Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 2

Author: J.R. Ward

Narrator: Jim Frangione

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-16-09

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 4229 votes

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Listeners looking for a fresh twist on vampire tales need look no further than the erotically charged Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Mary Luce is dissatisfied with her life and her job. But when she is unwittingly thrust into the vampire dominion, everything changes. Falling under the protection of the Brotherhood's strongest member, Rhage, she soon finds herself drawn to his animalistic urges.

©2006 Jessica Bird; (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Members Reviews:

This series is...just..wow...grab your tissues!

Get ready for a tearjerker, this story shattered me into a million emotional pieces! Book 1 was off the charts fantastic, and this one was as well but the storyline was heavy in my opinion. My heart was breaking and then rejoicing for Rhage and Mary at many points throughout this story--it was intense to say the least. This is one of those stories that makes you stop and smell the roses for a bit and take stock of your life.

J.R. Ward has truly crafted a great series. I'd already purchased books 3 and 4 before the "audible hopes you've enjoyed this program" resonated in my ears. The characters are so interesting, you will easily get drawn into this world of vampire warriors and love every minute of it. I highly recommend!!

Another home run!

This booked touched me. The relationship between Mary and Rage is complicated one but at the end they make it all worth it.

I cried so much in many parts of this book. The mixture of tenderness and hot hot love makes this book a must.

I love how the author is developing, in each book, the characters that are part of the brotherhood. I can't wait to read the next one.

JR Ward Writer of Erotic Horror Fantasy

I see that people either love this series or they hate it. I'm thinking that they are only reading one book at a time, and not in order. If you Don't like Erotic Horror Fantasy. DON'T READ JR Ward books. I have read the first two of the "Fallen Angel" series and I'm hooked. That was the reason I started BDB. I am enjoying the BDB, but find the Fallen Angel series more to my liking so far. I'm up to book 4 in BDB and each one gives a different perspective of each member of the "Brotherhood". Erotic Horror Fantasy is not for everyone, and that is why I think it is important that you know what you are purchasing. I am enjoying the series so far and will continue. I am very much looking forward to the next "Fallen Angel"

I love this book!

This is one of my favorite books in the series! I have been waiting for it to be released in Audio format and was not disapointed! Rhage is the type of guy that most women would love to be with. This story has action and romance. If you enjoy fiction with action and steamy romance this book is for you! JR Ward doesn't disapoint!

5 Lover Eternal Stars

Can I have Rhage pleaseeee I will love you forever and ever!!

He is def. a favorite of mine, the Scribe Virgin. The ruler of the Vampires cursed Rhage many years ago with the beast. The beast protects the brothers but it reeks heaven on Rhage when the beast shows up.

Mary is a survivor, of many hard things that have happened in her life. She isn't looking for love but it seems to have found her.

Watching Mary and Rhage is unbelievably sweet. She is this ball of goodness ready to be and do what is needed.

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Title: Lover Enshrined

Subtitle: The Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6

Author: J.R. Ward

Narrator: Jim Frangione

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-15-08

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2924 votes

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

In Lover Enshrined, a member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood must make a decision that could save - or spell doom for - his race of vampires. Phury knows his share of pain, but can the Primale of the Chosen experience love as well?

©2008 J.R. Ward; (P)2008 Recorded Books

Critic Reviews:

"Erotic paranormals are ... frighteningly addictive." (Publisher's Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Really Love These Books!

The Black Dagger Brotherhood series is very addictive reading! Once you've read one, you'll be clamoring to read the next. But be forewarned, these aren't your regular run of the mill romances. These books are darkly emotional and explicitly sexual.

Like all of the other books in this series, several storylines are developed. We get introduced to a new Lesser, Mr. D, and follow him as he does the work of The Omega in a most surprising way. We also learn more about Rehvenge, a preview of his story in book 7. Newly transitioned John Matthew and his buddies are also followed. I'm very invested in this storyline. I really liked following the story of these guys from their pre-trans stage to post-trans. And I'm so looking forward to their stories as they become warriors and also fall in love.

I have noticed that some people have been disappointed with the love story between Phury and Cormia. I have to disagree. The romance between them was satisfying. The book may not have spent as much time on them as the other pairings were in previous books, but their romance develops slowly, romantically. Their story is just as emotionally charged as the others. By the end of the book, you are aching for them to get together.

A note to those who are thinking of starting this series in the middle: To really appreciate this series, I recommend starting from the beginning and reading the books in order. (Dark Lover, Lover Eternal, Lover Awakened, Lover Revealed, Lover Unbound, Lover Enshrined, Lover Avenged) My personal favorites are Lover Eternal and Lover Awakened, but all of them are great.

I love JR Ward

I have loved the Blackdagger Brotherhood since the 1st time I read Dark Lover the first book in the series. This is the 6th book in the series and I've never been a huge fan of Phury however this is a must read (or listen) because of all the important information about other characters in the series. These books are very well written and are not a typical romance! They have an amazing storyline and I have enjoyed being able to listen to them. I hope Audible will make book #5 available soon and book 1# is being made right now so I hope they include that as well!

I really liked it.

I really liked this audio book because it was a very different take on vampires. I loved how everyone in this book was honestly as messed up as folks in real life. Seriously, these characters are train wrecks, it was great.

Drugs Make You Stupid! You Shouldn't Do Them.

Any additional comments?

Ward's books so far have centered around a Brother and the woman he is attracted to, while giving the reader snapshots of all the other members of the Brotherhood - and the ongoing war with the Lessers. This book differs in that although the book is supposed to be about Phury and the Chosen, it really doesn't center on them.

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Title: Key of Light

Subtitle: Key Trilogy, Book 1

Author: Nora Roberts

Narrator: Susan Ericksen

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-07-08

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2086 votes

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

The Malory Price Life Plan does not include a quixotic quest - but the strangers on Warrior's Peak claim that she must find a key that will release three souls held captive by an evil god.

Little does she know that the quest will bring her two new friends: the love of her life - and danger beyond anyone's imagination.

Members Reviews:

Contemporary Romance Plus Ancient Mystery

STORY - (romance/fantasy/mystery) I enjoyed Key of Light. It's not just a sweet contemporary romance. There is also an interesting Celtic mystery, magic, Gods and a big silly dog. The lead characters are smart, likeable, and their clever banter will make you chuckle.

This is Book #1 of a trilogy, and in each book the characters will be searching for one of three keys which will unlock a magic box and release a soul which has been imprisoned inside for centuries. This is the story of Mallory's search. It comes to a nice conclusion, so the book can stand alone, but you will probably want to continue the trilogy and learn what happens when the other two keys are found.

PERFORMANCE - Susan Ericksen does a great job. She is the same narrator who reads the In Death series, so you will recognize Roarke's voice/accent in one of the characters.

OVERALL - Recommended for romance readers, especially if they might like an ancient mystery mixed in.

AWESOME BOOK!

I very much love this story & there is no better narrator than Susan Ericksen

I loved it

I'm not usualy a fan of romance novels but this one has an intererting plot and amusing and entertaining characters.

Now this is what I expected

This is exactly what I expected from Nora's books.

The writing at it's best - the narration fantastic.

I thouroughly enjoyed the book = even though you know how it should end, the way it gets there keeps you going.

Thank you - I have already downloaded book 2

key of light

This is a fun story, if not predictable at times. I enjoyed it with its twists and turns at the dark side. Light, fun reading.

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Title: Key of Knowledge

Subtitle: Key Trilogy, Book 2

Author: Nora Roberts

Narrator: Susan Ericksen

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-07-08

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1672 votes

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

To Dana Steele, books and the knowledge they hold are the key to contentment. But now that search for knowledge must include the second key needed to release three souls held captive by an evil god.

She won't be alone, for she's formed fast friendships with two very different women. She can't allow herself to be distracted by the return of the man who broke her heart so long ago, for a danger beyond anyone's imagination is determined to keep her from completing her quest.

Members Reviews:

Thanks, Nora. This series has it all!

STORY (fantasy/romance) - You can't go wrong with this series. There are great characters sweet romances, clever banter, all tied together with a mysterious quest. Dana, Mallory and Zoe must, in turn, find three keys to release three souls held captive by an evil god. This is Book 2, Dana's quest, and it's a wild one. She tangles with Cain, the evil god, and with sexy Jordan Hawke as well. Not just a sweet romance, lots more going on.

PERFORMANCE - I love Susan Ericksen. She always delivers a great performance. In this book I especially love her performances of Pitt and Rowena, two of the gods.

OVERALL - The books in this series should be listened to in order so you follow the story of the quest for the keys and the character development. That said, each book does a good job of bringing you up to speed and each story stands alone. There's a tiny bit of cursing, but it's pretty mild. There are also Nora's typical romantic, "classy" sex scenes, the kind that aren't explicit but you still can feel the passion and heat. Recommended for all romance readers.

Romance, character growth......soul sucking Wizard

Ok these covers have to go. Yes, this is a romance. Yes, it's stuck in the early 2000s.

It's also about growth and fighting an evil soul sucking Wizard. So, you may find yourself fast forwarding through the romantic stuff which is ok. Not knocking it. The sex is alright.

*******But, Evil soul sucking wizard. ******

And he sneaks up on you.

(Looking behind me just to be sure he's not there.)

The female hero only has a short amount of time to find the key and not get killed by the Wizard.

Susan Ericksen did a great job with the narration.

amazing Everytime!

You will never be disappointed!! it sucks you in and doesn't let go till the very end and then you must it's not even an option to listen to the next.

truly a book lovers boon

I own so many books and know what the need is to be able to touch, smell, and feel the authors need and emotions as I read. Audiobooks I have decided are really great when you have to be busy with your hands but need that escape into anothers world!

Nora Roberts key of series.

I have read this series before but I really enjoy Susan Erickson s narration. On to the next book.

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Title: Key of Valor

Subtitle: Key Trilogy, Book 3

Author: Nora Roberts

Narrator: Susan Ericksen

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-06-08

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1664 votes

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Light and Knowledge have succeeded in their quest, and two of the keys have been found. The final, and last, test goes to Zoe McCourt - Valor.

Zoe has the courage to raise her young son alone, and to face all the adversity life has thrown at them. But will she have the courage to face a foe determined to do anything to stop the third key from being found - even destroying everything and everyone she loves?

Members Reviews:

It was so wonderful and I'm sorry it's over.

This trilogy was so great. I really am sad that it's over. I just wish she would write a fourth so we would see how it all worked out for the three couples and the ones from the other world.

The Crown Jewel of the Series

Roberts does not disappoint in this final installment of the trilogy. If you're credit-frugal, you could purchase books one and three only, without losing anything pertinent; however, if you are in the mood for a bit more "indulgence"...

It's the best of the three

I love this narrator. This is the best one of the three and I think the best written. It's fantasy and if you don't like fantasy maybe this is not the series for you.

favorite of 3

out of all 3 books zoey and bradley with simon touches me the most she shows on this book what a mom can do for her child and a heart of a true hero/warrior the reader tells it perfectly

Susan Erickson Rocks Nora Roberts

I have read this series over and over, and I Susan and Nora still kept me enthralled right to the end!

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Title: Acheron

Subtitle: A Dark-Hunter Novel

Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon

Narrator: Holter Graham

Format: Unabridged

Length: 23 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-05-08

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2118 votes

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Only it was never that simple. For centuries, he has fought for our survival and hidden a past he never wants revealed - until a lone woman who refuses to be intimidated by him threatens his very existence.

Now his survival, and ours, hinges on hers, and old enemies reawaken and unite to kill them both. War has never been more deadly...or more fun.

Members Reviews:

couldn't stop listening

This was my first book by the author. I am glad I was taken in by all of the hype. Even though the beginning of the book is tough to get through because of the hardship Ash goes through, it allows the reader to sympathize with Ash and love him more. Great narration!

One of the best in the series

This is by far, the best book in the series. So many questions answered and the characters really come to life. I enjoyed it a great deal.

Yumm!

I love Kenyon's work. Always have and always will. In the past I have been more than a little disappointed by the clumsy, almost criminally bad narration used for some of her earlier titles. Now in walks Holter Graham and my long standing fancy for the dark, brooding and sexy Ash (Acheron) becomes a full blown crush! I absolutely adore this narrator and really loved the story. NEWBIES BEWARE- there are very strong tones of violence and sadistic childhood abuse in this and some other Kenyon titles. In Acheron's case it's fair to call this extreme and totally heart wrenching. There is also a healthy does of explicit sex. That said, all of the aforementioned ADULT content serves the plot impeccably and builds solid gold characters the reader can easily invest in. I literally wanted to throw my arms around some of these characters. Others I could get medieval on to stop their sadistic tendencies.

All in all- I loved the story and from now on will have a special place in my heart for a certain Nickleback song (wink wink).

My first Dark Hunter Novel

Although I've never read any Dark Hunter novels or any other books by Sherrilyn Kenyon I really enjoyed this story! Holter Graham is amazing!

Awesome

This book was awesome and explained things from previous books. The reader, Holter Graham, was wonderful and I hope he is the reader for other Sherrilyn Kenyon books as wells as Christine Feehan.

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Title: Night Embrace

Subtitle: A Dark-Hunter Novel

Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon

Narrator: Carrington MacDuffie

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-14-08

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1408 votes

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Night Embrace spins the story of Talon, an ancient Celtic warrior who killed the son of the god Camulus. Camulus cursed Talon, decreeing death for everyone he loved. Now a Dark-Hunter in modern-day New Orleans, Talon meets Sunshine, who is key to ending his curse once and for all - not to mention helping him to save New Orleans from an ancient god bent on total destruction....

Love in vein: listen to another

novel.

©2008 Sherrilyn Kenyon (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

Critic Reviews:

"Kenyon's Dark-Hunter books are changing the face of the vampire novel, making it hip, darker, and all the more appealing." (

Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

(very) Pleasantly Surprised

Although I'm an urban fantasy aficionado, I guess I had been avoiding this type of PNR erotic fiction. Since a friend told me my book recommendations weren't sexy enough I thought I would dip my toe into the genre starting with Sherrilyn Kenyon since I've seen her books for years and always wondered about them. Night Embrace turned out to be a great choice. I got my UF fix, an interesting story, great setting, really likeable characters, AND hot smut that was NOT cheesy; not only that, but actually really well done. Who'd of thought?! I think that's why I've always avoided hot and steamy books, especially in audio: most are done soooo badly I just can't take it .... I know you all know what I mean... But SK really knows what she is doing, so much so that I may be a convert. In fact I've already moved on to additional books in the series, but so far NE remains my favorite. Having said that, I was not a fan of the narrator. I actually skipped the first book because her southern accent was far too grating, even from the short sample snippet (say that 3x fast). She is somewhat tolerable in this one, however, and I don't feel I missed too much.

In short, if you're looking for a hot yet sensitive alpha male, a quirky, perky, plus-sized heroine, great chemistry, and lots of steamy sexytimes, all within a unique paranormal universe and a gothic New Orleans mystique, this is a good place to begin.

Hot chemistry.

These books are good. I like the chemistry between Talon and Sunshine. Sometimes I think the author is a little junior highschool. I mean, come on, we are adult readers.." he has the hottest backside".. what is that. I believe most women, like me, feel perfectly comfortable using an alternative word for that. Could be a little more hardcore is all.Like the character developement and the story. Really want to see what happens with Ash! Otherwise this is O.K. I guess I'm just use to Trueblood:)

Great listen!!

I loved this book. I loved the story and Carrington MacDuffie is a wonderful narrator. It's the second book in a series but can be considered a stand alone book. There is a reference to the previous story but it's explained enough that it's not confusing. It was fun to listen to because I love the Irish brogue.

I've read the book twice...

And still, at times, this brought tears to my eyes. Even though it was 'read' by a woman, she does Talon and Sunshine's voice's so different, that it's like more than one person reading. Fantastic.

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Title: Night Pleasures

Subtitle: A Dark-Hunter Novel

Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon

Narrator: Carrington MacDuffie

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-11-08

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1908 votes

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

In Night Pleasures, Kyrian of Thrace - an immortal who protects humans from vampires - wakes up one morning handcuffed to the one thing that can scare him: a conservative woman in a button-down shirt. But Amanda Devereaux turns out to be his perfect partner for hunting down a deadly foe, and for helping him to regain his soul - and learn that love doesn't have to bite.

Love in vein: listen to another

novel.

©2005 Sherrilyn Kenyon (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

Critic Reviews:

"If you love Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Angel, then boy, is this the book for you...original and complex...the characters are unforgettable and the action thrilling." (Romantic Times)

Members Reviews:

An Interesting Twist to the Vampire Story

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) - This book was a "good" listen, and had some interesting twists, but never really hooked me to the point where I had to listen to it everywhere I went to see what was going to happen next.

Plot: The baseline plot of this book (and I presume the series) is a love story, between you guessed it a human female and a vampire. The difference is there is an element of greek mythology and other god-like beings that round out the fight against good and evil. There was a good balance between love story and the good vs evil and the author did a good job of bringing it all together at the end.

Narrator: Pretty Bad! Not bad enough that I couldn't finish but I'm pretty sure I would have liked the book (and perhaps rated it higher) if there was a different reader. I found the readers voice to be pitchy and down right painful to my ears when she'd change voices for different characters. The book is set in New Orleans and her awful attempt at accents and male voices made it difficult to listen to. I liked the plot enough to make it through the whole book and even though Ms. MacDuffie reads the second book I'll listen to it in order to get to the 3rd and 4th where they change narrators!!!

Oh My Gosh

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The narrator! She is horrible and her voice is so annoying there is no way I will be listenting to this book and this is just the beginning. This narrotor doesn't know the difference between a Louisiana accent 'creole' and a southern belle 'naselly voice'.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The story line appears to be great but i can't get past that narrators voice.

What didnt you like about Carrington MacDuffies performance?

YIKES

Could you see Night Pleasures being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Maybe

Any additional comments?

Need to be able to change narrators.

Give us more "Hunter" books!

This is my favorite fantasy/romance series. I have read all of Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Hunter" books and I was thrilled to find some of the earlier books (that made me a devoted fan of hers) on Audio. If you like this genre don't hesitate. You won't be sorry. Pretty soon you will be collecting all of the "Hunter" books you can find.

REALLY!!??

First, the name under reviewer is actually my husband's name. I just wanted to make it clear that a woman is writing this review. Second, I NEVER write reviews for books but, this one I couldn't let pass. I am very thankful that I read/listened to Fantasy Lover before Night Pleasures.

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Title: The Sparrow

Author: Mary Doria Russell

Narrator: David Colacci

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-08-08

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 2106 votes

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Sandoz is a part of the crew sent to explore a new planet. What they find is a civilization so alien and incomprehensible that they feel compelled to wonder what it means to be human.

The priest is the only surviving member of the crew, and upon his return, he is confronted by public inquisition and accusations of the most heinous crimes imaginable. His faith utterly destroyed, crippled and defenseless, his only hope is to tell his tale. Father John Candotti has been charged with discovering the truth, but the truth may be more than Earth is willing to accept.

Members Reviews:

Superbly Written and Thought-provoking

I've read and/or listened to this novel 3 times and I like it more each time. It's a thoughtful, engrossing first contact story with theological, moral and science fiction themes. The Sparrow tells the tale of a Jesuit mission to an alien world and, more specifically, the story of Father Emilio Sandoz, the lone survivor of that mission. His experience is life-changing, to say the least.

Russell writes interesting, highly plausible characters and she not only explores the theological implications of the book's events, she also creates a memorable alien culture.

David Colacci's reading is quite good. He starts a little uncertainly but quickly gains his footing, giving voice to the various characters without ever taking accents and dialects to distracting extremes.

I can't recommend The Sparrow highly enough but be warned: if you're the type of science fiction fan who wants action-packed space opera, this isn't the book for you. It's a book about people and ideas, not an action/ adventure story.

A complex exploration of hope challenged

On the face of it, the Sparrow is a novel about humanity's first contact with an alien race, a disastrous expedition to Alpha Centauri that leaves only one survivor, a Jesuit priest named Father Emilio Sandoz. Underneath, though, Mary Doria Russell creates a nuanced, multi-layered novel that poses some serious questions about the nature of faith and morality.

The story builds suspense by cutting back and forth between the Churchs interviews of the spiritually and physically broken priest, who initially refuses to talk, and the events of the past, proceeding from the time when the aliens are first discovered (and the Church recognizes an opportunity for itself). We know that things are destined to go wrong, but not exactly how, except for a few pieces of foreshadowing. Does the tragedy of the mission hinge on one mistake -- or many?

Russell takes her time setting up the story, which might try the patience of some readers, but illuminates the minds of a small, tight-knit group of well-constructed characters. We see the initial sense of scientific and spiritual mission, the optimism of the interstellar travelers as they near their destination, the months of exploration of the edenic planet Rakhat and the first encounters with the childlike Runa. However, as the story unfolds, we begin to see the outlines of a significant difference between the humans and the aliens that neither side manages to perceive fully, each with its own innate view of how life is meant to function.