Get Most Popular Full Audiobooks in Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary Best Sellers

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Title: Excession

Subtitle: Culture Series, Book 5

Author: Iain M. Banks

Narrator: Peter Kenny

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-07-13

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 183 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Two and a half millennia ago, the artifact appeared in a remote corner of space, beside a trillion-year-old dying sun from a different universe. It was a perfect black-body sphere, and it did nothing. Then it disappeared. Now it is back.

Critic Reviews:

"Gripping, touching and funny." (TLS)

"A dizzying adventure." (Daily Mail)

"Explosive but tender." (Sunday Times)

Members Reviews:

A perfect team(?) at the top of their game

Peter Kenny has brought a whole new experience to my understanding the writing of Iain Banks. Mr Kenny seems to have a number of uncanny knacks of what I believe a true storyteller should have, an ancient art form that went out of favour with the invention of the printing press and now, thanks to audio books, is making a comeback.

A little too dissimilar to how Messrs. Kubrick and Clarke created the universe of 2001 apart but together to be comparable, Mr Kenny was not a co-creator yet he is a collaborator. His obvious skill, talent and intelligence as an actor, most essentially I believe with radio-play experience, has given him a gift permitting him to join Mr Banks in 'The Culture' in a way I think few others could hope to achieve.

I would encourage any fan of story telling, whether written word or film or stage play or photojournalism etc., who don't mind a bit of the ol' spec-fic to give this a go. While I believe there are other readings by Mr Kenny as powerful as this, none are better and this will forever remain a performance not to be missed.

My favourite Culture series book

Complex, witty and thought-provoking. Ian Banks at his very best. Sleeper Service is surely one the best heroic characters of all his books. I must add that Peter Kenny does the most superb job as narrator. His range of accents and nuanced delivery is delightful I wish he'd get to work on Terry Pratchett's body of work next!

One of the best Culture books

Such a good story - the wit of the Minds is fantastic to listen to. Peter Kenny's narration is absolutely flawless.

Mr Banks on top form

Would you consider the audio edition of Excession to be better than the print version?

Mr Kenny is a superb complement to this excellent book. I had to smile as he subtly changes the voice of a character as they moved between sexes. Very slick!

What other book might you compare Excession to and why?

Its up there with "Consider Phlebas" in terms of breadth of story, large ideas and character detail. Compulsive reading for Culture addicts.

What about Peter Kennys performance did you like?

See above, but I also liked the conceit of giving the ship minds british regional ( and occasional colonial :-) ) accents that really rather suited their personalities. Really a very impressive rendition.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Hard to imagine it being a film, but I bet it is "the way many people want the future to be", which is the function of good sci-fi; to inspire.

Any additional comments?

Great writer at the top of his game.

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Title: A Voice in the Wilderness

Subtitle: The Human Division, Episode 4

Author: John Scalzi

Narrator: William Dufris

Format: Unabridged

Length: 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-05-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 745 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Albert Birnbaum was once one of the biggest political talk show hosts around, but these days hes watching his career enter a death spiral. A stranger offers a solution to his woes, promising to put him back on top. Its everything Birnbaum wants, but is there a catch? And does Birnbaum actually care if there is?

"A Voice in the Wilderness" is a tale from John Scalzi's The Human Division, a series of self-contained but interrelated short stories set in the Old Man's War universe.

Members Reviews:

Read them in order

I enjoyed the series more as I went through each episode. At first I struggled because it seemed like random stories set in this universe. But as it continued and I realized it was interwoven story lines I enjoyed them more. The main characters were enjoyable. It's pretty traditional sci fi fare but still worth the read.

Talk Radio Meets the 23d Century!. . . . . .

5 stars is Great!

_________________________________________________

IMHO this is one of Scalzi's best short stories and I'll say no more. Enjoy the listen . . . . .

Love this title

I love this title. Very well produced and great story. Will definitely recommend this title to others.

Not just Radio Ga Ga....

Would you listen to A Voice in the Wilderness again? Why?

I already have done, three times. The story bears repeated telling, since it's part of a greater story being told in multiple chapters, and the nuances show with each replay.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Voice in the Wilderness?

The denouement when the conspiracy is revealed to the main character.

What about William Dufriss performance did you like?

He has a soothing voice and produces recognisable character voices without apparent effort.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. Twice.

Any additional comments?

I'm enjoying all these chapter releases by John Scalzi and William DuFris

Never Again!

Any additional comments?

The book is good and interesting. However I'll never buy a multi episode downloadable book again. I'm now reading part 5 after waiting for enough parts to start reading without forgetting the last episode. Rather pay for all up front and be done with it. Wonder how the bank likes all those 69 cent pmts.

One or two hours free, should be enough to make up your mind and then buy or drop it.

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Title: Gibraltar Earth

Subtitle: Gibraltar Earth, Book 1

Author: Michael McCollum

Narrator: Ramon De Ocampo

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-05-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 298 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

It is the 24th Century and humanity is just gaining a toehold out among the stars. Stellar Survey Starship Magellan is exploring the New Eden system when they encounter two alien spacecraft. When the encounter is over, the score is one human scout ship and one alien aggressor destroyed. In exploring the wreck of the second alien ship, spacers discover a survivor with a fantastic story.

The alien comes from a million-star Galactic Empire ruled over by a mysterious race known as the Broa. These overlords are the masters of this region of the galaxy and they allow no competitors. This news presents Earths rulers with a problem. As yet, the Broa are ignorant of humanitys existence. Does the human race retreat to its one small world, quaking in fear that the Broa will eventually discover Earth? Or do they take a more aggressive approach?Whatever they do, they must do it quickly! Time is running out for the human race....

Members Reviews:

Great Journey

I picked this up on a recommendation of Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte from Security Now.

It reminds me of a "superhero" film or story, where the first part of the story is the "gathering of the heroes" for the coming crisis. This portion of the story was a bit slow, and he almost lost me.

But when the assembled team ventures out into the galaxy to investigate stories they've been told of the "Broa Overlords", the story really takes off. There is a sense of mystery as the team seeks to answer some critical questions, and the tension builds. In a paperback, I often cheat and look ahead for spoilers, but with an audiobook, there's no good way to do that. But this book created suspense for me that really made me want to cheat.

The narrator is fantastic, and is able to suggest numerous characters with his voice. Overall a great read, and I'm plowing into part 2!

I couldn't have asked for more!

This book has been on my to do list for months and i am so glad that i got around to listening to it. Definitely in the top ten of books i've listened to. With the top 5 (not in any order) being Barsoom series, Lost Fleet, Star Force, Troy Rising, and Second Ship, The Rho Agenda. This book is at least #6 possibly 5 if the next 2 books continue this trend.

The story reminds me of the Stargate series for you SciFi channel fans out there. The start to this book completely pulls you in and i couldn't stop listening from that point on.

The narrator does a great job with the different characters which made me feel like i was watching a movie and not just listening to a book. My wife can attest that I was completely immerse and couldn't hear anything outside of the world that this book creates. Great book and now onto the second installment.

Starts off at a good pace and continues

So first let me say that I have been waiting for this book to come to Audible and the others from the same author, I herd about it on Security Now with Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte from This Week in Tech over at TWiT.tv - Thanks Audible.com for your continued sponsorship of the TWiT network.

Now the review.

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Title: Crossover

Subtitle: Cassandra Kresnov, Book 1

Author: Joel Shepherd

Narrator: Dina Pearlman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-23-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 357 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Crossover is the first novel in a series which follows the adventures of Cassandra Kresnov, an artificial person, or android, created by the League, one side of an interstellar war against the more powerful, conservative Federation. Cassandra is an experimental design - more intelligent, more creative, and far more dangerous than any that have preceded her. But with her intellect come questions, and a moral awakening. She deserts the League and heads incognito into the space of her former enemy, the Federation, in search of a new life.

Her chosen world is Callay, and its enormous, decadent capital metropolis of Tanusha, where the concerns of the war are literally and figuratively so many light years away. But the war between the League and the Federation was ideological as much as political, with much of that ideological dispute regarding the very existence of artificial sentience and the rules that govern its creation. Cassandra discovers that even in Tanusha, the powerful entities of this bloody conflict have wound their tentacles. Many in the League and the Federation have cause to want her dead, and Cassandra?s history, inevitably, catches up with her. Cassandra finds herself at the mercy of a society whose values preclude her own right even to exist. But her presence in Tanusha reveals other fault lines, and when Federal agents attempt to assassinate the Callayan president, she finds herself thrust into the service of her former enemies, using her lethal skills to attempt to protect her former enemies from forces beyond their ability to control.

As she struggles for her place and survival in a new world, Cassandra must forge new friendships with old enemies, while attempting to confront the most disturbing and deadly realities of her own existence.

Members Reviews:

NOT A ONE MAN WOMAN

This had a great start to it and I really thought I was going to love it. The main character is not a robot, not an android, not a clone, but she is artificial. She is sentient, so should she have rights? She started out as a great character and there were some intelligent questions to be answered, but from chapter five on the story stagnated. There was the introduction to the character which was unique. There was an Unwinding episode which was disturbing. There was a trial which was stimulating conversation. Each chapter seemed to have it's own theme. After chapter five, we had a touchy feelie chapter and there was a political chapter, etc. I quit in the ninth chapter. There may have been more interesting chapters later, but I did not know how many of these mundane boring chapters I would have to listen to, to get there.

The drool narrator sucked.

Crossover to a Different Book

Crossover starts with a very interesting premise and begins with some real promise as Cassandra, an android, assumes a new identity and tries to start a new life as a civilian in a new society rather than as the soldier she has been. However, just as the story starts to roll out this idea of an android created to be a warrior who has philosophical problems with the war and wants to pursue normal human relationships, work a civilian job, and visit art museums, that whole story abruptly ends.

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Title: Mech 2: The Savant

Author: B. V. Larson

Narrator: Mirron Willis

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-18-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 316 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

A new world, more aliens, and even more Mechs!

The Skaintz Imperium was eradicated from the backwater planet of Garm, but at great cost. The population of the world was decimated within weeks, and Garm will never be the same. At least humanity can breathe easily knowing that the mysterious aliens are all dead.... But are they? Using their natural form of communication, Skaintz radio signals did chirrup and click, however briefly. Transmissions in their ancient language now spread at the speed of light in a growing sphere, reaching farther from Garm every year. In the vast oceans of nothingness between the stars unknown things float. And they listen....

Mech 2 is the story of Neu Schweitz, a planet in a system 3.2 light years from Garm. It's a beautiful world of snow-topped mountains, green valleys and nearly a billion humans struggling with piracy and politics. Soon, however, they will be struggling for their very lives.

Members Reviews:

Such a cool story. A great way to start book 2.

BV doesn't wait to get you into the action like he did in the first book in the series. I really felt like this one started moving and then never stopped. Great continuation of the series. I have to say, so far, i have not been disappointed with one book BV has written.

Nice Story!

More of those Nasty Aliens that eat people. Now they do more with the Human Dead then eat them!

Story was interesting - despite Mirron

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I think Mirron should contain his readings to the voice of automatons or non american accents. When reading with an accent, he sounds acceptable. When in an American accent, it is clipped and monotonous

How could the performance have been better?

see above

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The story kept me from declining to get more of the series and tolerate Mirrons poor performance.

Good read.

I find the series ok. Worth the read. The first one was better. I'm hoping the next will be better still

The narrator is versatile but pronunciation is

I find the narrator fairly versatile not as good as some that I've listened to but pretty good unfortunately his pronunciation of many of the terms in the book leave much to be desired

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Title: A Dark and Hungry God Arises: The Gap into Power

Subtitle: The Gap Cycle, Book 3

Author: Stephen R. Donaldson

Narrator: Scott Brick

Format: Unabridged

Length: 20 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-16-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 200 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

A master storyteller, Stephen R. Donaldson established a worldwide reputation with his unforgettable, critically acclaimed fantasy series The Chronicles Of Thomas Covenant. Then, with The Real Story and Forbidden Knowledge, he launched a thrilling new science fiction series. Now the galactic epic continues as humanity struggles against the forces of ultimate evil - and its own dark nature.

The stage is set for confrontation at Billingate - illegal shipyard, haven for pirates and brigands, where every vice flourishes and every appetite can be sated. Gateway to the alien realm of the Amnion, the shipyard is a clearinghouse for all they require to fulfill their mutagenic plans against humanity. It is here that the fate of Morn Hyland is to be decided amid a kaleidoscopic whirl of plot and counterplot, treachery and betrayal. As schemes unravel to reveal yet deeper designs, Morn, Nick, and Angus' lives may all be forfeit as pawns in the titanic game played our between Warden Dios, dedicated director of the UMC Police, and the Dragon, greed-driven ruler of the UMC.

Here, the future of humankind hangs on the uncertain fortune of Morn Hyland in a daring novel of epic power and suspense, relentlessly gripping from first page to last.

Members Reviews:

Desperate times for everyone

Never forget that when Stephen R. Donaldsonis the man doing the writing that there is no end to the misery that the universe willdump onto the main characters. It is no surprise whenfate (aka Donaldson) conspires to back allthree of hisprotagonistsinto a corner at the same location in Forbidden Space, a little outpost known as Billingate.Thisillegal outpost,wherehuman pirates andAmnion conduct dark dealings, becomes the backdrop for the convergence of Angus, Nick, and Morn and allthevitriol they carry for each other. It is not mere coincidence that this happens becausetwo of the most powerful men in existence, Holt Fasner, head of the United Mining Company, and Warden Dios, head of the UMCP, are plotting against each other and usingMorn, Angus, and Nick as unwilling pawns in theirstruggle.

After Nick Succorso discovered that Davies was not his child, and that Morn's passion for him had been fake all along, he decided to get back at herby tradingher sonto the Amnion. The Amnion eagerly agreed to the trade because of their desiretoconduct mutagenic experiments on Davies. Morn, still a prisoner aboard Nick's ship, managesto divert Davies' pod at the last instant away from the Amnion ship and toward Billingate where he winds up a prisoner. Of course this makesNick Succorso furious because he is now ina position of total weakness as his ship arrives at Billingate withlittle to bargain for the return of Davies and no other way to make good on his promise to the Amnion. Meanwhile, Angus, who is now a fully 'welded' cyborg, is also sent to Billingateon a secret mission by Warden Dios and thus the reunion is complete.

The story remains interesting and the slow reveal of the bigger picture raises the stakes; however,there is no end to thecreative and sinister use of technology to make the lives of the main characters miserable. Since it is hard to feel sorry for any of them, except Morn, one needs tojust sit back and ponder how things are going to get worse for everyone in the next chapter.

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Title: Lord of Mountains

Subtitle: A Novel of the Change

Author: S. M. Stirling

Narrator: Todd McLaren

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-10-12

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 461 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Rudi Mackenize, now Artos the First, High King of Montival, and his allies have won several key battles against the Church Universal and Triumphant. But still the war rages on, taking countless lives, ravaging the land once known as the United States of America. Artos and his Queen, Mathilda, must unite the realms into a single kingdom to ensure a lasting peace.

If the leaders of the Changed world are to accept Artos as their ruler, he will need to undertake a quest to the Lake at the Heart of the Mountains and take part in a crowning ceremony - a ceremony binding him to his people, his ancestors, and his land. Then, once he has secured his place and allegiances, Artos can go forward and lead his forces to the heart of the enemy's territory.

Members Reviews:

Same Great Story, One too Many Books...

The Book

I actually loved the story, but the '4 out of 5' rating and the title of this review stem from the fact that I feel, like others who have written reviews here, that this book and the last should have been a single work - the majority of "Lord of Mountains" was simply a continuation of "Tears of the Sun." It is clearly necessary for there to be continuity between books in a series, but this one felt more like a "Part II" of "Tears" rather than a sequel that could stand alone. Each of Stirling's other novels in the series constantly built on each other, but could easily have been grabbed at random and, while the reader might scratch his/her head for a moment pondering details, would still have been able to convey the essentials of the story - not true here.

However, even if "Lord of Mountains" should have been packed into the last book,it was another fantastic installment in a unique and fulfilling series. I have been with the story since "Dies the Fire," and I read the Nantucket series, from which the Emberverse series sprang, before that. Never before has a series captivated me as much. I "plug in" on my commute to and from work, at my lunch break, and any time I have a spare moment or two - it is definitely worth the read (or listen)!

Still, as much as I love the series, I hope "The Given Sacrifice" draws the story to a close before there are "diminishing returns;" i.e., before the story stagnates. I have heard rumors that another series will follow this one, beginning yet another Changeling generation's tale, but - and it pains me to say it with as much as I have loved all of these - I sincerely hope not. I'm sure, as with other writers, that S.M. Stirling still has volumes of story and wonderful things to add to the world of The Change locked in his creative mind, but, as the saying goes: sometimes more isn't better, it's just more...all good things not only do, but should, come to an end, or they don't stay good things.

The Performance

One thing that impresses me about all the audiobooks in the series (Nantucket and Emberverse) is that Todd McLaren has a) been used for every book and, b) he, as a narrator, is so consistent in his tones, his portrayal of each character, and his ability to draw emotion from the "reader" based on his performance.

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Title: Scout's Progress

Subtitle: Liaden Universe Space Regencies, Book 2

Author: Sharon Lee, Steve Miller

Narrator: Bernadette Dunne

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-04-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 194 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The second novel of the Liaden Universe, Scout's Progress is the story of a young girl who has won a starship, but now must learn to fly if she is to escape her dastardly brother.

Members Reviews:

Korval and the Scholar

I simply adored this story of Daav and Alliana. I'm torn as to whether it's my favorite or Er Thom and Anne's story is (Local Custom). I love how the authors managed to blend and support the character's children introduced in previous books (Agent of Change and Conflict of Honors to start) with these back stories, however, left Daav and Alliana (and Er Thom and Anne) to be strong characters in themselves that drive the story without it feeling forced in any way. The Tree steps up to become part of the story and let's it will be known. The narration was enjoyable and I felt that Alliana's cadence was masterfully caught. Long live Korval!

Daav and Aelliana

Scout's Progress tells the first half of the story of Aelliana Caylon and Daav yos'Phelium, but is more about Aelliana than Daav. It is _not_ an easy story. Aelliana is abused, both physically and emotionally, by her na'delm. The abuse occurs both prior to the story and during it. That being said, it is still very much a romance. And an excellent read.

Aelliana Caylon is a brilliant Scholar of Mathematics, the reviser of a critical set of tables used by pilots to survive jump. And, unrecognized until this book, a pilot herself of great skill. Scout's Progress tells the story of her awakening and loosening of the scars and constraints that her abuse has created. And of the developing relationship with Daav as her co-pilot.

This book is fairly immediately after the time of Local Custom, but can be read as a stand-alone volume. The reader is Bernadette Dunne, who does her usual outstanding job. It is always a pleasure to listen to a book she reads, and I'm glad she's the narrator for this Regency sequence.

disappointed by the narrator

This book, along with Mouse and Dragon is one of my all time favorites, but the narrator doesn't do it justice. It almost seems like she needed glasses or something, because a number of words were replaced with near neighbors: shoulder vs shudder, though vs through, and many other similar errors that jarred me out of the story.

Another Fantastic Entry

This was a beautiful love story, an intriguing political drama, an exploration of science-fiction elements with a hint of fantasy magic, and a story of escaping abuse and familial oppression. Highly recommended, and one of several excellent books with which to start the Liaden saga.

More fun & adventure in the Liaden universe

Aelliana Caylon has a problem, and it's her brother. He's abusive, contemptuous, and heir to the Delm of Clan Meisel. He cares nothing for the fact that she's a brilliant mathematician and revisor of the Ventura tables on which all pilots depend. He feels she's worth nothing except what she'd bring in a contract marriage--and the Delm, their mother, has granted Aelliana's plea that she be allowed to make no more contract marriages.

So brother Ran Eld is looking for other ways to humiliate her. He's also in serious need of funds, as a creditor with no sense of humor is demanding immediate repayment.

Meanwhile, Daav yos'Phelium is having his own problems.

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Title: Plan B

Subtitle: Liaden Universe Agent of Change, Book 4

Author: Sharon Lee, Steve Miller

Narrator: Andy Caploe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-04-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 227 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Pursued across space by the ultra-secret Department of the Interior, hunted by the galaxy-wide Juntavas syndicate, former Agent of Change Val Con yos'Phelium and his ex-soldier lifemate Miri Robertson have commandeered the only spaceship on Vandar and fled, seeking help from Miri's newly discovered kin on Lytaxin. Elsewhere, Clan Korval is in action. Scattered across space by the newly invoked Plan B, certain clan members pursue the search for the long-missing Val Con.

First Speaker Nova yos'Galan returns to Lufkit, seeking clues, as Dutiful Passage, Korval's premier tradeship, arms itself for war - and discovers treachery. Back on Lytaxin, Miri's homecoming is interrupted by a full-scale Yxtrang planetary invasion. Then things start to get really interesting....

Members Reviews:

A long time favorite

Just finished my sixth reread. Excitement, humor and drama. What could possibly be better? I love the entire sprawling saga and this is my favorite Start with Agent of Change.

Those Liadans!

It is best to start with Conflict of Honors, then Agent of Change, Carpe Diem, Plan B, and I Dare to get the full story and understanding of this universe. Fascinating storyline through these books, and there are prequels and sequels too! The narrator for this series was not the best. He voiced some characters very well; for instance Edger sounds just like I imagined him! However, why does Nelirikk have a squeaky, high pitched voice? He's huge! Doesn't make sense.

Another fabulous adventure with Val Con and Miri

Love these books. They are wonderfully written space opera and I can't get enough. But seriously, Andy Caploe???? I have adjusted to Miri's voice and it is not nearly as breathy as it was in book one. Emirith Tiazan and the General are shrill. But the one that really drove me crazy was Ren Zel. What was he trying to do with that one? Make him sound like a computer? the voice is so mechanical in tone and pacing. Ren Zel doesn't have a huge part in this book but he has more in the next book and I really hope it smooths out. Didn't like that one at all. Some other reviewers mentioned that Nelerik's voice bugged them but I didn't have that issue. It is lighter in tone than you might expect from a guy so big but it worked for me. Still and all the audio books are worth listening to.

3.5 stars. Fun story, hit and miss narration

I read the book before listening to this Audible file. The story is one of the best in the Liaden Universe series, with a good balance of action, suspense, and character development. Be warned, these authors like to hop around from one POV to another, and from one planet to another.

Narration: I liked the narrator's rendition of the main characters (Miri and Val Con, Shan and Priscilla). His narration of non-dialogue is good, too. His portrayal of Nelirikk (aka Beautiful) was okay, but not quite right.

However, several secondary characters sound almost like children a falsetto high, with a querulous or whingy edge. I cringed every time I heard the old lady, Delm Oreb, and I didn't care for some of the squeaky male voices. It almost ruined the experience for me.

I love these books.

I have long enjoyed the Liaden universe. I started with Local Custom as an audio book on a whim and soon became addicted.

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Title: Explorer

Subtitle: Foreigner Sequence 2, Book 3

Author: C. J. Cherryh

Narrator: Daniel Thomas May

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 37 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-07-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 446 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

C.J. Cherryh's second trilogy set in her Foreigner Universe comes to a thrilling conclusion with Explorer. The final installment to this sequence of the Hugo Award-winning author's most successful series, Explorer follows a human delegate trapped in a distant star system facing a potentially bellicose alien ship.

Members Reviews:

Unlike Anything Else You've Listened To

STORY (science fiction) - If you're looking for a lengthy sci-fi series to really sink your teeth into, look no longer. This one is amazing! But you won't find tons of space battles or action heroes. Yes, there are ships, stations, aliens, good guys and bad guys, but most of the story involves a crazy web of problems between alien species that Bren Cameron (human negotiator/translator) must solve. There is so much going on that to even attempt to summarize it would be unfair. Suffice to say it's imaginative, complicated and very tense from beginning to end!! As a listener who has listened to over 300 books as of this writing, I can absolutely say that this series ranks above all the others as to originality.

PERFORMANCE - Wonderful performance. Multiple characters have distinguishable voices. Daniel Thomas May does a great job.

OVERALL - If you like to think and figure out how to solve difficult situations, you will love this series. Not a boring moment. There is no sex, cursing or brutal violence. I'd recommend starting with the first book, as there is lots of history and special language that you will only understand if you start from the beginning. It will be a time investment and the first couple books aren't quite as exciting, but when the series gets into full swing it's absolutely awesome!

Very satisfying

I've waited until the 6th book in Cherryh's series before writing a review. I've enjoyed the two sequences, especially this conclusion to the second series, very much. I look forward to continuing with the 3rd sequence soon. Bren Cameron continues to be the main focus in the story and must rely on everything that he has learned and has become to save the day. The introduction of the young Atevi ruler in waiting is also especially well done. The story is much more action packed and intense than the other two in this sequence, not that they were bad, just that this one is so much better. May does such a good narrating this series that I clearly identify his voice characterizations with each character, all clearly distinctive.

Plenty of intrigue, further exploration of the different cultures, and the building relationship between the humans and the Atevi's. This series builds slowly, which may not be for everyone. I, for one, enjoy the pace very much. I highly recommend this series very much.

When diplomacy fails!!!! (-: !!!!

It's time for action.

The time of lies have passed, it's time for the hard truth!!!!!

Time to answer questions.

The perfect ending of the second sequence!!!

I hope soon, I'll be able to get the rest of the series narrated by Daniel Thomas May,

Perfect voice for this series.

Entire series incredible

I can't speak highly enough of the amazing writing of CJ Cherryh. Incredibly detailed and mesmerising.