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Title: Footfall

Author: Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle

Narrator: MacLeod Andrews

Format: Unabridged

Length: 24 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-22-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1514 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

They first appear as a series of dots on astronomical plates, heading from Saturn directly toward Earth. Since the ringed planet carries no life, scientists deduce the mysterious ship to be a visitor from another star. The world's frantic efforts to signal the aliens go unanswered. The first contact is hostile: the invaders blast a Soviet space station, seize the survivors, and then destroy every dam and installation on Earth with a hail of asteriods. Now the conquerors are descending on the American heartland, demanding servile surrender - or death for all humans.

Critic Reviews:

Nobody does it better than Niven and Pournelle. I loved it! (Tom Clancy)

"Rousing the best of the genre. (The New York Times Book Review)

Members Reviews:

Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle at Their Best

Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle have written a lot of books together, but for me this is their best! Footfall is a story that takes place in the 1980s when a hostile alien spaceship visits the earth; where dominating U.S. and Russian governments distrust each other. Larry and Jerry give you insight to the inner workings of U.S. and Russian governments as they prepare for this first alien encounter and possible war with each other. They also give you insight to the Aliens plans and politics as they make their approach Earth. I find Footfall to be one of the more believable stories that concerns first Alien contact with earth and how the people of Earth would react. For those Larry Niven fans; Footfall is OLD Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelleat their VERY best.

The narration of Footfall by Macleod Andrews is great. I first listened to Macleod listening to Sandman Slim and later purchased The Lock Artist; just to hear Macleod again. I was happy to hear Macleod on this recording of Footfall.

Footfall is hard science fiction at its best.

Tedious and disorganized

Footfall was one of the most tedious science fiction book I've ever read... or listened to in this case. The book had way too many "main" characters, most of whom had no bearing on the outcome of the book. Some seemed completely pointless. The alien names were unnecessarily complex and having a section of the book describing their language and its construction seemed self indulgent (of the authors) and tedious.

The book suffered from uninteresting characters, a lack of coherent story line, pointless dialogue, and unbelievable events. The premise was interesting (alien invasion), but the execution was poor, with the book jumping from place to place for seemingly no reason... certainly not to advance the plot.

I give it two stars only because the narrator of the audio book (MacLeod Andrews) was simply spectacular. The man deserves a medal for pulling off the bizarre pronunciations and for making the aliens' speech very distinctive from the humans. His narration was the reason I was able to suffer through the book to the (disappointing) ending.

My favorite sci-fi book

Classic Alien Invasion of Earth. It doesn't get much better. It was written 25 years ago, but nonetheless doesn't seem dated. Some reviewers disliked the narrator's performance and pronunciation of alien names and dialog. I can't DISAGREE more! Ok, a few sentences I rewound the recording to listen again, but maybe 2 or 3 times during the entire book.

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Title: Distant Thunders

Subtitle: Destroyermen, Book 4

Author: Taylor Anderson

Narrator: William Dufris

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-01-10

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1748 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

After the battle in which the men of the destroyer Walker and their Lemurian allies repelled the savage Grik, Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy is shocked by the arrival of a strange ship captained by one Commaner Jenks of the New Britain Imperial Navy - an island-nation populated by the descendants of British East Indiamen swept through the rift centuries before.

With the Walker undergoing repairs, Reddy already has a great deal on his hands. For the Grik will return, and Reddy will need all hands on deck to fight them off when they next attack. But Jenks's uncertain loyalties make Reddy question whether he can trust the man. As tension between the Allies and the Imperials mount, Reddy will come to realize that his suspicions are not misplaced - and that a greater danger than the Grik is closer than he ever suspected.

Members Reviews:

Very enjoyable - could have used more action

If you have enjoyed the other books in the Destroyermen series, you will certainly enjoy this one. We reconnect with the crew of USS Walker and her allies 3 months after the devastating, yet victorious, battle with the Grik. Everyone has been very industrious since that battle and the first two-thirds of the book is effectively a tour of all the industrious things different groups have been doing.

The final third of the book finally brings some serious conflicts and setbacks (and battles!) that have made the series so enjoyable. The Grik are in the background for most of this story, though there is no doubt they will rise to menace our heroes again.

Overall I did enjoy the book, but it mostly felt like a bridge between the prior three books and future books. That was OK with me because I enjoy the characters and the "lost world" aspect of their surroundings. I do expect the next one to have a lot more action as all the allies' industrious activities on the home front get put into high gear.

The narrator generally does a fabulous job with the voices - certainly not easy with multiple human and non-human characters. Though I though his vocalization of "Larry the lizard" left a bit to be desired - though that certainly didn't take away from a thoroughly enjoyable time.

Incredibly Detailed

Throughout this series I have thought the details provided by the author regarding all manner of things have alternated between overly tedious to wonderfully enlightening. He gives a complete background on minor characters and gadgets the characters have invented. However, I have come to really appreciate the details. In this installment of the series the destroyermens' relationship with the 18th century Brits is developing into a story of its own. I have written in previous reviews that Audible should make the illustrations and maps that are in the printed books available as PDF files for audio book fans. I went to the Audible website's chat site and made that suggestion to an Audible rep who said he would pass it along. I hope that the suggestion is acted upon for this series and all the other books that Audible sells. But back to this story. I am happy to note that the quality of the writing is just as high in this fourth book as it was in the first. The characters remain a source of inspiration for their courage and ingenuity.

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Title: Worldwar: In the Balance

Author: Harry Turtledove

Narrator: Todd McLaren

Format: Unabridged

Length: 26 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-04-10

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 467 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

War seethed across the planet. Machines soared through the air, churned through the seas, crawled across the surface, pushing ever forward, carrying death. Earth was engaged in titanic struggle. Germany, Russia, France, China, Japan: the maps were changing day by day. The hostilities spread in ever-widening ripples of destruction: Britain, Italy, Africa...the fate of the world hung in the balance. Then the real enemy came. Out of the dark of night, out of the soft glow of dawn, out of the clear blue sky came an invasion force the likes of which Earth had never known---and worldwar was truly joined.

The invaders were inhuman and they were unstoppable. Their technology was far beyond our reach, and their goal was simple: Fleetlord Atvar had arrived to claim Earth for the Empire. Never before had Earth's people been more divided. Never had the need for unity been greater. And grudgingly, inexpertly, humanity took up the challenge.

In this epic novel of alternate history, Harry Turtledove takes us around the globe. We roll with German panzers, watch the coast of Britain with the RAF, and welcome alien-liberators to the Warsaw ghetto. In tiny planes we skim the vast Russian steppe, and we push the envelope of technology in secret labs at the University of Chicago. Turtledove's saga covers all the Earth, and beyond, as mankind---in all its folly and glory---faces the ultimate threat; and a turning point in history shows us a past that never was and a future that could yet come to be.

Critic Reviews:

Turtledove excels in alternate history, and this panoramic exploration of a world at war...showcases his fertile imagination. A feast for history buffs as well as sf fans. (

Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Awesome

If you like long epics you'll like World War. This is a fun alternate universe where earth is invaded by 'lizards' a race of alien reptiles. Be warned, the author is a 'multiple POV switcher' so just when you get used to one character's viewpoint it switches. Often without notice.

I only wish audible would produce the next one in the series. There are four total:

Worldwar Tetralogy

In the Balance (1994)

Tilting the Balance (1995)

Upsetting the Balance (1996)

Striking the Balance (1996)

Left hanging...

I enjoyed this in print many years ago and have enjoyed the recorded version. Looking forward to the rest of the series. You aren't going to leave me hanging? (part 1 of the "Worldwar" series released; part 1 of the next series "Colonization" released?)

Alternate 'V'...

I was first exposed to this when I friend of mine gave me the first book back in college. At the time, I wasn't a very big fan of 'alternate history' and actually didn't read the book till much later. After turning the first page, I became hooked in the genre. Admittedly, it reminded me of the show 'V' with lizards coming to Earth to conquer us, if not to eat us. The book does have a large cast of characters, some historical and some fictional, but Turtledove does a good job of balancing not only the people but the places that are jumped from all over the world.

Having just finished this, I can' wait for the second book in the tetralogy to be made.

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Title: Crown of Slaves

Author: David Weber, Eric Flint

Narrator: Peter Larkin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 19 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-22-09

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 656 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

The Star Kingdom's ally, Erewhon, is growing increasingly restive in the alliance because the new High Ridge regime ignores its needs. Add to that the longstanding problem of a slave labor planet controlled by hostile Mesans in Erewhon's stellar back yard, a problem which High Ridge also ignores.

Finally, the recent assassination of the Solarian League's most prominent voice of public conscience indicates the growing danger of political instability in the League - which is also close to Erewhon. In desperation, Queen Elizabeth tries to defuse the situation by sending a private mission to Erewhon led by Captain Zilwicki, accompanied by one of her nieces. When they arrive on Erewhon, however, Manticore's most capable agent and one of its princesses find themselves in a mess.

Not only do they encounter one of the Republic of Haven's most capable agents - Victor Cachat - but they also discover that the Solarian League's military delegation seems up to its neck in skullduggery. And, just to put the icing on the cake, the radical freed slave organization, the Audubon Ballroom, is also on the scene - led by its most notorious killer, Jeremy X.

Members Reviews:

Eric Flint makes this MUCH better

The 9th (Ashes of Victory) and especially the 10 ((War of Honor) books in the Honor Harrington mainline series were definitely a sign that David Weber needs to be reined in by the editors at Baen, since the writing was very flabby. The 36+ hours of War of Honor could have easily been a MUCH better book at 15-20 hours. Here we have 19 hours of tight, well written, and well read Honorverse. I enjoyed all of it without a single place where I just hit fast forward.

Crown of Slaves focuses on the Genetic Slave Trade and the fight against it, along with the creation of Torch. Honor herself is essentially not a part of the story. But instead we have more of the Zilwickis and Victor Cashet, with the first appearance of Ruth Winton, niece of Queen Elizabeth.

Highly recommended.

Crown of Slaves

Enjoyed this story and I also would have preferred Allyson Johnson as the narrator but at least Peter Larkin does a better female voice than Snyder. The other books mention the new slave star kingdom of Torch, so it was great to hear the story of it's creation.. The life of Midshipman Helen Zilwicki was covered in another sub-series. This book covers the creation of Queen Barry Zilwicki and the star kingdom of Torch. The action of the two young girls gave an excitment to the story as Princess Ruth Winton was so enthralled with her role as the computer spy for the control of Congo. This book fills in the detail that other book in the series did not cover. Can not wait for the next in the series. I do hope Audible will carry all the books in these sub-series.

Good story, bad narrator

The story is what I'd give four stars to.

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Title: Barrayar

Subtitle: A Vorkosigan Adventure

Author: Lois McMaster Bujold

Narrator: Grover Gardner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-09-09

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2174 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

Political intrigue, culture clash and romance make a stirring mix in this award-winning follow-up novel to the acclaimed Shards of Honor.

In the wake of interplanetary war, former commander Cordelia Naismith has deserted her own planet to marry the leader of the defeated enemy, Aral Vorkosigan. On his home planet of Barrayar, two rival factions are eyeing the recently vacated throne, and Aral, recently appointed Regent of Barrayar by the Emperor on his deathbed, must stand between them.

Lord and Lady Vorkosigan, Aral and Cordelia struggle to establish stability in a fragile government thrown into confusion by the transition of power and the threat of civil war. When a palace coup endangers the government, their lives, and her unborn son, Cordelia takes action to secure the safety of her new family and new home.

Members Reviews:

Lois Bujold always delivers!

This is the second part of the omnibus novelization of her books Shards of Honor and Barryar (since released in one title as the book "Cordelia's Honor") and if you haven't read Shards of Honor yet, you have to start there. Cordelia (and in later books her son Miles) are some of the best protagonists in all of fiction, not just sci-fi. Science fiction as a whole is notoriously littered with books that have really nifty aliens and spaceships.... and really wooden characters spouting ridiculous dialogue. This is one of those rare gems that gets every part of the writing RIGHT. Yes, there's space travel and fascinating outer-space-worlds-of-the-future to explore here, and the world-building is top notch: but this would be an outstanding book in ANY genre; on depth of characterization alone. Cordelia is blazingly smart, warm-hearted, loyal, and very witty (by the second chapter you'll feel like you've always known her, because Bujold's just that darn good), and she has one adventure and/or crisis to handle after another in this great book: and every beat of the story plays out as absolutely REAL; every character is fully fleshed out and multi-dimensional, the fallout from every decision is realistically portrayed. It's a mash-up of the best possible space opera, the best possible soap opera, and the best possible character studies out there - just hurry and download this thing; you can thank me later!

Finally! I've been waiting for this one for years!

As a longtime reader of Bujold's, I was delighted to discover Grover Gardner's terrific audio versions of all of her books- but where was Barrayar???

At last it is available and it is well worth the wait. Whether you are a first time listener to the Vorkosigan saga, or have been reading the adventures of Miles and his family, you will absolutely enjoy hearing this one read aloud. Gardner's characterizations are dead-on as always, and it was wonderful to hear Bothari, Cordelia, Aral, Drou and Kou and all these memorable characters brought so vividly to life.

Gardner does a great job of going 'back in time' with these characters.

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Title: Stark's Crusade

Subtitle: Stark's War, Book 3

Author: Jack Campbell

Narrator: Jack Campbell, Eric Michael Summerer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-13-09

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 780 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

BONUS AUDIO: Includes an exclusive introduction written and read by author Jack Campbell.

Stark's Crusade was originally published as "by John G. Hemry".

Members Reviews:

Sorry to see the series end

I am a fan of military Sci-Fi. I read the other two books in the series (you must read this series in order) and knew this was the last book. I was wondering how Campbell was going to end it, I was thinking up all types of scenarios. The politics was interesting sort of reminds you of what is going on today in Washington. The space and land battles descriptions were fantastic. Campbell is a master of space battles. I will not give away the end but Campbell did an excellent job of tying up all the ends and coming up with a reasonable ending. I have read all the Jag in Space series and the Lost Fleet which I am keeping current on as Campbell writes them. I hope Audible has books under his real name of John Henry as I want to keep reading his books. Eric M. Summerer did a great job with the narration.

A fine conclusion

If you've read the previous 2 books then this is a must-read. It has good periods of military action balanced by periods of strategic planning, and enough action to keep things interesting throughout. With the last half of the book working to the inevitable climax, the book ends with a very satisfying conclusion.

Love the series

I truly recommend this author's books to anyone who asks. keep up the great works.

Look out, this story is an omen

Just finished Stark series. Jack did a great job of keeping it going. Now I'm looking forward to his JAG series. I think we should encourage the Military and Politicos to read this series. I hate to say it, but it almost looks like Jack has a crystal Ball.

a great series ender

Great Character development. a bit of a surprise in the end. Great story. Solid read.

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Title: Stark's Command

Subtitle: Stark's War, Book 2

Author: Jack Campbell

Narrator: Eric Michael Summerer, Jack Campbell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-13-09

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 831 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

BONUS AUDIO: Includes an exclusive introduction written and read by author Jack Campbell.

Stark's Command was originally published as "by John G. Hemry".

Members Reviews:

An interesting military Sci Fi

This is book 2 in the series and you need to have read book 1 to understand what is going on in this book. Looks like a series you MUST Read in order. Sgt Stark is now in the leader of the military on the moon after the mutiny. In this book he must bring control and motivation to the military and improve the relationship with the civilians in the moon colony. It is interesting to watch how Stark gains leadership of large groups and understands the politic in the negotiation with all the parties on earth, i.e. the corporation, the military and the government. There is military action both army and naval as well as suspense and a hunt for a spy. Great book in the tradition of the Lost Fleet. Eric Michael Summerer does a good job with the narration.

Starks Best Yet

If you could sum up Stark's Command in three words, what would they be?

Fan Smegging Tastic. Just like Jack Campbell's other work, Starks Command doesn't fail to disappoint. The intriguing story line and colourful cast of characters helps brings Starks universe to life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

By a far margin, Stark is by far the best character. His ability to command his troops while keeping a cool head on the moon.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favourite scene is when Stark and his army are attacked by infiltrators.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There are a few parts of this book that made me laugh out loud.

Excellent follow up. Great Civics lesson

if you don't value your freedom after this book, you are hopeless. This book really demonstrates the path we are inching down, where the military is a separate elite vs the civilians. Reminds me to vote for my freedom, not for my freebies.

Awesome sequel :)

Loved it. Well written. Great story. Great characters to love & hate. Great narrator. Author is a master storyteller. He knows how to keep your interest with the Straightforward upright hero who is courageous, strong, confident & yet humble. Commander Ethan Stark is a great character who is guided by a desire to do what is right. He's surrounded by supportive friends who believe in him & a loyal band of followers. He is continually underestimated by his enemies who only follow their own selfish interests in profit, power & success. Great sequel in an awesome series.

started slow but at end I wanted more.

i wish he would develope more in depth on the characters and not so many characters.

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Title: Children of God

Author: Mary Doria Russell

Narrator: Anna Fields

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-16-08

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 538 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

A critically acclaimed best seller, The Sparrow was chosen as one of Entertainment Weekly's Ten Best Books of the Year, a finalist for the Book-of-the-Month Club's First Fiction Prize and the winner of the James M. Tiptree Memorial Award.

Now, in Children of God, Russell further establishes herself as one of the most innovative, entertaining and philosophically provocative novelists writing today.

The only member of the original mission to the planet Rakhat to return to Earth, Father Emilio Sandoz has barely begun to recover from his ordeal when the Society of Jesus calls upon him for help in preparing for another mission to Alpha Centauri. Despite his objections and fear, he cannot escape his past or the future.

Old friends, new discoveries and difficult questions await Emilio as he struggles for inner peace and understanding in a moral universe whose boundaries now extend beyond the solar system and whose future lies with children born in a faraway place.

Strikingly original, richly plotted, replete with memorable characters and filled with humanity and humor, Chil-dren of God is an unforgettable and uplifting novel that is a potent successor to The Sparrow and a startlingly imaginative adventure for newcomers to Mary Doria Russell's special literary magic.

Members Reviews:

A weaker, but worthwhile sequel

Mary Doria Russell's The Sparrow was a beautifully complex human drama, which happened to be dressed in science fiction clothing. In it, a diverse cast of people set off to another star system, in hope of making humanity's first contact with another intelligent species. Though the mission was successful at first, it ultimately shattered in tragedy, leaving one survivor, a maimed, spiritually broken priest named Emilio Sandoz. Through his eyes, the story told is one of faith disappointed, and the struggle to come to terms with what the word "faith" might still mean after such trauma -- whether in humanity, in the people of other planets, or in the ultimate design of the universe.

I'm not sure if The Sparrow was a book that needed a sequel, but Russell felt that Emilio Sandoz's story wasn't finished, and contrives a way to bring him back to Rakhat, as well as a mission for him when he gets there. Thus, we get a second space expedition, with another crew of history-freighted characters. Meanwhile, on Rakhat (decades pass during transit), the native aliens find their attitudes changed by their contact with the foreigners, which sets in motion a civil war between the plant-eating "slave" species and the dominant, but less numerous predatory "master" species.

Children of God is as thoughtful a book as its predecessor, and Russell does an admirable job of expanding on the themes she established in the Sparrow, finding hope, meaning, and connections to religious ideas in events on Rakhat, while maintaining a vision of a God thats ultimately mysterious. The plotting, however, feels more labored this time around, an obvious process of getting pieces into place with plenty of glossing over of logic. Other than Emilio Sandoz, most of the characters feel like talking biographical dossiers who dont have all that much to do other than push the protagonist in various directions.

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Title: Mass Effect

Subtitle: Ascension

Author: Drew Karpyshyn

Narrator: David Colacci

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 12-10-08

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 864 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

It's humankind versus a race of machines bent on harvesting organic life in this second official novel based on the BioWare video game.

©2008 Drew Karpyshyn; (P)2008 Tantor

Members Reviews:

A definite for ME fans!

This book covers the the space of time from the end of ME1 and the Start of ME2. This is done from the inner workings of Cerberus and their machinations in respect to creating superior biotics. I won't go into anymore detail but to say this let's you see the Illusive Man from a different perspective.

I gave it 3*'s due to David Colacci I think this is better read than the last ME book. However I think it would have been better served if they divided up the feminine voices to a female, Mr. Colacci's female voice grates on me.

Enjoyable work, a little short for me...

I very much enjoyed both Mass Effect books and wished that there was a bit more depth to story and character resulting in 20 to 40 more hours of listening enjoyment. I have played Mass Effect on a high powered PC through several times, each time with a little different strategy. The audio books very much enhanced the enjoyment of the game and vise versa. The result is I intend to purchase Mass Effect 2 for PC and any audio book that follows, it's a great combination. Kind of wished I had done that with Halo...

Still for fans but more accessible than Revelation

Like the first book in Drew Karpyshyn's Mass Effect novel series, Mass Effect: Ascension is set in the world of the Mass Effect video games. Unlike the first book, however, I felt that Ascension was more able to stand alone. It had far fewer "infodump" sequences and because the first Mass Effect game had already been released by this point (unlike with Revelation), it actually felt like more a part of the galaxy than its predecessor. In addition, while two of the three main characters of Revelation (David Anderson and Saren) were main characters in the first game, the only character from the games to appear in Ascension is The Illusive Man, the leader of Cerberus (and he wouldn't appear until Mass Effect 2, released after this book).

The entirety of Revelation seemed to be hinting at plot points that would become important in the first game, but this book was able to stand more on its own merits with its own story. It also manages to tell a larger and, in my opinion, a more interesting story. The quarians, seen primarily through video game character Tali'Zorah, were seriously fleshed out in this book, a touch I particularly enjoyed. That said, while this book is more its own entity than Revelation and can be enjoyed for its science fiction action, it's still not something I'd recommend for people who aren't already fans of the video games.

Like the first book, the narration by David Colacci was good. Not great or anything to write home about in terms of narrators, but he covered a wide range of individual voices and I had no problems listening to it for many hours.

Mass Effect

Any additional comments?

Mass Effect - the game, is a mulch-layered universe - featuring multiple alien societies striving to co-exist. The book is somehow less deep than the game.

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Title: With the Lightnings

Subtitle: RCN Series, Book 1

Author: David Drake

Narrator: Victor Bevine, David Drake

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-04-08

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 546 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

Adele Mundy is a scholar with no money and no prospects since her family was massacred for conspiring against the Government of Cinnabar.

Kostroma is a wealthy planet which depends on diplomacy to stay independent in a galaxy whose two great powers, Cinnabar and the Alliance, battle for supremacy.

In a few hours, diplomacy is going to fail Kostroma. Daniel, Adele, and the scratch crew they gather aren't much to stand in the way of a powerful invasion fleet, but just possibly they're enough.

Men and women who hold courage cheap and honor more dear than life itself face impossible odds in a novel of color, intrigue, and slashing action. From the corridors of a treason-ridden palace through the perils of unknown seas and hellish jungles to a final blazlng climax in space, the heroes never bow and the action never flags.

They have nothing on their side but each other - and heaven help whatever tries to stand in their way!

BONUS AUDIO: Includes an exclusive introduction by author David Drake.

Critic Reviews:

"The yarn unfolds into an authentically taut and exciting tussle, courtesy of Drake's unflinching portrayal of battle's downside and his eye for telling detail." (Kirkus Reviews)

"A full measure of appealing derring-do." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Master and Commander in Space

If you enjoy the adventure of The Aubrey/Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian then you will probabibly enjoy this series. It has the character development and excitement of the older series with a twist that it is in space.

On an entirely different note Drake's mix of male and female characters is wonderful and suprising in the usually male dominated space adventure. He has created a suprising duality in the roles played, at times turning convention on its head and at other times presetning characters in a traditional manner. At times I think he fooled the narrator as there are a couple of times the female sergeant has a really deep voice. Drake has done a suprisingly good job at making the sex of the character not a factor in their position or rank. Very well done.

Decent Age of Sail SciFi Retelling.

Fans of the standard Age of Sail novels will quickly recognize the jargon and speech patterns in this and follow on novels. The translation is very clunky at times, appearing forced and artificial, but the characters and story usually make this a minor irritation. However, keep this in mind if expecting the naturally flowing, organic dialogue of the Hammers series, and other works of Drake.

The choice of narrator, however, is problematic. Bevine has a fine speaking voice, and captures meaning and tone well. However, he has a very low energy delivery that is very much at odds with the more energetic, swashbuckling elements of the novel, of which there are many. There are times when the tension and action of a scene are completely undermined by what I would almost describe as a 'bedtime story' voice.

All in all a good story, one that seems to indicate that it will get better as the series matures, and a narrator that perhaps needs to drink a little more coffee before sitting down before the mic.

SPACE OPERA

Any additional comments?

ONE OF THE GREAT WRITERS OF SPACE OPERA . AUTHOR SETS THE SCIENES JUST LIKE YOU ARE THERE.

Intriguing, well characterized

This first book starts slowly, and you realize why as the story progresses.