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Title: Imperial Earth

Author: Arthur C. Clarke

Narrator: Mike Grady

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-01-12

Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 3 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

Set in 2276, Imperial Earth is the fascinating odyssey of Duncan Makenzie, travelling from Titan, a moon of Saturn, to Earth, as a diplomatic guest of the United States. Duncans initial challenge is to prepare for the 500-million-mile trip to Earth. Once there, he is caught up in a sweep of new experiences - including the social whirl of Washington, a strange visit to a carefully preserved ancient city, and a search for the woman he loves.

Members Reviews:

Interesting Story

I really like the main concept behind the book, but wasn't too sure if the Earth-side affairs were as interesting as I hoped they would be.

Classic Sci Fi - even predicts the Ipad!

Where does Imperial Earth rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

This is one of the better audio books I have downloaded. The narrator reads it well and does a good job of bringing the story to life

What was one of the most memorable moments of Imperial Earth?

One of the best bits, on hearing it now after 20 years, is the predictions ACC made in technology. The communications gear is a little bizarre but with a very little imagination you can see the world of 21st century smart phones in his visualisation.

Any additional comments?

When this was published I did not rate it as one of his best but listening now ACC shows a depth of imagination that leaves you breathless.

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Title: Nova War

Subtitle: Shoal, Book 2

Author: Gary Gibson

Narrator: Charlie Norfolk

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-30-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 96 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

Dakota and Corso discover not only that the Shoal are caught in an aeons-long conflict with a rival star-faring species, but that the Bandati have resolved to make an alliance with this race by giving them deadly knowledge acquired from the Magi starship; forging an unholy alliance with the Shoal-member Trader. Dakota is determined to stop them - but the destruction of millions of inhabited worlds appears inevitable.

Members Reviews:

Slow start, strong finish

Gibsons second book in the Shoal Sequence continues following its two protagonists from Stealing Light, Dakota Merrick and Lucas Corso, largely in two separate narratives. Having concluded their previous story in possession of the ultimate prize, a superluminal and ultra powerful starship full of technologies denied to humanity, Gibson promptly removes that advantage from them in order to ratchet up the stakes. While a good part of the first half of the book is a snail-pace chronicle of their imprisonment, it also introduced some additional characters from other species, and these were both imaginative and helpful in stretching both the perspective and focal length on the plot. The action-packed climax has a satisfying number of moving parts, although I was surprised at the amount of epilog following, which I imagine will make for a much smoother transition into the third volume.

Starts slow, then more goodness.

Listened to the book on Audible. Still love this series. First half of this book was a bit slow due to the introduction of new aliens that played a pivotal part in the story. But at the half way point, it takes off!! On to book 3!

Another fun romp

This is a good continuation fron Stealing Light. A few good twists and turns keeps you going.

i love this story. G Gibson can tell a good story

I've read the books before, but couldn't resist having it read to me.

i love Gary Gibson

Enjoyable second book in series

I have a love hate relationship with the narrator. She is perfect for the Dakota the main character and excellent for the narrative and okay for many of the aliens. She is less stilted with the male characters but still doesn't pull it off.

The story continues with Dakota swept along in the tide of events and trying her best to survive. Unlike many other space war novels the battles here tend to be intimate and up close as opposed to vast armadas in space which keeps you interested and rooting for Dakota.

All in all a good listen and the second novel ends well with the setup for the third.

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Title: Ties of Power

Subtitle: Trade Pact Universe, Book 2

Author: Julie E. Czerneda

Narrator: Allyson Johnson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-24-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 24 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

Self-exile became Sira's only choice when she discovered how deeply she'd been betrayed by the leaders of her own people. Rather than allow them to continue to use her for their own ruthless purposes, Sira, the most powerful being ever born to the alien race known at the Clan, fled with the human telepath, Jason Morgan.

Now, living on a distant world in an environment over which she has control, Sira is striving to carve out a new life for herself. But there are those determined to take from her what she will not willingly give, and when she and Jason fall victim to an unforeseen attack, it sets in motion a series of events which will see Jason searching the starways on a mission of vengeance and Sira leagued with the Drapsk, a little understood race which is extremely adept at trading.

For the Drapsk see in Sira a power which could regain them something which has long been lost. And they will do anything to protect this woman who is their greatest hope for the future.

Members Reviews:

There's a Plot in Here Somewhere...

I found this book years ago in the bookstore not long after it had been published, and was intrigued by the cover art and the summary on the back. Then, years later, I read the first book mainly just so I could get to this one. The first book wasn't that bad for an author's first work. For this one, however, I cannot be so forgiving.

First of all, this book is simply boring. This is due partially to the actual events but also to the author's lack of experience as a writer. The writing style is awkward and makes it hard to easily follow what's happening. To complicate matters, many things just aren't adequately explained, while others get needlessly repeated over and over again. Finally, the book is far too long and wordy, as many have pointed out, with about 150 pages in the middle that should have been truncated.

I dont care for the narrator's voice at all, either here or in the Honor Harrington series. She sounds too newsy for me. She breaks into GLaDOS mode when voicing some of the aliens, especially when you listen on fast speeds (which you probably will do).

This book is a typical average 90s-early 2000s scifi and doesn't hold up well against the changing times. This is not hard science fiction; it is a Lucasian fantasy set in space. Little attention is given to the tech or the alien races (except the Draspk), and at times it seems as though Czernida herself wasn't sure what the rules are, but is just fudging things through. It attempts to be part romance, but the angst going on and the awkward and contrived barrier that keeps the characters apart makes the whole thing a big mess.

This book suffers from the classic "sophomore slump" that is so well known, and you should probably skip it and go straight to the third volume since you won't really miss much.

I wish they would make the series into movies

I love it so much. I have reread the books over and over for years.

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Title: Ill Wind

Author: Kevin J. Anderson, Doug Beason

Narrator: Jim Meskimen

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-03-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 47 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

Its the largest oil spill in history: a crashed supertanker in San Francisco Bay. Desperate to avert environmental damageand a PR disasterthe multinational oil company releases an untested designer microbe to break up the spill.

It's an oil-eating microbe, designed to consume anything made of petrocarbons: oil, gasoline, synthetic fabrics, and of course plastic. What the company doesnt realize is that their microbe propagates through the air. But when every car in the Bay Area turns up with an empty gas tank, they begin to suspect something is terribly wrong. And when, in just a few days, every piece of plastic in the world has dissolved, its too late....

Critic Reviews:

"[With] multiple characters and plot lines, Beason and Anderson maintain a suspenseful, breakneck pace that carries us to a thrilling finish." (Booklist)

"Ill Wind is a believable and fast read. It goes George Stewarts classic Earth Abides one better, illustrating the perils of overreacting to environmental problems and misusing technology." (Dr. Wilson K. Talley, President of the Hertz Foundation and former Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

Members Reviews:

A bit of a drag

The story had a strong start but then the story became long drawn out and dead boring. The later part of the book got somewhat interesting again but overall a bit of a let down.

The Narrator was quite good.

Let down

I heard about this story years ago, seemed like a good idea. The first part of the story is good but the writer simply ran out ideas ending up with a boring, poor attempt at a post apocalyptic world where you simply do not care about the story or characters. too bad....

outstanding!

A very good story. Great action and beautifully told. This is a "must" listen to ebook! Well done!

Started well.....

Started off well with a convincing tale of what could happen and then it began to meander all over the place without any real ending. It just petered out.

Great narration

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Title: War of the Marionettes

Subtitle: Andrea Cort, Book 3

Author: Adam-Troy Castro

Narrator: Kathe Mazur

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-15-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 20 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

Andrea Cort, protagonist of Emissaries From The Dead and The Third Claw of God, returns with her lovers Oscin and Skye Porrinyard for a visit to the distant planet Vlhan, whose towering inhabitants regularly gather for a ritual that is half art-form, half-suicide. Once before, the ritual went wrong, and became a bloody assault on human beingsbut thats history now, and Andrea seeks only information in the ongoing mystery that has come to consume her life.

Unfortunately, a young girl has gone missing on Vlhanand Andrea has arrived just in time for the killing to begin again.

Members Reviews:

Listened and learned

I was not thrilled this was an audio book- I prefer an actual book, but having cases stuffed with paperbacks and hardbacks, I appreciate ebooks as well. However the audiobook was disappointing. It did not reflect the way Castro writes., or if it did, the 3rd novel in the Andrea Cort series was not up to par. Also, when the main character had an "Aha" scene and described why the Marionettes were acting so oddly, the audio faded out to nothing, and then came back after. So I missed the big reveal. Maybe should have gotten the CD, but beware the audible version is over 9 hours long

The ending was a bit disappointing - rather than give it away you will have to listen to it. I am still wondering if hints at a 4th novel.

I remember having a book read to me as a child.

Only on AudioBook or in German. I guess it's time to brush up on my German, or just give up hope (and don't bother to reread the first two).

Not for people outside the States???!?!

Worse even than not being able to access this book written format (see other comments for how readers feel about this!!), I can't even buy the audiobook, apparently because I live in Australia. Seriously?????

Till hell freezes over

Maybe there's a market for being read to somewhere, but it certainly isn't among people who like to READ. Shame on the author for allowing himself to be used in this nutty and ill-starred scheme. I loved the first two Andrea Cort books, but I'll wait till hell freezes over before I'll buy the third in this dumb format. Presumably the day will come when Castro's contract with these bozos expires and he is able to publish it as written words (either e-words or printed.) Then and only then will I READ it.

Never giving money to Audible, ever.

I recommend this to no one. An excellent series has been killed by the "alternative media" craze. I weep for Castro's career.

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Title: The World Inside

Author: Robert Silverberg

Narrator: Paul Boehmer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-24-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 36 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

Welcome to Urban Monad 116. Reaching nearly two miles into the sky, the 1,000 stories of this building are home to over 800,000 people living in peace and harmony. In the year 2381 with a world population of over 75 billion souls, the massive Urbmon system is humanitys salvation. Life in Urbmon 116 is highly regulated, life is cherished, and the culture of procreation is seen as the highest pinnacle of gods plan. Conflict is abhorred, and any who disturb the peace face harsh punishmenteven being sent down the chute to be recycled as fertilizer.

Jason Quevedo, a historian, searches records of the 20th century hoping to find the root of his discontent with the perfection of Urbmon life. Siegmund Kluver, a young and ambitious administrator, strives to reach the top levels of the Urbmons government and discovers the civilizations dark truths. Michael Statler, a computer engineer, harbors a forbidden desire. He dreams of leaving the buildingof walking in the open air and visiting the far-off sea. This is a dream he must keep secret. If anyone were to find out, hed face the worst punishment imaginable. The World Inside is a fascinating exploration of society and what makes us human, told by a master of speculative fiction. The World Inside is a 1971 Hugo Award Nominee for Best Novella.

Members Reviews:

Could humans live like this?

What did you like best about The World Inside? What did you like least?

In the year 2381, the Earth contains 75 billion people. Despite the dire warnings of 20th century prophets, humans have not exhausted the Earths resources. There is plenty of food for everyone, but because 90% of the land must be covered in farms, most of the people live in Urban Monads 1,000-story skyscrapers housing 800,000 people each. Citizens arent allowed out of their building, and many aspects of society are rigidly monitored. Everyone is married at age 12 and each couple is encouraged to have as many children as they can because fertility and children are blessings from god.

In such a close community, its dangerous for people to be protective of private property or possessive of their mate, so sharing is actively encouraged. Thus, everyone has sexual access to everyone else and men are expected to go night walking to find other partners while their wives stay home and make themselves accessible to any man who opens their door. There is no war, crime, privacy, jealousy, or sexual restrictions, and the citizens of the Urban Monads are happy. The few who express dissatisfaction are sent to Moral Engineers for reprogramming, or may be thrown down the chute where their bodies make fuel for the building.

The World Inside (1971) is the story of several people who become dissatisfied with their lives in Urban Monad 116. Its a thoughtful look at what life on Earth might be like if our population ever reaches the level where we need to grow vertically instead of horizontally. I was fascinated by Silverbergs Urban Monads where everything thats necessary for life is in one building, and where blocks of floors represent different classes and cultures.

But what I liked best about The World Inside was the idea that, because dissidents are sent down the chute, possessiveness, rebellion, jealousy, and other forms of social strife have been selectively bred out of the human population.

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Title: Timecaster

Author: Joe Kimball

Narrator: Patrick Lawlor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-18-12

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 121 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

Chicago, 2064: Talon Avalon is a timecaster - one of a select few peace officers who can operate a TEV, the Tachyon Emission Visualizer, which records events (most specifically, crimes) that have already happened. With crime at an all-time low, Talon has little to do except give lectures to school kids and obsess about his wife's profession as a licensed sex partner... until one of her clients asks Talon to investigate a possible murder.

When Talon uses the TEV to view the crime, the identity of the killer is unmistakable: it's him, Talon Avalon.

Members Reviews:

WTF, the BHV is a SLP

I have to agree with my friend from my hometown, I ain't a better person for listening to this, but I am a happier person. This is a fun short book with plenty of laughs and some good solid Science Fiction. There are also some Maxwell Smart scenes, (missed it by that much.) There is sex and lots of chase scenes. I am not a big fan of chase scenes/fight scenes, especially ones that last for three chapters, but I do like sex. The chase scenes were over done, but the sex scenes just helped with the fun. Wait till you meet Yummy and her friend Tasty. There are nano-tubes, space elevators, jelly ropes and more.

Even though I am not a big fan of fight scenes, there is usually an element that makes the fight quite different from what you read in your normal westerns. Yes, there are too many near death situations, but there is also a mystery that will keep you guessing. The main mystery is well done, and may be overlooked by those who are too troubled by the fun parts.

In chapter eighteen you meet Harry McGlade who makes for an extremely funny sidekick. Harry has a pet bonsai elephant named Penis, who is LOL funny.

A BHV is a Bleeding Heart Volunteer and a SLP is a State Licensed Prostitute. The main character's wife is a SLP. Talk about a challenging marriage.

This is my first J.A. Konrath, Jack Kilborn, Joe Kimball novel, but it won't be my last. Matter of fact I have already started Afraid and the first three hours are scary and very gory.

By the way even though I am white, I don't live in a trailer.

it wont be on your english 101 reading list

This is flat fun. sex, blood, and alot of people get kicked in the nuts!! What eles do you need in a book. The future is hard to buy but it sure would be fun.

The only thing is that the main character almost dies so often it dose get a little flat near the end. With that said i realy enjoyed it I'm not a better human for reading it but i am a happer human for reading it.

Timewaster reading Timecaster

This was bad Science Fiction. Not so bad that I couldn't persevere and finally get to the end to see how everything turned out. I had spent my hard earned money after all.

Unfortunately that listening effort ended in the middle of the story and a "to be continued" plot line. The hero made it out of so many impossible situations - but he is not going to survive my emphatic decision on this series.

There is not going to be a Timecastrer 2 in my future.

Juvenile, macho story.

I bought this book when it was on sale. I was extremely glad I did not pay full price. It was all I could do to listen to the first half. I kept hoping it would get better. Finally I gave up and did not finish the story.

SO FUNNY!!!!!

Oh. My. Goodness! Whew! That was a ride! Any of you old enough to remember E-tickets? Yeah, that kind of ride.

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Title: The Ascendant Stars

Subtitle: Humanity's Fire, Book 3

Author: Michael Cobley

Narrator: David Thorpe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 18 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-03-11

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 40 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

Battle-ready factions converge above Darien, all with the same objective. The goal is control over this newly discovered planet and access to the powerful weapons at its heart. Despotic Hegemony forces dominate much of known space and they want this world too, but Darien's inhabitants will fight for their future.

However, key players in this conflict aren't fully in control. Hostile AIs have infiltrated key minds and have an agenda, requiring nothing less than the destruction or subversion of all organic life. And they are near to unleashing their cohorts, a host of twisted machine intelligences caged beneath Darien.

Fighting to contain them are Darien's hidden guardians, and their ancient ally the Construct, on a millennia-long mission to protect sentient species. As the war reaches its peak, the AI army is roaring to the surface, to freedom and an orgy of destruction. Darien is first in line in a machine vs. human war - for life or the sterile dusts of space.

Members Reviews:

Great series

Overall good narration and a solid storyline. Especially pleased with the abundance of different species and civilizations.

brilliant conclusion to the series.

a great raed from start to end very well narated indeed and looking forward to future stories

Whew ...

Well Michael Cobley certainly can paint a vast and and vibrant universe! The story moves through the levels of hyperspace, huge digital zones and across planets and alien societies. The characters are a little too either 'goodies' or 'baddies' but they're pretty well written and the plot is rich enough to keep them on their toes. The narrator David Thorpe does a magnificent job of handling the accents and voices of every character and his tone is spot on - I'll certainly be getting more of his works. The whole trilogy reminds me of Babylon 5, and would probably be more suited to a younger reader than me (as I've had my scifi innocence worn away over the years by the likes of Iain M. Banks, Peter F. Hamilton and Neal Asher) but overall a very enjoyable 19 hours of intergalactic escapism in their company - thank you.

Best thing I've listened to in a long time!

This was an awesome conclusion to the Humanity's Fire Trilogy! Epic Space Battles, Political Intrigue, Brilliantly inventive locations that let the imagination run riot and a good tying up of loose ends! Fantastic!

The narration by David Thorpe was excellent and added to the whole experience. I'd recommend the whole series!

Excellent, but let down by some poor editing.

The last part of this trilogy really does bring this multi-layered story to an excellent end. You do have to pay attention sometimes to keep track of the different threads, but it is definitely worth it. The narration is extremely good, far better than most books, however some poor editing does drag it down in parts.

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Title: Here There Be Monsters

Author: Meljean Brook

Narrator: Faye Adele

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-01-11

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 78 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

Meljean Brook launches a bold new steampunk series about a woman who strikes a provocative-and terrifying-bargain for freedom.

Members Reviews:

Only 1 complaint -- TOO SHORT!

I loved the story of Ivy Blacksmith and Eben "Mad" Machen. As an introduction to Meljean's Iron Duke steampunk series, this is an amazing start. The very interesting and intriguing world building in this novella powerfully sets up the series. (My only complaint is that it was not a full length novel.) Meljean's heroes and heriones are always multi-dimensional, and Ivy Blacksmith is no exception. She is extremely intelligent, strong-willed, and equally matched by the pirate Machen. The story is entertainingly romantic and I hope to see more of these two characters some day. Yet, while I love the story, it is the audio rendition of this tale that is marvelous. Faye Adele's wonderful and rich reading of this story is absolutely magical. It is one of the best audiobooks that I have heard in a long time. There is so much variety to her voice, giving nuance to each characterization without it ever feeling forced. She articulates the inner thoughts of the characters in such lively and natural ways that I find myself listening to this download over and over again.

A Bargain!

Any additional comments?

The Iron Seas series is one of the most well-crafted out there. World building is top-notch. This novella is a stand alone, and can be read at any point in the series. The events are set before Book 1 and the main characters make an appearance in Book 2.

Although it's only a novella, it is every bit as entertaining (action, emotion, the works!) as the full length novels. It's worth a credit, so I think it's a bargain for under $10.

Wow!

Loved this world, the writing, character development. Awesome story and stellar narration. Just wished it had been longer.

Available on audio at last!

I have been awaiting the audio release for some time and was not disappointed. I only wish it was longer!

Heroine bugged me

The reading and overall storyline in this book, like all Meljean Brook's stuff, were really good. My problem was with the heroine who seemed to spend most of the first half of the book running away from her problems. I dislike a cowardly heroine, especially in the case of this story where most of the issues would have been resolved if she had stopped to talk with the hero for ten minutes before running full speed in the opposite direction. Of course this would have shortened the story considerably but that's my take.

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Title: Climbing Olympus

Author: Kevin J. Anderson

Narrator: Jim Meskimen

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 07-01-11

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 8 votes

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

Publisher's Summary:

They were prisoners, exiles, pawns of a corrupt government. Now they are Dr. Rachel Dycek's adin, surgically transformed beings who can survive new lives on the surface of Mars. But they are still exiles, unable ever again to breathe Earth's air. And they are still pawns.

For the adin exist to terraform Mars for human colonists, not for themselves. Creating a new Earth, they will destroy their world, killed by their own success. Desperate, adin leader Boris Tiban launches a suicide campaign to sabotage the Mars Project, knowing his people will perish in a glorious, doomed campaign of mayhem - unless embattled, bitter Rachel Dycek can find a miracle to save both the Mars Project and the race she created.

Members Reviews:

Nothing to see here.. move along..

In my opinion, Climbing Olympus is not worth a full credit. The story is poorly plotted and the characters are non-existent. The whole mess devolves into a slasher film toward the end. The narration is well done and while sometimes that can overcome poor material, sadly, this is not one of of those times.