One of the beauties of a narration by Simon Vance is his ability to tell a story as if it were a true history of events. In this opening to a new series, the three children of an emperor are each on a mission designed by their father. When the emperor is murdered, they turn their attention to trying to find the murderer. Vance relies not only on his rich store of voices but also on pace and intensity in distinguishing the many characters. Long passages of explication and background move along clearly and steadily as Vance lays out the foundation for this new world. J.E.M. 2015 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Jan. 14, 2014
Duration: 18 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781480517547
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This much anticipated sci-fi audiobook sequel shakes things up with a full-cast narration. The story picks up right where the first book in this duology stops--the robots known as "The Carls" have left, and April May, one of the first to discover them, has disappeared. Exploring new perspectives and experiences, this remarkably talented ensemble of narrators creates an appealing mix of likable characters as listeners follow a group of young people left behind in this post-Carl world. The plot can be heavy-handed at times, but the social commentary is eerily reminiscent of the world's current circumstances. Listeners will want to listen to the first book, AN ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE THING, to get the most from this follow-up.
Pub Date: July 7, 2020
Duration: 15 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593146316
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
As soon as one hears longtime Discworld narrator Stephen Briggs's comically heartfelt and mildly tuneful rendition of Discworld's national anthem, one realizes why some books should be heard and not just read. The devil hires a publicist. An artist paints the sky the wrong color. This collection of razor-sharp satire spans Terry Pratchett's long and prolific career, dating back to 1963. The sound of words and the sound of ideas always attracted Pratchett, and both Briggs and Michael Fenton Stevens excel at emphasizing Pratchett's special blend of sophistication and silliness, especially when they're providing character voices to dozens of witches and wizards. Wonderfully entertaining and an absolute must-listen for all longtime Pratchett fans.
Pub Date: March 17, 2015
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780804193597
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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