Red Rising

Written by:
Pierce Brown
Narrated by:
Tim Gerard Reynolds

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
1729
Narrator
408
Release Date
February 2014
Duration
16 hours 13 minutes
Summary
Ender, Katniss, and now Darrow.'-- Scott Sigler Pierce Brown' s relentlessly entertaining debut channels the excitement of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Ender' s Game by Orson Scott Card. ' I live for the dream that my children will be born free,' she says. ' That they will be what they like. That they will own the land their father gave them.' ' I live for you,' I say sadly. Eo kisses my cheek. ' Then you must live for more.' Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations. Yet he spends his life willingly, knowing that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children. But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and sprawling parks spread across the planet. Darrow-- and Reds like him-- are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class. Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute, a proving ground for the dominant Gold caste, where the next generation of humanity' s overlords struggle for power. He will be forced to compete for his life and the very future of civilization against the best and most brutal of Society' s ruling class. There, he will stop at nothing to bring down his enemies . . . even if it means he has to become one of them to do so.
Reviews

Downloaded this book on a whim, when I couldn't decide what on my wishlist to listen to next. I'd heard mention of it in other forums and was curious. I went into it known virtually nothing and was pleasantly surprised. The premise is not new, but the culture and world-building is an interesting take on the typical caste system/overlords trope. The narrator is excellent as well.

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Doc S.

This was the single best audiobook production I have ever listened to. Pierce Brown draws you into this other place. He skilfully grafts you into another civilisation, in such a way as to make reality seem faded and unimportant. Tim Gerard Reynolds doesn't narrate. He acts. His reading of this work should bring him much acclaim...all of it deserved. His mastery of subtle dialectical differences, emphases, and intonation are simply too notch. His sense of timing and manner of delivery are unparalleled. I never looked at Brown's work, before. Thanks to Reynolds, I may be a Brown fan, for life. Such an excellent production that I recommend it, without reservation. Stunning. Flawless. High art.

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Derrick N

This book was amazing! Best I've listened to in a long time.

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Chris L.

The book was well read, the content was a little juvinile I thought, more a book for mid-teenagers.

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Natalie D.

Awful! Wish I hadn’t wasted my money.

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Edward B.

started off slow first third kind of boring then picks up the last 3rd is really good

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Sharron Knowles

A bit difficult at first to get into, but once you understand the characters it is a fantastic story. so engaging I have to continue with the next book highly recommended.

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Jerry A.

Just a fantastic book and narrator! I don’t know how this book isn’t being made into a freaking movie series!

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Sarah F.

A really interesting story. The first few chapters were a bit slow but it got interesting and engaging and I am glad I stuck with it. Keen to read the whole series!

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Daniel D.

I didn't get far into this book. I was really turned off. It's "science fiction" that devolves cultural evolution to its worst in human history. The author is another maladapted privileged guy with the issues he should have addressed in therapy 30 years ago.

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Paula M.

Best book I’ve read in ages!

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Robert S.

Loved in a distracting way that a book hasn't accomplished in some time

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Evgeny K.

Excellent read! Cannot wait to finish the entire trilogy

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Heather

I enjoyed the book!

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John R.

If you are a fan of Dune, Got, or Ender style series’s, this is one for your consideration. Red rising creates a unique & compelling universe. And every book afterwards drives you deeper through it. Very well written. Very well narrated.

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Timaaah

When I downloaded this audiobook almost ten years ago, I knew absolutely nothing about it, or the author, Pierce Brown. The cover art looked interesting…..that’s it…..that’s what promoted me to purchase it. This was the beginning of what would become the greatest book series I’ve ever

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Anonymous

I was hooked from cover to cover. Pierce Brown knows his history and psychology. The story is flawless, believable, and endlessly imaginative. It is brutal, emotional and a must read.

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Anonymous

one of the best series in science fiction

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Michael H.

Very engaging after a slow start. I love the way the characters developed.

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Anonymous

I downloaded this because I didn't know what to read. it was such a goooood book

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Anonymous

the book was good. but the audio was broken arter 7 hours. so i got the dramatised version insted.

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Anonymous

Brilliant!

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Anonymous

I absolutely love this series I read them when I was in prison and fell in love with these books

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Natalia.Inez

Wonderful. A crazy ride; always captivating, fun and woven with humor. This first book of the series is reminiscent of The Lord of the Flies, yet so much grander in the world Brown built. A new classic, for sure.

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Chad B.

I absolutely LOVED this story!!! I have never really become a fans of a series of books, I've read a few that I like but never really followed up on what others were out out there till this series! I am so looking forward to the new book releasing in a few days!! Such and awesome world, Characters, and story!

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Aidan B.

A great book/audiobook. Well presented by the narrator too. I thought it wasn't going to suit me - more young adult sci fi but I am happy to say I was wrong. Some great themes (not new) wbut presented with enough realism you can see it happening in the real world. I was emotionally invested and found myself punching the air in satisfaction a few times (while also being sad a few times). Well worth the read.

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Description Label

This met and blew away expectations. What a great story!

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Anonymous

Couldn’t put it down! Excellent!

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Calvin B.

Had to set the narrator speed to 1.5 in order to not fall asleep! The book gets very good around the 5 hour mark so if your struggling like i was just know it gets better much better!

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Anonymous

Great read. Loved the mix of Sci-Fi with old school conquest.

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Cheryl S.

this was a slog to get through, thank goodness the narrator was so good.

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Tanner W.

95% of the way through but can confidently say this is one of my faves. The narrator has maybe misinterpreted who is speaking and used the wrong voice twice thro if h the entire thing and it’s for like a two word phrase that is meaningless but his gives a great voice to Daro and the rest of the characters in a brilliant way making you really feel the separation between early and later Daro as well as the differe

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Roxann W.

I enjoyed this book, went right into the series. Enjoyed the narrator also

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Joseph W.

One of the greatest most captivating stories I've ever read! One of the best narrators I have ever heard!

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Marcel L.

This was my first Pierce Brown read and I really enjoyed it. If you like fantasy, this is a very good choice.

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Brandon S.

Ok story and terrific narration. Really could have been an amazing series and world building legacy. Just hard to follow with all the jumps in the story and new characters showing up. Great narration kept it alive. Glad it was a free audiobook.

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Anonymous

Awesome, I’m straight onto the 2nd book

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Hailey M.

Excellent performance! The narrator was exciting to listen to and portrayed each of the characters well. The plot was engaging with twists and turns throughout.

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Harley B.

I feel like this is an amazingly captivating book and the narrative is very interesting as well!

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Em

A fast-paced scifi/fantasy epic well worth the hype.

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Devin K.

First and foremost, I was hooked once I started this book and powered through it happily. Plus, I’d been reluctant to start the series, out of fear it’d be Hunger Games on Mars. I enjoyed Hunger Games the book, but liked it less as the series progressed. Plus, the more I consumed in general, the less I was drawn to it. Anyway… Red Rising flirts with falling into that category but is able to right the ship due to its he characters, the environment, delivery/pacing and most importantly believability. And not in the sense that it would happen like that his in real life, but characters actions should follow their personality traits and characters should say things that fit their personality and risk their lives for the right cause. This book does a great job and I gave a 9/10 because I was nervous Red Rising would land on the wrong side of the line for my tastes. But I’m pleasantly surprised!

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Alex

It was a great listen

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Anonymous

I liked it. About to get book two.

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Jamie ..

Excellent start to one of the best series out there

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Andie C.

FANTASTIC book

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Leon S.

Brilliant binge worthy book series , narrator was great in the first 3 books not so sure on the 4th . Enjoy

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Vic CAVIN

What superb SciFi storytelling that would be great as a TV series. Characters that imagination puts them in the true sci-fi realm of extreme AND human. Narration is on point without extreme voice variations to built great scenes and edge of the seat listening experiences. More of the same please and get Netflix on to this.

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Anonymous

Great book amazing Narration

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Frank F.

This was a ridiculously fun book. Aside from being a great story, narration can make or break a book and there's really none that compare to the stylings of Tim Gerrard Reynolds! I do a lot of cycling for recreation as well as commuting, so when I can't actually read, audiobooks are what keep me entertained. During my commutes, I found myself riding a bit slower than usual so I could listen to more of the book. It has a hunger games motif, but not unoriginal and it's one of those stories that you can't wait to get back to.

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Matthew R.

Just put the Gunslinger by King down. Red Rising was a better read! Loved it. Great orator.

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Anonymous

A lot of familiar tones from all of the great series like The Hunger Games, Harry Potter and Divergent but definitely has it’s own identity. Starts off a little slow but gets really good not far in and is definitely worth the wait! The narrator does a great job of distinguishing the characters and perfect inflection for setting dynamic tones. Can’t wait to see where this series goes!

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Ferdinando G.

The book is very interesting, the story keeps the reader wandering what will happen next, but the tone is, in my very personal opinion, very dark and very "graphic" in the descriptions of various kind of violence and this must be known beforehand I think. Nevertheless I will read the next book in the series.

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Donna

the beginning was slow and a little tedious but in to the second quarter it really started flowing and I enjoyed the action and surprises the narrator was amazing and his voice and nuance makes all the difference !!!

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adam curry

This book is absolutely crazy, unpredictable, and amazing. I can't count how many times I thought, WOW! I did not see that coming. But it was alot. Can't wait to hear book 2. I highly recomend.

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James P.

Amazing. Hocked on this series

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Egle Z.

I was left with an overall good impression and I will try and listen to the next book in the series. The biggest flaw for me was that the author kept forgetting he was writing about post-humans, or had serious difficulties to describe their biological advancements. The main protagonist kept repeating that everyone was a "genius" without anything in the story to prove it. The characters mostly felt like a random bunch of normal teenagers instead, which is alright for a YA book with a very typical scheeme at its core. On the other hand, it is a very adventurous book, and the story is told in a smart way. The narrator, with his Irish accent, was such a pleasure to listen to.

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Anonymous

I didn't care for this story at all. Loved Hunger Games. This wasn't at all appealing to me. Just vulgar & crude.

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Ivette Pabon

I've listened to this book 3 times already! I genuinely love this book, and I feel that the narrator did a wonderful job at giving this story life.

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Anonymous

exceptional work something that can be read and reread over and over.

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A-Aron

Awesome read!

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Angus

Really enjoyed this book, yes it has plenty of similarities to other books but really fun and fast paced.

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Jason R.

Riveting book that I couldn’t get enough of. Highly recommend!

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JK

I didnt find it too interesting at the beginning but the second half was really good. It kept me captivated until the end of the book! I'm looking forward to listeing to the second installment!

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Anonymous

very good

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Alex R.

Great book

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Beth

An immersive story. Though it felt a bit derivative, I enjoyed the way it was written and the emotion portraid - it made the story very real and powerful

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Anonymous

Cliché and boring

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Dylan M.

favorite series ever

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Samantha B.

First book I was able to read through in a while. Great narrator.

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Snexys

Absolutely loved this book and the narrator! Can’t wait to listen to more of the series

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Amber L.

pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book and the narrator

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Tammy W.

a page turner.

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Talita H.

Followed a reviewer’s whim comments, and I found it an enjoyable listen too. Have 1 more hour to go, and things are getting hectic !

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Samuel D.

I tried several times to get into this book but it just didn’t work. I feel no connection with any of these characters and the “back story” seems invisible. The concept is better than the actual story.

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Sam R.

The book for me was different and I really enjoyed it but I must say the narrator was exceptional

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Emily B.

It was about twice as long as it needed to be

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JOEL R.

Good book. Could see this making an epic tv series.

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Misty S.

Red Rising is brilliant and phenomenal, and I loved the narration! Tim Gerard Reynolds did such an epic job narrating it!

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Rick S.

Brilliant. Quickly got my interest, and held it. The next 2 books in the series were equally good.

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Michael Gallant

Captivating story line and characters. Narrator kept the flow intriguing

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Luke M.

Great story, nice twist on a hunger-games type theme. Narration really brought it to life.

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Michael W.

I enjoyed it.

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Carol T.

It gets very technical at some points going a little too much into detail such as during fights. That said however it is the only negative thing i can say about it. There is a solid storyline, draws you in wanting to know what is going to happen next. Plays on emotion very well so you feel for the loss, root for the heroes, and want to jump up for the wins. It ends well but in a way you can’t have closure without knowing what happens next, so i definitely have moved on to the next book in the series which happens to be available in the Scifi-Fantasy book club! (The whole series is)

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Anonymous

I am absolutely hooked! Book is brilliant, the narrator is amazing. I can’t stop listening, only sadness is knowing it’ll eventually end.

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Jennifer H.

My son and I loved it. Fantastic narration and the plot hooked us right away.

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Barry G.

Great story. Great narration. I’ll be listening to book 2 next.

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Natalie R.

SUCH A GOOD BOOK!! I’m normally not into sci-fi but I was fully absorbed into this book. Absolutely loved the narration, you know it’s a good book when your thoughts are in the voice of the narrator

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Mirgurl

Omg. Simply amazing. The twists and turns. The is the history of our society. This could be non fiction.

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Jade C.

Good book I did enjoy it really hope they make a good movie of it

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Nancy B.

Red Rising had a slow start, but this was necessary to build the foundation. It was well-paced after that. Unlike many closely themed novels, Red Rising weaves mythology, ancient history, and literature if you look for it. I enjoyed reading it and will reread it.

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Anthony S.

Excellent book, excellent narrator

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Anonymous

Phenomenal first book to the series. I highly recommend this.

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James M.

Awesome story and the narrator is spectacular.

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Alyssa Holybee

good book looking forward for golden son

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David F.

Very interesting in many ways. Even believable. Good narration. Drags in the area of "Gold's" competing and ugliness. Seems unnecessary and extreme in many ways.

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Aaron Underwood

great book so far, can't wait to read golden sun

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Anonymous

Great series, would recommend. Won't disappoint

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Dwayne T.

Amazing story!

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Arland G.

Fantastic narration. It is one of those books that is actually better to be listened too (and I don’t say that often). The writing style naturally matches how a story teller speaks , I.e. short sentences and predominantly simple vocabulary, perfect to be read aloud. Overall it’s a great first book , and the narration was energetic and colourful. The narrator Tim Reynolds is capable of portraying a good working class vote which is essential to the spirit of the main character (and others). Well worth the listen.

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Anonymous

Fantastic narration and a fast moving story, very engaging

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Malik W.

one the best series I have ever read and I really wish it becomes a TV show or movie

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Jack

Great story can wait for next chapter,

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Anonymous

loved it.

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Tara S.

Great, but we don’t usually listen to books with the kind of language this one had in it, it is not a book for younger teens.

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Arthur B.

Really good book and the narrator made it so much better!

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Suzanne S.

This is a great series. Depth, Personal challenge, Politics, Snarky humorous bantering dialog...a great reflection of current culture. Absolutely fabulous narration! And now... I'm rel-listening before getting Book 4!

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Alyssa H.

Obsessed! Best book I have read in a long time. Very well written. Pierce Brown focuses a lot on plot but still manages to create dynamic, engaging characters. If you love sci-fi this is a must download. It is also a nice long book and continues on to a series so great for long road trips or bibliophiles. The narrator also does a fantastic job with an easy to listen to voice.

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Rebecca P.

Book was suggested based on other books listened to. So glad it was. Love the characters, narration on point, and overall story plot will keep you from stopping this audio.

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Anonymous

good read

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Jeffrey M.

This book is an interesting look at leadership development for the uninitiated. the story line is fun and and full of good twists and intriguing plots.

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Erin Z.

Amazing from start to finish...addictive! Great narration!

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Daniel A.

great story, started out predictable but went in an interesting direction. looking forward to the next two books

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Colin S.

An engaging story written very well. One of the best narrators I have ever heard. Highly recommended. Can’t wait to listen to the rest of the series.

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Justin B.

It was really good, however it is so easy to get lost, the narrator was amazing.

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David O.

Top three series ever

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Alonzo K.

I really like the world that Pierce creates, everything is thought out (the government, the slang language, etc).

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Catherine L.

Well done. The narration kept the story line moving along at a good pace. Looking forward to part II.

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Anonymous

An interesting spin, but really not science fiction. The narrator is first class , however my opinion of the story line varies. The author spends far far too much time and unnecessary verbosity in a variety of sections describing everything from a heartache to a sword in his gut. Completely unnecessary and detracts from a good story. Having said that it was a very enjoyable read and a good description of the Power game. Let’s see what Volume 2 accomplishes. Hopefully a little tighter and less meandering

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Alicia M.

Great story, kept me engaged the whole book!

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Rod M.

I'll be re-listening to this one before I pick up the next in the series. Good good good book.

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Benjamin G.

A great start to the trilogy. As others have said it starts by setting the scene and giving background/context to what is to come. I enjoyed the first person narrative and the storyteller gives a good kick to the narration albeit a little slow/difficult to begin with. stick with it and read the trilogy

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Michael F

Excellent book and pleased to find out that there is a sequel, left me wanting more. Definitely recommend to all that enjoy sci fi.

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Matthew D

Great book, was very glad to see there’s a sequel

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James B

gripping narrative, excellent narrator, reminds me of the Wool trillogy.

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Adrian B

Not I booked I would normally listen to but found it excellent. Similar direction to hunger games but in what seems to be a more violent and deceptive world. Highly recommend it and will be personally moving onto book 2 immediately.

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Anat D

This book gripped me right from the get go. The style of writing (present tense, first person) really puts the reader in the moment and makes you experience everything first hand. It's setup in the future and on Mars, but it's not your typical sci-if genre. It's something between sci-if and fantasy, and kinda draws the best from both styles. I absolutely loved the first half of the book - the characters, the plot, the world building. Nothing is force-fed, and it's all good stuff. But towards the end of the book everything becomes too violent and slightly too 'hunger games' for my taste. Feels like the book or the hero lost their way, somehow. Still- I thoroughly enjoyed it, and moving on to the next in the series. As for the audiobook version: the narrator did a wonderful job with this. I love his accent, and he did a great job with conveying emotion. Great acting.

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Dustin C

Spartacus in space, essentially. Enjoyably listen all told. It starts off on the slow slide, but if you commit it's worth it.

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Dan M

From start to finish, I simply didn't care about anything in this book. The characters all blended together in a mash, the main character isn't enjoyable, and the pacing is unbalanced. It just lost me. I contemplated not finishing it at all. The first five chapters or so paint a very different plot than what the core of the book ends up being. And by the time the book enters its final chapters, you become aware of the fact that nothing will be resolved, but rather it's just sequel bait. I wouldn't commit 32 more hours of this short life to know how this drab thing ends. It's just more of the same Hunger Games inspired YA competing-faction stuff. But in this case, it's tough to care about anything, regardless of the world building and craftiness of the author. The narrator reads with conviction but has an older voice than the teeny bopper protagonist. Because this book is in first person present tense, it just doesn't work at all for me. Definitely chore to finish. Pass on this. Or read the book instead of listening to this.

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Thomas T

If you are a fan of any of the greats like Jordan, Card, Sanderson, King or Sullivan among others, you will love it. Great audio book and narration that is tough to put down. You won't regret your credit.

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Oded O

Havy hard core Science Fiction! The first hour was not easy, I would have never chosen this book if it wasn't a two for one deal, than when I started reading I hated myself for getting it till I started getting into it and finally seeing how good this book is that I I finished it in 2 days then the second one in another two, and bought the 3rd to finish the trilogy which was so good that I didn't wanted it to end. So yes I absolutely recommend!!!!

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Adam S

The classist world that Pierce Brown has created is vast and imaginative. Much discussion can be roused concerning the art of leadership from this book. Overall I loved the questions it raised about morality, just causes, and power. Strap on your grav-boots and let the narrator take you away.

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Travis Barrett

Started pretty slow and depressing... and then got AWESOME! Couldn't stop listening toward the end.

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Eleanor Bailey

A more believable take on the Hunger Games. Not as predictable as I thought it would be. I couldn't have picked a better narrator to bring life to these characters!

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Arthur Keech

Fantastic. A great performance and an excellent story

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Shayla Jacobsen

I absolutely LOVED this story!! I couldn't stop listening to it. I can't wait to listen to the second book!!

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Ellijah Campbell

I just didn't like it. The story didn't engage me. I didn't care about the character. The entire story is told though the eyes of only one character with a lot of narration. It totally lost me and was hard to get through

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Brandee Guerrero

Love everything about this book and the narrator is so perfect for this story! Here we go round 2! ????????????

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Theresa Burlew

Excellent story and great narrator. I can't wait to listen to book 2 Golden Son.

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Mic Javier

Story is very good. I like the way the story was built and how it progresses. Narration is not so good though. I ended up looking for a free copy online and read it there instead. The author is superb. A great read.

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Mikell Yamada

In the HungerGamesDivergentAndEveryOtherDystopianTeenHero genre this one is above average.

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Erwin pantoja

The book is griping and the narrator did a great job. good read

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