New Reviews: Science Fiction

A cast of stellar narrators bring this adaptation of Wells's sci-fi thriller to new heights. The apathetic security robot self-dubbed "Murderbot" is tasked with protecting a team of human scientists on a remote planetary mission. Unbeknownst to the scientists, Murderbot has hacked its own system, gaining control of the modules that govern its behaviors. And it's a good thing it... Read More

Robin Miles narrates the latest tale in Lord's Cygnus Beta series. In the not too distant future, alien civilizations are observing Earth as it is being destroyed by climate change. Owen, an alien mega-pop-star living on Earth who has the superpower of persuasion, must join forces with alien students from the World Council Global Government Project to save Earth. Miles... Read More

Fortunately, narrator Daniel Isaac isn't charged with proclaiming motivation in this bracing caper. However, he admirably enlivens Mac, a cagey corporate investigator who discovers the existence of a cache of data that could tip the balance of power on the island nation of Patusan. Isaac also skillfully animates Mac's devious competitors, including a dim-witted everyman, a late... Read More

A full cast, bolstered by a pulse-pounding score and subtle sound effects, tells the story of a Dark Messiah who finds purpose in the aftermath of the apocalypse. Michael returns to Earth after 150 years to find it in rubble. In a world filled with vampires and werewolves, Michael will stop at nothing to fulfill a promise to his lost love. Eric Messner narrates in a casual tone... Read More

Listeners will become immersed in Mammay's space odyssey, thanks to expert narration by Natalie Naudus. Her vocal acuity gives each character a unique sound, and her acting brings the story to life. This stand-alone space opera with contemporary political sensibilities and intriguing scientific ideas features a diverse space crew. Having traveled 250 years and 27 light years... Read More

Freya Miller narrates an adventure story with little action. Leigh, a Dutch marine biologist who is fascinated by the origin of life, has a remarkable experience while on an expedition to explore a newly discovered trench in the ocean. From there, she joins a long space mission on which she works to develop strains of algae for the crew's food. Miller portrays Leigh as... Read More

Louise Brealey powerfully performs this sci-fi novel, inspired by the novel 1984. In George Orwell's work, Julia serves as a secondary character to Winston, the beleaguered staffer at the Ministry of Truth who is struggling to live under the specter of Big Brother. Newman's audiobook expands the story, capturing the unique struggles of its women, a theme clearly missing in the... Read More

Tim Gerard Reynolds returns with another installment in the rich sci-fi saga Red Rising. Eight months after DARK AGE, Darrow and his team defend Mars against Lysander, a force working against the Rising. Throughout his mission, Darrow must re-form long-forgotten relationships and create new alliances though he longs to return home to his family. Reynolds's expert performance... Read More

Sarah Naudi offers a luminous narration of Harvey's latest sci-fi, which follows four astronauts and two cosmonauts aboard a space station orbiting the Earth. In a measured, thoughtful tone, Naudi provides a window on the crew's life in orbit, from the dreary mundanity of a malfunctioning toilet to the unsettling awe brought forth by a space walk. The crew members reach for... Read More

Narrator Keith Szarabajka embodies the oddly charming Millennium "Mil" Harrison, a grumpy ex-military man living on the moon whose oxygen farm is steadily being overtaken by more modern technology. Days away from his final delivery run, Mil stumbles across an abandoned bunker awash in radiation and gets tangled up in a deadly interplanetary conspiracy. Szarabajka's character... Read More

A quintet of talented narrators performs the epic beginning to a sci-fi series simmering with political intrigue. Although General Keith Brennan prefers fighting to talking, he's called to investigate the assassination of the solar system's president. The system is on the brink of all-out war, and Brennan might be the only one keeping it from kicking off. Dion Graham... Read More

Karen Novack provides the glue that holds together the third futuristic adventure of Fergus Ferguson, international repo man. He and his tenacious sister, Isla, and various friends race across the earth collecting the scattered pieces of an ancient alien artifact before other powerful people accidentally open the multidimensional door to the ravenous, world-destroying alien... Read More

With a captivating ensemble of narrators, this audiobook delivers an electrifying experience. Liv Anderson embodies the witty and determined Princess Kali, infusing her performance with delightful touches. Mysterious and heroic, Samara Naeymi lends depth and charisma to the mercenary Ian, ensuring every moment is enthralling. Mia Barron skillfully navigates the growth and... Read More

What happens when Murderbot has a mental breakdown and can no longer reliably perform its duties? Kevin R. Free narrates the latest installment in the Murderbot Diaries. In a story taking place immediately after NETWORK EFFECT, Murderbot, ART, and their associated humans continue to assist colonists on a planet marked for corporate salvage. Free's depiction of Murderbot's... Read More

Calvin Joyal and Cooper North give an emotional performance of this dystopian sci-fi audiobook. Osric, voiced by North in a smooth, low rumble, is a powerful, sentient AI who was forced into an android's body. Valentine, voiced by Joyal with energy and sarcasm, is desperate for the funds necessary to enter Salt Lake City and secure the trans-affirming healthcare he needs. To... Read More