I've made it!
…to my new home, that is. And in life, I guess—because if getting to ramble on monthly about my latest sci-fi & fantasy obsessions isn’t making it, then I don’t know what is. I’m currently sitting here, surrounded by boxes and other moving detritus. Where are we at with teleportation, by the way? I think I’ve determined I’m not moving again until that’s outside the realm of science fiction.I consider myself lucky that I get to work from my home office now…but not having to commute two hours a day has taken a toll on my daily listening. I’ve decided to treat myself to a spiffy new set of wireless headphones so I can accomplish two things at once: taking long walks to explore my new surroundings while taking in some great listens. I’ve found it so relaxing that I might actually be listening more now. Plus, I feel pretty futuristic, being wire-free. Bluetooth is an amazing invention. (Hey, hear that, teleportation?! Keep up!!)
- Sam, Audible editor
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Andrea Vernon and the Superhero-Industrial Complex
- By: Alexander C. Kane
- Narrated by: Bahni Turpin
- Length: 11 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 4,387
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 3,999
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 3,988
More than a year after she helped save the world from the Sparnaxian invasion, Andrea Vernon is in a good place. Her boss is giving her greater responsibility and she’s getting to travel a lot (although her fill-in is hopeless at making coffee); things could be getting even more serious with her 8’ 4” superhero boyfriend, The Big Axe; and she has a really fun new BFF, Never More. Small issue, though, with that last item - Never More is a supervillain bent on world domination, and it looks as if nothing can stop her.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Well actually, it's even better than the first one
- By Shelia on 05-11-19
Just another day on the job…
Although I’ve been in a bit of a true crime/mystery/horror phase lately, it doesn’t feel like the most uplifting listening choice for walking around with the springtime sun finally shining. I’ve been looking for something light, and luckily, the second installment in this absurdly fun series is finally out. Narrated by the always-amazing Bahni Turpin, the Andrea Vernon series has reached verifiable cult classic status among our staff (social team member Robyn calls it Parks & Rec meets Men in Black, which is so spot-on). Now I just have to worry about cackling in public—which is much preferable to screaming, I think.
Clock In, Save the World
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The Dispatcher
- By: John Scalzi
- Narrated by: Zachary Quinto
- Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 83,086
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 76,252
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 76,034
Zachary Quinto - best known for his role as the Nimoy-approved Spock in the recent Star Trek reboot and the menacing, power-stealing serial killer, Sylar, in Heroes - brings his well-earned sci-fi credentials and simmering intensity to this audio-exclusive novella from master storyteller John Scalzi. One day, not long from now, it becomes almost impossible to murder anyone - 999 times out of a thousand, anyone who is intentionally killed comes back. How? We don't know.
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5 out of 5 stars
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IT'S HARD TO GET MYSTICAL ABOUT YOUR JOB
- By Jim "The Impatient" on 10-05-16
But, back to the dark side
Okay, but just this one quick re-listen before I give up murder mysteries entirely for now. John Scalzi is one of my absolute favorite sci-fi authors writing today, and whether or not you’ve tried him yet, you’re in for a treat: his novella The Dispatcher, narrated by Zachary Quinto, is part of this month’s selection of free Audible Originals (members pick two each month, no credits needed). It’s part sci-fi, part noir, all fun—and Quinto’s gravelly, measured voice effortlessly sucks you in to this mystery.
Don't Fear the Reaper
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Patient Zero
- The Joe Ledger Novels, Book 1
- By: Jonathan Maberry
- Narrated by: Ray Porter
- Length: 14 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 17,071
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 15,511
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 15,472
When you have to kill the same terrorist twice in one week there’s either something wrong with your world or something wrong with your skills - and there’s nothing wrong with Joe Ledger’s skills. And that’s both a good and a bad thing. It’s good because he’s a Baltimore detective who has just been secretly recruited by the government to lead a new task force created to deal with the problems that Homeland Security can’t handle....
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5 out of 5 stars
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Yes! It IS that good. Five stars and more.
- By Kim Venatries on 10-05-12
Enter the zombie-verse
As my fellow editor and horror-aficionado Nicole says, zombies are a classic—and yet author Jonathan Maberry manages to make the living dead feel just as fresh (rotten?) and frightening as when these monsters first dragged their way out of their graves and into our hearts. Discover Maberry’s supernatural, apocalyptic world through the adventures of his signature character—Baltimore detective-turned-zombie-hunter Joe Ledger.
Braaaaains
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The Speed of Dark
- By: Elizabeth Moon
- Narrated by: Jay Snyder
- Length: 14 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 910
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 697
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Story4 out of 5 stars 700
In the near future, disease will be a condition of the past. Most genetic defects will be removed at birth; the remaining during infancy. Unfortunately, there will be a generation left behind. For members of that missed generation, small advances will be made. Through various programs, they will be taught to get along in the world despite their differences. They will be made active and contributing members of society. But they will never be normal.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Unexpected Interest
- By Holly Helscher on 12-22-08
It’s Autism Awareness Month
And the Audible editors have put together this collection of inspiring listens that explore what it’s like to live with autism. I’m always drawn into works of fiction that explore themes of neurodiversity—and sci-fi & fantasy is no exception. One suggested listen is The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon; the novel explores a world in which a cure for autism becomes available, and the main character, Lou—who Moon modeled after her own autistic son—must grapple with whether he would still be himself with this treatment.
Celebrate Neurodiversity
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Trail of Lightning
- By: Rebecca Roanhorse
- Narrated by: Tanis Parenteau
- Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 4,447
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 4,030
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Story4 out of 5 stars 4,022
The sudden rising waters of a climate apocalypse have destroyed most of the planet…yet out of these waters, Dinétah, a former Navajo reservation, has been miraculously reborn. Listen along as Tanis Parenteau's impeccable narration, capturing the rhythms of Navajo speech, fully envelopes you into the Sixth World. Trail of Lightning follows our heroine as she walks the land alongside gods, heroes of legend, and monsters alike.
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5 out of 5 stars
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The person you hire when the heroes fail
- By Cynthia on 08-09-18
And the nominees are…
P.S.—This year’s Hugo nominees have been announced, and they’re all real winners if you ask me—Rebecca Roanhorse, Mary Robinette Kowal, Yoon Ha Lee. Of course, there can only be one: and it will be announced on August 15 at WorldCon in Dublin. In the meantime, check out the list of nominees for Best Novel, as well as past winners.
You Be the Judge
Coming Soon
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H.G. Wells: The Science Fiction Collection
- By: H. G. Wells
- Narrated by: Hugh Bonneville, Jason Isaacs, Sophie Okonedo, and others
- Length: 27 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,251
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,977
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,964
Known as ‘The Father of Science Fiction’, Herbert George Wells’ writing career spanned over 60 years. He was a writer of novels, short stories, nonfiction books and articles. As a young man, Wells won a scholarship to the Normal School of Science in London, sparking his infamous vocation as a science fiction writer. Introduced by film director and H. G. Wells fanboy Eli Roth, this collection features unabridged recordings of the novels performed by Hugh Bonneville, Jason Isaacs, Sophie Okonedo, David Tennant and Alexander Vlahos.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Largely enjoyable.
- By lk on 06-24-19
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The Record Keeper
- By: Agnes Gomillion
- Narrated by: Adenrele Ojo
- Length: 13 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 50
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 44
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Story4 out of 5 stars 42
After World War III, Earth is in ruins, and the final armies have come to a reluctant truce. Everyone must obey the law - in every way - or risk shattering the fragile peace and endangering the entire human race. Although Arika Cobane is a member of the race whose backbreaking labor provides food for the remnants of humanity, she is destined to become a member of the Kongo elite. After 10 grueling years of training, she is on the threshold of taking her place of privilege far from the fields. But everything changes when a new student arrives.
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5 out of 5 stars
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just for the Record:
- By Catholic Girl on 07-10-19
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The Lesson
- By: Cadwell Turnbull
- Narrated by: Janina Edwards, Ron Butler
- Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 508
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 455
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Story4 out of 5 stars 455
An alien ship rests over Water Island. For five years, the people of the US Virgin Islands have lived with the Ynaa, a race of super-advanced aliens on a research mission they will not fully disclose. They are benevolent in many ways but meet any act of aggression with disproportional wrath. This has led to a strained relationship between the Ynaa and the local Virgin Islanders, and a peace that cannot last.
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3 out of 5 stars
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That was it?
- By Average Joe on 06-26-19
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Recursion
- A Novel
- By: Blake Crouch
- Narrated by: Jon Lindstrom, Abby Craden
- Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 11,745
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 10,498
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 10,473
At first, it looks like a disease. An epidemic that spreads through no known means, driving its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived. But the force that’s sweeping the world is no pathogen. It’s just the first shock wave, unleashed by a stunning discovery - and what’s in jeopardy is not our minds but the very fabric of time itself. In New York City, Detective Barry Sutton is closing in on the truth - and in a remote laboratory, neuroscientist Helena Smith is unaware that she alone holds the key to this mystery...and the tools for fighting back.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Mixed Feelings
- By Breezybealle on 06-12-19
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H.G. Wells: The Science Fiction Collection
- By: H. G. Wells
- Narrated by: Hugh Bonneville, Jason Isaacs, Sophie Okonedo, and others
- Length: 27 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,251
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,977
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,964
Known as ‘The Father of Science Fiction’, Herbert George Wells’ writing career spanned over 60 years. He was a writer of novels, short stories, nonfiction books and articles. As a young man, Wells won a scholarship to the Normal School of Science in London, sparking his infamous vocation as a science fiction writer. Introduced by film director and H. G. Wells fanboy Eli Roth, this collection features unabridged recordings of the novels performed by Hugh Bonneville, Jason Isaacs, Sophie Okonedo, David Tennant and Alexander Vlahos.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Largely enjoyable.
- By lk on 06-24-19
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The Record Keeper
- By: Agnes Gomillion
- Narrated by: Adenrele Ojo
- Length: 13 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 50
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 44
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 42
After World War III, Earth is in ruins, and the final armies have come to a reluctant truce. Everyone must obey the law - in every way - or risk shattering the fragile peace and endangering the entire human race. Although Arika Cobane is a member of the race whose backbreaking labor provides food for the remnants of humanity, she is destined to become a member of the Kongo elite. After 10 grueling years of training, she is on the threshold of taking her place of privilege far from the fields. But everything changes when a new student arrives.
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5 out of 5 stars
-
just for the Record:
- By Catholic Girl on 07-10-19
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The Lesson
- By: Cadwell Turnbull
- Narrated by: Janina Edwards, Ron Butler
- Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 508
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 455
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 455
An alien ship rests over Water Island. For five years, the people of the US Virgin Islands have lived with the Ynaa, a race of super-advanced aliens on a research mission they will not fully disclose. They are benevolent in many ways but meet any act of aggression with disproportional wrath. This has led to a strained relationship between the Ynaa and the local Virgin Islanders, and a peace that cannot last.
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3 out of 5 stars
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That was it?
- By Average Joe on 06-26-19
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Recursion
- A Novel
- By: Blake Crouch
- Narrated by: Jon Lindstrom, Abby Craden
- Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 11,745
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 10,498
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 10,473
At first, it looks like a disease. An epidemic that spreads through no known means, driving its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived. But the force that’s sweeping the world is no pathogen. It’s just the first shock wave, unleashed by a stunning discovery - and what’s in jeopardy is not our minds but the very fabric of time itself. In New York City, Detective Barry Sutton is closing in on the truth - and in a remote laboratory, neuroscientist Helena Smith is unaware that she alone holds the key to this mystery...and the tools for fighting back.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Mixed Feelings
- By Breezybealle on 06-12-19
About the Editor
Sam is obsessed with sci-fi & fantasy in all forms, with a particular soft spot for robots, time travel, and kick-ass heroines. When she’s not exploring distant galaxies and treacherous dungeons, she enjoys a healthy dose of memoirs, horror, and true crime. She is also an avid knitter who uses audiobooks to get her through mundane and challenging patterns—even if the more intense listens tend to mess with her tension.