Jumpnauts

By: Hao Jingfang, Ken Liu - translator

Narrated by: Catherine Ho

From the Hugo Award­–winning author of Folding Beijing comes a gripping science fiction thriller in which three unlikely allies attempt a desperate mission of first contact with a mysterious alien race before more militaristic minds can take matters into their own hands.

In a future where the world is roughly divided into two factions, the Pacific League of Nations and the Atlantic Division of Nations, tensions are high as each side waits for the other to make a move. But neither side is prepared for a powerful third party that has apparently been an influential presence on Earth for thousands of years—and just might be making a reappearance very soon.

With the realization that a highly intelligent alien race has been trying to send them messages, three rising scientists within the Pacific League of Nations form an uneasy alliance. Fueled by a curiosity to have their questions answered and a fear that other factions within their rival Atlantic Division of Nations would opt for a more aggressive and potentially disastrous military response, the three race to secure first contact with this extraterrestrial life they aren’t quite convinced is a threat.

Bolstered by recent evidence of alien visitations in the distant past, the three scientific minds must solve puzzles rooted within human antiquity, face off with their personal demons, and discover truths of the universe.

Critic reviews

"Catherine Ho is an excellent storyteller for this first installment in the Folding Universe series...Ho creates complex personas for the three young people, especially Yun, who dismisses the men’s competition for her attention and focuses them on the mission. Ho conveys the tension in their relationships with each other and their families. She is skilled at making philosophical debates seem a normal part of everyday conversation. Many listeners will enjoy her facility with language."

Great Story Weave of Ideas

I enjoyed the tapestry of ideas that are combined in this story. Science, history, philosophy, and folklore/conspiracy theory. I enjoyed how it tied together the modern times as well. Enjoyable listen. Great book also.

I think I would’ve enjoyed this more if I had spent time studying eastern philosophies in depth prior to reading 

While I enjoyed how listening to this piece of science-fiction exposed me to a lot of new ideas, some of the discussions quoting or playing with various eastern philosophies were very hard to understand in a audio format, even with the narrators notes. I suspect if I had read the book, rather than listened to it, I would have picked up a lot more of the nuance. That said, it was fun to listen to, and definitely got my brain working.

Confusing for English listeners

The decision to keep so much Chinese language is unfortunate, specifically the names. If for example, your English is proficient, you could easily understand a story with three different characters named, Juan, John and Sean, when English isn’t your language, you would be forgiven for missing the nuances of the three similar sounding names. This issue case here. Still worth a listen but after you’ve exhausted other great Chinese sci fi

bunch of whiners, worrying about what society thought of them and not doing the right thing

seems like another novel trying to keep me worried about what other people think and not doing the right thing for myself and society