Edifice Abandoned

Alien Mysteries, Book 1

By: Scott Michael Decker

Narrated by: Kevin Clay

Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Studying ancient sites on a backwater planet, Archaeologist Nosuma Okande finds more of them than The Institute has on record.

Unearthing the sites proves more of a challenge than she realizes. On her first day, she digs up an odd statuette, and after she receives death threats, the Institute sends Nosuma to another excavation site.

There, she unearths a second artifact and later the same night, stumbles upon a strange ceremony in the village square. Not deterred by this, Nosuma decides to unearth the mysteries the planet holds.

But as a deeper truth slowly emerges, can she untangle the enigmatic past of an edifice abandoned?

©2015 Scott Michael Decker (P)2019 Scott Michael Decker

Excellent Sci/Fi Fantasy

The story has a good smooth beginning with a plot change that is unexpected and smoothly written. The continuing story escalated with many unexpected changes. The closure is written quite well by author. The narration was excellent with professional vocal pressure, even with gender changes of characters.
I recommend this audiobook for ages 17 and older due to some adult situations and violence.
I was given this audiobook for free and I freely give it my opinion and rating

An interesting historical sci-fi combination

If you like African history themed and deep worlds with a good solid narration done I would give this book a shot ! Not quite for me but I enjoyed the listen still!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Phenomenal!

I received this book free at my request, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Edifice Abandoned is an amazing sci-fi epic that will leave you wanting more! Scott Michael Decker has penned a tale that will keep you guessing where it's going next, and if you think you know, you're probably wrong. Kevin Clay's narration is out of this world, no pun intended. If you like alien sci-fi, definitely check this one out. I can't wait to see where the series is going.

A Gathering of Totems

Edifice Abandoned Alien Mysteries, Book 1
Author: Scott Michael Decker
Narrator: Kevin Clay
Listening Time: 7 hrs. 48 min.


Disclaimer: "This Audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost, in exchange for an unbiased honest review."

I always like to preface any reviews I give with this information.
I am a 68 year old female who has been an avid reader since I was around 10 or 11 years old.
I read primarily for pleasure.
I have a great many interests and do a lot of research for personal pleasure and knowledge as well.


Review: This review is for the Audio Book version of Edifice Abandoned Alien Mysteries Book 1

This is one of the most amazing and fascinating books I have ever listened to. It comprises so many areas of interest that I have. Science, culture, anthropology, spirituality and the ways people come together and relate to each other in society.

This book, while it certainly has a strong Science Fiction feel to it and involves flight to other planets and solar systems; is more about the study of anthropology and growth of cultures.
Anthropology covers biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and archaeology and certainly this wonderful story involves all these areas.

I have never really understood Ancestor Worship or Totems but this book gave me a wonderful insight into both areas.
This story is a deep and multi-faceted look at a world that has sites of historical significance and a real mystery about spiritual beliefs, family clan behaviors, and how as a species people can give birth to different ideas within a given set of beliefs. This is something we do as we mature in life. At least I have done so. What I was taught as a child, I no longer completely believe, but have adjusted my spiritual beliefs as I have matured and had life experiences and insights.

This story is also about how as a species we are sometimes so locked in to our beliefs that we will commit acts of violence to protect what we believe and the fear that can keep us from growing or changing our outlook.

I can't praise this amazing story enough and there were times I laughed and other times I cried while listening to this truly amazing book.

For me a big plus was getting insights that opened another world to my limited view of other cultures. Having lived in the Untied States my entire life I have a somewhat limited and insulated view of the world and have always been aware of that fact as an adult.

While this story does take place on another planet, there are references to Zimbabwe, the Shona language, Tribalism, Pantheism, and definitely has an African theme.
Interestingly enough as I was doing a little research on Zimbabwe I found that the name Zimbabwe itself is from a dialect of Shona and translates to "houses of stones".

Author Scott Michael Decker has written a book that is fascinating, beautiful, world-encompassing
and I absolutely hope to read more of his wonderful writing. This is the first time I had ever read/listened to his work but it will not be the last.

Narrator Kevin Clay is a voice actor I had never listened to previously but I can tell you that he is one of the best voice actors I have ever heard. His ability with dialects, accents, voice range and ability to engender emotion with his voice is, in my opinion, a true gift and a real pleasure to listen to. I will definitely be listening to more of his work.


To pick an age group for reading or listening to this book is a little more complex. On the face of it, initially the book may be very unsettling for some people to get into. I would say that a person who is a deep thinker and looks below the surface of what is written may see the deeper meanings that are evident. That takes a certain amount of life experience and maturity. I would say that anyone under the age of 25 might miss those deeper meanings. I just don't know.

This is a book worth reading if you have any interest in other cultures, belief-systems, and peoples.

Outstanding narration

Kevin Clay did an outstanding job narrating the different accents. The basic idea of the novel was very interesting but the author used unnecessary stereotypes on a couple of occasions.