Eternal Voyager 1 - 6: Boxed Set

By: Conor Kostick

Narrated by: Colin Jones, Recorded Tales

These are the tales of Eternal Voyager. Tales from a distant future in which all life is virtual. Everyone in the Metaverse takes for granted the ability to teleport; to change shape; to create entire planets for their playgrounds and to make backup copies of themselves, so they cannot permanently die. And what do these people who live beyond the conventional universe do with their powers? Mostly they party.

©2015 Conor Kostick (P)2017 Conor Kostick

A light listen

I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my feedback. This review however is from me.

This is a collection of six novellas, Far into the future humans have uploaded themselves into a virtual world and are currently living a life of leisure.

The thing is the book starts off suddenly in that world as if it was already established which was a bit disorienting if you didn't read the blurb first (which I didn't but still...) Some tales are better then others however they are all entertaining and light.

The first tale is about people giving each other (kudos) and how that slowly morphed into a currency system that almost destroyed their utopia.

The second tale, they get an alien visitor and things got surreal for awhile.

The third tale, Vampires, pyramid schemes and plans of world domination!

The Fourth tale, An Adam, an Eve and a Judas.

The Fifth tale is a bit of a litrpg with dragons, elves and well... the works!

The Sixth one ends on a high note with none wish granting Genie and a big reveal at the end.

Great Story, not my favorite narration

This title was provided to me by the author for free to give a review.

The stories are good and I really enjoyed the places these books took me to.

The narration really hurt this title for me. I love hearing him speak but I can not distinguish between characters or male or female from his reading. There is a lot of dialog between characters and the conversations seem to run together. I usually multi task while listening but had to put all my focus into this title to be able to follow the narrator.

I believe I would enjoy these titles much more with a different narrator or just reading them myself.

The Metaverse: A Gamelit collection of 6 tales

When you embark on a literary journey, there are moments when you stumble upon a gem that is so unique, so thought-provoking, and so beautifully crafted that it leaves an indelible mark on your imagination. Conor Kostick's "Eternal Voyager 1 - 6: Boxed Set" is precisely that kind of gem—a collection of six novellas set in a distant future where life exists entirely in the virtual realm. As a devoted fan of science fiction and speculative fiction, I can confidently say that this series is an exhilarating exploration of a universe where the boundaries of reality and illusion blur, and where characters come alive in a digital playground that is both mesmerizing and terrifying.

Kostick introduces us to the Metaverse, a world where every inhabitant enjoys the power to teleport, shape-shift, create entire planets, and ensure their immortality through backup copies. In this digital utopia, the denizens seem to revel in perpetual party mode. However, this seemingly perfect existence is far from idyllic, as Kostick ingeniously explores the consequences of these godlike abilities. It's a realm where anything is possible, and yet, the pursuit of happiness takes unexpected and often treacherous turns.

One of the most enchanting aspects of Kostick's storytelling is his skillful use of ambiguity. He offers tantalizing hints and glimpses into the inner workings of the Metaverse, all while leaving ample room for the reader's imagination to roam. It's like navigating a labyrinth of possibilities, where you're never quite sure what awaits around the next corner. This narrative technique adds depth and intrigue to the storytelling, making it a gripping experience from start to finish.

At the heart of this digital universe is our enigmatic protagonist, Eternal Voyager. In each novella, we accompany him on a different adventure, each more thrilling and captivating than the last. Whether he's navigating the perils of a currency system gone awry, thwarting an alien invasion by infiltrating the minds of extraterrestrial beings, or battling against vampires and world-domination schemes, Eternal Voyager is a character who commands attention and admiration.

Beyond the action-packed adventures and the visually stunning digital landscape, Kostick delves deep into existential and philosophical themes. He challenges readers to ponder the nature of reality versus illusion, the essence of life, and the tantalizing prospect of a digital afterlife. Through the trials and tribulations of Eternal Voyager and his companions, Kostick paints a vivid portrait of a future where humanity's pursuit of immortality finds a unique expression in the digital realm.

I must admit that I was initially apprehensive about the narration, given the distinct British accent of Colin Jones. However, as I immersed myself in the stories, I discovered that his voice lent a certain gravitas and authenticity to the narrative. While it may take a moment to adjust to his accent, it ultimately adds a layer of richness to the storytelling. My only quibble is that distinguishing between characters or their genders can be challenging due to Jones's delivery, but this minor drawback does not significantly detract from the overall experience.

"Eternal Voyager 1 - 6: Boxed Set" is a masterful collection of novellas that offers readers a multifaceted exploration of a digital frontier where possibilities are limitless, and the boundaries of reality are fluid. Conor Kostick's visionary storytelling, coupled with Colin Jones's evocative narration, creates an immersive experience that is both thought-provoking and pulse-pounding.

In addition to Eternal Voyager, the cast of characters in this series is nothing short of unforgettable. Angel, Eternal's girlfriend, is a fiercely determined female character who takes center stage in the battle against evil forces. The villains, including the insidious greed, enigmatic aliens, bloodthirsty vampires, and the menacing Hammer, add layers of complexity to the narrative. It's a rollercoaster of emotions as we witness these characters clash in a digital realm that teems with danger and intrigue.

It's important to note that "Eternal Voyager" leans more towards gamelit than LITRPG. While stats aren't the primary focus, the series embraces the gaming elements of the Metaverse, providing readers with a thrilling ride through quests, challenges, and epic battles. Kostick's expertly crafted game-like scenarios enhance the sense of adventure and excitement, making it a perfect choice for fans of both genres.

"Eternal Voyager 1 - 6: Boxed Set" is a literary voyage that every lover of science fiction, gamelit, and speculative fiction should embark upon. Conor Kostick has created a mesmerizing world that challenges our perceptions of reality and immortality. It's a journey that will stimulate your intellect, tug at your heartstrings, and leave you yearning for more.

So, are you ready to dive into the Metaverse, where Eternal Voyager and his companions await to take you on an unforgettable adventure? Buckle up, fellow voyagers, because this is a ride you won't want to miss. Conor Kostick has given us a remarkable gift in the form of these novellas, and it's a gift that will keep on giving, sparking discussions and fueling imaginations for years to come.

Very Compelling and Thoughtful Stories

This is a compilation of multiple short books, all set in the same universe with the same characters. I love how Kostick hints at so many things without ever going into detail on what's going on behind the scenes. He leaves so much up to the imagination, while painting a beautiful and also kind of terrifying vision of what life would be like if we were all virtual all the time.

I was initially scared away by the reviews of the guy who does the narration. He does have a thick British (I think?) accent and it takes a little bit to get used to, but once you get going I found it added to the story and gave the whole thing a particularly cool feel.

bad narator

i can not give this book set a propper review. the narator is very talented to be doing this and i applaud him. but i can not stand the enunciation of the "t's" , "p's" & "s's".

its torture on my ears and mentality comprehension.

i hope someone else can find this a great box set.

apologies for any ruffled feathers.

Enthralling Stories & An Amusing Character

The narrator has an unusual accent, Welsh I think, but once you get used to it, these are enthralling stories. Eternal Voyager is the hero of them all and he is a very likeable, amusing character who is put to the test in a variety of ways: as a rogue in an RPG; as a detective in his own murder case and as a political activist, for instance.