Aurora

By: Kim Stanley Robinson

Narrated by: Ali Ahn

Length: 16 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

A major new novel from one of science fiction's most powerful voices, Aurora tells the incredible story of our first voyage beyond the solar system.

Brilliantly imagined and beautifully told, it is the work of a writer at the height of his powers.

Our voyage from Earth began generations ago.

Now we approach our new home.

Aurora.

©2015 Kim Stanley Robinson (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"This ambitious hard SF epic shows Robinson at the top of his game... [A] poignant story, which admirably stretches the limits of human imagination."—Publishers Weekly

Starts Strong...Fades becomes pointless

I enjoyed the beginning chapters, the intersteller journey and arrival at the destination. I was put off by the authors choice to follow the charaters who were the least interesting and without gumption, drive or resourcefullness. The ship was the most interesting "person" in the entire 2nd half of the story. It had a lot of potential not realized. I will note that I thought the narration was good, she handled the large volum of ship dialoge and monologue very well.

A terrific concept that was just too long

What did you like best about Aurora? What did you like least?

I love the premise of the novel - man reaching another inhabitable planet, only to have to return back to Earth hundreds of years later. I also enjoyed the interactions between the humans and the computer. Unfortunately, this is a story that could have been condensed 25% - especially the second half of the book. I also found the narration oddly irritating - when the narrator used a monotone to represent the ship's computer speaking/thinking.

Would you be willing to try another book from Kim Stanley Robinson? Why or why not?

Yes - absolutely. My only complaint was the length of the book (and I normally like longer books; this just had too much filler).

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

I normally like Ali Ahn a lot; However, the choice to use a monotone for the ship computer dialog was a turn-off.

Was Aurora worth the listening time?

Overall - yes.

Annoying voice

Good book, annoying narrator voice when voicing males. Overall good experience though. Needed more words for review.

Wonderful accurate sci-fi!

This book was spectacular from start to finish it does an amazing job of hooking you in and keeping you engaged with the story. I'm left with wanting to know more and more and I desperately hope Kim Stanley Robinson creates a sequel.

Glad author is not in charge of space exploration!

What did you like best about Aurora? What did you like least?

The premise of the book is a good one. Humans expanding out into the galaxy.

Would you ever listen to anything by Kim Stanley Robinson again?

I don't know

Do you think Aurora needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Definitely not!

Any additional comments?

We finally send colony ships out of the solar system, like the settlers of old. Unfortunately unlike the settlers of old in this book they colonist run into one problem, which surely could have been overcome with a little curiosity and science, but not for these explorers instead of trying to solve the problem they run home and tell people never to leave earth again??? Good premise horrible story.

Not a good story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would not recommend this book. It took forever to get into. The narration was good but man, I spent a whole hour listening to the main character body surf in the ocean. Really? Did it really need an entire hour?

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I just wanted it to end

Blah blah blah, let me show you my research blah

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Oh god no. The book droned on like a bad 70s soap operal. Miss 15 minutes. Don't worry, nothing happend.

What could Kim Stanley Robinson have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

He/she (I don't know) could have written more fixtion and less science. I know the science is important. But when you let the science take over the story in lieu of having a story beyond ghe outline, you just bore people.

What does Ali Ahn bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It was a very good performance.

Did Aurora inspire you to do anything?

Yes, ask for a refund.

Any additional comments?

There is such a powerful story to be told, it is a pitty it was presented as if it were a history book written pedantically rather than with the characters that should have been there.

May put you to sleep

Narration especially at the beginning will put you to sleep. Not great for car rides.

Kinda boring...

Narrator was great but the story was slow and ended abruptly. Just okay for me.

Great story. Long chapters

Thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters. However, because it was formatted with long chapters, it was difficult to listen to.