Cibola Burn

The Expanse, Book 4

By: James S. A. Corey

Narrated by: Jefferson Mays

Length: 20 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Hugo Award Winner for Best Series

The fourth book in the NYT best-selling Expanse series, Cibola Burn sees the crew of the Rocinante on a new frontier, as the rush to colonize the new planets threatens to outrun law and order and give way to war and chaos. Now a Prime Original series.

Enter a new frontier.

"An empty apartment, a missing family, that's creepy. But this is like finding a military base with no one on it. Fighters and tanks idling on the runway with no drivers. This is bad juju. Something wrong happened here. What you should do is tell everyone to leave".

The gates have opened the way to a thousand new worlds and the rush to colonize has begun. Settlers looking for a new life stream out from humanity's home planets. Ilus, the first human colony on this vast new frontier, is being born in blood and fire.

Independent settlers stand against the overwhelming power of a corporate colony ship with only their determination, courage, and the skills learned in the long wars of home. Innocent scientists are slaughtered as they try to survey a new and alien world. The struggle on Ilus threatens to spread all the way back to Earth.

James Holden and the crew of his one small ship are sent to make peace in the midst of war and sense in the midst of chaos. But the more he looks at it, the more Holden thinks the mission was meant to fail.

And the whispers of a dead man remind him that the great galactic civilization that once stood on this land is gone. And that something killed it.

The Expanse

• Leviathan Wakes
• Caliban's War
• Abaddon's Gate
• Cibola Burn
• Nemesis Games
• Babylon's Ashes
• Persepolis Rising
• Tiamat's Wrath
• ​Leviathan Falls
• Memory's Legion

The Expanse Short Fiction

• Drive
• The Butcher of Anderson Station
• Gods of Risk
• The Churn
• The Vital Abyss
• Strange Dogs
• Auberon
• The Sins of Our Fathers

©2014 James S.A. Corey (P)2014 Hachette Audio

Great story and fantastic voice performance work

Great story and fantastic voice performance work. Would definitely listen to more work by this actor.

For the love of…..

Please, it’s not difficult. EVA is pronounced E.V.A. And HUD is pronounced hud. NOT H.U.D. I was pulling my hair out for multiple chapters. Great performance otherwise, but please for the love of God.

Cibola Burn

This book was yet another really enjoyable book in the overall great series. A good read!

Outstanding!!!

This whole series is amazing and the audiobooks are phenomenal!

The narrator does a fantastic job. I cannot give enough praise.

Fabulous lived it

Clear, easy to tell, who’s talking, wonderful paste, tremendous science-fiction I can’t wait to read and hear the rest of the series

I hate western but I really like this book

Narration: Jefferson Mays – A Symphony of Voices

In the world of audiobook narration, few can claim the mastery and artistry of Jefferson Mays. His work in this series stands as a testament to his incredible talent. With a narrative voice that seamlessly morphs to embody each character, Mays ensures you're never lost in the sea of personalities. His skill in differentiating characters is impeccable; it’s like listening to a one-man theatre. The new characters, though they take their time to grow on you, are vividly brought to life. Mays’ narration is nothing short of spectacular, meriting a resounding five out of five stars for his performance.

The Good: Stellar Writing and Captivating Characters

James S.A. Corey’s "The Expanse" series is a journey through genres, each book unfolding a new layer and a different style. This latest entry, akin to a space western, strays from my favored genre yet manages to captivate with its unique charm. The series’ core, the allure of space and interstellar intrigue, remains intact, even as the story weaves through the terrestrial narratives.

What truly stands out are the characters – Havelock, Elvie, Basha – each meticulously crafted and deeply engaging. Basha, in particular, emerges as a standout, embodying the series' knack for creating memorable and complex personalities. Elvie's journey is equally remarkable, showcasing Corey’s skill in character development.

The Bad: A Slight Deviation from Expectation

Though the book excels in many aspects, it diverges from the initial allure that drew me to the series – the expansive and intricate space opera elements. The focus on ground-level events, while expertly executed, was a shift from the expected trajectory of the series. However, this change in pace and scenery is not without its own merits.

Verdict: A Testament to Consistent Quality

Rating this book as the “worst” in the series feels unjust, as it still stands tall with an impressive 8.5/10. This speaks volumes about the consistent quality and immersive storytelling that James S.A. Corey brings to the table. Even in a series where expectations are astronomically high, this entry holds its ground with a compelling narrative and rich characterization.

Anticipation for the Future

The series has built a trust that each new book, each new character introduced, is a piece of a larger, mesmerizing puzzle. This latest book has done nothing but reinforce that trust. As a fan, the wait for the next chapter in this epic saga is filled with eager anticipation, hoping to dive back into the cosmic depths of "The Expanse" series.

Dood pace, interesting dynamics.

Good intertwining of diverse personalities kept the story engaging. I am looking forward to continuing the saga.

trying really hard to stay into this series...

if there is one thing I appreciate about the expanse is that they choose thoughtful titles for each entry. I really enjoyed Leviathan Wakes. but each successive entry fails to match the first book's heights.

my chief problem with The Expanse is a lack of tension and stakes. by now I know that no matter what happens everything will work out in the end. characters remain largely the same. they each have their narrative arcs but they remain static as personas.

all the edges of this universe are softened and well padded. I wish the authors would trust in their readers more and give us something that would engage real human drama as opposed to a watered down PG13 space Opera that makes all the obvious and safe choices of a Hollywood summer blockbuster.

The Expanse series is awesome

This series is the best scifi I've listened to in a long time!! Never want it to end

Different, but still good

The focus of this story was different that those earlier in the series, and perhaps not as much continued character development of the star players. Overall, though, I was entertained and look forward to book 5.