Damocles

By: S. G. Redling

Narrated by: Angela Dawe

Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

When Earth is rocked by evidence that extraterrestrials may have seeded human DNA throughout the universe, a one-way expedition into deep space is mounted to uncover the truth. What linguist Meg Dupris and her crewmates aboard the Earth ship Damocles discover on Didet - a planet bathed in the near-eternal daylight of seven suns - is a humanoid race with a different language, a different look, and a surprisingly similar society. But here, it’s the "Earthers" who are the extraterrestrial invaders, and it’s up to Meg - a woman haunted by tragedy and obsessed with the power of communication - to find the key to establishing trust between the natives and the newcomers. In Loul Pell, a young Dideto male thrust into the forefront of the historic event, Meg finds an unexpected kindred spirit, and undertakes an extraordinary journey of discovery, friendship, and life-altering knowledge.Told from both sides of a monumental encounter, Damocles is a compelling novel about man’s first contact with an extraterrestrial race.

©2013 S. G. Redling (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Good if you like linguistics

This is science-fiction with a heavy dose of linguistics. The entire plot is centered around the Earthlings not being able to communicate on the new planet they visit.

Fascinating

This is it my usual Interest. But this was absolutely fascinating. The authors imagination and thoughtfulness in interpretative the unknownand the known held my interest through the whole listen. Don't pass it by.

3.5 stars

This is a very interesting story. Five research astronauts land on new planet and make contact. The author provides a unique perspective during the story of both human and alien experiences and perceptions. I give it about 3 1/2 stars. Characters and story line not always believable. The narrator had trouble with some of the male voices.

First Contact

A great "first contact" book between humans and another species with all the obvious (and a few very subtle) problems of establishing a common form of communication. It's told from the point of view of the two protagonists - the alien and the human. Excellent and thought provoking book

Loved it, but....

The story was an original one and I love the fact that we get to experience the events from two perspectives. But as the story draws to and end, it is like the author could not be bothered to tie up the loose ends. Feels like the author just wanted to end it as soon as possible. Really disappointing....

Just Ok

Had some interesting twists on first contact scenarios but I found large parts of it (translated dialogue) to be extremely tedious. Fairly anti-climactic overall.

Good up to a point. Then tedious, and ridiculous.

Much of the book kept my attention. But eventually, listening to two main characters attempting meaningful conversation in "me Susan" "you Elroy" style wore on me. I skipped ahead multiple chapters hoping for an end to the clumsy and ultimately fraught dialogue. No. Then the crew, who'd demonstrated skill, cooperation, and respect devolved into extremely juvenile behavior. This was exasperating listening and unnecessary to move the story onto it's conclusion. I didn't bother listening through the end, I was so very over it by then.

That ending...

The pacing of this story was so right until the last two chapters. I audibly said WTF several times (not in a good way). The ending just felt rushed. The side characters became unbearable towards the end. They were not fleshed out enough for me to understand their thinking, actions, or to even make me care. I enjoyed most of the book but the ending left me annoyed.

Captivating but Ultimately Unsatisfying

Damocles held my attention, but left me feeling like I had just wasted 10 hours. Interaction between the main characters, especially at the end, were weird. Attempted plot twists and dramatic revelations fizzled. Real meaningfulness failed to materialize.

I did like the premise of this book. It started out being a detailed study of first contact between interplanetary species under challenging circumstances. But, not wanting to reveal any spoilers, nothing of substance was accomplished in my mind. It became an interplanetary bridge to nowhere!

Maybe I am a flawed reader. We all want to be entertained, but I personally like a payoff in the end. It didn't happen for me here. So while Angela Dawe's narration kept me in the game, even her good work couldn't recovery the book. I give it 3 stars for mild entertainment and literary value, but consider those missing two stars as frustration points in that the book did not live up to its potential.

Enjoyable audiobook

I can’t remember enjoying listening to another audiobook as much as I did Damocles. Good characters,
great story, and the perfect narrator.