Eon

By: Greg Bear

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

Length: 17 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Perhaps it wasn't from our time, perhaps it wasn't even from our universe, but the arrival of the 300-kilometer long stone was the answer to humanity's desperate plea to end the threat of nuclear war. Inside the deep recesses of the stone lies Thistledown: the remnants of a human society, versed in English, Russian and Chinese. The artifacts of this familiar people foretell a great Death caused by the ravages of war, but the government and scientists are unable to decide how to use this knowledge. Deeper still within the stone is the Way. For some the Way means salvation from death, for others it is a parallel world where loved ones live again. But, unlike Thistledown, the Way is not entirely dead, and the inhabitants hold the knowledge of a present war, over a million miles away, using weapons far more deadly than any that mankind has ever conceived.

©1985 Greg Bear (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Ingenious, Thought-provoking, Imaginative

What made the experience of listening to Eon the most enjoyable?

The physics and mathematical puzzles related the Stone.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Eon?

The realization of the true nature of the Stone and the imaginative delights and puzzles of its inhabitants and the world they inhabit.

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

An emotional dimension.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, it's better to linger.

Any additional comments?

Suspend your disbelief: ignore the time the story takes place, pretend the Cold War has not ended. Immerse yourself in Bear's imaginative universe, and you'll be amply rewarded.

I simply loved it.

If you could sum up Eon in three words, what would they be?

epic, near-future, space-adventure

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes, fortunately it's long enough that it lasted me a few late nights ;)

Any additional comments?

if you enjoy mind-expanding scientific/philosophical speculation then stick through the first few chapters of this book and you will find yourself hooked!

Excellent

It starts off feeling like Arthur C. Clarke's Rendezvous With Rama, but quickly turned into something infinitely more interesting and deep, in more ways than one.

A really good mix of science and imagination.

If you could sum up Eon in three words, what would they be?

imaginative, provocative, satisfying

What did you like best about this story?

It dealt with the concept of parallel worlds in a way that was thoughtful and entertaining.

What about Stefan Rudnicki’s performance did you like?

He just has a great, clear voice that holds my attention, even amidst distractions.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!

absolutely astounding I loved it!

Rarely have I enjoyed a book such as the one I have just finished, wonderful ideas Mr Bear can't wait to get into the rest of the series!.

Very much reminded me of Diaspora

Much of the science and issues of humanity addressed are similar. THis was FAR easier to follow though and actually had a plot, not just a never-ending exploration of what might be. I think I'd enjoy a follow-up or two to see where things go in each of the two major worlds left to think about (trying to avoid spoilers here). Well worth the time to listen.

Unusual and creative

Good story, but the flow was difficult to follow - maybe too long in some sections.

Big Idea Sci Fi

What did you love best about Eon?

It harkens back to a time when Sci Fi was full of big ideas that can be traced back to Clarke. The big idea in this book is a touchstone so that a description of quantum physics can play front and center to a story that attempts to define our future and ultimately our past. I enjoyed it.

What did you like best about this story?

There is hard science in this book, make no mistake. I enjoyed the fact that it make me think of physics and gave me incentive to investigate concepts central to the plot. Additionally, thought written in the 1980's, the political intrigue in the book is somewhat timeless. I thought it was a smart and clever book.

Have you listened to any of Stefan Rudnicki’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not. I thought he did a good job. He portrayed the different characters with different voices well.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The ending. Though I saw it coming, it was fascinating and sets up the next book very well. Well done.

Any additional comments?

This book requires your attention. There are many different characters, some with similar names in a setting that is very different. It can get confusing if you don't keep track, so be prepared to immerse yourself in "the stone". I like this genre of Sci Fi, and I will read the rest of the books in the series.

All over the place

was confused on what was going on much of the time. didn't have characters I could really love. the big space battle was not well written. no military that I know of uses 100% code words in air or naval combat.

"A pointer to eternity."

Amidst the cold war tensions of the 1980's, an asteroid hurtles towards earth, then settles into orbit. A talented and driven young mathematics academic is selected to join a team of other researchers already exploring the huge artifact and, saying goodbye to family and possible future husband, she heads into space for what she expects to be a remarkable two months. It turns out to be far more than anticipated.

Eon is very much a book of it's time, written when the threat of a nuclear war killing the population majority and leaving survivors to face a poisoned world and lingering death was a very present terror. And those attitudes of distrust and open antagonism are reflected here, for example in the way in which the Russians believe, correctly, that vital information is being kept from them by the American team as well as a national characterization which is decidedly biased. But it is the world building and ideas of the first half of the story which make this book so remarkable, a kaleidoscopic explosion in the mind of the reader. Again, science fiction from a time of ideas and imagination. And sometimes to further explore and push just a little bit more into the theories, the author might surge ahead leaving the reader just clinging on.

The characterization is present but without much enthusiasm on the author's part. For him it is always the ideas, not the pekple. So it is fortunate that narrator Stefan Rudnicki is able to add a little substance to the main protagonists both in individual voicings of the characters are also injecting emotion into his reading, which is always well paced and modulated. Plus his deep timbre is a pleasure to hear. A fine performance.

Despite several flaws including outdated preconceptions, lack of real characterization, some technical topheaviness, inability to write a love scene with any passion - in fact, the whole book is somewhat without human warmth - this is still a simply stunning book of ideas, of discovery, of hope and exploration especially in the remarkable first half. A book that I recommend wholeheartedly.