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.

definitely one of the greatest SciFi books.

explores the idea of some of the most alluring ideas in science with detailed characters. Keeping a firm hand on scope and depth,yet remaining anchored in actual theory

Gets more confusing (read outlandish) near the end

Starts out interesting, but as story progresses the complex variety of species (?) gets more confusing. Did I entirely miss a description of the "Jarts"? Maybe I didn't have time to focus sufficiently... Good luck!

Heavy on theory

difficult read if you do not have a goods grasp of math or theoretical physics but also deals with the essentials of humanity.

A very long story

Full of possible futures, multiple worlds, battles(too many for my taste). Many characters to keep track of. Nerdy science and time/space travels in true sci fi style. Highly imaginative.

Droning narration

Largely uninteresting story and the narration was monotone and uninspired. I rarely don’t finish a book, marked this as complete with an hour left.

A classic written in '85

It's a pretty good book. I really liked the first half of the book, maybe the first 3rd, but after that, it just kind of got weird.

Very unique

The 1st half of the book is really some of the best and most unique science fiction I have read in a really long time. The 2nd half of the book gets a little confusing and I found myself a little lost. 5 starts for the 1st half and 3.5 stars for the second half. Outstanding performance.

dated and sophomoric

Playboy style misogyny but interesting prescience viz. Russia / USA relations. Curious Science in the years immediately prior to the birth of the internet.

A personal favtorite

This story blew my mind and a teenager, and continues to delight. If ever there was a book screaming for “the screen” this is a prime one.

Am Epic Original SciFi Read Worth Your Time...

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

I'm cautious as to what I recommend, because recommendations in anything defines us in those with whom we associate. With that in mind, I only recommend audiobooks/book that captivate me, that are truly original in scope and idea. No middle ground. No gray area. In this case, I'd recommend this audiobook to anyone, ESPECIALLY my friends. Eon brings together alternate dimensions, aliens, Armageddon, warfare, character conflict and culture clash together brilliantly. AND it's a series??? Most excellent.

What did you like best about this story?

It grows almost exponentially as you read it. Once you HAVE read it, you'll know exactly whatI mean. The scope and ramifications of the story reach out further and consequences become more severe and dramatic as the story unfolds. This ALWAYS makes for a good story, and remember, it's ALL about the story. And NO, I'm NOT giving anything away.

What three words best describe Stefan Rudnicki’s performance?

Clear, pace-setting, restrained.

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

SO many moments in this read stood out, but one in particular was when Lanier is simply overwhelmed by the sheer scope, the magnitude, of the technological capabilities of the Stone's inhabitants and societies. The technology borders on seeming magical at certain points, because of the almost limitless scope of what can be done by everyday people in this society. Imagine what a Neanderthal would think of a microwave, a television, running water, or photography. WOW. How's that for a descriptive word of what you'll encounter as you read this for yourself? You'll discover what they discover, and you'll enjoy the journey.

Any additional comments?

Any review I write in this depth or greater is due to PASSION. You'll see that the books, authors, and narrators I dislike will have short to the point epitaph-style reviews. Not this audiobook. I cannot recommend it enough. This book will require you to think. Yes, that's right, I wrote THINK. It doesn't mean that you will not understand this book. It's easy to understand. What you'll have to think about are ideals. Things like politics, societal norms erased, eternity, religion, the human condition. Wait, wait, wait...It's a great, fun read, and not lofty, so rest easy. Enjoy the book. Find others who have read it, and have fun tearing ideals apart. You'll be better for it, and be glad you read this book. I know I am.