Footfall

By: Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle

Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews

Length: 24 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

They first appear as a series of dots on astronomical plates, heading from Saturn directly toward Earth. Since the ringed planet carries no life, scientists deduce the mysterious ship to be a visitor from another star. The world's frantic efforts to signal the aliens go unanswered. The first contact is hostile: the invaders blast a Soviet space station, seize the survivors, and then destroy every dam and installation on Earth with a hail of asteriods. Now the conquerors are descending on the American heartland, demanding servile surrender - or death for all humans.

©1986 Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Nobody does it better than Niven and Pournelle. I loved it!” (Tom Clancy)

"Rousing – the best of the genre.” ( The New York Times Book Review)

slow burn but worth it

it's a long story and it takes time for things to start falling into place. lots of characters and locations get developed throughout the story. towards the end things really get ramped up and you are extremely invested in the characters and the story.

Memorable aliens, fun story

The narrator did well with some pretty out there names. Some likeable characters and a lovely take on the aliens, with hints at interesting stories to pursue.

I love this book! It comes to life in audio!

I don't know if it was a new concept when the book was originally published, but it is certainly compelling. The plot development was fabulous and the characters you loved! at the end all I wanted was more of this world to find out what comes next! I know the answer but one can always hope.

Don’t complain, it was the 80s.

What I found most enjoyable about this book was the nostalgic and entertaining perspective of 1980s America. I found myself giggling at how silly the world view was then. This book could be a satire of it, although obviously not intended as one when written.

Just enjoy it for what it is.

One of the best books I've ever read.

The narrator did an absolutely amazing job. The voices of the aliens are just incredible work.

the best alien invasion novel ever written.

seriously. it's got humor. suspense. action. science. it's wonderful. absolutely worth your money. Niven novels are always decent but this one is my favorite by far.

Remains an Incredible Book

I originally read this in 1985. The production made it fuller, the time passed made it a bit out of date, but it was still well worth the listen.

Fun Alien Invasion Novel

I would have liked a bit more of what happens after the war is over but it’s a fun read. Took me a week of listening to get through it.

Narration limits enjoyment of the story

I'd have to agree with the other reviewers. The voice acting is over-the-top. Please don't make all the Russian voices sound like Pavel Chekov from the original Star Trek. I really wish narrators would just stop it with the ethnic voices. The alien voices are just terrible. I realize that narrator had his hands tied when it came to pronouncing the alien names, but simpering, lisping alien voices are distracting. Just read the damn story.

Solid classic scifi, but not the best

I read the story ages ago and with an upcoming road trip decided to re-read it via audio book. The story itself is quite unique, and while the science in it seems strong, the story felt a bit thin and jumpy. Not my favorite from these authors, but still good. The narration was excellent. If you are a Niven and Pournelle fan and can't find anything else that excites you, this would be a worthy listen. The story however isn't nearly as satisfying as Mote in God's Eye or Lucifer's Hammer.