Jupiter

By: Ben Bova

Narrated by: Christian Noble, David Warner

Length: 12 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Grant Archer merely wanted to study astrophysics, to work quietly as an astronomer on the far side of the Moon. But the forces of the "New Morality", the coalition of censorious do-gooders who run 21st-century America, have other plans for him. To his distress, Grant is torn from his young bride and sent to a research station in orbit around Jupiter, charged with the task of spying on the scientists who work there. What they don't know is that his loyalty to science may be greater than his loyalty to "The New Morality". But that loyalty will be tested in a mission as dangerous as any ever undertaken.

©2001 Ben Bova (P)2005 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC

Critic reviews

"Solid action and wonder with credible alien life forms and inspired technology....Jupiter is a new favorite destination for sci-fi exploration, and Bova's take on the planet is unique and enticing." (Publishers Weekly)
"Noble and Warren's pace helps create a roller coaster of suspense and clear distinction amongst varying dialects....Easy-to-follow and entertaining deliveries." (AudioFile)

horrible intro

I felt like I was listening to a bad radio show. tell this guy to shut up! Horrible intro from a "friend" who's musings could be considered racist by some.

The best of Bova

I loved this audio. Having heard all of the Voyager series I quickly became a Ben Bova fan. This audio is even better than Voyagers in my opinion. It was truly riveting in storyline, charaterizationa and suspense that glued me to my ipod until the end. I hope Grant Archer will be repeated in a sequel to this.

The Grand Tour and more

The Ben Bova's Grand Tour is real fun and approaches hard science fiction at times but remains a set of GREAT adventure stories first and foremost. Jupiter is an interesting view of the society that is in the books. This time it is from the view of a "believer" not the semi-atheists the other books tend to focus on. A real fun romp below the atmospheric oceans and a great "first contact" story.

Sci-fi or Prophesy?

Knowledge more powerful than ignorance...a novel of exploration and discovery. Author writes about human expansion in the 21st century -- to the solar system. Pivotal character pulled between science and religion, which makes a thought-provoking read. Is this Sci-fi or prophesy? Where is the next book?

science or religion?

I like how the author creates a religion to debate with, which is much like many religions. He also has several characters deciding all along the spectrum, leaving the debate mostly open, rather than beating us over the head with his one opinion. The main character struggles and has a decision, but his friends follow other paths, and they remain friends.

Great SiFi

I have been a reader of science fiction for many years but only recently began listening to audio books. Jupiter was my first audio SiFi and I couldn't be happier with the whole experience. Bova's story is a classic SiFi with a riviting story line, good science, interesting characters, and an underlying politic theme. The great story is made even better with the wonderful oral presentation. I began listening to the story in car while traveling to work and appointments. The story was so captivating, I was soon wearing the ear buds from the car into the office and home. Then it was any lame excuse I could make...in the bathroom at times. I have just downloaded Titan and hope for more of the same. There were a few technical details I thought overlooked by Bova, like the characters could talk while submerged in a PFC liquid. The fluid would have slowed the vocal cords too much to allow speech. Also, the characters are "connected" to the ship with fiber optic lines attached to their legs. This system of connectivity would be very cumbersome and in fact was in the story. Yet the PDA-type devices apparently connected to the ship by some other wireless system not explained in detail. Obviously, a wireless system would be far more likely in this situation. But despite such little details, Bova does a wonderful job imagining the possibilities of the Jovian atmosphere and all that lies within.

Excellent Sci-Fi

I was not particularly fond of Bova's earlier short works, I think I got interested in his (paper) books about the time the Rock Rat series came out, but I took a chance on Jupiter (audio) due to the reviews, and got HOOKED. I found myself in the truck going places I didn't really need to go just to listen to it, and then found myself walking around with my MP3 player in my pocket.

It Lead me on to "Titan", (I JUST finished it) which is also an excellent book, and I am hoping Bova will continue the series.

I was going to "back up a bit" and get "Saturn", but the reviews don't look too good for it, So I may back up further and get the first three Rock Rat Books in Audio.. I've become an audio junkie ;)

Not as good as they say

I have about 2 hours left of the book and I have to say that for a 12+ hour audiobook I didn't really find it interesting until maybe 2 hours ago, maximum. It dragged on for a bit and felt pretty boring at times. To the point that I had it running and would zone out and not feel the need to rewind to hear what I'd missed. I love the concept of going to explore Jupiter and the prospect of intelligent sentient beings living there. But it took forever to get to that point. I don't even understand the point of the talking gorilla. It was like a dumb add in. The dolphins I got and it reminded me of a TV series that had a talking dolphin in it that I loved. Although this dolphin does not speak, really and it was a brief moment in the book. And, I'll have to agree with someone else's review where they referenced the "new morality". They're just annoying at this point and I find it insane that people know about it but just keep allowing these creeps to fudge infiltrate positions of power throughout the world. It literally reminds me of the here and now. There's a full on senile person running the show, merely because the filth and greedy people behind the scenes are using him as a puppet. YET, people keep on acting like it's business as usual because they rather be used up and left in the trash with nothing in the way of their God given rights rather than have a prosperous Nation because someone else tells it how it is and hurt their feelings. Well, we may as well call what we have going on right now the "New Morality". If it walks like a duck.... A very senile duck mind you.

Exploration

Loved how the Leviathan chapters were read as if it was a nature show with the narration.

Great Stuff!

I really enjoyed this book, great SF, i.e. the science is credible, but eerily futuristic and captivating, really makes you wonder... The story line is great, Bova is just a great story teller; the story is an adventure with lots of action etc, but it is also about the inner life, struggles and journey of discovery of its main character. Finally, the character development is excellent, you really get to feel some of the struggles and emotions of the characters.

A great read that I would highly reccomend!