Redemption Ark

By: Alastair Reynolds

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 27 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Late in the 26th century, the human race has advanced enough to accidentally trigger the Inhibitors---alien-killing machines designed to detect intelligent life and destroy it. The only hope for humanity lies in the recovery of a secret cache of doomsday weapons---and a renegade named Clavain who is determined to find them. But other factions want the weapons for their own purposes---and the weapons themselves have another agenda altogether.

©2008 Alastair Reynolds (P)2009 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Reynolds confirms his place among the leaders of the hard-science space-opera renaissance." ( Publishers Weekly Starred Review)
"The best of the new breed of space opera. Wild action on a grand scale spans well-imagined and developed worlds." ( The Denver Post)

Fine, but not as good as the previous books

Thrilling and entertaining, with some interesting characters and places, this book is still not the equal of the prior books of the series.

Mind Bending

Nothing like hard scifi written by a career physicist. Read Revelation Space first!!! The technological concepts, particularly as it relates to the nature and future of intelligence, are unparalleled.

Great Listen!

I thought this book was pretty awesome... I especially liked the way the writer invents the technology of the time, and even describes how it works! I mean, you know it's SF way beyond our capabilities, but the way it's introduced into the story makes the reader believe that it's completely feasible for the era and not just a mind prop.

Little disappointed in the writing.

The dialog was very stilted and unnatural. Writing on pervious books was much better. Narration was excellent.

Best answer in fiction to the Fermi Paradox

This is the third book in the series but stands well above the other two in its thought provoking exploration of the Fermi Paradox began in the first book.

A satisfying sequel

This book is even better than Revelation Space and I would rank it above Absolution Gap, the third book in the trilogy. Very satisfying in its depth of characters and builds clear bridges between Book 1 and Book 3. I found myself actually caring about some of the characters, which is unusual for me when I listen to a narration rather than reading these books. As always, the reader’s performance is exceptional. .

Back on track with the main story

Better than Chasm City, we go back to the main story of Humanity's encounter with the Inhibitors.
John Lee narrates nicely as always.

fantastic continuation of this epic storyline

John Lee as narrator again performs wonderfully. the story flows along so wonderfully and kept my attention throughout. I usually only listen to stories in my car, but I had to listen to this at work and at home because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen. I can't wait for the next book in the series and plan to start on it tomorrow!

Smokin' on the Star Ship

Would you listen to Redemption Ark again? Why?

Continuing the saga started in previous books. Everything ties together.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Redemption Ark?

Still like space operas. Book didn't disappoint

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Very heavily accented.

Any additional comments?

Should have main characters smoking!

Beware Skade!

Would you consider the audio edition of Redemption Ark to be better than the print version?

Yes. This is a long book, and is essentially the middle book of a lengthy trilogy. John Lee and Audible have done a fantastic job in delivering this modern, classic space opera. This is not a book to be rushed through, or one when completed will have a life changing meaning. It is a book to be enjoyed and savored. I think you will enjoy the characters and become comfortable with spending time with them in this long narrative.

What other book might you compare Redemption Ark to and why?

Probably Revelation Space, but I thought this was a stronger story. The universe becomes more fleshed out and we begin to understand the interaction of the different races and motives of those races.

Which character – as performed by John Lee – was your favorite?

Neville. I thought he did a great job here. But make no mistake there are strong male and female characters in this book, and they are not done stereotypically. Each character has some flaws, as well as strengths. I think this is what makes Reynolds such a good author. No doubt he can talk science and astro-physics in particular, but he can also characterize individuals in a believable manner. As always John Lee is just great, he is becoming one of my favorite narrators. Well done sir.

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

No, but I found myself listening to the story often, which is a testament to how well it captured my imagination.

Any additional comments?

Reynolds is at the top of my list of modern space opera. I put him ahead of Hamilton and on par with Simmons. If you enjoy those authors I thin you will love this series, but you have to hang in there a little bit. Reynolds rich descriptions may turn some people off, because he may seem like he is not getting to the point. But he is drawing you into a fully developed universe adn if you suspend your disbelief you will be intrigued and entertained fully.