The Mote in God's Eye

By: Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle

Narrated by: L J Ganser

Length: 20 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Writing separately, Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle are responsible for a number of science fiction classics, such as the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning Ringworld, Debt of Honor, and The Integral Trees. Together they have written the critically acclaimed best-sellers Inferno, Footfall, and The Legacy of Heorot, among others.

The Mote In God's Eye is their acknowledged masterpiece, an epic novel of mankind's first encounter with alien life that transcends the genre. No lesser an authority than Robert A. Heinlein called it "possibly the finest science fiction novel I have ever read".

©1991 Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• All-Time Best Science Fiction Novels (Locus Magazine)

Non Glamour sci-fi

An interesting read. A good change from modern sci-fi movies where man overcomes the odds through acts of selfless bravery; or where the monsters are clearly the villains.

The Mote demonstrates that thought, specifically the paradigm of a society, creates conflict - removing the need for the traditional (or maybe arch-typical?) villainous motives.

Eager to read the sequel.

Solid and believable Sci-Fi

Where does The Mote in God's Eye rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The book has not become an instant favorite. I sometimes like to be shipped to other worlds and roam around the universe. This book as achieved this very well. Although at the beginning one can get lost a little bit in the technicalities of Hawkin' Drive and Langston Field but these details enhance the believable aspect of this Sci-Fi story. I also enjoyed the fact that the crew on the ship is working as an actual ship crew.
Funny that Hollywood has not yet taken a liking to motion picture this tale.

Have you listened to any of L J Ganser’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

In the comments section one gathers that some listeners were not happy with Mr Ganser's performance, however I have nothing against it. I enjoyed listening to Mr Ganser and thought he did a very good performance, especially with the Scottish and Russian accents.

One of the best SF novels ever

I've read this book twice and listened to it once. Someday, I may listen to it again. That's how good it is.

This is one of the best imaginings of what it would be like to really meet aliens, with a keen insight into just how "alien" aliens can be. When I first read this book, I got hooked by its "authenticity", with carefully thought out details that give the encounter a sense of realism, consequence, and danger that is very rare. The "science" (OK -- pseudoscience) is a big part of the story, but only a part. It has a fast-paced plot, plenty of action, complex villains, and memorable if sometimes stilted characters.

The narration is good but I gave it four stars only because I have heard other narrators who really rate five stars. I can say of this narrator that he could make you forget him and hear only the story -- which is quite a feat in itself.

Super story!

Amazing work setting up an alien species with a work oriented body and mentality then mix it into earth people and our society. It stands the test of time- pocket computers, go figure.

Great first contact story

Great aliens, great performance, sometimetimes the human parts would be a bit cliche, but overall a great story that will give you a lot to think about.

still a great book

I love the book and liked the performance. I reccomend it to all. but on the gripping hand it is a little dated.

Fun listen

What did you love best about The Mote in God's Eye?

Intriguing space novel, Odd to have very little combat in space theme. This was fun.

Any additional comments?

Very different story concept, fun to think about. I like a book that challenges me to think.

A classic!

There are few audiovox I listen to more than once. This is one of them. Great story, terrific narration.

endogenous metabolism in a closed system

the novel is a great illustration of the biological concepts of closed system/loop population growth curves, specifically of endogenous metabolism. i read the book as a kid and loved it. kinda sexist now, and the technology is dated, but the core theme of the work holds up just like 20,000 leagues, making the story ageless. the narrator did a great job too! moving on to the next in the series. thanks! c

A classic

Some of the terminology gives away the age of the novel (70s), but still an imaginitive story, and a well-developed alien civilization and alien view point .