Tomorrow, When the War Began

Tomorrow Series #1

By: John Marsden

Narrated by: Suzi Dougherty

Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

While Ellie and her friends are away in the bush, the world changes. Suddenly they are in the toughest situations humans can confront, facing life and death decisions. They are thrown into a world where they find courage, initiative, spirit, and wisdom, or they die.

The first of an enormously popular series that has been translated and published all over the world.

Don't miss the other titles in John Marsden's Tomorrow series.

©1995 Jomden Pty Ltd. (P)1999, 2001 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd, by arrangement with Jomden Pty Ltd.

Critic reviews

"A gripping tale, told with Marsden's customary incisiveness." (Publishers Weekly)
"Fast-paced and provocative, it's a natural for book talking." (School Library Journal)

Enjoyable

I have seen the movie and was happy to find an audiobook.

I enjoyed the narrator. Her voice was pleasant and easy to follow along with.

If you are a fan of Red Dawn, you will probably enjoy this one. I found it more believable than Red Dawn as these kids were more cautious about jumping into the fight.

Excellent

Loved it! Suzi Dougherty did a great narration. The Part when the teens all come back from camping in "He'll" to find the smells of disuse, IT down and everyone gone without a word felt so Real!

Interesting concept from a teenagers perspective

Where does Tomorrow, When the War Began rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I enjoyed the book, as an adult I found many points to debate but after accepting it was written from a teenagers point of view I settled back and enjoyed the plot.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tomorrow, When the War Began?

Many moments, the action is continuous the ingenuity of the individuals is slightly unbelievable but the story line is good

What about Suzi Dougherty’s performance did you like?

I was not used to a female narrator, it took a while to get used to her but after listening to the full series Suzi's performance is really good.

Narrator Doesn't Fit

The story is interesting, and one I might actually read. But the narrator's performance is just terrible. Her desire to sound younger AND give the characters different accents, makes the whole thing sound false.

Tomorrow, When I don't read the rest of the series

The narrator does a good job with a clear, concise performance.
However, the plot is flimsy. Australia is attacked during Common Day and they round up everyone I guess.... The logistics of that are astounding. Some unknown attackers who speak a language the main characters have never heard, except at a later part of the book where they speak English...
I'll move on to some other books.

Fun post-apocalyptic tale with good character building

Not sure how someone could describe this as “slow”- I didn’t want to stop listening! I’ve read so many teen novels in this genre, I was amazed I hadn’t heard of this series- and pleasantly surprised that it was worth a listen!
Well-paced storyline with thoughtful characters. Great balance of tense high-risk action and low-key character building while they forage for berries in the wilderness and whatnot.
I especially liked hearing about the Australian landscape/geography and culture of the region.
Recommended, and moving on to the sequel!

Great book...a must read for all ages

Would you consider the audio edition of Tomorrow, When the War Began to be better than the print version?

Yes

What did you like best about this story?

Description to detail about the land and the feelings of the people the author is writing about.

What about Suzi Dougherty’s performance did you like?

She does a very good job

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

There already is a film of this book

Any additional comments?

My suggestion is to see the movie first, and then listen to the book. It will help put a face to the characters in the book and the next six books after.

Good story well handled

I first read this series as a teenager, and now as an adult I found Tomorrow When the War Began just as compelling.

The narrator does a great job, I forget how fast Aussies talk! She handles the different voices well, but with subtlety. I can see how someone who is unfamiliar with the Australian accent might not hear the distinctions between characters. So if you thought Taggart from A Town Called Eureka sounded authentic you'll probably struggle with this recording.

Best written Australian Books Ever

Of all the books I,ve ever read or listened to this series of books makes the top ten easy, I have them all both in print and audio books. Getting it here is the cheapest and best way to buy them.

Invasion!!! Do you hide or fight back?

If you could sum up Tomorrow, When the War Began in three words, what would they be?

Exciting, chilling, motivating

What other book might you compare Tomorrow, When the War Began to and why?

Not sure that it can be compared with much else, its pretty original

What about Suzi Dougherty’s performance did you like?

Genuine Australian accent!! I only ever read books by narrators with Australian or British accents.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A film has been made and its actually very good - I was impressed.

Any additional comments?

I have read the book seen the movie and listened to the audiobook - I just love this story and my teenagers have enjoyed the whole series too!!