A Fire in the Sun

Marid Audran Trilogy, Book 2

By: George Alec Effinger

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Marid Audran has become everything he once despised. Not so long ago, he was a hustler in the Budayeen, an Arabian ghetto in a Balkanized future Earth. Back then, as often as not, he didn't have the money to buy himself a drink. But he had his independence. Now Marid works for Friedlander Bey, "godfather" of the Budayeen, a man whose power stretches across a shattered, crumbling world.

During the day, Marid is a policemanand Bey's personal envoy to the police. His new position has brought him money and power which he would abandon in a moment if he could return to a life of neither owning nor being owned. Which, unfortunately, isn't one of his options.It's also not an issue. For something dark is afoot. Something that is sending the city into chaos.

Helping a child-mutilator to avoid arrest. Sending a killer to murder Marid's partner. Murdering prostitutes and savaging their remains. Signs point to the hand of Abu Adil - the one man in the city whose power rivals Friedlander Bey's. Whatever happens next, it's not going to be good news for Marid Audran.

©1989 George Alec Effinger (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

A Science Fiction Police Procedural

Marid Audran returns in very different circumstances. Not as appallingly odd and otherworldly as the first book, but I liked it quite a bit, and so did my wife.
There. This has been a review.

The series just keeps getting better.

What made the experience of listening to A Fire in the Sun the most enjoyable?

The world is so vibrant and well developed. You feel like such a place really exists.

What other book might you compare A Fire in the Sun to and why?

This is a unique cyberpunk book. The closest I would come would be William Gibson novels, but he is more Japanese influenced. Mr. Effinger was the only one to really explore the Arabic world. Remember this book is almost 10 years old. He was definitely ahead of his time.

Which character – as performed by Jonathan Davis – was your favorite?

Marid is clearly the best character. he is well developed with good points but tons of internal flaws as well.

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

i wanted too, but 12 hours is a long time...

Any additional comments?

Great series. I'd strongly advise getting all 3 books.

Good with minor audio dislikes

The story is rich and moderately paced. The one issue I had is listening to the narrator when he was voicing a kid. For me it was "fingers on a chalkboard" hard to listen.

A fine sequel to When Gravity Fails

Not quite as good a story as When Gravity Fails, but it builds the world and the characters very well.

GAE was the master of the cyber-punk genre!

The 2nd outstanding book in a timeless trilogy. Engaging and thrilling start to finish.