Terminal World

De: Alastair Reynolds

Narrado por: John Lee

Duración: 19 h y 45 m

Resumen del Editor

Spearpoint, the last human city, is an atmosphere-piercing spire of vast size. Clinging to its skin are the zones, a series of semi-autonomous city-states, each of which enjoys a different - and rigidly enforced - level of technology. Following an infiltration mission that went tragically wrong, Quillon has been living incognito, working as a pathologist in the district morgue.

But when a near-dead angel drops onto his dissecting table, Quillon's world is wrenched apart one more time. If Quillon is to save his life, he must leave his home and journey into the cold and hostile lands beyond Spearpoint's base, starting an exile that will take him further than he could ever imagine. But there is far more at stake than just Quillon's own survival, for the limiting technologies of the zones are determined not by governments or police but by the very nature of reality---and reality itself is showing worrying signs of instability.

©2010 Alastair Reynolds (P)2010 Tantor

Reseñas de la Crítica

"A rousing adventure in a widly original setting." ( Guardian, UK)

Reynolds' Foray Into Steam-punk Never Quite Works

Any additional comments?

Terminal World can best be described as Alastair Reynolds marginally successful attempt to tap into the popularity of steam-punk SF. Perhaps the sub-genre itself is to blame since, in order for steam-punk to work properly within the context of science fiction story, one must forego a reliance on hard scientific explanations. This is the essential flaw in Terminal World – a deep dive into what is essentially a shallow pool. Reynold’s effort to explain his multi-layered, deeply historical, steam-punk world just doesn’t work most of the time and for every explanation he seems to raise a dozen questions that go unanswered so that by the time the novel concluded I was left scratching my head, wondering if I should expect a sequel to answer all these questions despite the fact that this felt very much like a standalone novel. The complex, often confusing world is the setting for a very common tale – a mysterious stranger goes on a quest and happens across a girl who is more than what she seems and could be the key the future of Terminal World. The hero’s quest is quite straightforward and doesn’t stray too far from the standard fantasy plot from which it draws inspiration. Despite its flaws, Reynold’s still has a knack for developing interesting, unique characters and this novel is no exception. The action sequences are spot on and despite the burden of scientific exposition the novel actually moves along quite nicely. Of all Reynold’s work this is easily his weakest and I would only suggest it for serious fans of the author. John Noble’s narration takes some getting used to.

Great Narration, Good Story, Meh Ending

Alastair Reynolds puts together fun stories, and John Lee is one of my favorite narrators. My only complaint is the ending felt very unsatisfying.

the hits just keep on coming

another smash triple platinum ultra hit dropped by Alastair Reynolds and his boy John Lee on the mic. non stop bad assery and swarm!? come on man how cool was that bane crossing. throw away your other audiobooks and ready this!

Very good listen

This is my first Reynolds book I have read or listened to. Very good.

One of Reynolds' Best

I thoroughly enjoyed what is clearly the beginning of some fantastic world-building by Reynolds. I liked being kept guessing and found the characters convincing. Like The Lord of the Rings, the "good guys" are multifaceted and fallible and it takes trust and teamwork for there to be a reasonable hope. Can't wait for the sequel!

John Lee performs well, but sometimes his various accents came and went. That's a minor quibble, however, and I don't want it to discourage anyone from listening.

It couldn't be better than that

If you could sum up Terminal World in three words, what would they be?

A wonderful scenario for a an enthralling and credible sci-fi plot where the scientific background is sound and the characters awe beautifully carved up

What was one of the most memorable moments of Terminal World?

The final is breath-taking.

Have you listened to any of John Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I would dare to say that he is the best reader. His voice gives credibility and depth to all characters, the rhythm is compelling, the tone is perfect.

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

Angels may fly higher with no wings

Any additional comments?

A wonderful experience.

Very Cool World

Any additional comments?

Reynolds does a great job creating an interesting world. I hope he continues to write about it, but even if he does not I found the book quite satisfying and great imagination fuel.

You can tell the Author had alot of fun with this one, and it was a nice change of pace from the big scope hard sci-fi that he does normally.

If you're looking for good escapism/science fiction/fantasy I'd be pretty surprised if you were disappointed.

Strong beginning but never comes together

When the story first started, I was really enjoying it. But it kept adding on layers and new characters without resolving anything. It felt to me like a long story that ultimately went nowhere. Many reviewers have said this is not the author's best work, and I must concur.

This ain't your fathers Alastair Reynolds

I listened to this book several month ago and like it. It was different from what I am used to from Mr. Reynolds, but I thought the story was solid and the characters were interesting and well developed. However, after listening to several other books, including Pillars of the Earth and World Without End by Ken Follett (omg, if you have not read/listened the these books yet, do yourself a favor, NOW!), I find myself comparing everything the Terminal World. I went back & listened to it agin. This is a really good book! Maybe I am a latent steampunk fan and did not realize it, but WOW, I really love this book! I think you should try to erase any vestidual remnant of Chasm City and Revelation Space from your brain before reading this book, because there is NO relation. If you are expecting this, it may effect your perception of this book.
Also...
My concept of the word 'terminal' has always been in realtion to death and dying. But, it also means 'end point' as in bus/train terminal. Keep this in mind when listening. Because of my educational deficit in this regard, I had pre-concieved notions when listening to this book the first time and it effected my opinion (amazing how titles & book covers can impact your perceptions!).
---
As far as Narrator, 2 words... JOHN LEE. If he read the NYC phone book, I would listen to it...twice.

Fascinating World

I thought this was a great story set in a complex, well thought out world. You slowly get to know the characters and there are a few twists and turns along the way that keep you engaged.