As We Know It

De: Raimo Strangis

Narrado por: Amanda Roethle

The Opus Starship has launched into space holding humanities finest onboard. Earth has been deemed inhabitable and the search for a new home planet has begun. Lady Vega and the Elite have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo while Peryl (Pearl) Starlight and the Unmarked fight for change. Will humanity fall into the same patterns of self-destruction or create a new way of life, as we know it.

©2025 Raimo Strangis (P)2025 Raimo Strangis

A good, short sci-fi

I usually listen to longer books (20 hr avg) so the shorter form threw me off a little. The story was good, in fact I wish it was a little longer so I could have seen a little more of the world building and character development. That said, the story was fun and well written, and given a good message. If you’re looking for a quick, single book sci-fi pick, this is a good choice.

Good, but not great.

You cannot miss the themes and intention of this book unless you actively try. It kind of gives off a YA quality in that regard, but the protagonist is actually 21, though he feels more like 17. It was a good story, solid and entertaining, it did it's job. Wasn't particularly great, but definitely solid.

YA sci fi

The story and themes of the book were written well, I just don’t think I was the targeted audience. It’s more of a YA book but I think it’s still a fun listen and the world it builds is interesting.
The flashbacks were done really well. I just wish the “elites” were named something different, it seemed childish every time they were talked about (but again maybe that was the intention).
But overall would recommend if you’re interested in YA sci-fi

Softer sci-fi hits hard with human condition topic

This slow burn of a story reaches epic temperatures in its emotional strife and turmoil. Not all space-based sci-fi needs laser beams and out-of-control AI robots to create drama and tension. Sometimes it's enough to have a handful of humans with the motivation of greed and power to put the future of the entire race at stake. Amanda Roethle brings a variety of characters spanning ages and genders to life with poignant narration and voices. I especially liked the rendition of grampa. The dialogue is clearly key in the storytelling, but we also get generous helpings of environmental and minute details sprinkled throughout. [Disclosure: I received this title for free and listened at 1.85x.]

Solid sci-fi foundation, fits the genre well.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. It definitely falls right into that sci-fi genre I enjoy—humanity escaping a destroyed Earth and fighting for survival. If you like the dystopian and revolutionary vibes of books like The Hunger Games or The Maze Runner, you'll likely enjoy the setup here. It has a similar feel with the struggle against corrupt elites.
That said, I have to be honest that both the story and the narration could use some polish work. It definitely leaves something to be desired in terms of execution and production quality.
However, it kept my attention all the way through, which is more than I can say for some other sci-fi titles I've tried in the past. If you're a fan of the genre and looking for that specific type of story, it’s a solid listen.

Good story

Good story with an engaging narration. Thought provoking ending is reminiscent of some sci fi classics.