Titan

Gaean Trilogy, Book 1

By: John Varley

Narrated by: Allyson Johnson

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

John Varley's monumental trilogy - Titan, Wizard, and Demon - has achieved cult status, hailed as a modern triumph of the imagination by critics and fans.

It begins with humankind's exploration of a massive satellite orbiting Saturn. It culminates in a shocking discovery: the satellite is a giant alien being. Her name is Gaea. Her awesome interior is mind-boggling - because it is a mind. A mind that calls out to explorers...and transforms all who enter.

Download more titles in John Varley's Gaea series, including book 2, Wizard, and book 3, Demon.

©1979 John Varley (P)2008 Audible

Confusing alien contact

John Varley's Titan is the first installment in his Gaean trilogy. In humanity's first manned exploration of Saturn, a new satellite is discovered that is found to be artificial. The vessel is captured by the satellite and the crew appears to be reborn inside. What follows is an adventure as the crew slowly reassemble and explore this world inside the satellite. Along the way they, come into contact with intelligent life and ill-defined battle lines. At the same time, they learn that each of them has been subtly altered to adapt to life inside. Eventually, an encounter with the controlling entity reveals a bigger mystery and sets up the remainder of the story arc.

Varley has produced a commendable mashup of Clarke's Rendezvous with Rama, Farmer's Riverworld , and Niven's Ringworld into a unique tale of alien contact. At the same time, there is commentary on the adverse effects of humanity's uncontrolled radio and TV broadcasts that negatively impact alien opinions. While the tale tends to drag a bit at times, Varley does an excellent job of relating the sheer immensity of this satellite world, as well as the diversity offered by that size.

The narration is well done with reasonable character distinction. Pacing is acceptable.

A Space Trilogy That Should Be Read. NOW.

Imagine a hollow living ringworld in our solar system, complete with an ecology, mythical centaurs, arians, biological aircraft, riddled with lesser gods, and with living earth references throughout, and run by an almost immortal and insane queen? Now throw in earth explorers that enter this world in the midst of a planet-wide war, and become pawns in a much bigger plan that...

There, enough. I red this in its first printing. All three books. And they're awesome. VERY different. Extremely unique. And at the same time, epic storytelling.

Between the excellent character development, strong plot lines, deep descriptive writing without being weighty, and zero boredom, this is definitely worth your time to listen.

John Varley has a solid body of work, but I consider this this series to be his crowning achievement.

SCIENCE FICTION AT IT'S BEST, FROM A MASTER!

This story I read many years ago and loved it then so when I found it on Audible I was very excited. This is a classic from an old master, from the beginning days of Syfy we get the best of the travel to the stars and finding other races that are so original you would never in a million years expect what comes your way in this series! Gaia is a real person, she's not JUST A GODDESS! I found myself holding my breath as the story I read many years ago came to life again with this narrator. If you have ever dreamed of going to the stars....this series is for you. If you have not...this story is still for you! Everyone will relate to the beginning of a new journey...a fantastic journey!

Wonderful Fun!

Of course the story is a fabulous classic of Sci Fi adventure, but Allyson Johnson makes it so much fun! She is easy to listen to and her creative ideas of how to make you hear each character is truly wonderful!! You will really enjoy listening to this set of Varley classics as Ms Johnson's voice enhances the humor and adventure of the stories now put to voice so beautifully. Thank you Ms Johnson!!

Fantasy Ringworld Robinson Crusoe

The cover says the greatest epic of our time. The story really is just a hodgepodge of Ringworld, Rainbow Mars, greek mythology, and Xena. The book was OK since I only paid $4.95 for it. I am glad that I didn't use a full credit. I also grew tired of the lesbianism and anti-male sentiments written into the story.

A little dated - at least the first book in the series

A very long quest in which little happens and a resolution where all is explained breathlessly in a couple of pages. Interesting plot but this really needed a better structure. Can’t say I enjoyed it very much.

Yawn....

I gave up after almost two hours. What I read was very similar to C. S. Lewis' "Out of the Silent Planet" (1965). Lewis can be forgiven for writing a slow Sci-Fi book almost 50 years ago. Varley tries to compensate by throwing in some sex scenes, but it wasn't enough to keep me listening. Fortunately, the book only cost me $4.95, so I can't complain....

OK

Interesting but kind of adolescent.

bad

if this author ever had an original idea they don't put it in this book. sex does not make it.

not good

struggled thru the first hour...just couldn't do it. not good. do not recommend ever. maybe I couldn't relate because it was too dated.