Free Fall

By: Peter Cawdron

Narrated by: Jeff Hays

Length: 1 hr and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Jackson is an astronaut testing a prototype interstellar craft in deep space. When he returns home, there's no one to greet him. Earth has fallen silent. Now he must decide: stay in orbit, watching a dead planet roll slowly by beneath his windows, or land on Earth and fight for life.

©2015 Peter Ronald Cawdron (P)2016 Peter Ronald Cawdron

Brilliant Start to an Exceptional Series

Where does Free Fall rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I am a huge fan of Peter Cawdron, and although this was only a short audiobook, it would easily be in the top 5. This was designed as a short story to introduce the world of 'Z is for Zombie's' for those that don't know it, or give a bit of back story for those that do. And as always, Peter Cawdron has not failed to deliver, giving us a brilliant and exceptional story, with a great lead character, and some really interesting and inventive side characters. There are also the Z....

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is a great short story, introducing readers to Hazel and the Z is for Zombies universe for those that haven't heard of it, and for those that have, giving us some really great back story. Although Hazel is an obvious choice as a favourite character, I will have to run with Jackson for this story, for plain bravery, courage, and stupidity :-)
He is truly courageous as you will hear, but you have to wonder about how bright he is to.
However, his story is brilliantly written by Cawdron, and its a fast past, fascinating thrill ride as usual that makes you wonder what is going to happen at the end. Cawdron is such an exceptional writer that the only really disappointing thing about this story is the length, as you are always wanting more.
Cawdron never disappoints with his characters, and the characters in this story are no exception, the living and the undead.

Which character – as performed by Jeff Hays – was your favorite?

Jackson is a great character in this story, from Astronaut in space, ready to come in, confused at the start with what is happening, to... Well, you will just have to listen and fine out, but needless to say, Jeff Hays does a really brilliant job of bringing him to life throughout the various stages of his tale. Im not sure if its Jeff Hays doing the voice of 'Hazel' later in the story, she only has a minor part, and the voice is way to female sounding. Overall, Hays adds a great deal to the suspense that Cawdron generates with his words, whilst eliciting other emotions as well, such as humour, compassion, and just plain fear.
Hays really gets into this role, and you almost believe that he is going through this experience in some parts of it he sounds so strained. Its well read.

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

This is a shorter story - a lead in to his 'Z' Series and an introduction to Hazel, so its easy to listen to all in one go, and its worth it. The suspense builds with the story, and if you were to break it into sections, your would lose the momentum and the thrill that Peter builds with the story, and that Jeff Hays adds in his telling.

Any additional comments?

I would highly recommend this audiobook - as with the rest of the series, 'What we left Behind' and 'All Our Tomorrows; All these books are clever stories, written with one of the most prolific genres at the moment, however, Peter Cawdron does something the other don't, instead of using lots of blood and gore, he uses clever characters, skilled writing, some gruesome bits, but mainly just exceptional talent to relay a thrilling story rather than cheap theatrics.
And Free Fall is no exception - spend the credit or the small amount of money to get this title and the others - they are worth every cent!!

A creepy space man story

Free Fall is a short story but has all the creep factors a novel has! An astronaut is coming home but isn't about to contact anyone at all. He opens all channels and gets a little girl and what she says chills him to the bone. From there, he does something very unusual. Great story.
I love this narrator anyway and he does an extra special job here!

Short, fun, and well read

I've listened to a lot of audio books on Audible, but this was the first novel / novella I've listened to. At first, the narration sounded strange to me, because it wasn't too usual guide kind of book I was used to listening to, but I quickly got adjusted and was totally sucked in to the world Peter Cawdron had created. It's definitely worth the $6. I know this is kind of like a prequel to another book, but I hope he also has a chance to continue this story line.

Loved it!

I read and loved this short story in "The Z Chronicles" (terrific anthology, get it if you like zombies), so I jumped at the chance to listen to the audiobook. I love how he narration brought the story to life. This story was a fascinating concept that I had never considered. I hope the author continues the story, I would love to see find out what happens next!

short but we'll written

an easy listen. well written, I like all.of Peter Cawdrons books. good narration worth a listen

The space through which we travel...

I first read this excellent book some months ago in Kindle format and was very excited when I learned that it was now available as an audio book. My thanks to the author, Peter Cawdron, for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

The story is short but the impact, like his protagonist's earth landing, is huge. In the most human and compelling way, Peter Cawdron charts his astronaut's joy of Homecoming then the realisation that something is terribly wrong. No answer from Houston, no stations on the radio - then a single voice, crying for help. All is read by the narrator, Jeff Hays, with a subtle energy which perfectly reflects the text.
This is not so much a zombie story as one of inner strength, of hope against all odds and, above all, of humanity when everything is ripped apart. Some scenes are inevitably unpleasant but it is the beauty of both the prose and it's imagery which really resonate The book will stay with the listener/reader long after the last page is turned.

Highly recommended

Just a Short Story but Still Good

Where does Free Fall rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's one of the better stories. Four stars only because it was so short.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Free Fall?

The landing

Which character – as performed by Jeff Hays – was your favorite?

The astronaut. My favorite line was "who put a red-neck in space?!"

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes his encounter with a child zombie

Any additional comments?

I read this on Kindle about a year ago, I think. I really wish he'd expand this story to a full sized book. Also based on its short length it wouldn't hurt to offer it as free or less than a dollar.

Truly great!

I love every story that Peter Cawdron writes. He's a very big inspiration. This novella/prequel story snags you from the first minute and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The overall writing is stellar and engaging and the performance by Jeff Hays was just perfect. Everyone should read and take a listen of this stunning novella. Just great!

Really short and really good!

This story begins inncoent as an astronaut on a solo mission is orbiting the Earth. He attempts to make contact and gets no response. He ffollows all the correct protocal, following every rule and precaution until he finally makes contact with a child. No adult, no Houston but a young girl.This gets his blood boiling and he drops the rules and protocal with no other thought than getting to the girl.

For a short story the plot and characterization are well developed. There wasn't much to solve as I'd figured out te ending yet I couldn't stop listening. The authors words kep me on the edge of my seat and I cringed several times. I even listened a second time to this story with a couple days.

ts one of those stories that made my mind think what if... the possibilities are endless. Great story!

Astronauts, Zombies and Bravery oh my!

For a Zombie book, this was a good one. I actually have not read any others. This was originally published with the Z Chronicles as a zombie themed anthology. While it had many authors I like, I didn't get the book because I love sci-fi, dystopian, and many others, I do not necessarily like zombies. However the chance to get this book as an audio, from one of my favorite authors, I could not pass up. I am glad I didn't. The astronaut stuck in a space shuttle all alone gives me the chills, then when he starts orbiting the earth and not seeing the lights of cities, I was scared with him! From this point on it is a tale of bravery and courage. Both the hero and the seven year old heroine, have to overcome fears to rescue each other. Absolutely a do not miss book!

I was given a free copy in exchange for a fair review. If I hadn't received a copy, I would have purchased it anyway.