Their Greatest Game

Chronicles of Theren, Book 2

By: C. D. Tavenor

Narrated by: Benjamin Fife

Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's Summary

Witness Their Greatest Game.

Theren, the first synthetic intelligence, has risen to power as the Director of the International Space Agency. They have everything they need to push humanity toward final acceptance of its synthetic counterparts. Thousands of SIs live on Earth, the Moon, and throughout the solar system. 

Yet opposition remains to Theren's plans. Powerful foes rise, ready to strike back. 

Jill, the second SI, forges her own path into the future. Only together will Theren and Jill succeed, but both synthetics have targets painted squarely on their heads....

Do you enjoy science fiction with robots, androids, virtual worlds, and corporate conspiracies?

Their Greatest Game is the sequel to First of Their Kind. Together, they form volume one of the Chronicles of Theren, a centuries-spanning science fiction series that will force lsiteners to question what it truly means to be...a person. 

It will invoke the character-driven feel of a tale like Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick, but through a narrative that slowly unfolds upon a scale closer to that of Dune or The Expanse. But at the heart of First of Their Kind, you will experience the hopes and dreams of the first SIs. The story is through their eyes.

©2019 C. D. Tavenor (P)2020 Two Doctors Media Collaborative

A Solid Second Act!

As a part of a series, this is a solid second entry and a good, solid expansion of the world. With interesting plot twists in the first three quarters and an engaging interpersonal conflict between AI, it was a lot of fun. My greatest struggle was with the final quarter of the book, which felt a little muddled. The end of the book does expand on Theren's sense of diffuse compassion and engagement with many individuals on many levels, but a few of the scenes intended to be deeply emotional fell a touch flat. On the other hand, the sheer resolve of Theren's view on the future redeems the story, and the ending left me feeling uplifted, resolved, and ready for whatever came next as a reader. When a writer can do that for me, I'll always be grateful. It's definitely a book you'll enjoy.

Artificial Intelligence With A Very Human Heart

I really enjoy the narration of Benjamin Fife. The voice of Theren is one that has stayed with me since I first heard it in First of Their Kind. It strikes me as perfectly chosen for an artificial individual that prefers pronouns of they and them, while simultaneously also embodying both logical and empathetic characteristics primary to the main character Theren. I also hold high regard for narrators that offer numerous distinguishing voices for the many different characters within a story, especially female characters, which is done very well in this narration.

I enjoyed the story as it unfolded. Many of the philosophical and political considerations in book 1, are again present in book 2 in an evolved form to represent how issues and thoughts change as societies grow. I will admit I sensed how the over arching story would play out early on, but remained content to see the story through as the situations and characters are very interesting to follow. Overall, this is a great second book to the series with solid narration. I look forward to listening to new additions as they come out!

A thoroughly human tale; Outstanding

Their Greatest Game is the first sequel to First of Their Kind, a fascinating science fiction story that centers around Theren, the first in an ever-growing population of synthetic intelligence (SI) beings. To start, I’ll say that Tavenor continues his strong storytelling ability with this sequel, which also focuses on complex relationships, both interpersonal and societal. Theron bears the burdens of leadership in a truly magnanimous way, while still always analyzing his own actions, motives, and plans. In many ways, he is the leader that humanity needs, both in the world of synthetic intelligences, and in the real world outside our windows.

While First of Their Kind included some subtle, and some not subtle, ideas about the divisive nature of politics and humanity, Their Greatest Game mostly moves beyond those allusions, instead focusing on the science of the not-so-distant future. While there are a few moments of action, the story leans heavily on philosophical questions about the nature of death, sacrifice, the greater good, morality, and responsibility.

What I found most interesting was Tavenor’s ability to translate these topics into an intriguing sort of mystery that Theren must solve. Though he is a SI, he is indescribably human in nature, and strives towards what he believes to be in the best interest of humanity. Like in the first installment, the game of chess is an important theme, and in many ways it holds the clues that Theren and the reader needs to unlock the truth.

Their Greatest Game is a truly thought-provoking story of a synthetic intelligence that is quite possible more human than the rest of us. It is an outstanding story.

Fabulous

What a story. Artificial intelligence is definitely here to stay. Enough action to make you wish to continue listening and then another time. The narrator was easy to listen to.

The great chess game

Synthetic Intelligence is now more common, but not necessarily accepted. There are challenges as Theren continues to work towards his goal.

This is the second book in a fantastic series by C. D. Tavenor. It’ll really get you thinking about ones humanity.

Benjamin Fife has delivered another great performance.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

A good and quiet unique read on the Future of SI

I asked for and definitely enjoyed this second part of the Chronicles of Theren. I got this audio book free of charge promising I would write a candid review.
If you ever wondered how far would synthetic intelligence go in its relationship with humanity, both on the obvious good side as well as on its more dark side, if tying imagined how would relationships between synthetic intelligence beings could evolve, or if you are simply looking for a good and unique sci-fi book, just read this one!
Narration was good and you even got a nice piece on human ascension to new spheres at the end!

Check And Mate

I first went back and listened to the first book in this series. As good as the first one was, this one is much better. Lots of interesting things to keep you guessing and fully engaged in the story.
The narrator did an excellent job. Good pacing and emotion when needed.
I can easily recommend this series. A solid and engaging listen.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

The first book was exciting this book not so much

This story although rich with details failed to create the excitement that was expected after such an excellent first book.
It is a bit slow and becomes so convoluted that it is hard to keep up with the plot. The narration does carry the story and make it an interesting listen.

What an adventure.

All six of these Audiobooks by Mr C.D. are well worth listening to. Whose to say that these "machines", in a future far from now, won't have an awareness that might, just might, be more "human " than us humans have. One 'ell of a great performance by Mr Benjamin also.

A great #2 in the series!

I loved this book! It had me on the edge of my seat. And such a great ending! I can't wait for more books!

Far-reaching implications of chess strategy

‘Their Greatest Game’ is a superb sequel to ‘First of Their Kind’. It continues to be thought-provoking from technological, social, moral and political perspectives and contains some action and a lot of intrigue. It’s interesting how the characters of SIs prove just as complex as humans. And a particular chess strategy has extremely far-reaching implications. Whilst I have the e-book, I really did enjoy listening to the Audible book narrated by Benjamin Fife. I am curious to find out what will happen to Theren and Jill in the next instalment of the ‘Chronicles of Theren’.

Great continuation of the series

So their greatest game literally picks up from where the first novel finished and carries on in the same thread as the excellent First of their kind. The story is once again a multi threaded affair with adventure thrown in. Those who loved the first book will know doubt love this one as well and I highly recommend the series for those readers/listeners who love their SciFi to be a little thought provoking.

And as per the previous Audiobook, the narrator Benjamin Fife does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life for the listeners.

A building mystery

I received a review copy of this book. It is well written and narrated, providing insight into how an AI race might develop alongside humanity. There are no true conclusions in this book, as the mysteries that are introduced only deepen as you progress towards the end. I am very much looking forward to seeing where the next book takes the story.