the setup…
Ninety years ago, a fog rolled in around the world, killing everything in its path. One scientist reached out, inviting people to join her on an island in the Greek isles where she offered protection and life. Now three scientists, led by Niema Mandripilias, are heading a community of a 122 villagers living peacefully, the last humanity on earth. That is until one of those scientists is murdered, tilting everything off of its axis and disrupting life for all.
the heart of the story…
You get the sense from the onset that there’s something unusual here, beyond the dystopian circumstances. For one, there’s a guiding voice inside everyone’s mind, referred to as Abi, providing answers and direction. When one of the “elders” (what they call the scientists) is murdered, a woman named Emory is assigned the responsibility of investigating and fleshing out the killer. She’s well known for her curiosity and restlessness, a perfect choice to solve the crime. I really liked Emory and her way of sifting through clues and determining truths. This was a fascinating world and existence and it’s mostly through her narrative that secrets of the island are slowly revealed.
the narration…
The story is told mostly from the narratives of two women and the voice of Abi, who is also female. I’m not sure why a male narrator was selected, especially since Abi’s is in first person. It was a fail for me as it was not only confusing but disruptive, with little in voice distinctions. (Note: a different narrator was used for the international editions and she’s wonderful.)
the bottom line…
This is a fascinating story and world created here. Unfortunately, the audio narration just kept throwing me out of the flow and storytelling as I struggled to determine who was talking and being confused by the gender choice. I struggled to finish but the essence of its complexity didn’t escape me. In a search to create the ideal society, the elders couldn’t escape the human condition. There are some extraordinary twists, too, and strong relevant themes. I just wish I’d read the book instead of listening to the story.
Book Info
- Release Date: May 21, 2024
- Narrator: James Cameron Stewart
- Audio Length: 11 hours, 21 minutes
- Publisher: Tantor Audio
Listen to a Sample!
Goodreads | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm
(Thanks to Tantor Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
Wonderful review Jo, but so annoying about that narrator!
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Thank you, Nicki💜 I just discovered the alternate audiobook and would have paid money to get that one. She’s awesome from the sample.
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Oh, no. I saw your rating on GR yesterday and wondered what had happened. I suppose I’m glad it’s not the book but the narration. But it’s a shame you weren’t able to enjoy this more. It’s definitely one of my books of the year.
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Eva, I literally felt like I was fighting the narrator to hear the story. When I heard the international version, I wanted to cry because she was that good. Five stars for the story, 2 stars for the experience. You did not steer me wrong. I might just reread this at some point.
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This is so sad. They really shouldn’t make narrator errors like this. I hope you do re-read at some point and have a better experience.
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I did read the book and enjoyed it. We can never escape being human. Excellent review, and I am sorry the listening experience fell short.
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 Rarely does an audio experience fail me so terribly. I know this was a good story.
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It’s my least my fave by the author but it was an original story for sure! Great review, too bad about the audio!
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Thank you, Ani💜 I love the genre and the world building was excellent. But trying to listen to the story was painful.
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I can see why the narration through you off as it would me too. Glad to hear the international version’s narration was better. Great review Jonetta.
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Thank you, Jodie💜 I listened to the Canada version on Kobo and it was night and day in comparison.
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Great review Jo, such a shame about the narration letting this down.
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Thank you, Sarah💜
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I’m sorry the audio failed for you. That’s unusual. But I do find there are some instances where I need to read in a different format for various reasons.
Anne
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It is unusual for the audio to be a fail, especially given how many I listen to each year.
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That is frustrating, Jo. Too bad there was an alternate version that you found too late. I recently stopped listening to an audiobook and switched to reading because the audio didn’t work for me.
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I actually looked to see if I could get the ebook but the library queue was crazy. Rarely have I had an audio version be so disruptive to my listening experience.
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Noted Jo. I am in need of a dystopian book for a challenge and I enjoy Turton, so I will borrow the book from the library. Sorry the audio version was a let down.💕📚
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Thanks, Sandy💜 I think you’ll enjoy the book if you read it or get the Canadian edition. Wish I had.
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Fab review! That’s so weird using a male narrator for Abi… Such a shame the audio didn’t do this story justice. I’m currently buddyreading this with Nicki and it’s excellent so far. xx
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Thanks, Yvo💜 You know how even when you’re detesting an audio performance you can “feel” the great bones of the story? That’s how it was for me, which made it even more frustrating. This was bad and one day I’ll reread it or get my hands on that alternate audiobook.
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That’s definitely the worst that could happen! This story has so many layers that a reread won’t be boring at all… I can already see myself rereading it to try and spot all the little hints I missed the first time around. I can imagine the audio being tricky as well with so many different characters to keep apart. Using a male narrator for Abi is just plain stupid though.
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Right?!? And he sounded like an old man.
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Even worse…
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