A brilliant story and even better in audio

I read these books aome years ago and thoroughly enjoyed them so much that I wrote to the author, and we met one day in Oxford. Andrea's is a really nice chap filled with enthusiasm and wonder. so much so that he even named a character for me!

The Exodus books reflect both the hopes and depths of human nature combined with a plethora of plausible technology culminating into a fantastic companion on the long journeys where audio books are such a comfort.

in my view, Andrea has surpassed his peers and wholeheartedly recommended buying this recording. I guarantee you won't regret it.

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excellent story

loved it, great story with lots of twists and yet retaining plausibility with fact based content.

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A bit silly but entertaining

I always find these 'Humans didn't evolve on this planet' kind of books irritating given their stupidity from a science perspective and it's not exactly an original idea. But as post apocalyptic fiction it's not bad and worth the money if you get the trilogy. The author should probably read a basic biology text book though.

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Not enough detail in the story line

I like the idea of the story, the three books telling 3 chapters of the new evolution of mankind, and a bit of history too. unfortunately though I am not a fan of the way it has been chronicled. It would appear the author has written his notes and worked out the order in which he wants to Tell the story, but then either forgotten to, or just ran out if time to add the fill ins in between his notes, thus it reads like a series of lists with little dialogue attached to the many descriptions of what has just happened, but no journey through the events as they happen. As a result there was not one character I felt an affinity to, or cared about whether they lived or died. Also Ideas were hinted at, and possibilities mentioned, but then were never heard of again. I continued to listen till the end, purely because the excellent narrator turned what could have been a "return" audio book into a not bad book. Unfortunately I don't think I will be recommending this one though.

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1 person found this helpful

A fine story with a pleasant reader!

I really enjoyed this audiobook. The story was interesting and enthralling, I found myself sitting the car park listen to just a couple of more minutes several times. At 3 books in one it is also excellent value and the reader had a voice that was comfortable to listen to on the long drives to and from work.

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A great Sci Fi

Three books in one, bargain! So here are my thoughts, never really in any order, especially as this was 14 hours plus, but here goes.

Spoilers.. of course.....

Book 1

Exodus.

Always takes me a little time to get used to the way a writer switches between POV characters, and to work out who and what they're fighting for in my head. With this trilogy, I won't lie there's a big cast and a lot happening. What struck me the most through this book was that even though it did take me a while, it was still so very easy to follow with Jeffery's easy sounding voice and character distinctions. That I was very grateful for.

I'm defo not a political person, though I do have my beliefs, and this book was an amazing look into what could be a possible future for us as the human race. I found the writing though at times a little repetitive. (there's always something that sticks in your head that a writer uses as a crutch. Even I have my own... of that I'm sure. But the politics and the action were spaced out enough to hold interest and keep me enthralled with the many characters that started to shape up.

This book was exactly what we'd expect, and so much more. There are people who we know are going to make it to the next one, and then there are others who sacrifice themselves for the greater good. I of course wonder what happened to the ones left behind. After all we got to know some of them to... did they really all just die? A horrible thought for those left in the training prison afterwards who faced such hope only to have then failed.

There is so much that does happen through this book, could it have been longer. For sure, but then maybe the story could have taken a different role. So, even though I would have liked more of the threads to have been slower. As an AudioBook it was very entertaining and as such as easy listen, even with all the politics.

But Exodus, left the planets solar system, with 35 more people than it should have! amazing. I was almost sure that the kids were going to be sent back to Earth. Thankfully Tina and Greg came up with a viable plan. :)

Book 2 -

Aurora

Through the many trials and tribulations to actually get to this new home world. The fact they're there is brilliant. Over 1600 people and a new world to explore and get to know. The facts that there is such diverse life already on the planet is a little concerning, and not being able to breathe the air. (which I did know was going to happen at some point, accidents happen after all)

The biggest issue that the survivors face if of course themselves. And this Thomas Dunn.... set out already to destroy or renew... I don't think I liked his motives at first, thinking of course that he was out to kill off the last of the human race. (I did get to like him though) Such political angles still even though so many years ahead and such a diverse world to explore. I was sorry to see that the colony split, but glad at least that Tina and Greg where the ones who had their heads screwed on.

Maria and her parents also divided, not sure how a family would have ever been able to stay with the survivor program, and I certainly don't think that other colonists would either, but I think that Ramone and Isabella's history with the company just about won me over there.

I think that's where the first book does let us down slightly, because we never really understand the selection process, only that it's so hard and horrific for those who don't make it. We never got to know who would be on the ship until it actually was in space and the characters were woken. A mystery but it just about carries itself off.

The split between them however is really had to take in, knowing that they are so few already....

Book 3

Genesis

With so much already at stake. And the new discovery by Maria over the Akaab (sp) I was heartbroken over so much in this book.

There were some really horrid moments (not sure if the poison gas at the Trickler was in this or at the end of the second book) but it defied my mind that humans could even bring that sort of rubbish on a ship supposed to be their last hope of survival!

The introduction to Shavanya and her 'seed ship' and other things were truly interesting. A thread at least we got to learn of as the book finished, but there were still so many things I wanted to explore with these characters, and the new sentient species.... maybe there is more, I need to go see but this review is based on not looking around the net... haha.

I was totally sure that Maria was going to be the first pregnant lady on Aurora! and I was right, Thomas really started to grow on me with his heroics at disarming the first two nukes and in betraying George to the rebels. :) so that was a great union although wish they'd had more time together. Such dangerous place they live.

Ben, Lisa and Drew. wow. three kids who take off their masks and Ben is the worst off for it. Although he does redeem himself in some ways after all he's the biggest asset that Tina has while they're fighting George... but I felt so so sorry for him, listening to Jeffery narrate him losing his mind was harsh.... and then to think he killed his two best friends, so sad.

I was glad he saved Tina from Henry though, even if he did lose his life there... and yes, I had tears in my eyes. A very emotional moment between the two.

The new federation of humans is a life changer to, although they don't want to be involved with the two warring factions, when the Chinese descendants attack they do offer to step in. I am very glad that even though it looks to be the easy option... that Kenneth doesn't accept it. I wonder what conditions the humans on Aurora would have had if the Enderans had come to their aid...

So, yes wrapping up.


I really did enjoy the three books. Could they have been 14 hours long each. Of course. So many amazing characters, and just not quite enough time to get to know and hear all their worldly hopes and desires, but still it was a great listen.

I do hope there is more though... finding out that the humans on Earth were in fact an escaped ship already called LifeBringer.... from a whole different world. And that this is why the Akaab know them and trusted them... ooo just so much more to this, and I hope it is explored by the Author, and of course the fabulous Jeffery Kafer.... there are a few guys who I could just listen to for hours and hours, and he's one of them. :)

So, now going to search and see if there is some more about... and if not you guys better get cracking on some. I love a good series.

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4 people found this helpful

needs to be longer.

great story just needs to be that much longer
loved the concept and delivery of this idea.

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enjoyable outerspace drama

at times a complicated plot but each book drew me in a bit more until the end

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Re-readable

Listening on audio, many late nights! Not overly violent. Will listen again in future.

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An SF book with real human stories

I've been looking for SF books written with humanity in them. So much current SF is written like a computer game - wars, conflict and clever power-ups - so the hero/ heroine always "wins".
This book is different and far better for it. The characters are filled out. The situations and technology are plausible and thought out properly. Most of all the story is lived through life-like characters with human frailty and emotions.
The narrator does a sterling job of bringing the book to life.
keep up the good work.

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1 person found this helpful