Good Story. Outstanding Narration.

This book started off constantly reminding me of the Schwarzenegger 'Total Recall' film - a straightforward SciFi Action Romp (and it remains that) - but also evolves into a reasonably clever "Time-traveller Warning" story (figure from the future comes back to reveal that the earth will be destroyed if the hero can't stop it). True, the paradox implications are conveniently ignored and there are plenty of plot holes.. but M.R. James provides a SciFi-Military-infused plot with breakneck pacing that actually makes suspension of disbelief pretty easy. I wish he had been able to avoid the formulaic "Dirty Dozen"-styled military misfit plot device conventions, but the climactic recovered advanced/derelict spacecraft setpiece battle is satisfying.
Do not expect to be blown away by 'Starship Eternal' - but check your reservations at the door and just enjoy the ride. If you can manage it, the admittedly ludicrous story is a blast.

Likewise fortuitous: this may be the best performance that I have ever heard from Podium Audio mainstay Jeffrey Kafer. His matter-of-fact pessimistic tone - delivered with an appropriate whispery timbre - matches the jaded 'Mitchell Williams' character *perfectly*. Despite a continued amusing alternating "LOUD DIALOGUE-sotto voce text-LOUD DIALOGUE-sotto voce text" cadence, Kafer also delivers his characteristic spot-on diction, pacing, and voice-acting.. while almost reading the author's mind: the protagonist's inner dialogue is delivered pretty much exactly as written.

Altogether, I am thankful to Audible for offering this 8/10 star silliness as a 'Plus' selection. Even were they to ask for a Credit, the distraction (great for a long drive or a couple of quiet afternoons) would be worth it.
Fans of cartoonish futuristic adventures are in for a treat.

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Good narrator; intriguing story

I don’t like hard sci-fi and this one tows the line. Lots of interesting characters and plot twists, and an ending that made me download the second instalment.

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James Bond meets Warhammer 40k

Lone hero needs to save everything from time travelling aliens, while sleeping with female support characters. If you like action movies, and know what WH40k is, then this is easy listening.

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1 person found this helpful

good book..... leaves a lot of questions

definitely curious how this is spun further....has the ability to get really good ....or really strange from here on out lll

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Fun story

A good start to the series. It starts a bit slow and I wish there was a bit more action than the main character getting “action”.

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2 people found this helpful

I … can’t… keep…my…eyes…op..zzzzzzzzz

The narrator is bad.
Put me to sleep while walking my dog!
That’s not good man!
You have to put more passion into it!

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Everybody loves Aries... for some reason.

The plot is decent actually. SPOILER/////an eternal loop and machine that lets you wait till the next one is a pretty darn cool way to do time travel.///////END

The problem is the characters. The main one is pretty universally loved, which for his fans makes sense, But he doesn't often earn the admiration he is given. In fact, only 3 women he meets don't immediately and overtly want to 'hug'. And one of them reveals latter that she wanted to before he was born.

it kind of feels like a smut book propped up by a pretty good plot. There are a couple well written characters, such as the co pilot and the engineers, but the main ones just jump right in to bffs for no reason, and it's kind of odd feeling.

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