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The Fifth Sacred Thing

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The Fifth Sacred Thing

Written by: Starhawk
Narrated by: Maya Lilly
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About this listen

One act of courage can change the world.

The year is 2048. Climate change and bio-warfare have ravaged much of the Earth, and societal meltdown has splintered the US into fragments. But out of the ruins, Northern California has built a thriving culture based on respect for the four sacred things: air, fire, water and earth.

The Fifth Sacred Thing is an epic tale of freedom and slavery, love and war, and the potential futures of humankind. It tells of a 21st century California clan caught between two clashing worlds: one based on tolerance, the other on repression. It is both a love story between two people and a war story between two opposing ideals.

©1993, 1994 Miriam Simos (P)2016 Miriam Simos Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Horror Science Fiction Magic Scary War
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Gorgeous writing, mind blowing story telling and such a wonderful thing to listen to- thank you Starhawk and Maya Lilly !

Absolute essential reading

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Fantastic Narrator.

the story was a beautiful mix between mystical, dystopian, and politically relelvant.

a great 21st century novel

Glad I listened to the audiobook

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This was a great listen, with interesting characters and plot lines that hit a number of current issues affecting us in real time. At first I wasn't sure I liked the narrator changing her voice for every character, but as dialogue got more complex, I appreciated it. It's rare that a narrator can sing, but this one can. All around great!

Engaging and thought provoking

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One of the best audiobooks I’ve ever heard. The narration was excellent and the story was incredible. Everyone needs to hear this story in the world ~ especially now

Deeply inspiring

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I read this book in the 90’s when it first came out and was amazed to find a book written that so closely matched how I understood the world at that time. Now, 30+ years later, I’m glad to read it again. It’s a wonder all these years later and my worldview has not changed. The narrator was excellent - I enjoyed the many voices and how they matched the characters so well.

So hopeful

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loved it! Amazing story of courage and how a community being attacked remained focused on the values that defined the community.

Amazing story!

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Slow to start but at some point, all the pieces fit together and the end worth the wait.
Very good narrator who changes her voice to help follow the dialogs.

Excellent ending

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Powerful story, powerful provocative narration, and penetrating concepts that are well worth the thought and reflection. I loved it!!!

I loved this.

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I usually stay far away from post-apocalyptic stories because they tend to be extremely pessimistic and depressing, showcasing the worst of what humans can become under pressure. Those kinds of narratives poison the hearts and minds of people, and I don't see how that can be entertaining or useful.

I am glad I made an exception for this story, as it does bring ideas and hope about the future. Here is an author who has paid attention to what has been going on for ages, and wants to help by proposing scenarios and possible solutions.

The magical aspect was unexpected and welcome, considering fantasy is my favorite genre. I believe that most important events in this story could happen even without the magic, so don't discount this book if you are not into the mystical arts. it can be seen as just a bit of spice!

The narrator was perfect for this book, I will be looking for more of her work.

A rare gem of Inspiration and Hope.

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What an astonishingly relevant book. Several decades into the future, and the consequences of climate change, corporate power, racism and other modern day societal ills have manifested into our worst fears. Yet this book is delivered from the perspective of those who do it right, from a place of love, community, acceptance and fairness.
I highly recommend this book.

Stunning, relevant and moving

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