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Empty Earth

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Empty Earth

By: Rick McManus
Narrated by: Nettie Rose
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About this listen

A WORLD DESTROYED. A LOVE UNBROKEN

In a world ravaged by climate catastrophe, defiance still flickers among the ashes. Eva has spent her youth fighting the tyrannical remnants of the government. Her rebellion earned her a one-way ticket to an Arctic prison facility where thousands toil in a concrete maze, growing food for the elite while scientists race to find salvation from "the warming" before humanity's extinction. Through the walls of her frozen cage, Eva discovers Adam, imprisoned in the neighboring British enclosure. Their whispered conversations become a lifeline, their forbidden love the only light in their darkened world.

Eva carries a secret in the form of a smuggled letter containing clues to her grandfather's hidden sanctuary. If she and Adam can break free, they'll face a perilous journey across a transformed continent to find safety with her grandfather. As humanity edges closer to extinction, Eva must choose: surrender to slow death in captivity or risk everything for a chance at life beyond their prison walls. Their love story will either become the last whispered tragedy of a dying world or the first chapter of its most defiant triumph. A gripping post-apocalyptic romance where two hearts refuse to quit, no matter the price they will have to pay.

©2014 Richard McManus (P)2025 Richard McManus
Fantasy Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Survival Heartfelt
All stars
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Listener received this title free

"Empty Earth" pulled me into its chilling vision of the future from the very first minute. Eva and Adam’s relationship is both tender and fierce, standing strong amid the frozen brutality of their prison life. The chemistry between them grows through nothing but whispers and hope—making it more powerful than many romances built on much more. Nettie Rose’s narration is absolutely gripping; her voice trembles with emotion during the quiet moments and surges with tension when danger is near. The setting is bleak, the stakes are high, but somehow love feels more powerful than even the end of the world. This is the kind of audiobook that stays with you long after it's over.

Love Against the Ice

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Listener received this title free

The Arctic prison setting is so vividly portrayed, I felt cold just listening. The idea of people being used to sustain the elite while the world falls apart isn’t just fiction—it feels like a commentary on our present. The romance between Eva and Adam is written with sensitivity and grace. It never overshadows the larger narrative but rather enhances the sense of urgency. The letter from Eva’s grandfather becomes this flicker of light in a dying world. And the narrator—wow! Nettie Rose’s performance deserves its own award. This audiobook delivers on every emotional level.

Chilling Yet Uplifting

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This story is a hauntingly beautiful tale of resistance, hope, and impossible love. Rick McManus crafts a world that feels all too real, where survival hinges on grit and love becomes a rebellion in itself. I especially admired Eva’s character—brave, brilliant, and driven by both purpose and passion. The slow-burn connection between her and Adam is exquisitely developed through shared desperation and hidden dreams. The audiobook captures every heartbeat of this journey with vivid narration and immersive world-building. It's not just dystopian fiction; it’s poetic, powerful, and deeply human.

A Frozen World, A Burning Heart

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“Empty Earth” blends survival, love, and rebellion perfectly. The pacing, narration, and atmosphere are all top-tier. A standout in post-apocalyptic fiction.

Stunning Storytelling

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Listener received this title free

The romance in this story absolutely floored me. It's delicate, forbidden, and yet, it fuels the entire narrative. Eva is a beautifully written protagonist—flawed, bold, and completely human. Adam complements her perfectly with his quiet strength. The narration by Nettie Rose added layers of emotion and nuance I wasn’t expecting. The frozen prison facility was terrifyingly vivid, and the sense of entrapment was palpable. But through it all, the glimmer of hope never fades. This is not just a survival story—it's about choosing to survive for something bigger.

Love in the Ice

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Listener received this title free

"Empty Earth" doesn’t sugarcoat the future—it presents a brutally honest look at the collapse of civilization due to climate disaster. Yet, amid the desolation, a tender and believable love story blooms. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest times, love can be the most powerful act of rebellion. Eva’s strength, combined with her vulnerability, makes her unforgettable. The themes of sacrifice, freedom, and legacy are powerfully written. This is a rare book that made me feel deeply while keeping me on the edge of my seat.

Bleak and Beautiful

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Listener received this title free

This is the kind of audiobook that takes you on a journey. From despair to hope, from confinement to the terrifying freedom of the unknown. Eva and Adam’s love feels earned and powerful, not just a plot device. The prose is poetic at times but never loses its edge. I was particularly moved by the symbolism in the letters and the idea of sanctuary not just being a place—but a promise. Everything from narration to sound editing was exceptional. Deserves a wide audience.

Not Just Another Dystopia

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The emotional tension never lets up. Eva’s journey is deeply human, and her connection with Adam is magnetic. Nettie Rose’s narration seals the deal.

Emotionally Gripping

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Listener received this title free

This audiobook felt like a movie playing in my head. The vivid soundscapes, gripping pace, and the chemistry between characters were simply incredible. I could imagine the ruined world, the underground cells, and even the distant light of hope they clung to. The trek across a shattered Earth was filled with tension and wonder. The narration was superbly paced and emotionally rich. It left me thinking long after the final chapter ended. Rick McManus has crafted something truly epic.

A Cinematic Listening Experience

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Listener received this title free

While the early pacing is a bit slow, once “Empty Earth” finds its rhythm, it delivers an incredibly rewarding experience. The buildup of Eva and Adam’s connection is emotionally satisfying and their shared dream of escape becomes the heartbeat of the story. I appreciated the strong environmental themes and the emotional intelligence of the writing. Nettie Rose’s narration is absolutely stellar—she adds texture to every emotion and breathes life into the characters. A little more early tension would have made it a perfect five, but this is still a beautiful, memorable listen.

Strong Story, Slow Start

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