Firstborn cover art

Firstborn

Time Odyssey, Book 3

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Firstborn

By: Stephen Baxter, Arthur C. Clarke
Narrated by: John Lee
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About this listen

 The Firstborn, the mysterious race of aliens best known as the builders of the iconic black monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey, have inhabited the writing of science fiction master Arthur C. Clarke for decades. In the first two books of his acclaimed Time Odyssey series, Clarke and co-author Stephen Baxter imagined a near-future in which the Firstborn seek to stop the advance of human civilization by employing a technology indistinguishable from magic. That fate was narrowly averted, at an inconceivable price. But now, 27 years later, the Firstborn are back. This time, they have sent a "quantum bomb" speeding toward Earth, a device that human scientists can barely comprehend, let alone stop or destroy. But when shocking new insights emerge about the nature of the Firstborn and their plans, an unexpected ally appears from light-years away.©2007 Arthur C. Clarke and Stephen Baxter (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant  
A great listen that kept me gripped all the way through. This book is definately worth a listen if you have enjoyed the rest of the Time Odyssey. However be prepared for the unresolved story. The final chapter hints at a much greater plot to be unveiled and a resolution to the Firstborn but since the death of the Arthur C. Clarke this year we may never get to read it. I just hope Stephen Baxter decides to continue the series.

I just hope there will be more

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wonderful series, even though I got a bit lost with the characters I still enjoyed the sheer size and scope.

Big. really big!

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had its moments especially in the first book but lost its way, fighting an alien intelligence that can manipulate time and space just isn't plausible unless you can do the same.

Super power beings not using their powers.

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Excellent narrative, completely believable plot and fabulous storyline. Clarke and Baxter have created a world which draws the reader in and delivers again and again.

What did you like best about this story?

Perfect balance between sci-fi story and scientific reality.

Any additional comments?

Book 4 please, Mr Baxter.....

What sci-fi should be!

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A very original story complex but enthralling, well worth hearing several times. Very well read.

Ultimate SF

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There's another book in this. Have Steve and Art written it? Have audible 'published' it?

It's not ended

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Is there anything you would change about this book?

Well, for super intelligent ancient Aliens, the first born! their pretty useless at wiping out emergent intelligent life.

Has Firstborn put you off other books in this genre?

Only Steven Baxter

What about John Lee’s performance did you like?

Good voice would listen to him again

Was Firstborn worth the listening time?

Only just, i'll try listening again, only to see if i can find a bit more of Asimov in it.

Any additional comments?

Partnering different authors together, or planting a new author with and older much loved science fiction series is not working for me

Disapointing

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Book on book. But Audible UK don't have book 4 or 5 poor service in Europe. Just the same poor blank answers from them.

They get better

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this third book tied everything together but also left theeads of intrigue !! the narration was very well done !!

great final chapter to this great trilogy

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Referring to Stuart's comments above I concur entirely. Excellent storyline following on from the first two books. The death of Clarke recently should not have any bearing on the next (hopefully) installment. These books are very much Stephen Baxter, with all his softscreens and nano engineering. His is a very distinctive style also including his odd names for the main characters. Others include an astronaught called Malenfant, and a Morlock (Time Ships) called Nebogopfil ! Bisesa Dutt is another funny name.
The ending of this third book very much leaves the door open for another one with lots of softscreens ,funny names and Kensington (London) locations!!

A very good tale!

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