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The Darwin Elevator
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 14 hrs and 27 mins
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The Darwin Elevator
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Summary
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Jason M. Hough’s pulse-pounding debut combines the drama, swagger, and vivid characters of Joss Whedon’s Firefly with the talent of sci-fi author John Scalzi.
In the mid-23rd century, Darwin, Australia, stands as the last human city on Earth. The world has succumbed to an alien plague, with most of the population transformed into mindless, savage creatures. The planet’s refugees flock to Darwin, where a space elevator—created by the architects of this apocalypse, the Builders—emits a plague-suppressing aura.
Skyler Luiken has a rare immunity to the plague. Backed by an international crew of fellow “immunes,” he leads missions into the dangerous wasteland beyond the aura’s edge to find the resources Darwin needs to stave off collapse. But when the Elevator starts to malfunction, Skyler is tapped—along with the brilliant scientist, Dr. Tania Sharma—to solve the mystery of the failing alien technology and save the ragged remnants of humanity.
Praise for The Darwin Elevator “A hell of a fun book.”—James S. A. Corey, New York Times bestselling author of Abaddon’s Gate
“[Jason M.] Hough’s first novel combines the rapid-fire action and memorable characters associated with Joss Whedon’s short-lived Firefly TV series with the accessibility and scientific acumen of [James S. A.] Corey’s ‘Expanse’ series.”—Library Journal (starred review)
“The best part about alien stories is their mystery, and Jason Hough understands that like no other. Full of compelling characters and thick with tension, The Darwin Elevator delivers both despair and hope along with a gigantic dose of wonder. It’s a brilliant debut, and Hough can take my money whenever he writes anything from now on.”—Kevin Hearne, New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Druid Chronicles
“Newcomer Hough displays a talent for imaginative plotting and realistic dialogue, and the brisk pacing and cliffhanger ending will keep readers enthralled and eagerly awaiting the next installment.”—Publishers Weekly
“Jason M. Hough does a great job with this huge story. The world of Darwin and the Elevator is deliciously complex and satisfying. Skyler, Tania, and all the other characters are delightfully drawn and fun to spend time with. . . . The story unfolds with just the right balance of high adventure, espionage, humor, and emotional truth. . . . As soon as you finish, you’ll want more.”—Analog
“A debut novel unlike any other . . . This is something special. Something iconic. The Darwin Elevator is full of majesty and wonder, mystery and mayhem, colorful characters and insidious schemes.”—SF Signal
“Fun, action-packed and entertaining . . . a sure contender for science fiction debut of the year!”—Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist “Claustrophobic, intense, and satisfying . . . I couldn’t put this book down. The Darwin Elevator depicts a terrifying world, suspends it from a delicate thread, and forces you to read with held breath as you anticipate the inevitable fall.”—Hugh Howey, New York Times bestselling author of Wool
Critic reviews
“The best part about alien stories is their mystery, and Jason Hough understands that like no other. Full of compelling characters and thick with tension, The Darwin Elevator delivers both despair and hope along with a gigantic dose of wonder. It’s a brilliant debut, and Hough can take my money whenever he writes anything from now on.” (Kevin Hearne, New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Druid Chronicles)
"Newcomer Hough displays a talent for imaginative plotting and realistic dialogue, and the brisk pacing and cliffhanger ending will keep readers enthralled and eagerly awaiting the next installment." (Publishers Weekly)
“A hell of a fun book.” (James S. A. Corey, New York Times bestselling author of Abaddon’s Gate)
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What listeners say about The Darwin Elevator
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Michael
- 22-08-13
Reasonable story let down by iffy characters
Would you try another book written by Jason M. Hough or narrated by Simon Vance?
I'd try the second one in the series probably - there's a lot of potential there, if Jason Hough works out how to characterise villains properly, the second book might be excelent.
How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?
Improved the villains motivation, made the book quite a lot shorter, removed the contrived elements.
Would you listen to another book narrated by Simon Vance?
I've listened to a couple by Simon Vance now - he's pretty good. Not great, but pretty good.
Any additional comments?
The Darwin Elevator has a lovely idea behind it, and some pretty sharp writing in places. The world has a good feel to it, the sub humans who are the main threat in this universe are well thought through and avoid being just another set of zombie creatures.
The problem arises in the motivation of some of the characters - particularly the main villain, whose only motivation is he's EVIL! EVIIIIIL! I think it might have gotten away with it if we hadn't been given insight into why he was taking these actions - he's so completely evil and without any redeeming features he comes across as just a characature - a 2d device who is there to give the other characters something to fight against, he doesn't feel like a character in his own right.
There are a couple of other problems - the book is a bit long and pads sections out in places by having things conveniently go wrong (often in rather contrived ways) so the book can continue for another few chapters. It's also not narrated particularly well. Simon Vance is perfectly fine but his soft spoken drawl isn't well suited for this type of sci fi.
Having said all that, I did finish the book and I'm thinking of getting the second in the series when it comes out so there's definitely something to be said for it. The concept is such a strong one that even a terrible antagonist can't ruin it and there are a few central mysteries that kept me coming back to the book, even when I was getting frustrated with its other aspects.
TL:DR give it a go but don't expect a classic. Maybe book 2 will be better.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- carl
- 08-03-17
Interesting premis but failed to deliver
It's one of those scifi books where people do people stuff with a back drop of something scifi going on...
Having said that it kept me interested enough to buy the next in series...
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Andy
- 09-04-14
A compelling start
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
The book is a compelling start. Fun and even though you could drive a bus through the science, it's a ride that's worth taking. A smarter than your average blockbuster movie script - set in australia!
Would you be willing to try another book from Jason M. Hough? Why or why not?
Yes. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- EmojiMoon
- 25-10-14
Jarring Cliches
What would have made The Darwin Elevator better?
Not having the female scientist be stunningly beautiful and prone to weepy moments.
What could Jason M. Hough have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?
Not having the female scientist be stunningly beautiful and prone to weepy moments.
What does Simon Vance bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
Simon Vance did a good job with this book.
You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?
Er......it is what it is....a sci fi adventure that had potential but just kept jarring me.
Any additional comments?
I would start engaging with the story, only to be irritatingly hauled back by (you know what's coming, don't you?) the stunningly beautiful scientist who was prone to weepy moments! Did you know that her mother taught her to value her intellect more than her beauty? That makes it all okay then, doesn't it? I won't be listening to the remainder of this trilogy but hey.....I didn't send it back for refund and I did finish it!
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2 people found this helpful