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Century Rain

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Century Rain

By: Alastair Reynolds
Narrated by: John Lee
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About this listen

Three hundred years from now, Earth has been rendered uninhabitable due to the technological catastrophe known as the Nanocaust. Archaeologist Verity Auger specializes in the exploration of its surviving landscape. Now, her expertise is required for a far greater purpose. Something astonishing has been discovered at the far end of a wormhole: mid-20th-century Earth, preserved like a fly in amber.

Somewhere on this alternate planet is a device capable of destroying both worlds at either end of the wormhole. And Verity must find the device, and the man who plans to activate it, before it's too late - for the past and the future of two worlds.

©2008 Alastair Reynolds (P)2010 Tantor
Fiction Science Fiction Space Opera Space
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Critic reviews

Century Rain fuses time travel, hard SF, alternate history, interstellar adventure, and noir romance to create a novel of blistering powers and style.” ( SFRevu)

What listeners say about Century Rain

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Like a meal that doesn’t satisfy

I can tick the boxes for a clever story, well told and interesting interplay of characters. But it still lacks punch, like a meal without a main course. The story is set into a troubled peace set within a mystery, but very little is explored and the closing part is a promise of more to come. But the scenario is basically another Star Gate situation, I am starting to think I am too generous with 4 stars. Nice parts of the story though so I will leave it at that.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Raymond Chandler does Space Opera

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

This is a good listen. Alastair Reynolds writes fast moving SF with good plot lines. The tributes to Chandler and 1960's French film noire is an additional bonus. Plenty of "how will they get out of this" moments. John Lee give his customary solid performance, although his German pronunciation falters at times.

Any additional comments?

OK, it's SF, but as an astronomer Mr Reynolds conveniently glosses over the advances in Physics and Astronomy prior to 1936. I think the E2 versions of Hubble and Zwicky would have twigged what was going on.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Reynolds at the top of his game

A favourite Alastair Reynolds novel from his best period imo. Mixes elements of 50's mystery with future tech in a very satisfying way. Good story, good ending
Intriguing universe which leaves plenty to the imagination. Brilliantly narrated by the always excellent John Lee this is Sci fi to enjoy over and over again

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it.

Very interesting book.
I love all of alistair Reynolds. This one included.
Takes a little bit to get going but pulls you in as it picks up.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of his best!

My favourite author read by my favourite narrator. This book is one of his best. The story is gripping and, as usual, Alastair blends his scientific knowledge with his ability to create brilliant realised characters. John Lee then brings life to this characters with his talent. I recommend.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Imaginative, and thought provoking

What did you like most about Century Rain?

The characters from the real world, and the characters from the copy world. Would a copy of a person be so valueless in our world?
Would you feel less of a person if you found out you were a copy of the original?

What does John Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Always the spoken book when done well gives a feeling of reality. Accents, and emotion are paramount.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wish! I wanted to listen to it in every spare moment though.

Any additional comments?

I hope there are sequels to this book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Slow start

This story had a slow start and I wish the ending had been slightly better, but overall it was a good listen

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it

My favourite author at the mo by my favourite narrator, great story hope there is more in this series

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Thoroughly Enjoyed

This was a very enjoyable listen and would highly recommend it. This was my first listen on audible and has put me on a path of wanting to listen to a lot more of Alastair Reynolds work.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story and Narration

I just can't get enough of Alastair Reynolds and John Lee duo. After finishing Revelation Space series and Prefect&Elysium Fire, I started to listen Century Rain and was instantly hooked. The old Paris mixed with near future aspect was truly an incredible experience. Next I will gobble up House of Suns.

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