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E-Day cover art

E-Day

By: Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Narrated by: R.C. Bray
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Summary

Artificial intelligence is our last hope of saving the war-ravaged Earth in this near-future science-fiction thriller from the apocalyptic mind of New York Times best-selling author Nicholas Sansbury Smith (Hell Divers, The Extinction Cycle, Orbs).

The most advanced soldiers in human history are about to become obsolete.

Engines. Genetically modified warriors that keep the great Nova Alliance war machine churning against the enemy Coalition. Most days, Engines are all that stand between salvation and chaos. Led by legendary Engine Captain Akira Hayashi, Shadow Squad has fought on the frontlines for a decade. They are on the brink of victory when the Coalition launches a series of desperate and devastating attacks that cripple the Nova Alliance restoration sites vital to save the dying planet.

As the sites burn and Earth’s hope of salvation fades, Shadow Squad is equipped with neural implants to connect them to Apeiron, the first hybrid human-AI entity. She is coded for what Captain Hayashi believes is an impossible task - peace. But war isn’t the only threat to the Earth. Apeiron has uncovered a deadly secret with implications that could end all life. This rapidly approaching threat can be stopped only if humanity bands together on what will become known as E-Day, a pivotal moment that will determine the evolution - or the extinction - of the entire human race.

©2021 Nicholas Sansbury Smith (P)2021 Recorded Books

What listeners say about E-Day

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Where to start…?

This isn’t like Hell Divers, E-Cycle, SoW, or any other book I’ve read by NSS, so if you picked this up expecting the same stuff I’d urge you to open your mind a little. This is an absolute benchmark in sci-fi writing. The characters grow through past/present narrative, and the tension builds from the start without stopping.
I can see this story in vivid, colourful imagery in my head as I read, and I can see this as a move or animation easily.
Word of warning: don’t expect fast food sci-fi with this book. You need to pay attention. You need to see what Skynet only scraped the surface of exploring. My advice? Keep an open mind, pay close attention, and get ready to dive in deep because this gripped me from the off and held on like a rescue cat with a catnip toy.

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I tried to get into this…

Gave up at the 5th hour. Sorry lover Hell Divers but this wasn’t for me :(

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Amazing

Another amazing book from Mr Smith, I could honestly listen to a cook book being read if Nicholas wrote it and R.C Bray narrated it. Can't get any better than those two people on a collaboration. love, love loved it.

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Not as advertised

I lasted for the first few chapters only, even RC Bray sounded a little bored. The characters and the plot are OK, but NSS is writing for ever younger audiences, and he has lost me with this one.

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Excellently written

Slow start and generally a very done thing in Sci-fi and generic in base plot and premise, yet felt refreshing enough and the characters engaging. Would certainly look forward to the next in series. R.C. Bray still my fav narrator.

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Unity 151

Amazing!!! Everything about this story was great.

Before this I was listing to another story and 6h in it felt a mess and I was lost with who was who. But a hour into this and I knew what was happening and why.

The character are clear and I felt like I knew them. The detail was on point. I loved the added detail in the combat.

Ending is amazing and I will be listing to the next one

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AI is salvation...

Great take on a subject matter covered so often.
Read it till the end and then consider your position.

Great work Nicholas.

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wow

such a great listen looking forward to the next 2 books to listen too awesome

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good start to new story

to me a bit to get my head around it but now I know all the players and what's happening looking forward to book 2
well read as normal by R C Bray really brings it all to life

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E day is your enemy

loved it trilling new saga with good writing skills and overall play i was happy to be part of the listening group

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  • Cindy
  • 09-07-21

Kicking New Series Opener! Wow!

E-Day is a new take on AI and post apocalyptic sci fi. Yes, there is the man versus machine, but more importantly Nicholas Sansbury Smith addresses the danger of merging a human mind with an AI. Can a humam machine stay human? Or will it's CPU win out in the end?

What could go right? What could go wrong? Without giving any spoilers, let's just say that when Smith considers a fresh take on an old story, you need to sit up and take notice because he is a word smith and a master story teller.

Do yourself a favor and dive into this fresh story steeped in Japanese culture and the true honor of the Samurai warrior. Smith does an amazing job blending the very old with the very new.

And no one can say enough about RC Bray's narration. That man should insure his vocal cords for millions!!

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  • Jesse
  • 06-07-21

E Day.

E-Day starts with a bang and doesn’t let up. This new series by NSS is an excellent foray into science fiction. If you enjoy Hell Divers, Halo, and anime, take a chance with E Day. You won’t be disappointed.
R C Bray kills it as always.

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  • G. Allen
  • 07-07-21

Knocked it out of the MegaCity!

Nicholas Sansbury Smith knocks it out of the park again! I'm normally not a fan of sci-fi, but pre-ordered this based on the author. I'm glad I did! This book meets all the requirements of a good sci-fi: mad scientists, artificial intelligence, incredible war machines, space, hybrids, and a planet on the brink of extinction.

The glue that holds the story together, though, is Captain Akira Hayashi. Akira, the leader of an elite team of modified soldiers (Engines) called Shadow Squad, comes from a long line of honorable warriors who's stories are told in the codex he carries into battle. Akira knows that artificial intelligence is the only way to save the failing planet, but to be successful they must defeat the Coalition, who believes artificial intelligence has doomed mankind.

Aided by AI, the battles are still waged with flesh and blood. Don't fall in love with any one character, though. NSS has shown in previous series a rich back story isn't a guarantee of survival. This story had me on the edge of my seat and I ended up getting it on audible so I wouldn't have to leave Shadow Squad on the verge of battle with Iron Wolves and Breakers when I got in the car.

Will the Nova Alliance triumph? Will Akira's war horse lead them to triumph? What? Space elevators? Asteroids? Pistons? I can't wait for book 2. Write faster!

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  • Robert
  • 06-07-21

Techno Samurai…all in!!

Really wonderful and unique story, mixing “Japanese” style characters with a future tech, post apocalyptic setting! More solid world building and story from NSS and of course top notch narration from RC Bray coaxing the story off the page and bringing it home for the win! Can’t wait until the next book!

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  • Jeremy F.
  • 08-07-21

A new writing that retain the original soul of NSS

In the introduction there is a “history lesson“. As I listened to the flow of that segment of the book I immediately knew that this story was a step forward in the progression of how polished the author is becoming. The storyline retains some of the elements that are historically what has made this author popular, but it introduces new material that has been handled correctly. I personally loved it. I am looking forward to a continuation of the story as well as the later series entitled “carbon wars“ if that is created in the future. I find everything from the characters to the storyline to be a more refined version of the things that I love about this author and thus I believe it to be an exceptional new series for him to begin. Not to mention the fact that this is a topic which we as a society should give more contemplation. Highly recommend.

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  • Natalie @ ABookLoversLife
  • 10-07-21

Exciting!

I've been fascinated with A.I for a long time, so when I saw that one of my favourite authors was writing about them, I knew I'd read it, and I must say that it was as amazing as I hoped.

E-Day is set in the not too distant future, in a world ravaged by war. Humanity was almost eradicated but thanks to some who developed the A.I and droids, they are starting to rebuild things. There are 2 main groups, one who think A.I will be the salvation of everyone and one who thinks the opposite. One thing I have to say about this author is that his world building and character development are phenomenal.

There are quite a few characters and while it did take me a little to remember everyone, once I did the story flowed smoothly. I think what I loved about this book was the many diverse characters. I loved Akira Hayashi and the Japanese references and beliefs that were there. It was fascinating. I also loved all of Shadow Squad, the dog and the Horse especially. This author always has some form of animal companion in his books and it's wonderful.

The plot was intense and non stop right from the start. I was fascinated with Apeiron and the Engines. The whole concept of humans blending with machines is both terrifying and amazing. There is plenty of action, fights, suspense, thrills and more so I highly recommend you check it out. I am eagerly awaiting book 2 to see what happens!!!

R.C Bray is as good as always. He delivers a top notch performance.

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  • Jake
  • 09-07-21

NSS has done it again!

Being a brand new series from one of the best authors out there, Nicholas Sansbury Smith has outdone himself again with a brand new series. E-Day, taking place in 2088, is an incredible outlook on what AI can have on the future of mankind. An ongoing battle between the Nova Alliance and Coalition. Against AI, the Coalition led by Dr. Cross try and overtake the super-cities led and protected by the Alliance. With the Alliance fully embracing the future of AI, a team of AI assisted and augmented soldiers called "engines" lead in battle trying to overtake the sinister Dr. Cross and free the people from his sadistic reign. Such an incredible book! Completely anticipating the remainder of the series.

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  • Jessica
  • 08-07-21

loved every minute!

Nicholas Sansbury Smith does an amazing job of world/character building and RC Bray does an outstanding job bringing everything to life much so I found myself tearing up at multiple parts, crying over fictional characters, yep not afraid to admit it. The world NSS creates is absolutely terrifying but his vivid descriptions make it seem like a movie is playing in your head, and I absolutely love it. E-day had me sitting at the edge of my seat from beginning to end and I can not wait until book 2 is out

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  • Leverna Hoffman
  • 06-07-21

Awesome new series by Nicholas Sansbury Smith

Absolutely love this new tale from Nick Smith. Nick has a way of drawing you in with fast paced action and memorable characters. Needless to say he had my attention from beginning to end. No spoilers but if you like SciFi you will enjoy this listen.

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  • Sara Nobles
  • 09-07-21

Great New Series

A testament to the greatness of NSS is how he can take a subject I don't think I'll enjoy (AI/Robots) and make me love it! Can't wait for the next in the series. RC Bray gives his usual amazing performance!

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