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Trinity's Children
- Paradigm 2045, Book 1
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 17 hrs and 51 mins
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Summary
From the award-winning author of Sentinels of Creation comes a near-future science-fiction series that promises to thrill fans of the Expanse, Bladerunner, and Ready Player One. Paradigm 2045: Trinity's Children serves up an adventurous bounty of first contact, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence while providing a reverential nod to golden age masters such as Robert A. Heinlein and Larry Niven.
In 2004, Doctor Damien Howard's 131st birthday celebration took an unexpected turn. His personal SETI project detected an extraterrestrial signal directed at Earth.
Unfortunately, Dr. Howard's long-hoped-for communication contained a message of dire warning rather than greeting. In 1945, humanity had become a species of galactic interest and was given 100 years to address the issue.
Now in 2045, only months remain before humanity's grace period expires and the world mourns the passing of a titan. Damien Howard lies dead. Only his security officer, Misha Sokolov and artificially intelligent Agent Coleman are aware of Earth's impending deadline.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi, Kenya, Charlotte Omandi prepares to address luminaries gathered for her keynote presentation at the Omandi Institute. Her life changes forever when Damien Howard reaches out to her from beyond the grave. She is the first born of Howard’s Children, nine genetically enhanced humans who hold the key to Earth’s salvation.
Charlotte must assemble a crew capable of demonstrating both faster-than-light travel and the wisdom required to join a galactic community. As humanity's leaders become aware of the impending threat, massive forces attempt to impede Omandi and her nascent crew.
Despite Damien's gifts of wealth, technology, and genetic superiority, his children face daunting challenges as they race against an Armageddon clock set to strike on July 16, 2045. By that day, humanity will either shift its paradigm or perish.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
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What listeners say about Trinity's Children
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- Jack
- 09-09-20
Brilliant.
Absolutely fantastic story. Fast paced, doesn't linger, great characters and as always with Nick Podehl (the very reason I purchased this book) the narration was on point.
Thoroughly recommend for those who love a good sci fi novel.
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3 people found this helpful
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- kris adams
- 08-09-20
Leaves me wanting more
Loved the novel and can’t wait for the rest of the trilogy. A few lovable characters with a few very strong characters that just leaves me wanting to know more of the story. Feels like it has some parallels with the expeditionary Force books which I would recommend to anyone who has read this book or the
expeditionary Force books
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- BigOrangeLion
- 27-02-23
Absolutely Brilliant Listen
I'm not a fan of writing reviews but I felt that I actually wanted to for this book because I enjoyed it so thoroughly. It keeps you riveted from the start and doesn't abate at all. I found no section hard to listen to and the humour was marvellous. The narration is excellent and the accents are all perfect. Irish is often massacred in audio books, as is the King's English but this time it was bang on the mark and you could believe with all sincerity that the characters were as they were supposed to be. The science is all believable and after a ten minute discussion at the end held by the author, you find that it's believable because it is based on realities that exist now. I hope this review conveys just how much I enjoyed the book and you will have to trust me when I tell you I have already purchased the next two with excited anticipation
I highly recommend this to all and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
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- A. Hurst
- 06-11-22
Brilliant 1
Mr Ross has done it again! What a great book! Had me hooked in the first chapter! like previous series great characters which I already feel for. Still love the pop culture references which still work in a book set in 2045 which is great!
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- Kev O Malley
- 16-08-22
Shows real potential.
The overall idea is excellent and, with the exception of some stereotyping the characters are great (unless you have very specific views on what's allowed in sci-fi). The idea of a group of diverse characters fighting to save the world by being smart and humane is really needed right now and was a breath of fresh air.
Looking around at some of the other reviews it seems that some people would prefer the main character to be a stoic man of few words, (which is fine, each to their own) but, If you don't have a problem with strong women standing up for themselves, (or with the fact that some people are religious), you really might enjoy this. Is it a groundbreaking work of genius? No, but it's a good romp.
My main issue is the amount of pop culture references. A little of this can be cool, but the amount in this book is reminiscent of ready player 1 and it feels like the author is trying to show his nerd credentials. This is a shame because the in-universe logic behind the references, as a kind of Shibboleth between those in the know, is really good, it's just overdone. Hopefully, as the author becomes a little more confident in his own universe he will rely less on others.
The narrator is really excellent, he makes a real effort at all the accents and does a reasonable job of them. As an Irishman I was just glad to hear a real attempt at the accent, it's not perfect but it's good enough, especially considering he's jumping around the world between sentences.
I think this is quite good sci-fi, it doesn't take itself too seriously, but it also has some really good ideas, taking a novel and interesting spin on some tropes. I'm happy I picked it up and I look forward to the rest of the series (although I said the same thing about expeditionary force ...)
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- Ka L.
- 13-11-21
OMG!!!! What a adventure.
Excellent from start to finish, great story with amazing characters, all so colourful and full of personality, a lot of references to sci-fi pop culture was great, and to top it all of all bought to life with the man with a 1000 voices the amazing Nick Podehl.
Can’t wait to start book 2 that’s in my library
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- Amazon Customer
- 11-10-21
Awesome narration
I have over 200 audio books from a wide variety of narrators; Nick Podehl beats the lot! I hope RC Bray doesn't read this.
But the narration is only part of the beauty of this audio book.
it is very well edited and produced, as well as being a really good (1st in series) book.
Highly recommended.
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- Ian Rider
- 06-04-21
A nice surprise
I got this book on a whim, Nick Pohdel drew me to this as he is an amazing narrator.
The book itself is great, such a great take on first contact. The characters themselves are perfectly suited and easily likeable, a dynamic mix, they compliment each other making the story all the more enjoyable.
Nick Pohdel delivers as expected a perfect performance.
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- MrNick
- 30-08-20
Awesome
Bought this book based on the narrator nick podehl. Well it was a good choice, gripping from start to finish.
Perfect narration, great voices and great story. Bring on the next one and I’ll be there ready to listen
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- Sara
- 25-08-20
The Next Great Sci-fi Series!!
I was a big fan of Ross’ contemporary fantasy series, Sentinels of Creation, so grabbed the print version of this book as soon as it came out last month. I’m going to try and write this review for both those who are familiar with his writing and people who may be completely new to it.
But before I do that, let me just say, Wow! This book is an instant classic for me. You can really tell the author has been exposed to some of the best and most epic sci-fi throughout his life. I am a hug nerd, so please take that bias into consideration. The ghosts of some great masters like Heinlein, Farmer, and Asimov must have been whispering in Robert’s ear. He even makes a couple really neat direct references to them.
One of the other things I really like was the global nature of the book. Interestingly, it is not United States centric which really makes sense when you think about it. Damien Howard is, quite literally, building the perfect crew to save humanity. It's logical they would come from across the globe and be of every race, creed, temperament, and gender.
Going hand-in-hand with that, I loved how Ross upended at least a dozen tropes without breaking a sweat OR distracting from the story. World needs saving? Who’s the perfect guy to do it? What? Not a guy? She’s a she…from Kenya? I was thrilled to see Robert create another ensemble cast of characters that each have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. More, they really seem to respect those differences, not at first, but they learn to, as the form into the team that was needed.
Finally, I love how the MC, Charlotte Omandi’s greatest gift is helping each member of her crew be the best they can be while still being an incredible bad a$$ herself. She's comfortable in her own skin, and I found that compelling.
Paradigm 2045 has theoretical science with just enough “handwavium,” to not bog the story down by making us learn thermodynamics. For those that know Robert’s work, the amazing banter and social interplay is definitely on display as is he penchant for upending historical events with an almost Forrest Gump kinda vibe.
Five big happy stars from me. I hope this review helps folks find a story that will brighten even some of the darkest days of 2020. Hey, at least we don’t have aliens trying to exterminate us…yet. Hmmm, maybe I shouldn’t mention that.
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50 people found this helpful
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- Charla White
- 31-08-20
A Story that is Out of this World! Excellent!
Paradigm 2045: Trinity’s Children is a mixture of pop culture references, nostalgic memories, and the message that maybe those in charge don’t always have our best interests at heart. Once again Robert W. Ross has crafted a delightful world where aliens want to destroy us and the US Government is clueless and misdirected, and the genetically engineered humans must step in to save the world. It is up to a very wealthy man to take the necessary steps to save humanity and he does so in an unconventional manner.
Ross delivers many a nostalgic moment in his references to Bladerunner, Dr. Who, characters based on Star Trek, and a futuristic like world as in Ready Player One, and The Expanse. Those moments where we are given phrases from these shows or references are the moments that remind us of our first experience with this genre. Those memories come flitting back to mind and a smile plays around the listener’s lips unconsciously. These moments are those rare times in which Ross allows us to be young again. He blends the references smoothly and with panache.
Ross blends witty comedic moments, pop culture references, and sci-fi themes all into a powerful, vivid book unrivaled by any other that I have read in this genre. Ross delivers a story line that captures the attention of the listener and provides an action-packed journey.
The character development is on target, he doesn’t weigh down the story with each character’s background which is unique and not common practice. There were some characters that will develop more with time and each passing story. What I did learn about each character was interesting and I could see a variety of ways the characters may develop – I can’t wait to see how close I am. I loved James the Pilot and Capt. Omandi. I found them delightful in different ways. His characters are flawed which makes them much easier to relate and appreciate. I enjoy the way Ross develops his characters and how Nick Podehl adds to them with his skills.
This is a steady-paced story with dialog and plot twists that move the story along and keep the listener guessing. I truly loved this book and can’t wait to see where he takes us in the next book.
Nick Podehl, the narrator, was perfect! Authors take a chance with narrators as they can make or break the book through their performance. The combination of Nick Podehl’s voice and Robert Ross’ writing is magical as they fit together. Nick puts just the right amount of emotion and action behind his words bringing the characters to life vividly while adding a dimension of richness to each. I read the novel first and can say wholeheartedly that Nick’s performance made the book better. Nick’s voice talent adds to the characters giving them voice, depth and a personality that matches the author’s vision and what the listener expects.
This is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I cannot wait for the next in the series! I need more!
There were no issues with the production or quality of this audiobook.
This book was awarded the AudioBookReviewer's Choice Award!
Disclaimer: This Audiobook was purchased by the reviewer.
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- Wali lowe
- 06-09-20
just wow
I really enjoyed the characters and the pace of the story, wasn't a dull moment at all. I like the way we learned about their power's and how they fed off one another, it was fun reading and looking forward to the next!thanks
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- Jeffrey
- 11-02-21
Fun sci-fi team gathering adventure
This book is about gathering a team. 90% of this book is devoted to this task. The team starts as two and grows from there with each new team member being vital to the recruiting of the next team member *insert sarcastically shocked face*. It doesn't break much new ground in terms or story or sci-fi but this author is pretty good at putting together some fun dialog.
I listened to the other series this author wrote and enjoyed that as well and want to talk a little more meta for this review. Robert does these great conversational author's notes which i really enjoy. So I know Robert is friends with and has a good working relationship with Nick. But this book's main protagonist and most of the cast are female, and while I love Nick as a narrator I can't help but feel like a woman narrator would've been a better choice for narrating this series. Or at the very least a collaboration between Nick and a female narrator.
A note to the author who I know sometimes reads these reviews... Calling out, in the text, the fact that something you are writing is deus ex machina doesn't make it ok; it is still ex machina and kind of lazy feeling. Also you go on and on about how the characters write themselves and how they surprise you etc... After reading 6 books, its noticeable when backstory seems to awkwardly materialize out of no where to make a connection that really didn't have any context from earlier in the text. When a character surprises you with a backstory thing, maybe go back to earlier in the book and lay some groundwork for it so it doesn't feel so much like a creative writing session.
so to conclude this negative sounding review I want to say I really enjoyed my time with this book and this world and look forward to more in the series. I was entertained despite all the distractions described above.
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15 people found this helpful
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- Keonah
- 25-11-20
Finally the Brown Girl Superhero We Always Wanted!
Ok, so maybe this story isn't really about super heroes, but they kinda ARE exactly that since they are all super smart and unimaginable talented. I picked up this book as an audiobook because I love Nick Podehl's narration and was BLOWN AWAY by the characters. Robert Ross is now a new favorite of mine and I quickly got my family hooked as well. My short review would say that this story is totally credit worthy (as an Audible audiobook) or weekend binge worthy ( If you are one of the blessed ones that has time to sit down and actually read a book with your actual eyeballs) and I can't wait until book 2 is released. It has all the best elements of a great story. Amazing characters, a believable plot with just the right mix of sci-fi and realism so that this feels like a very real near future world with a plausible problem, witty banter between characters, and a enough nerd nostalgia thrown in to be fun all come together to make a story that is a real treat. Spend the credit/ money and either add it to your library or listen. I PROMISE you won't be disappointed.
Now, my longer and more fangirlish review would say a lot more. I would start with the fact that the main character, Charlotte Omandi, is an African woman from Kenya who is tasked with saving the world by gathering a collection of similarly special people who are from all over the world. She is genetically enhanced to the point that her intelligence is basically a super power and she has to find a away to save everyone. The character is well written and from the first time we meet her we are pulled in and engaged to the point that we are fully invested in what feels like a real, fully fleshed out persons life and feelings as they navigate a dire situation. She is not a token brown girl character who really is just there to get the random white guy to save the day or to warm his bed. No, she really is the heart of the book and at every step SHE drives the story and supports the development of the other characters to the point that you realize that SHE is the heart of this and any subsequent books success and plot development.
Why is this important? Because as an avid sci-fi, fantasy, litrpg, DnD, all things nerd black woman and mother of 3, I enjoy not having to mentally change one of the characters race in my head so that, even if it's only in my head and not actually in the story, I can sometimes feel like I could be part of the story as well. So many authors forget to include strong, well written, minorities into their stories and they fail to understand the impact that a character like Charlotte can have on a reader. Not only is the female protagonist a underexplored path in sci-fi, but an educated, intelligent, engaging, strong, beautiful and not sex-driven MC is something I had to share with as many people as possible. And to have all this in an AWESOME story?! How could I not let everyone know.
After reading this book I immediately gave it to my teen daughters, my brother, and my father to read. They all devoured the book within a day or two and asked when the next book will come out. It's that good.
The crew that is assembled is from all over the world and in the audiobook version Nick Podehl did a great job of distinguishing the characters and voicing the diverse and hilariously entertaining interactions between the characters. I loved every single character in this book and they felt like they were real people walking around in my imagination as I read this adventure. I can't say enough about how much I loved this book. Just read it.
Even after I got this book as an audiobook I went back and purchased the paperback just so that this amazing story can live in my home with me on a shelf. POC representation in an amazing story needs to be supported. This author needs to know that the character he created was a diamond worth celebrating. Buy the book.. Buy the audiobook. Experience the story You will not be sorry, you may be angry that book 2 isn't out yet, but you will still be better off than the suckers who passed this one up.
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- John J Gerber
- 06-09-20
Paradigm Shift 2020
A paradigm is defined as "a typical example or pattern of something; a model." Robert certainly has shifted from his pattern and model of writing with this book. Shifting from urban fantasy to science fiction. I was curious if he could pull it off. To get to the heart of the review: Robert has introduced his readers to a great new series. I knew Robert excelled in character development, due to what has has done with the Sentinels of Creation series. What took me by surprised was how much I ended up liking this very diverse group of characters. He has created a rich tapestry for future writing. The science fiction is solid and I look forward to the next book expanding on the ideas introduced. Building on the wonders of other different worlds with different views and approaches to life. Robert's stories are always enjoyable, and this book is no exception. I am actually looking forward to the second book in this series more than the next book in the Sentinel's series. That is high praise. I look forward to finding out where the next book will take us.
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- nicholas keller
- 05-09-20
fascinating and so detailed loved every minute
You know one of my favorite shows is one called fringe and the reason besides it being a great show is because of 1 man John Noble and that's because in real life as well as being an actor he is a theoretical physicist and he told the show runners he wouldnt do the show unless anything they did in the show was theoretically possible in real life I bring this up because this is not a book that is just some fascinating but impossible story everything and I mean EVERYTHING that is in this story while not being so at this time is potentially possible we just have not figured out how and I love that it adds a dimension to it that it would be lacking if it was all made up and fake so to Robert W Ross..
WELL DONE SIR give yourself a well deserved pat on the back and I raise a glass to you keep it up my friend
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- Travis Yardley
- 21-09-21
I wanted it to be good, but it just wasn't
Alright, I listened to this entire book in the hopes it would get better. Spoiler, it didn't. There were a number of things I dislike about this book. I'll restrain myself and stick to the worst three.
References: There are frequent references to various movies and TV shows. This book is among the worst in this area. Each is forced, and then the author explains where they are from. Also despite this happening 25ish years in the future there have apparently been no cultural development in all that time.
F-bombs: my best guess is an average of 7 F-bombs a minute...for 17 hours. All the characters seem to only have one word to describe when they are angry, scared, trying to act tough or any other emotion.
Plot Convenience: Everything happens in a very convenient way. The characters never really struggle with anything. Anything is solved by waving the magical fix all of their genetic enhancements.
In summary do yourself a favor and skip this book. I'll be returning mine.
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- Joshua Lorden
- 11-09-20
Outstanding Fiction
Compelling Characters, fantastic dialog and a compelling story that grabbed my attention like few books have since Raymond Feist’s Magician series did so many years ago. Thank you for the scintillating fiction Robert. IMHO, you are a stand out. Bravo Zulu
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- John K.
- 03-09-20
Great Story!
Loved the Story. I am looking forward to the next audio Novel. Nick Podehl does a great job of narration. The character development was pretty darned good. I grew to care for the characters and thus the story.
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