Far Cry: Rise of the Revolution

by Alexandro Aldrete, Giancarlo Esposito, (Narrator)

A political prisoner throughout his childhood, Antón Castillo (Giancarlo Esposito) dreams of becoming El Presidente just like his father before he was killed and his family imprisoned during a revolution. A Leukaemia diagnosis might be his undoing, but an experimental drug that can only be grown in Yara, keeps him and his dream alive. But to hold on to power and keep up with production demand for his miracle drug, he must go to extreme lengths that shock even his own son Diego. Journalist and activist Clara García is determined to stop this dictator in the making whatever the cost.

Starring: Alejandro Vargas Lugo, Alex Ruiz, Ana Clements, Antonio Fornaris, Ariel Butwyna, Daniela Azuaje, David Juarez, Diego Jalfen, Erika Soto, Fernando Tiberini, Frederico Louhau, Gabriel Porras, Giancarlo Esposito, Jackie Quinones, Javier Prusky, Laura Cucurullo, Lorraine Ansell, Marta De Silva, Natalie Castellanos, Simone MacIntyre, Stephane Cornicard, Susie Valerio, Vicky Tessio and Vidal Sancho.

Genres: Audiobook, Video Games, Fiction

5 pages, Audiobook

Published February 23, 2023

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun discovery for a tie in to the most recent Far Cry game. This is not just read by Giancarlo, it is a fully dramatized prequel to the game that sets up the whole thing, answers questions from the game, and introduces the various characters that Dani encounters along the way. This was so much fun

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great look at the rise and motivation of the Farcry 6 game world.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started going downhill about midway through but was enjoyable enough.

[Richard Winters · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I would love to say that this audiobook has risen like the lion that Anton wants to be, and has risen above the games of Far Cry, but it did not. Much like the games, the audiobook is a mediocre affair in terms of story with some good actors, some not so great and almost distracting.
Written as a prequel to the current release of from the video games series of Far Cry 6, Ubisoft teamed with Audible and write Alexandro Aldrete to bring the audience the origin story of the villains from the game. Anton Castillo was young when his father was El Presidente of Yara and watched as his father was eliminated in front of him. Growing up as a prisoner of the current regime, Anton dreams of bring back the paradise he believes the land of Yara use to be, but he discovers his time will be cut short after being diagnosed with leukemia. Luckily, a experimental drug only grown in Yara keeps him, and his dream, alive. But, how far will he go to hold on to the power he wants, and needs, to take back his version of paradise, with his miracle drug? And how will his family, including his son Diego, and the people of Yara react?
Right away, I have to give credit to Giancarlo Esposito in saying that, if one thing really kept this production alive, it is his performance. He is amazing and deserves plenty of credit for another outstanding notch to add to an excellent career. While there are a few other performers who help to make it listenable, too much of the cast's performance is like the video game and the story, over-the-top.
I am not saying that over-the-top is always bad, especiallky as a gamer and a fan. I wanted to enjoy this and was excited to see a book of the game series. Especially one which dealt with a villain of the series, as they are often the most memorable aspect of the Far Cry games. But, both the game and the villains have gone downhill, as did this five-part series.
If you enjoy the video game series, especially the sixth installment, then give it a listen as you will appreciate all of the tie-in and any chance for a performance by Mr. Esposito is a treat. Just do not expect too much from the rest of it.

[Vinit Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Far Cry 3, it is one of my favourite games. I have played a bit of Far Cry 4 and 5 but never finished those games. I never got into Far Cry 6... it felt similar to Far Cry 4 and by the time Far Cry 6 was released, I had mostly transitioned to Apple devices and preferred Indie games and Apple Arcade titles.

This is not a review of Far Cry games, it's a review of the audiobook - "Far Cry: Rise of the Revolution" by Alexandro Aldrete, a prequel story to the events in Far Cry 6. This is a free audiobook to Audible Premium members and I had it in my library for more than a year. For me, this audiobook offered a deeper understanding of the game's world and its characters.

The Heart of the Story: Castillo's Rise and Fall

The plot of "Far Cry: Rise of the Revolution" is a captivating tale of power, ambition, and moral descent. It chronicles the life of Antón Castillo, a character whose journey from a privileged child to a revolutionary leader is both fascinating and harrowing. The story masterfully captures the essence of a man who, driven by a vision for his country, spirals into the depths of dictatorship. Giancarlo Esposito's portrayal of Castillo is nothing short of brilliant. Known for his role as Gus Fring in "Breaking Bad," Esposito brings a similar intensity and depth to Castillo. His performance is nuanced, capturing the character's transformation from an idealistic activist to a ruthless dictator with chilling believability. The supporting cast also delivers commendable performances, but it's Esposito who steals the show.

The audible production quality is excellent as always. The sound effects create an immersive experience. From the subtle background noises to the more pronounced soundscapes, every element is crafted to enhance the narrative. The result is a listening experience that is as cinematic as it is engaging.

"Far Cry: Rise of the Revolution" is a journey that takes you into the heart of a revolution, through the rise of a dictator, and leaves you pondering the complexities of power and ambition. Whether you're a seasoned Far Cry player or someone who appreciates a well-told story, this audiobook is a compelling listen.

[SteveL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set before Far Cry 6, Rise of the Revolution tells the story of how Anton Castillo came to power. In this Audible original, Giancarlo Esposito reprises his role as Castillo, who goes from displaced son to president.

This was more of a audio play than an audio book, which isn't a bad thing. Esposito isn't the only actor to return from the game to reprise their role, but he is by far the best. All the major characters are there with how they came together before the events of the game. It is a serviceable story but nothing that really got me interested to play the game more then I already did.

While the story isn't bad, it does feel like it reveals to much about the events before the game. It felt like certain events happened much earlier before the start of the game only to have happened fairly recently. There are also a few moments that feel like they are big reveals in the game that are revealed in the audio story.

[Laurence Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I really enjoyed this. There’s a few narrative contradictions with the game, like we learn from an in-game document that Castillo expressly made Benitez an admiral after he came to power to secure her loyalty, despite her being under-qualified compared to other candidates. Whereas here she’s an admiral from the start and actively helps him rise to power. There’s a few little things like that, and a bit of bad writing here and there, but as an accessory to the game it’s well worth a listen!

[A.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

BETTER THAN THE GAME

Honestly this shows that Ubisoft can write good stories in their games but refuses to do so somehow

Anton is such a better character here and Clara and Diego actually feel like characters and not extras, kudos to the author, this made me want to play the game even tho I already did and felt disappointed

[Vikas V · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great prequel to Far Cry 6 the game, we learn a lot of back story of Anton Castillo and his family history leading upto the story we play in the game, so it makes playing far cry 6 even more interesting when we know in depth why and how it lead to the situation we face in the game.

[Todd Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished playing Far Cry 6 (video game) and saw this available on Audible. The book has the same voice cast as the game. This story is a prequel to the story line of the game, which also has a great story line. Absolutely love the story and cast!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a full cast audiobook. It really makes the story immersive. It also had amazing sound effects like footsteps, knocking, keys jingling, background chatter, music, etc. If you like the game, you'll like this audiobook, but if you don't know the game it won't make much sense to you.

[Stuart Tudor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't expect the thrills and intrigue in a video game adaptation. There is some solid examination of how totalitarian states weaponise language. However, it could have been longer and been more focused.

[the_only_bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Dani would be there. 😅😅

[Chianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan. Not all that interesting.

[coolwind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite enjoyable.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every scene with Giancarlo Esposito was a 5 but everything else was a 1 or 2.

[Oscar Lilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I was expected. Good acting but just missed the mark. But I appreciate it for highlighting how easily the tormented becomes the tormentor when reaching power.

[M.L. Falconer · Rating 2 out of 5]

So incredibly boring. Two stars is generous.

[Kailib · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Audiobook*

It was great hearing about Anton Castillo's rise to power.

[Victor Vilchiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

an attempt to make money of what people in Central and South American countries experienced in the 1980's and 90's (and some continue to experience).

[Brent Maxwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting linear story about cycles of dictatorship and how they come to pass. Unsatisfying end.

[Megneto♓️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 🌟
Wasn't sure what to expect as I haven't played the games but it was a good listen. Wouldn't say I would listen to it again though.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting concept, but a 4 hour book can't match the depth of a 20-30 hour game.

[Evil Secret Ninja · Rating 4 out of 5]

just goes to show that people continue to fight over the same old stuff. Drugs, money freedom the things that inspire us never changes. This was an interesting way to present it.