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Alethea
Set in New York 2048, the story unfolds in a speculative near-future in which the world’s most powerful corporation, Telos, has turned all of Manhattan into a streamlined corporate campus. Sam Bixler, a young scientist who works for Telos, stumbles upon information that sends her on a quest to find her missing parents and into the orbit of the Resistance—a loose-knit group of cells fighting to take down Telos.
Telos came to power two decades earlier after the outbreak of Cato—a deadly virus that ravaged the greater New York City area. In order to contain the Cato virus, Telos launched Project Alethea. Project Alethea didn’t find a cure, but it did produce Gamma, a drug that helps Cato patients live longer. This seemed to be enough to contain the virus and solidify Telos’ complete dominance of New York City and beyond. But millions of people who didn’t have the Cato virus started abusing Gamma, and a Gamma drug epidemic ravaged the area almost as badly as the initial virus.
Project Alethea treated thousands of Cato patients, including Sam’s mother, Joan, who died in an experimental trial when Sam was 16. The story begins when Sam finds evidence that Telos may have lied about her mother’s death and that Joan may actually still be alive. Looking for answers, Sam returns to her Hudson Valley hometown to share the information with her estranged father, Clint. She finds that he’s gone missing too. In his place, Sam encounters the Resistance—of which her father is an integral member—doing the dangerous work of uncovering the truth about Project Alethea.
To get information from the Resistance, Sam must agree to work as a spy for them. She could be a valuable asset since she has just been reassigned to the Project Alethea Team. But working with the Resistance would mean saying goodbye to her comfortable, happy life within the Telos System. It may mean risking her safety and ruining the life of those she cares about. Is finding out the truth worth it?
Telos came to power two decades earlier after the outbreak of Cato—a deadly virus that ravaged the greater New York City area. In order to contain the Cato virus, Telos launched Project Alethea. Project Alethea didn’t find a cure, but it did produce Gamma, a drug that helps Cato patients live longer. This seemed to be enough to contain the virus and solidify Telos’ complete dominance of New York City and beyond. But millions of people who didn’t have the Cato virus started abusing Gamma, and a Gamma drug epidemic ravaged the area almost as badly as the initial virus.
Project Alethea treated thousands of Cato patients, including Sam’s mother, Joan, who died in an experimental trial when Sam was 16. The story begins when Sam finds evidence that Telos may have lied about her mother’s death and that Joan may actually still be alive. Looking for answers, Sam returns to her Hudson Valley hometown to share the information with her estranged father, Clint. She finds that he’s gone missing too. In his place, Sam encounters the Resistance—of which her father is an integral member—doing the dangerous work of uncovering the truth about Project Alethea.
To get information from the Resistance, Sam must agree to work as a spy for them. She could be a valuable asset since she has just been reassigned to the Project Alethea Team. But working with the Resistance would mean saying goodbye to her comfortable, happy life within the Telos System. It may mean risking her safety and ruining the life of those she cares about. Is finding out the truth worth it?
Audible Audio
Published August 10, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 28, 2023
Alethea
By Kathrina Day
This is a great 'Big Brother' society book involving a virus and advanced technology. Very thought-out and interesting characters. Really enjoyed the multiple narrators.
By Kathrina Day
This is a great 'Big Brother' society book involving a virus and advanced technology. Very thought-out and interesting characters. Really enjoyed the multiple narrators.
November 7, 2023
okay, mixed feelings on this. first of all, it's not really a book- it's more of a full-cast drama in audio format. i've never ventured into the category of audible originals before this so i have absolutely no basis of comparison for this but here goes.
the story is basic- evil cyberpunk corporation runs the whole world and the government (except in this case the entire world and government is....... manhattan? new york city? and nowhere else). we have to bring down the government with our ragtag group.
anyway thought the story was fun in a simple, relatively predictable way although there was still a twist at the end i did not expect.
on the other hand, there was some stuff that was really displeasing to listen to in headphones for me. the sound design was overall pretty cool and interesting, but i never want to hear that many kissing noises directly in my ear again. also the ending was a little abrupt and i was a little taken aback by what i felt like was a but of a lacking conclusion.
overall it was fine- got me through my shift and kept me pretty well entertained.
the story is basic- evil cyberpunk corporation runs the whole world and the government (except in this case the entire world and government is....... manhattan? new york city? and nowhere else). we have to bring down the government with our ragtag group.
anyway thought the story was fun in a simple, relatively predictable way although there was still a twist at the end i did not expect.
on the other hand, there was some stuff that was really displeasing to listen to in headphones for me. the sound design was overall pretty cool and interesting, but i never want to hear that many kissing noises directly in my ear again. also the ending was a little abrupt and i was a little taken aback by what i felt like was a but of a lacking conclusion.
overall it was fine- got me through my shift and kept me pretty well entertained.
November 14, 2024
Very interesting. Sometimes the sound effects were a bit overpowering, but full cast audiobooks are always great. I enjoyed the story.
March 19, 2025
It was okay. More of a dramatic story-telling podcast vibe. It was a quick listen and got me through the work day.
April 13, 2024
2.5 rounded down.
November 29, 2023
I didn’t want this book to end! It was exactly what I was looking for. I was looking for an all cast Dolby surround sound that was something like a post apocalyptic horror, and was surprised when I found this sci-fi.
Recently I’ve been watching the new to series, “Gen V” and rewatching “The Boys”, so it was exciting to hear superhero, the Deep’s voice at one point. So exciting! Amazing performance from all.
Does anyone know if there will be a part 2?
Recently I’ve been watching the new to series, “Gen V” and rewatching “The Boys”, so it was exciting to hear superhero, the Deep’s voice at one point. So exciting! Amazing performance from all.
Does anyone know if there will be a part 2?
August 10, 2024
Audiobook (5 hours) narrated by:
Julia Rehwald
Chace Crawford
Beau Bridges
Helen Hunt
Justin H. Min
Rachel Dratch
Jessica Barden
Becca Blackwell
Bree Sharp
This is a full cast narration team and they are excellent!
The audio is also excellent!
I was looking for a novel that was a bit about business. This wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but it is excellent. There was a lot going on in this novella. The action starts from the top, creating anticipation and suspense that pulled me right in.
The production is scored, so it has a movie feel to it. Well that along with the star studded narration cast! This made the world building more like a world presentation, as things were happening rather than being explained.
There isn't a lot of character building. It does happen on the fly, but we really get what we need when we need it. It isn't sloppy or lazy, it's just more high conflict and action rather than a slow build.
This is perfect for a long drive or when you can listen at work or another time when you can enjoy it all in one go.
Recommend.
Julia Rehwald
Chace Crawford
Beau Bridges
Helen Hunt
Justin H. Min
Rachel Dratch
Jessica Barden
Becca Blackwell
Bree Sharp
This is a full cast narration team and they are excellent!
The audio is also excellent!
I was looking for a novel that was a bit about business. This wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but it is excellent. There was a lot going on in this novella. The action starts from the top, creating anticipation and suspense that pulled me right in.
The production is scored, so it has a movie feel to it. Well that along with the star studded narration cast! This made the world building more like a world presentation, as things were happening rather than being explained.
There isn't a lot of character building. It does happen on the fly, but we really get what we need when we need it. It isn't sloppy or lazy, it's just more high conflict and action rather than a slow build.
This is perfect for a long drive or when you can listen at work or another time when you can enjoy it all in one go.
Recommend.
February 11, 2025
Pretty good, but i got questions though
July 27, 2025
A pandemic leading to billionaires obtaining more power and then growing confident enough to reveal their unethical and predatory backsides? Pfffffft
October 9, 2023
Wow! A little too close to home since 2020
Pandemic level virus takes out millions of humans, with the only ones gaining are those who are ‘helping’ to create a ‘cure’ ? Big companies that are at the forefront of the virus! Loved every bit of the story and the performance was great!!!
Pandemic level virus takes out millions of humans, with the only ones gaining are those who are ‘helping’ to create a ‘cure’ ? Big companies that are at the forefront of the virus! Loved every bit of the story and the performance was great!!!
March 3, 2024
A fast, virus-centred story that you can fly through in a couple hours. The audible version was amazing with voice actors for each character and background noises for what was going on in the story.
Definitely had more of a multiple-episode podcast feel than a book.
Definitely had more of a multiple-episode podcast feel than a book.
July 18, 2025
Imagine a world where every movement, every single thing you do, is monitored. From you buying a soda or candy bar, driving home, getting on the bus, and switching up your route. Buying a burger and the cashier tells you that your carb limit is coming up and asks if you're sure you want to order still. Every single thing you do is documented. There is absolutely nothing you can do to hide or try and outsmart the system. Or is there?
This book brings you into a world filled with corruption, betrayal, and not knowing whether or not you're doing the right thing. Set in the year 2048, you follow Sam, Sam Bixler, and what she's about to get herself into, will leave her making one of the toughest choices she'll ever have to make in her life. Follow what she has discovered about the company she works for and potentially save hundreds of thousands of lives. Or keep quiet and let the corruption continue. The company she works for has a tendency to get rid of... disloyal employees. You will have to read and find out more.
This is my first audio book that had ambient noises in the background, and let me tell you, it makes the story and the experience that much better. At times, it was a little noisy but not enough to overpower the voices. This kept me at the edge of my seat. Each chapter has you wanting more. You can feel the intensity in every scene. The author/s do a great job putting you in the story. Lately, I've been reading so many books where the authors give you that sense of feeling, truly amazing. Honestly, it's kind of scary to think that the world could and maybe be headed in the direction of the premise. EVERY SINGLE THING YOU DO IS MONITORED. Think about how far are we away from that?
Overall, this was such an enjoyable read, and I will definitely dive more into her books. I'm not sure if all her books are audible only, but this is one that I would love to have on my shelf. Maybe I can convince her to release a physical copy, lol. 5/5. Highly and I mean highly recommend!
This book brings you into a world filled with corruption, betrayal, and not knowing whether or not you're doing the right thing. Set in the year 2048, you follow Sam, Sam Bixler, and what she's about to get herself into, will leave her making one of the toughest choices she'll ever have to make in her life. Follow what she has discovered about the company she works for and potentially save hundreds of thousands of lives. Or keep quiet and let the corruption continue. The company she works for has a tendency to get rid of... disloyal employees. You will have to read and find out more.
This is my first audio book that had ambient noises in the background, and let me tell you, it makes the story and the experience that much better. At times, it was a little noisy but not enough to overpower the voices. This kept me at the edge of my seat. Each chapter has you wanting more. You can feel the intensity in every scene. The author/s do a great job putting you in the story. Lately, I've been reading so many books where the authors give you that sense of feeling, truly amazing. Honestly, it's kind of scary to think that the world could and maybe be headed in the direction of the premise. EVERY SINGLE THING YOU DO IS MONITORED. Think about how far are we away from that?
Overall, this was such an enjoyable read, and I will definitely dive more into her books. I'm not sure if all her books are audible only, but this is one that I would love to have on my shelf. Maybe I can convince her to release a physical copy, lol. 5/5. Highly and I mean highly recommend!
September 2, 2023
Not usually a sci fi fan but I liked the sound of this and it paid off, it was really very good.
September 20, 2023
Definitely needs a second book
April 9, 2024
It is the year 2048. Sam Bixler is a brilliant young scientist working for Telos in New York City. One day Sam stumbles upon a secret that had been well kept by the world's most powerful corporation where she is employed. She is now torn between remaining in her comfortable cocoon where Telos calls all the shots for her or infiltrating Project Alethea to find her parents. Two decades earlier, a deadly virus, Cato -not Covid- devastated the greater NYC area. Telos had stepped in and contained the outbreak with Gamma, a drug that harmed and killed many patients. Countless became addicted to that drug -not morphine or fentanyl. Was Clint, Sam's father, right about his "conspiracy theories" concerning Telos? She hasn't seen him in a while now and decides she will go for a visit to ask him about her mother's death. She was 16 when it happened. But now, and given what she had read, she was wondering whether Joan, her mom, was really dead...
Listening to this Audible book was a breeze. The storyline is interesting and somehow contemporary. The similarities with the Covid situation in most of the world as well as the frenzy that ensued are strikingly vivid. In March 2020, people were told that 2 weeks of isolation and lockdowns were necessary to flatten the curves. Weeks turned into months. Then came the mask mandates, followed by the needle injunctions for people to move "freely". Social distancing was the new norm. Too many were glued to their TV sets and phones day and night to remain on top of what was the largest misinformation campaign in the history of mankind to think critically. So many small businesses couldn't survive the non-sensical directives that were hammered out in the name of the greater good... What matters is that we act upon what we learn, otherwise, all the pain and suffering will be in vain.
This is a recommended listen. I am sure you will enjoy the narrative as much as I did. I hope you will draw the parallels that your critical thinking cannot miss! Read my article asking questions about the pLandemic in January 2021 on the blog. Once you start connecting the dots, you cannot un-know or turn a blind eye to facts anymore. Will you have the courage to follow your intuition rather than remain the slave of your fears? Moreover, will you be a sheeple for the next upcoming round?
Listening to this Audible book was a breeze. The storyline is interesting and somehow contemporary. The similarities with the Covid situation in most of the world as well as the frenzy that ensued are strikingly vivid. In March 2020, people were told that 2 weeks of isolation and lockdowns were necessary to flatten the curves. Weeks turned into months. Then came the mask mandates, followed by the needle injunctions for people to move "freely". Social distancing was the new norm. Too many were glued to their TV sets and phones day and night to remain on top of what was the largest misinformation campaign in the history of mankind to think critically. So many small businesses couldn't survive the non-sensical directives that were hammered out in the name of the greater good... What matters is that we act upon what we learn, otherwise, all the pain and suffering will be in vain.
This is a recommended listen. I am sure you will enjoy the narrative as much as I did. I hope you will draw the parallels that your critical thinking cannot miss! Read my article asking questions about the pLandemic in January 2021 on the blog. Once you start connecting the dots, you cannot un-know or turn a blind eye to facts anymore. Will you have the courage to follow your intuition rather than remain the slave of your fears? Moreover, will you be a sheeple for the next upcoming round?
August 24, 2023
( Set in the futuristic city of the New York of 20438, Alethea tells the story of Sam, a young scientist working for Telos, a powerful corporation which had established its world wide dominance by manufacturing the Gamma treatment which ended the spread of the lethal Cato virus. One of those who died had been Sam's own mother - except that Sam had just discovered she was not dead but still on the patient records of Telos. Horrified that they had been told a lie, Sam heads back to the family home in search of her long estranged father but instead finds Joel, an old school friend, who recruits the very reluctant Sam into the anti Telos resistance.
00
This is a slightly futuristic, political, murder mystery, SF thriller with a touch of romance and jealousy, if a little weak on motivation and heavy on coincidental encounter. An Audible Original, the book has a full cast, all of whom perform very well, though occasionally it is difficult to differentiate between characters. A fast paced story, interesting and an easy five hour listen which is Free to download through the Audible Plus programme.
Recommended for a light but absorbing listen.
00
This is a slightly futuristic, political, murder mystery, SF thriller with a touch of romance and jealousy, if a little weak on motivation and heavy on coincidental encounter. An Audible Original, the book has a full cast, all of whom perform very well, though occasionally it is difficult to differentiate between characters. A fast paced story, interesting and an easy five hour listen which is Free to download through the Audible Plus programme.
Recommended for a light but absorbing listen.
October 22, 2023
I've never been much for science fiction, future worlds, AI, or really any of this genre. However, this was a free download that sounded worth taking a chance, and I am thrilled I did.
It was not the best audiobook, but it was good enough to keep me going. I read some of the other's comments, saying it sounded more like a podcast. I disagree. The choppy radio talking of the characters and breaks from one place to the other must be looked at from the whole perspective. The premise of the entire communication network in every aspect was being watched and controlled. The very limited ability they did have to communicate was with old, outdated technology. So, the "poor audio" somewhat had a reason, as did the lack of communication from one place to another.
I felt this book was extremely relevant with the things we are facing in today's world. It was terrifying, quite honestly. Even though this book is fiction, there have been other projects like this done on human subjects in the past by governments. It's wrong and sickens me.
Recommended 👍
📚📚 📚
It was not the best audiobook, but it was good enough to keep me going. I read some of the other's comments, saying it sounded more like a podcast. I disagree. The choppy radio talking of the characters and breaks from one place to the other must be looked at from the whole perspective. The premise of the entire communication network in every aspect was being watched and controlled. The very limited ability they did have to communicate was with old, outdated technology. So, the "poor audio" somewhat had a reason, as did the lack of communication from one place to another.
I felt this book was extremely relevant with the things we are facing in today's world. It was terrifying, quite honestly. Even though this book is fiction, there have been other projects like this done on human subjects in the past by governments. It's wrong and sickens me.
Recommended 👍
📚📚 📚
December 18, 2023
Mini-Review:
Currently on Audible +
**Note to Authors**
Please write a follow up to Alethea! I would be happy to read it. 😎
4.5 Stars for Audio Drama Crew
3 Stars for Sound Effects
4 Stars for Story Concepts
3 Stars for Plot Flow
4 Stars for Characters
Recommend this for anyone in the mood for a bite size Sci-Fi story. A fast paced plot that managed to build whole characters, draw broad strokes for setting, and layers of emotional pull in opposite directions.
I came back on GR recently & mentally kicked around the idea of meeting my lackadaisical reading goal of 100 books for 2023. If I had bothered to record my Asian Webnovel pillage, my books read would be closer to 300s. 😆 Alethea is the 80th book to go down on record. 20 more to hit 100! Which is why I've embrace novellas and 300ish page novels in my mad rush to the end. I tend to prefer whole series and books that average around 500 pages.
Currently on Audible +
**Note to Authors**
Please write a follow up to Alethea! I would be happy to read it. 😎
4.5 Stars for Audio Drama Crew
3 Stars for Sound Effects
4 Stars for Story Concepts
3 Stars for Plot Flow
4 Stars for Characters
Recommend this for anyone in the mood for a bite size Sci-Fi story. A fast paced plot that managed to build whole characters, draw broad strokes for setting, and layers of emotional pull in opposite directions.
I came back on GR recently & mentally kicked around the idea of meeting my lackadaisical reading goal of 100 books for 2023. If I had bothered to record my Asian Webnovel pillage, my books read would be closer to 300s. 😆 Alethea is the 80th book to go down on record. 20 more to hit 100! Which is why I've embrace novellas and 300ish page novels in my mad rush to the end. I tend to prefer whole series and books that average around 500 pages.
November 6, 2023
𝟑.𝟕𝟓⭐
…𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬
- science fiction/dystopian-ish
- virus outbreak
- corporation cover-up
- defy the system…unlock the truth
- full-cast dramatization
- Is there a part 2???
- 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞 = 𝟕.𝟎𝟏/𝟏𝟎
You could call this dystopian…but I’m leaning more towards dystopian-ish since it feels similar to the real world. If there is a part 2, and it did somewhat lend itself towards one…I’ll totally listen to it. It would also help that ending to suck a little less to have a second book.
- Full-cast dramatization featuring Julia Rehwald, Chace Crawford, Beau Bridges, Helen Hunt, Justin H. Min, Rachel Dratch, Jessica Barden, Becca Blackwell, & Bree Sharp. It was super good and it was easier to follow than the Impact Winter Series is. I think that’s because we were able to be inside the MC’s head, whereas IW only seems to have dialogue.
…𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬
- science fiction/dystopian-ish
- virus outbreak
- corporation cover-up
- defy the system…unlock the truth
- full-cast dramatization
- Is there a part 2???
- 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞 = 𝟕.𝟎𝟏/𝟏𝟎
You could call this dystopian…but I’m leaning more towards dystopian-ish since it feels similar to the real world. If there is a part 2, and it did somewhat lend itself towards one…I’ll totally listen to it. It would also help that ending to suck a little less to have a second book.
- Full-cast dramatization featuring Julia Rehwald, Chace Crawford, Beau Bridges, Helen Hunt, Justin H. Min, Rachel Dratch, Jessica Barden, Becca Blackwell, & Bree Sharp. It was super good and it was easier to follow than the Impact Winter Series is. I think that’s because we were able to be inside the MC’s head, whereas IW only seems to have dialogue.
September 13, 2024
This is a hard one to rate entirely. Even with 10 full cast parts, so much was left out. Figured most secrets pretty quickly but enjoyed the audio production. Comparable to the audio drama Girl in Space. Very well done. Plot suffered at times from being too ambitious in a limited time frame.
The hyper capitalism and impacts of climate change had some specific twists based on locations. That felt organic. Ending needed more tweaking. Also didn't understand the point of a girlfriend other than a device. Not quite fridged at least.
Major holes abounded on the personal side. Maybe trimming the repetition for new info would have helped. Sam felt too clumsy, too obvious a choice at times. She wasn't really a good liar either. Didn't believe her or the fact this took place over a few months. Maybe 6 or 9. But again too obvious.
The hyper capitalism and impacts of climate change had some specific twists based on locations. That felt organic. Ending needed more tweaking. Also didn't understand the point of a girlfriend other than a device. Not quite fridged at least.
Major holes abounded on the personal side. Maybe trimming the repetition for new info would have helped. Sam felt too clumsy, too obvious a choice at times. She wasn't really a good liar either. Didn't believe her or the fact this took place over a few months. Maybe 6 or 9. But again too obvious.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2026
“Jesus, I sound like my dad…”
The post-apocalyptic genre stays in heavy rotation for me, and an enticing sci-fi premise will always pull me in.
One of the standout elements was the redemption arc in the father–daughter relationship. Following along as Sam and Clint find common ground while they have the chance became an authentic emotional anchor for me amongst the larger sci-fi atmosphere.
My main critique is simply that it felt too short. I seek stories where I can really sink my teeth into a whole new universe. I would have loved deeper world-building—especially a clearer sense of what’s happening beyond their district—and more time with the stellar cast.
There was so much potential in the setting and characters that I found myself wishing the story had more room to breathe and expand further beyond New York.
Overall, Alethea delivered on what piqued my interest, but left me wanting more in the best (and slightly frustrating) way.
The post-apocalyptic genre stays in heavy rotation for me, and an enticing sci-fi premise will always pull me in.
One of the standout elements was the redemption arc in the father–daughter relationship. Following along as Sam and Clint find common ground while they have the chance became an authentic emotional anchor for me amongst the larger sci-fi atmosphere.
My main critique is simply that it felt too short. I seek stories where I can really sink my teeth into a whole new universe. I would have loved deeper world-building—especially a clearer sense of what’s happening beyond their district—and more time with the stellar cast.
There was so much potential in the setting and characters that I found myself wishing the story had more room to breathe and expand further beyond New York.
Overall, Alethea delivered on what piqued my interest, but left me wanting more in the best (and slightly frustrating) way.
October 21, 2023
This is a good... audio drama rather than Audio Book, I would say... that does a good job with a near future New York where megacorporations and plague merge into a techno-thriller. When Sam Bixler gets promoted to the Alethea project, she sees something she shouldn't. But when she goes to tell her estranged father he was right, she finds him missing, and gets mixed up in a conspiracy on her own. There are all the requisite twists and turns, with questionable allies, despicable villains, long-standing mysteries being uncovered, and a cynical but hopeful woman at the center. The performances are good to very good, and the story wraps up most everything in its five hour running time. I really enjoyed it.
December 13, 2023
While the message of the story is that the world needs to know about the corporation, the cover ups, the lies and at whom to point fingers, the feel of the story is that of uncertain hope and a solid network of fellow defectors. I kinda felt like I was playing Shadowrun again. Overall, good story telling. The ambient noises weren't beeps and high squeaks accept where obviously necessary like at security. Not a lot of gun sounds but a few helicopters and sirens. Those sensitive to sounds like that, they largely come where expected, not out of the blue. Well done for making me feel like I'm right there with the main character. Great cast too. My only draw back is how long an outro each chapter has of just music. I found myself speeding things up because I was annoyed with the long delays.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2023
*Note: This audiobook is really an audio drama with voice actors and sound design.*
In the middle of a pandemic, Telos Corporation creates a life-saving medication and develops a complex, integrated system which becomes the foundation for a city-wide society. It all began with Project Alethea, which is still in operation after nearly 2 decades. Sam Bixler is promoted to the project but in her orientation, she notices a recently updated entry for her mother... who died 15 years ago.
The story is pretty Amazon/Black Mirror style. Maybe it was meant to be an ongoing podcast audio series but it ends at a hard cliffhanger.
In the middle of a pandemic, Telos Corporation creates a life-saving medication and develops a complex, integrated system which becomes the foundation for a city-wide society. It all began with Project Alethea, which is still in operation after nearly 2 decades. Sam Bixler is promoted to the project but in her orientation, she notices a recently updated entry for her mother... who died 15 years ago.
The story is pretty Amazon/Black Mirror style. Maybe it was meant to be an ongoing podcast audio series but it ends at a hard cliffhanger.
June 10, 2024
I have a few mixed feelings towards this audiobook. While it's always impressive to hear a full-cast drama with a big cast, I found it to be a little over the top with the extra background music to be distracting. The story itself was interesting with the futuristic set-up but felt lacking in length. If you're going to take on a complicated topic, there should be some thought-out details to satisfy the listener. The characters were okay, although none stood out. The ending just arrived from nowhere and could've done with a better conclusion.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress.com
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress.com
February 25, 2025
The story was predictable and basic if you've read many of the same genre. But despite that, I still found myself engaged with it. I did find myself rolling my eyes at certain points but overall it was still a fun fast-paced story that was great to listen to while I played my game (Stardew Valley). It's perfect for when needing something to listen to while out walking, doing errands, etc.
Plot progression and character development was just about as expected for something this short. It can get a bit preachy so avoid this if you're not in the mood for that. It's a good choice for when you just want something familiar but can still satisfy a bit of thrill.
Plot progression and character development was just about as expected for something this short. It can get a bit preachy so avoid this if you're not in the mood for that. It's a good choice for when you just want something familiar but can still satisfy a bit of thrill.
December 13, 2023
Another audible original to pass the time while I worked on a puzzle 😁
This one was a little better than the romance-type ones. The quirky and dramatic performance seems to always be necessary in this style of story, since dialogue between the characters is the only way the listener can get details. So it was a little weird listening to the characters “sneak” around while openly chatting about their sneaky mission out loud. But the story once again made me think and kept me entertained. Didn’t hate it!
This one was a little better than the romance-type ones. The quirky and dramatic performance seems to always be necessary in this style of story, since dialogue between the characters is the only way the listener can get details. So it was a little weird listening to the characters “sneak” around while openly chatting about their sneaky mission out loud. But the story once again made me think and kept me entertained. Didn’t hate it!
March 6, 2024
I hardly ever review, but if I could give an extra star, I would.
Great story, fantastic cast, excellent execution. No red herrings, but some good twists. Production value was top notch.
I'm normally not a fan of full cast productions - I prefer a single reader because it's often hard to identify a voice as a character fully. But this was REALLY well done. Seamless with perfect timing.
And Helen Hunt's rich voice has only gotten better with age. I need to look for audiobooks featuring her from here on out.
Great story, fantastic cast, excellent execution. No red herrings, but some good twists. Production value was top notch.
I'm normally not a fan of full cast productions - I prefer a single reader because it's often hard to identify a voice as a character fully. But this was REALLY well done. Seamless with perfect timing.
And Helen Hunt's rich voice has only gotten better with age. I need to look for audiobooks featuring her from here on out.
January 5, 2025
Great production values in a dystopian future which in some ways was the last few years but with the light on. A virus, corporate over reach, ineffectual government and a young person struggling with family, relationships, career and their existentialism. It had me on tenterhooks and during a holiday- effectively devoured this thing in two sittings. Let down in someways how kind of cheaply all the loose ends are tied up in the end - but not too bad to deduct a star. That’s entertainment… with a pause for contemplation.
September 1, 2025
I agree with others that this felt more like an audio drama than an audiobook, but I enjoyed that it was read by a full cast of characters. I mostly enjoyed how the background sounds enhanced the story, but I agree with the other reviewer who thought the kissing sounds were unnecessary.
It's another dystopian book that didn't feel very original. A released virus, a big corporation controlling the government, and a small resistance team are familiar plot lines. Because of the fast pace and all the action, it did keep my interest up while I was driving to meet friends, then returning home.
It's another dystopian book that didn't feel very original. A released virus, a big corporation controlling the government, and a small resistance team are familiar plot lines. Because of the fast pace and all the action, it did keep my interest up while I was driving to meet friends, then returning home.
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