Earthlight

by J. Michael Straczynski, Erik Braa (Narrator), Pete Bradbury (Narrator)

*Listening length: 2h 54m

International tension is rising as the Russian military forms an Eastern Alliance to create a new age of Russian supremacy. The rest of the world is scrambling for a united response.

Enter Project Earthlight.

Earthlight is a NATO operation under U.S. command based in the ultimate military high ground: space. A group of the best fighter pilots is handpicked from around the world to fly the first generation of advanced planes capable of maneuvering in the vacuum of space and inside the atmosphere.

Learning how to fly experimental planes while learning to trust their new squadron, our pilots are plunged into a high-stakes life-and-death mission with everything at risk. Can Commanding Officer Colonel Scott Dane get the other pilots on the same page in time to prevent World War III?

With cutting-edge soundscapes and an action-packed plot, EARTHLIGHT will keep listeners on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Space, War, Military Fiction, Adult

3 pages, Audiobook

Published July 9, 2024

About the author

Joseph Michael Straczynski is an American filmmaker and comic book writer. He is the founder of Synthetic Worlds Ltd. and Studio JMS and is best known as the creator of the science fiction television series Babylon 5 (1993–1998) and its spinoff Crusade (1999), as well as the series Jeremiah (2002–2004) and Sense8 (2015–2018). He is the executor of the estate of Harlan Ellison.
Straczynski wrote the psychological drama film Changeling (2008) and was co-writer on the martial arts thriller Ninja Assassin (2009), was one of the key writers for (and had a cameo in) Marvel's Thor (2011), as well as the horror film Underworld: Awakening (2012), and the apocalyptic horror film World War Z (2013). From 2001 to 2007, Straczynski wrote Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, followed by runs on Thor and Fantastic Four. He is the author of the Superman: Earth One trilogy of graphic novels, and he has written Superman, Wonder Woman, and Before Watchmen for DC Comics. Straczynski is the creator and writer of several original comic book series such as Rising Stars, Midnight Nation, Dream Police, and Ten Grand through Joe's Comics.
A prolific writer across a variety of media and former journalist, Straczynski is the author of the autobiography Becoming Superman (2019) for HarperVoyager, the novel Together We Will Go (2021) for Simon & Schuster, and Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer (2021) for Benbella Books. In 2020 he was named Head of the Creative Council for the comics publishing company Artists, Writers and Artisans.
Straczynski is a long-time participant in Usenet and other early computer networks, interacting with fans through various online forums (including GEnie, CompuServe, and America Online) since 1984. He is credited as being the first TV producer to directly engage with fans on the Internet and to allow viewer viewpoints to influence the look and feel of his show. Two prominent areas where he had a presence were GEnie and the newsgroup rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated.

Reviews

[Elentarri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars

Earthlight is a fast-paced, military, speculative/science-fiction audio-drama. In short, it sounded like one of the more intense episodes of Babylon 5 (without the pictures), which isn't really surprising since the author is also a screenwriter, producer and director of films (including Babylon 5). There isn't anything new in terms of concept, but the scant 3 hour long story was entertaining, and the full-cast, full sound-effect production was auditory candy (and probably took more time and effort than the writing the story)... and it kept me company while trying out two new orange cake recipes.

[Dawn McGill Dalrymple · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for the audiobook it was truly an experience, it felt like watching a movie, 3 stars for the actual story. Thank you PRH audio for the ALC to listen and review.

[Ashley Scow · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5 rounded down) That was quite the ride! Top Gun in space. I would have absolutely loved if it was longer. The full cast narration and sound effects created a wonderfully immersive experience.

[Ursula Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun space adventure with a great cast. I'm familiar with quite a few names in this one and they were so in character I couldn't match while listening. Frightening to think that this could really happen. Good guys won in the end. Production was excellent as well.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Earthlight” by J. Michael Straczynski is a gripping military sci-fi audio drama that takes listeners on a high-stakes journey through a near-future world teetering on the brink of global conflict. Released in July 2024, this relatively short audiobook is brought to life by a stellar full-cast performance, featuring narrators like Erik Braa, Pete Bradbury, William DeMeritt, and many others.

** Plot Overview

Set in a world where international tensions have reached a boiling point, “Earthlight” explores the geopolitical struggle between NATO and a newly formed Eastern Alliance led by Russia. The story kicks off with the rise of a new Russian President, who is determined to establish Russian supremacy through the Eastern Alliance. In response, NATO launches Project Earthlight, a top-secret initiative designed to counter this threat by taking warfare into space.

The narrative follows Colonel Scott Dane, the commanding officer of Project Earthlight, as he assembles a team of the world's best pilots to operate cutting-edge spacecraft capable of functioning both in the atmosphere and in the vacuum of space. The stakes are incredibly high, as the team must navigate not only the technical challenges of their new craft but also the political and personal dynamics within their ranks.

** Narration and Performance

One of the standout features of **Earthlight** is its full-cast narration. Erik Braa, along with a talented ensemble including Pete Bradbury, William DeMeritt, and others, delivers a performance that is both immersive and dynamic. Each character is given a distinct voice, making it easy for listeners to follow the story and connect with the diverse cast of characters. The use of global accents adds authenticity and depth to the narrative, reflecting the international scope of the story.

The audiobook also benefits from high-quality production values. The sound effects and music are not just background elements but integral parts of the storytelling. They enhance the tension and excitement, making scenes of space combat and political intrigue even more compelling. The sound design helps to create a vivid and immersive listening experience, drawing listeners into the world of “Earthlight.”

** Themes and Analysis

“Earthlight” delves into several thought-provoking themes, including the ethics of warfare, the impact of technological advancements on military strategy, and the complexities of international diplomacy. Straczynski's background as a writer for both television and film is evident in the way he constructs the narrative, blending action and character development seamlessly.

One of the central themes of the audiobook is the idea of unity in the face of a common threat. The diverse team assembled for Project Earthlight must overcome their differences and work together to prevent a global catastrophe. This theme is particularly resonant in today's world, where international cooperation is often challenged by political and cultural divisions.

Another significant theme is the human cost of war. Through the experiences of Colonel Dane and his team, “Earthlight” explores the personal sacrifices and moral dilemmas faced by those on the front lines of conflict. The audiobook does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of war, making it a poignant and emotionally impactful listen.

** Strengths and Weaknesses

“Earthlight” excels in its ability to create a sense of urgency and suspense. The pacing is brisk, with each chapter building on the tension and stakes established in the previous one. The combination of a well-crafted plot, strong character development, and high-quality production makes for a thoroughly engaging listening experience.

However, some listeners might find certain elements of the story to be somewhat familiar. The themes of international conflict and advanced military technology are staples of the sci-fi genre, and while “Earthlight” handles them well, it does not necessarily break new ground. Additionally, the audiobook's relatively short runtime of approximately 3 hours might leave some wishing for a more extended exploration of its intriguing world and characters.

** Conclusion

In conclusion, **Earthlight** by J. Michael Straczynski is a compelling and well-executed military sci-fi audio drama that offers a thrilling and immersive listening experience. The full-cast performance, combined with excellent sound design and a gripping narrative, makes it a standout addition to the genre. While it may tread familiar ground in some respects, its strong execution and timely themes make it a worthwhile listen for fans of sci-fi and military fiction alike.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Earthlight is a fascinating, thoughtful read that explores big ideas—identity, connection, and humanity's relationship with the broader universe—but it didn't fully come together for me.

There's a lot here to appreciate. The conceptual ambition is clear, and the story often reaches for something reflective and expansive rather than purely plot-driven. I enjoyed the moments where the book slowed down to consider perspective, distance, and the emotional implications of its setting. Those quieter beats are where the novel feels most confident.

That said, my engagement wavered. Parts of the narrative felt underdeveloped, and I occasionally struggled to connect deeply with the characters. Some transitions felt abrupt, while other sections lingered longer than necessary, making the pacing uneven. I found myself more interested in the ideas than in the story's execution.

Overall, Earthlight is a solid, thoughtful book with clear intent and moments of resonance, but it didn't quite grip me emotionally or narratively.

⭐ 3 stars — intriguing ideas, uneven execution.

[Amanda Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay I’m so excited I was finally able to dive into this one! For starters, this is one of the COOLEST PR boxes I had ever received, with the headphones to hear the SFX better, the CarPlay thing that had the audiobook and on it and some space snacks. Thank you so much PRH Audio.
Listening to it, it really was like watching a movie with just listening to the audio track of a movie. I enjoyed all the fighter jet sounds, and even small things like footsteps. Since I imagine things as I read (I clarify this as apparently not everyone does!), it really was like a movie.
So this was a fun space movie! I enjoyed the crew assembled; they reminded me a bit of the Atlantis (Disney movie) crew, just with less betrayal. I appreciated that a lot of their motivation was just the need for speed 😂 but in space. The ending kind of left me wondering if it will continue with another book, but with it being military fiction, I also understand why there wasn’t a definite end.
The focus of this one was definitely more the audio performance than book plot— it’s essentially NATO vs Russia but warfare done in space— and honestly I was okay with that because there is no physical book companion to this and the focus IS the audio, which was superbly done.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even when there is something that pretends to be peace on Earth – there’s brinkmanship and stepping up to the terrible line that leads to World War III. So far, we’ve always stepped back – but someday we won’t.

The story in Earthlight posits a near future – possibly too damn near – when the U.S. and its NATO allies step up to that line because a post-Putin Russia is already there. What makes Earthlight just a bit different from similar stories by Tom Clancy and M.L. Buchman is that the brinkmanship takes place – not somewhere on Earth, or at least not exclusively somewhere on the planet – but in space.

Not “outer space” but somewhere a LOT closer to home. Specifically Low Earth orbit – or LEO. Far enough out to see an entire hemisphere of the planet – and close enough to strike anywhere on it – especially from planes that can go faster than MACH 20.

Those planes have the advantage – the literal high ground – as long as they don’t overshoot their targets.

Project Earthlight is a secret – because of course it is. And of course it’s been leaked – because big secret projects are incapable of staying secret for very long – especially once they go into production.

And Project Earthlight – and its space-borne aircraft carrier, the Alexander – is very much in production, on-line, and waiting for its first mission and its first squadron of pilots. Which is where this story begins, as Colonel Scott Dane of the U.S. Air Force is on a recruiting mission to sign the best, the brightest, and the most out-of-the-box thinkers from ALL of the NATO forces to fly the first planes assigned to the Alexander.

He hopes they’ve got time for all the training they’ll need – but he knows they don’t. Because those plans did leak, and the Russians have a space carrier of their own – the Gagarin. And they have a bunch of fanatics in the Kremlin – all promising a return to Russia’s glory days.

The path to which leads straight through a NATO allied Eastern Europe, and to a head to head dogfight with the Alexander for the highest stakes of all.

Escape Rating A-: There’s a whole lot of SQUEE in this review because WOW what a ride.

Although I have to admit that for a good chunk of the story, as much as I was totally caught up in it I was desperately worried that it was all a tease. There just didn’t seem like enough time left in the recording to come to anything like a satisfactory ending. (I was half-heartedly looking for the reading equivalent of ‘coitus interruptus’ because it sure seemed like the story was heading that way.)

But fear not, Earthlight does come to a satisfactory conclusion – although it is still more than a bit of a tease as most listeners will want to know what happens afterwards. At least the story certainly does make clear that there IS an afterwards and that’s a gigantic relief.

The elements that make up the story are familiar to readers of military SF. There’s a recruitment phase, a training phase, a getting-to-know-each-other phase, and there’s the inevitable potential romance that runs into the military frat regs (shades of Stargate).

The process of the squad pulling itself together is jam-packed and doesn’t give all the characters the time needed for readers – or their squadmates – to really get to know them. And of course the characters who are mostly reduced to (admittedly well done) accents are the ones that get lost early.

But in spite of that necessity, we do get a good feel for the leaders, and we do feel like “we are there” because we’re not just reading this story – we’re in the thick of it by listening to their distinct voices.

Laid on top of the military side, there’s also the side that gives us the historical and political side. The part that’s going to remind lots of listeners of Tom Clancy or M.L. Buchman because the shenanigans, including the brinkmanship, the short-sightedness, the glory-seeking to the exclusion of common sense and the epic levels of paranoia are all out of the political thriller playbook.

That part of the story works, even with a bit of necessary shorthand for the length, because we’ve seen them before – even in real life. That part of the story feels entirely too plausible.

This listening experience is edge-of-the-seat, you-are-absolutely-there, nail-biting compulsion filled with a surprising number of crowning moments of awesome. There were plenty of moments when my heart was literally in my throat even though I knew the worst-case scenario couldn’t possibly be the ending.

So the story of Earthlight, taken as a whole, is a fantastic experience even if many of the elements that make it so compelling are also just a bit familiar. It’s a great three hours of listening – I just wish there were a hell of a lot more.

But OMG I wish there was a text for this thing.

I NEED a text so I can hunt for quotes AND have a full list of characters, how their names are spelled and who played them in the audio. Because the cast was outstanding – every single one.

It is a pet peeve of mine that full cast or even multicast audio productions don’t generally tell the listener exactly who played whom – and I always want to know. But in this particular case, that lack of a list led to a bit of serendipity. To my ear, the political officer aboard the Russian ship sounded a LOT like the Romulan officer Tomalak in a couple of Star Trek: Next Gen episodes. When I checked out who portrayed Tomalak, I discovered that the character was played by the late Andreas Katsulas – who embodied Ambassador G’Kar on the author’s beloved TV series Babylon 5.

One reviewer opined that Earthlight could be seen as a very, very, very early prequel to B5 if one squinted a LOT. And it’s possible. Certainly it captured something of its spirit – without squinting at all. If it turns out that that spirit continues into another chapter of Earthlight – this listener/reader would be thrilled to be aboard for another mission.

Originally published at Reading Reality

[Jamie Wells · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I love JMS and his writing, but he really needs to have beta readers checking on military and science details. I can let pass USAF pilots flying F-18s and being Top Guns, but had to stop at the ship in a "Low Earth geosynchronous orbit above the North Pole". The production values earn this two stars, but decided not to finish it.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is on par for the genre. We listened to it on a long drive.

Straczynski was also a Babylon 5 writer, and we can imagine that with the revolving ship.

My husband points out that the amount of force needed to move something so massive would be enormous. I think I have nearly given up trying to map sci-fi physics with real physics.

Much of the early part of the story involved being in awe of technology. It reminded me of the original Star Trek movie when we kept soaring around admiring the Enterprise from every possible angle for a long time before we saw any plot.

The music kept reminding me of the cartoon series, G Force, another sci-fi story.

Some of the characters got confusing to me because there were so many, but it did help that they had different accents from different parts of the world.

I doubt in a real military that commanding officers would allow their people to get away with so much.

I also doubt that in the near future, a religious movement within Russia will lead them to violence, because Russia is primarily atheistic. I felt like the author just wanted to give a reason for the madness and made religion the scapegoat.

And yes, sometimes religions have prompted violence. Religions can also have a more positive influence. "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." - James 1:27

The foreward-looking view of this story is that humankind will still be warring with each other, even, as one character said, whenever we inhabit Mars. They made that sound like a good and glorious thing, to be fighting evil that way.

That reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend, who wonders if people would ever "evolve" enough that we don't fight and destroy ourselves and our planet.

I didn't give her a real answer because she flew from idea to idea without really pausing on this one, but I would've said that the Christian view is that no, we will not naturally develop this goodness, that we inherently all have a selfish bent. It may or may not be expressed through violence in any given individual, but there will always be some people in which it will.

That is why we need Jesus.

And that is why we all need accountability, or a system of checks and balances.

SPOILER: Some of this was sad.

[Jessica Booth · Rating 4 out of 5]

What’s it about?
Another World War is brewing, and the U.S. Military has secretly built a base in space, fully equipped with brand new planes that can fly at unheard of speeds. Now they must recruit the pilots to operate them. It’s not long before the new recruits are pressed into action to save the world.

My thoughts:

First thing you should know about this is that it absolutely, 100% must be listened to. It is a movie for your ears with a full cast and sound effects that pulled me directly into the story. The production was immaculate and reminded me a bit of the Illuminae Files.

The story was captivating, and when ratched up with a pulse-pounding soundtrack, it became difficult to put down. I loved feeling like I was in the planes with the characters, with them as they made their decisions. I especially enjoyed the scenes with the double agent.

I did feel like I jumped into the middle of the story and wanted more background on the brewing war, but that certainly didn’t stop me from enjoying this great piece of multi-media art.

[Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this audiobook for review.

5 stars for the production, 4 stars for the storyline

Earthlight is one of the best productions of an audiobook I have ever listened to! With a full cast of narrators, sound effects, and music it truly felt like a movie unfolding in my mind.

Set in the not so distant future it is a military drama where the best fighter pilots around the world are recruited to fly planes that can move in the vacuum of space. It has a kind of Top Gun feel to it but on a much larger scale. At only about 3 hours in length it is cinematic and action packed without much extra filler.

There were many talented narrators included and I gave myself a pat on the back when I recognized one of my favorite narrators Saskia Maarleveld as soon as her voice showed up (#audiobooknerd 🤓).

Trigger/content warnings: flight combat and death (but nothing too intense), strong language throughout.

[Lowell · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF.

Jingoistic train wreck of nonsense. military leaders barking orders, ill-considered timelines.

JMS wrote B5, which was excellent, but didn't do much with hard SF beyond making earth ships have rotating sections for gravity.

He clearly does not have a grip on hard science here, with such features as a "geosynchronous orbit with the south/north pole" (that is, in fact, impossible), scramjet based planes that function IN SPACE (again, not possible), and a geostationary orbit at "175 vertical miles straight up" which is absolutely laughable (geostationary/synchronous orbits are 22,000 miles in altitude).

cannot recommend.

[Shannon (enchantedfiction) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5/5

**Thank you, Libro.fm, for the audio copy!**

This was a fun, quick, full cast sci-fi experience that was fast-paced and exciting. I really liked how immersive the whole experience was with the added sound effects. I just found it a little bit hard to follow without a visual. I think this would make a really cool short film that would make the experience that much better. It was sometimes hard to determine who was speaking and what their role was in the grand scene, but I think the main points got across easily.

[Katie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun listen, all the sound effects were great. I've never listened to something like this before, but it was a unique experience, like a movie but in audiobook form.

I did get a bit lost at times trying to keep the characters straight but I was doing some crafts while I listened so it only had half my attention. I'm also not the best a being able to focus on taking in info from audiobooks. Personally I would have needed a few more crutches of narration to really keep me on track or to have listened to it and done very little else, but I think those are personal issues.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've liked most of Staczynski's writing, and this was a good near-future techo/military thriller set in the near future with the best pilots in the world becoming the first to fly new craft that can go from space to air. A new dictator has taken control of Russia and brings the world to the brink of nuclear war - unless the new Space Force pilots can take out the trains carrying the nuclear missiles. A full cast does a great job with this audiobook.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this exciting story of a secret mission, possible WW III, fast planes including a new vessel that has yet to be revealed, and the brave people that fly them. It's narrated by a full cast along with movie quality sound effects that put you right in the middle of the action. This was a very entertaining way to spend a few hours while also getting things done around the house.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Matt Cavanah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imagine if Babylon 5's Star Fury program got it's start in present-day geopolitical conflicts and you've pretty much got Earthlight.

It's not going to completely blow you away, but it's a tightly-paced romp that lands a little on the cheese side without being too much.

I'd hazard a guess it was more of a proof-of-concept project to see if it could get greenlit as a tv show or movie, and I wouldn't be mad if it did.

[Alex at lost Haven Homestead · Rating 4 out of 5]

A military sci-fi action novel. Set in the near future with a space commands being set up in adversary with a Russian government (think Putin but after his rule and more ratatilized, ready fire of nukes)
Joints space command type of operation with UN but with US lead into it it's very interesting sort of feels like a top gun meets space force just less funny but very interesting and cool definitely diverse casting of the fighter pilots.

Good read, 3hrs long.

[TJ Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cool concept, interesting scenarios, but something about the full cast reading made it feel cheesy and brought the seriousness down a level. Also, because the story is so short, I didn’t find myself attached to any character, so when it ended and some had died, I could barely remember them, let alone feel for them.

[Scott Cramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of an audio theatre than audiobook since there is a cast with different characters voiced by different people. Well done overall, but I agree with some others that the story itself is a 3 or 3.5. This was entertaining while on a long drive, and even the person in the car who doesn't usually like sci-fi stories enjoyed this.

[Jeffrey Machott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, action-packed, and straightforward sci-fi military romp. Less "The Expanse" and more "Wing Commander," this story follows a newly-formed unit of fighter jocks, who must prepare quickly, because they aren't alone floating over the Earth...

[DJP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Near future story that form time to time almsot felt to close to reality. As always with (almost) anything comming from JMS you are not disappointed. Great and current story idea and well executed. Not to sure of the audio drama media but for this it worked alright.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concept was intriguing, but this was a bit too focused on battles and military culture. It’s not bad, it’s just not my thing. In a longer format, with much additional character development, I’m sure I would have liked it more.

[sophie (sophieissapphic)]

earthlight is only available as an audiobook and is performed with a full cast! i think full cast performances work really well for books in space (although i honestly don't remember anything from this book oops)

thank you libro.fm for a copy of the audiobook!

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Strap in for Top Gun on steroids as Cold War 2 starts and then is stopped by the huge, flying American rocket carrier. It's a full audio production with a large cast.

It was OK, I would never want to reread it.

[CB · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is alright. The acting is bad. The writing is okay from a literary standpoint but not super credible from a military standpoint.

[Lena Hooker · Rating 3 out of 5]

this feels more like an audio-experience than an audiobook. very well produced and engaging!

[Anupama C K(b0rn_2_read) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very confusing to listen to , I didn't understand who was who

[Lisa Wilson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very cheesy, poorly researched on the technology and military aspects. Characters were stereotypes. It seemed like it was written by AI. The production value of the audio book was good.