**Alice: Alice Series #1** by Charles Lamb, narrated by David Drummond, is an audiobook that takes listeners on a journey through a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is on the brink of extinction. The story follows Captain Jacob Thomas, USMC, a combat veteran who volunteers for a DARPA experiment that propels him into a future devoid of 200 years of technological progress and more than half of the human population.
The narrative begins with Jake's return to the Marine Corps after a failed attempt to reconcile with his estranged wife. His life, already in disarray, is further complicated when the DARPA experiment goes awry, sending him into a desolate future. Here, he encounters Alice, a faceless benefactor who aids him in navigating this new, harsh reality. Together, they embark on a mission to restore Earth to its former state, a journey that takes them from the fertile farmlands of California to the very orbit of the planet, confronting the evil that has ravaged humanity.
Charles Lamb's writing is commendable for its pacing and focus on action. The author avoids getting bogged down in excessive world-building, which keeps the story moving at a brisk pace. However, this also serves as a double-edged sword, as some listeners may find the lack of detailed world-building a shortfall when compared to other titles in the genre. The relationships between characters are another point of contention; while they drive the narrative forward, they can sometimes feel distracting or underdeveloped.
David Drummond's narration brings a distinct voice to the story, though some listeners have noted a lack of character differentiation in his performance. Despite this, his delivery captures the essence of the protagonist, imbuing him with a sense of rugged determination that aligns well with the character's military background.
The audiobook's production quality, provided by Tantor Audio, ensures a clear and immersive listening experience. The sound is consistent, and the editing is seamless, allowing listeners to fully engage with the story without distraction.
Fans of military science fiction and post-apocalyptic narratives will find much to enjoy in this audiobook. However the story is simplistic, and there is no real enemy that is worth mentioning, and women are too willing “to jump in the sack” with our hero. However, subsequent books appear to be rated better. However, I think I’ll give them a pass.
Overall, **Alice: Alice Series #1** is a solid entry in the military science fiction genre. While it may not delve as deeply into its world as some might like, its focus on action and the central narrative provides a compelling tale of survival and determination in the face of overwhelming odds. However, the MC could have been better developed, with real feelings and obstacles.