Koban: The Mark of Koban, Volume 2

By: Stephen W. Bennett

Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Length: 22 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Book 2 of the Koban Series

Already faster and more powerful than the last 17 species that they have destroyed or subjugated, the Krall have set their sights on humankind. Aftertesting humans on their future home world of Koban and finding them worthy opponents, the Krall start a war of slow extermination with the rest of humanity. The war is intended to last generations as they apply their own version of "natural selection" to cull their weaker warriors in combat, purifying the Krall gene pool with their finest warriors for breeding. Why? The Krall desire to rule the galaxy someday, from their future home world of Koban, where the impossibly fast and powerful animals have proven to be too fast and strong for them to match. Only through the attrition of war will the Krall perfect their bloodline to become the masters of Koban. When the Krall departed Koban to start their war with humanity, they destroyed the protections that kept their prisoners safe. They left the human test subjects to fall victim to high gravity, and the deadly predators. Big mistake. The bio scientist left behind enhanced the human genome with Koban genes, forming the next generations of humans. They are becoming what the Krall sought to be. The fastest, most powerful species in the galaxy. The men and women trapped on Koban, locked in a struggle for their own survival for twenty years, return to the stars to help defend Human Space. The Krall have had their way with human worlds, killing when and where they wish. Outnumbered, the new Kobani will now take the war to the Krall.

©2013 Stephen W Bennett (P)2014 Stephen W Bennett

Fantastic story!

Would you consider the audio edition of Koban to be better than the print version?

I didn't read it I just listened. Tough i generaly prefer the Audiobook versions so i can listen while im doing errands at home or at work.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Koban?

When Carson? (I forget the names) fought the duel against a krall. But that is just one of many.

Have you listened to any of Eric Michael Summerer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

None that comes too mind. However he is an excellent narrator, I have no complaints whatsoever.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed out loud several times. And at occasions i got quite anxious / nervous about what was about too happen.

Any additional comments?

For some reasons I didn't get very attached too the characters, but nonetheless i loved the story. Which is wierd for me, because i usualy "Bond" too the main character and absolutely hate when the narrative is switched about. However Bennett made it so it was a story I wasnt seeing trough the main characters side but rather like i was standing at the sidelines and thus while loving the story and not the characters i didnt mind all the switching about and was looking forward too what happened next. This is absolutely new for me. I would have given it a 4.5 / 5 stars.

I am anxiously awaiting the next book.

Great book...why so short?

This was a great continuation of the first book and much much better narration why so short? Less than half the first book content

Good Entertainment

I was pulled in following the characters as they developed friendships with other native species. Meanwhile the enemy begins the war and eradication of the human colonies. I like the multiple perspectives, including the enemy. There are a few slow areas with detail of weapons and technology, but even that was fascinating due to the author's imaginative creation. The narration provided distinct voices, emotions and energy. I enjoyed the audio experience and will be getting the next in the series.

Fantastic sequel and good setup for book 3

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. It continues where book 1 left off and was a solid story the whole way through.

Have you listened to any of Eric Michael Summerer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't but he was a great voice for this story.

Humans conquer a very hostile planet

Would you listen to Koban: The Mark of Koban, Book 2 again? Why?

I probably will listen to every book in this series more than once.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Koban: The Mark of Koban, Book 2?

When the people first experienced telepathic contact with the rippers.

Which scene was your favorite?

The victory over the clan ship, which made an unexpected visit.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Oh yes, but I enjoyed over several days.

Any additional comments?

This is one of my favorite series. I strongly recommend it.

Superior Space Opera...With Aliens

Great build up on a great story. The series shows how humans as a species figure out how not to be eliminated from the universe.

One of the best stories in a long time

I was intrigued by the first volume of the series although I felt that it dragged in places. The second volume doesn't have that problem at. This is one of the most interesting, imaginative stories I have listened to in a long time. The plot line is pretty standard: bad-ass aliens kick human ass. Humans figure out how to dish it back. Bennett has just made the standard story so interesting. Characterizations are strong too. I really had a hard time stopping to do more constructive things in my life, like work. I strongly recommend this one and can hardly wait for the installment.

A light read

What made the experience of listening to Koban the most enjoyable?

The story moved at a good pace and held my interest.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is the part where I say that none of the characters were that well developed, at least not enough for me to really identify with anyone that much. Character development was not bad, just not excellent either; it's well enough done to move the story forward.

Which scene was your favorite?

Driving the trucks full of explosives into the Koban ship.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Any additional comments?

The meme of aliens glorying in combat and using the human race to cull the species into greater strength is handled well, though the plot is a bit predictable. The writing was decent, the narration was quite good. All in all, I enjoyed the book.

When the bad alien get his due I laugh out loud.

If you could sum up Koban: The Mark of Koban, Book 2 in three words, what would they be?

Awesome story telling.

What did you like best about this story?

How our hero and mankind overcame the physically stronger alien with strategy that I did not see coming. His detail and plot twist surprised me. It was a long book and I kept wanting to get to the action, and every word built the characters in my mind.

Have you listened to any of Eric Michael Summerer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I am sure I did and he did such good job he was the story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the the boys and the rippers exceeded everyone expectations to save mankind.
Telling the story from the alien points of view.
I loved the darkness of the rippers mixed with the higher purpose of saving their pride/ all of mankind as they know it.

Any additional comments?

The combo of Summerers and the attention to detail gave this book real value.

Captivating!

What did you love best about Koban: The Mark of Koban, Book 2?

I love this series. Mr. Bennett brings you a one of a kind world where anything can happen.