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Superluminal  By  cover art

Superluminal

By: Vonda N. McIntyre
Narrated by: Rachel Evans
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Editorial reviews

In order to pilot a starship for intergalactic travel, Laenea has recently received surgery to reengineer her body to allow her to stay awake during the journey. This leaves her estranged from her crew, who must be put to sleep for the trip, but she finds it equally difficult to find her place among the other pilots. Narrator Rachel Evans' voice settles into a warm rasp that unhurriedly conveys the drama and action of this science-fiction adventure. Her fluid pacing weaves together the various characters and plotlines effortlessly and ends on an expansive note that will leave listeners gratified.

Publisher's summary

From the ocean's emerald depths, where whales and adapting humans live in harmony ... to the rigors of inter-dimensional travel, the universe is order and laws; the universe is hierarchies, evolution, and space...Now a young pilot with a new bionic heart, a man from a plague-ravaged world, and a beautiful diver from the sea are about to discover that their destinies - and their souls - are entwined. A voyage to a distant planet, a message in a crystal, an accident, and a love affair have suddenly cracked open the known order of the Universe. Two women and a man are caught up in a mystery, and now they are changing every world they travel in, and every life they touch!

©1983 Vonda N. McIntyre (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about Superluminal

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Engrossing storytelling

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

The story comes alive in incredibly new ways in the audio edition. The narrator does a wonderful job giving each character a completely distinctive voice that transforms the narrative and providing great energy to the story's more technical passages.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Superluminal?

The chemistry between Laenea and Radu!

What does Rachel Evans bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ms. Evans brings the characters to life in exciting and unexpected ways. I looked forward to the introduction of each new character to see what nuances she would bring to her read and I was never disappointed. She keeps the story moving at a good pace and maintains a high energy throughout. One can't help but become engrossed in this crazy intergalactic adventure!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

An engrossing story with an engaging narrator

Where does Superluminal rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the first book that I've listened to on audible and I think I'm going to listen to more books in the future.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character was Lynea because she's cool and the character's voice has a cool, gravelly, and distinct sound. And she's interesting because she goes after what she wants and she gets it. I also think what happens between Lynea and Rado is heartbreaking.

Which scene was your favorite?

I didn't have a favorite scene. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and getting to know the characters.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed the narrator of this book. She was engaging and able to go from character to character seamlessly. Because of her storytelling I became immersed in the book and didn't want it to end.

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting sci-fi plot and terrific narrator!

Not only is this a riveting story, but the narration was superb. I didn't want to put it down (or turn it off, really). I became easily and quickly immersed and I really enjoyed the character development earlier on in the story--and the narrator did a great job individuating the characters, giving each his/her own personality, since the book is interesting in that there are kind of three main ones! I was slightly disappointed by the unresolved plotlines at the end, but overall, I would recommend listening!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Superinteresting Book

I am still new to the audible "book reading" experience. At first I had trouble getting into the story but after a few minutes I was lost in the smooth narration of the story. The narrator did an excellent job really giving each character his/her/its unique personality with distinct characteristics. I especially liked the character Orca. I only wish she and Radul could get together! The description of space and the seventh dimension also helped me become enveloped in the story. At some point I almost even forget that I was even driving in my car! I look forward to reading more audible.com books in the future!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great listen!

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

Yes, it was a wonderful narration with each character so individualized. I was fully immersed in the story and couldn't stop listening. The narrator had a smooth way of guiding me through the story, and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey through space.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Superluminal?

One of the most memorable moments was when the space ship had entered the seventh dimension. I was really intrigued by the description of the experience of the seventh dimension and how it was experienced differently by each character.

Any additional comments?

I want to know what happens next! What happens to Radu? To Linnea?

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

stilted narration, poor timing

stilted narration, poor timing. both the reader and the editor could improve. better in print

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Terrific Read!

Another complex and thoroughly entertaining story by Vonda N McIntyre. While a wondrous tale in and of itself, Rachel Evans' narration was brilliant. Brilliant!
The credibility of McIntyre's fantasy world is a true testiment to her writing ability. I've read (and listened to) several of her books now, and look forward to more. Your writing, Ms aMcIntyre, is superluminal!

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