The Fifth Sacred Thing

De: Starhawk

Narrado por: Maya Lilly

One act of courage can change the world.

The year is 2048. Climate change and bio-warfare have ravaged much of the Earth, and societal meltdown has splintered the US into fragments. But out of the ruins, Northern California has built a thriving culture based on respect for the four sacred things: air, fire, water and earth.

The Fifth Sacred Thing is an epic tale of freedom and slavery, love and war, and the potential futures of humankind. It tells of a 21st century California clan caught between two clashing worlds: one based on tolerance, the other on repression. It is both a love story between two people and a war story between two opposing ideals.

©1993, 1994 Miriam Simos (P)2016 Miriam Simos

Inspiring and applicable

Story: Really nice character development and insights into the struggles that we all have in communication and growth as we strive to be better humans. Explored and described equality in daily life, alluded to the path that some modern practices (medical and governmental) could lead us if not resisted. Very beautiful depiction of a utopian society and the structure of how it worked (which was appreciated greatly).

Narrator: The narrator did a great job of representing a vast variety of characters, sexes, ages and attitudes. Used some nice techniques to make voices sound like they were coming from the back of the room or far away, even a voice for a character with a speech impediment. Perfect narration for for subject - soothing and peaceful for the characters of that ilk, and variably strident, aggressive, dry, old, sad, or just palin desperate for the wide variety of characters in this lovely book.

Highly recommend for those looking for inspiration, strength, social diversity, or a model of how life could be when we finally tire of insanity.

great book

I couldn't stop listening until it was done. creative, imaginative, humbling story line, skilled narration.

I LOVE IT

I didn't want it to end. So so good. This is one of those books that surprise you and engross you- I even listened it at work because I just couldn't stop

What a beautiful vision !

It took me 15 years to hear this story. And now: Perfect timing. I loved it.

Still offers hope for these dystopian times.

Written in 1992, this epic novel foretells of the situation we are in now, with diseases and water wars, climate change and vapid poverty - and it brings hope and healing to those of us brave enough to work to prevent el mundo malo (the bad reality). Thank you Starhawk!

One of the most original book I've ever encountere

Absolutely mind-blowing, visionary, full of unexpected plot twists and profound values entwined with unforgettable characters

JUST WHAT I NEEDED

Adventurous, enlightening, and hoping to find more from this author. Highly recommended in these crazy times we find ourselves in.

intense, passionate, disturbingly premonitory

This book is several decades old now and reading it during the c19 pandemic there are too many significant correlations to dismiss.

The narrative does drag a bit in the middle, but I understand Starhawk"s desire to fully convey all of the struggles of these characters and bring their stories to fruition. Some of the violence was too much for me; but again I understand the desire to illicit a visceral response to what the author must feel is a potential outcome of the path we are on as a species.

I have never heard a better narration, her range of characters was a constant surprise and extremely engaging. The book came fully alive in her voices. I especially loved hearing the songs.

I encourage people to read this book or re- read it during these bizarre times. I only take the smallest percentage of a star off for the monumental length of the book, it was hard to find time to finish it. I would love to see this as a mini series with Starhawk as an integral part of bringing it to the screen.

What a surprise and a wild ride.

Never having read Starhawk I was not quite prepared for this epic. I was captivated from the start right up until the last words. It is hard to believe all the dialects, voices, and characters that Maya Lily was able to bring to this reading. Truly phenomenal. I little violent for my taste but when good reigns over evil it is always worthy of praise. I loved all the magic, the beloved ghosts and especially the bees! If only we could live in a world without racism and let love just be love-with anyone we loved. A worthy read indeed. I will find more Starhawk.

Amazing!! Heart singing!!

The performance was absolutely incredible! The voice actress was unbelievable! This story is so much of what I needed to hear right now in 2022 as our world is transforming and we have the opportunity to choose different paths.