Iced

SciFire, Book 1

By: E. Axion

Narrated by: Catherine LaMoreaux

Space weather has a mind of its own, as do we.... Sci-Fire, or science fiction within the realm of immediate possibility, begins with Iced, the swan song of the South Pole, as we know it, the first novel in the new SciFire series.... Iced is a story told in the alternating thoughts of Devi and Enki, scientists at the South Pole, and a couple with very different points of view about the future of the world and each other, who together encounter hostile competition from new arrivals and old friends.

©2014 firefallmedia (P)2015 firefallmedia

Brilliant writing and story. Avoid audiobook.

What did you love best about Iced?

The sample audio with the fine male narrator is delightful. I could tell from just that much that I would enjoy every moment of this short and very clever novel.

Then suddenly the female half of the narration showed up. After ten grim minutes desperately trying to withstand the assault- I quit torturing myself. So I will only find out what I like best after I finish reading it in merciful peace and quiet.

What did you like best about this story?

The writing is exceptionally interesting and so is the story itself. Listen to the male narrator's audio sample and read the publisher's description: they are enough to tell you if this is your kind of writing or not. It is definitely my kind. Literate, original and timely science fiction- oh yes.

The science in the science fiction here is the most witty and charming I've ever come across. I already know I will read the book and relish every minute of it. That is why, despite the ruinous audio production here, my overall rating is still 5 stars. By 5 stars, I simply mean: buy this book in any other form if it resonates with your general tastes- it is that good.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Catherine LaMoreaux?

There are a number of women narrators who do not offer a screeching 14-year old reading badly in a maddening singsong. Whoever chose this narrator owes the author and audience an abject apology.

The wife in this story is meant to be a highly intelligent scientist. She is eccentric- not idiotic. The narrator reduces this interesting character to a shrill buzzing mosquito, drilling away in a thin scratchy high-pitched whine.

I assume there will be people who protest they actually like this narration. There are always people who like something: the dear old law of averages has its way. Personally, I wish you well- and it would be good for this author if you do like it. Nevertheless, on behalf of those who will find it appalling, I offer my personal experience as fair warning.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

No comment.

Any additional comments?

I have learned over many years to wrap my mind around all kinds of narrators. Some of these are universally agreed to be far better than others. But I learned to like as many as possible, because it is well worth it to become a reasonably tolerant listener.

So when I come across something like this I have to ask: no one even noticed that it physically HURTS to listen to this?