The Eternal World

A Novel

By: Christopher Farnsworth

Narrated by: Tom Perkins

It is 500 years ago. A group of Spanish conquistadors searching for gold, led by a young and brilliant commander named Simon De Oliveras, land in the New World. What they find in this uncharted land is a treasure far more valuable: the Fountain of Youth. The Spaniards slaughter the Uzita, the Native American tribe who guard the precious waters that will keep the conquistadors young for centuries. But one escapes: Shako, the chief's fierce and beautiful daughter, who swears to avenge her people - a blood oath that spans more than five centuries.

When the source of the fountain is destroyed in time, the loss threatens Simon and his men and the powerful, shadowy empire of wealth and influence they have built. For help they turn to David Robinton, a scientific prodigy who believes he is on the verge of the greatest medical breakthrough of all time. But as the centuries-old war between Shako and Simon reaches its final stages, David makes a horrifying discovery about his employers and the mysterious and exotic woman he loves. Now the scientist must decide: Is he a pawn in a game of immortals...or will he be its only winner?

©2015 Christopher Farnsworth (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Farnsworth entertainingly explores the border where science fantasy meets reality." ( Kirkus)

I really liked it.

This was an interesting premise for a book. It jumps back and forth in time so that's the one thing I'd caution about since if you aren't paying attention you might lose track for a second which time you're in. (I usually work while I listen)

The best part of the story was that the people you would normally have listed as bad - weren't exactly. Also the people who you expected on the "good" side weren't always good. Oh, there were a few that were bad all through but they weren't any of the main characters. It was written so you could see both sides of the story, both good and bad but no one really had any pure motivations. I like that in a book because it makes people seem real. Sure in a fantasy pure knightly motives are the ideal, but this was real world and was amazing.

I'd recommend anything by Christopher Farnsworth and am kicking myself for putting this one off for so long.

Decent Read...ehhhh Narrator

This was a decent read. The story was pretty decent outside of a few personal frustrations with the ending. I think a different narrator however could have added to the reading. This narrator seemed to fall back on a "Cheech and Chong" or "Thurston Howell" voice whenever reading some of the characters. I think this could have been stronger with a better (Latino) narrator

Christopher Farnsworth always delights me.

His books always keep me interested no matter what the story. I personally enjoy the mix of fiction and history.

The narrator was house as well.

Not what I expected

From the publisher's summary, I expected most of the story to take part in the past, but the opposite is true. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Can I have another glass of water please?

Where does The Eternal World rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Not in top 10, but in top 30 for sure. Fascinating historical story, with a contemporary spin. Characters were well drawn, and story moved fast enough to retain listener interest.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Eternal World?

The conquistador scenes are powerful, and the cocktail party incident is compelling.

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

Fully baked characterizations, consistently drawn and voiced. First novel I have heard him read I believe, and he made a believer of me.

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

The Water of Life

Any additional comments?

This offering is both simple in it's concept, and yet complex in it's details and development. It really does grow on you, and the pay off is never clear until the very end, which is always entertaining. Highly recommended!

Not my favorite CF book

Any additional comments?

I just couldn't get into this book. It felt disjointed for me. The story had a great build up of revenge and greed and desire for youth eternal but it kinda fell flat. I just couldn't connect with the characters.