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Axiom's End

A Novel

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Axiom's End

Written by: Lindsay Ellis
Narrated by: Abigail Thorn, Stephanie Willis
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About this listen

The instant New York Times best seller

The alternate-history first-contact adventure Axiom's End is an extraordinary debut from Hugo finalist and video essayist Lindsay Ellis. Truth is a human right.

It's fall 2007. A well-timed leak has revealed that the US government might have engaged in first contact. Cora Sabino is doing everything she can to avoid the whole mess, since the force driving the controversy is her whistleblower father. Even though Cora hasn't spoken to him in years, his celebrity has caught the attention of the press, the internet, the paparazzi, and the government - and with him in hiding, that attention is on her. She neither knows nor cares whether her father's leaks are a hoax and wants nothing to do with him - until she learns just how deeply entrenched her family is in the cover-up and that an extraterrestrial presence has been on Earth for decades.

Realizing the extent to which both she and the public have been lied to, she sets out to gather as much information as she can and finds that the best way for her to uncover the truth is not as a whistleblower, but as an intermediary. The alien presence has been completely uncommunicative until she convinces one of them that she can act as their interpreter, becoming the first and only human vessel of communication. Their otherworldly connection will change everything she thought she knew about being human - and could unleash a force more sinister than she ever imagined.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

"Axiom’s End is one of the most unique science fiction novels in years. It’s a heartfelt story of alien first contact, but, luckily, unlike so many 'big idea' sci-fi books, it’s utterly unpretentious." (SYFY.com)

©2020 Lindsay Ellis (P)2020 Macmillan Audio
Alternate History First Contact Political Science Fiction Espionage Fiction Heartfelt
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What listeners say about Axiom's End

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couldn't put it down!

if you're a fan of sci-fi/alternate history you'll absolutely love it. I can't wait to suggest it to some friends

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YouTuber blows me away

looking forward to her next literary work. phenomenally done. her way with words is amazing. describing in a visceral detail and tactile emotional way first contact and how it could go all so wrong, or right

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Couldn’t put it down

So happy I spotted the unique looking cover and gave the synopsis a read. I downloaded it the next day and CONSUMED this book is a matter of three days, having to pace myself so I didn’t rip through it in one go.
What an incredible first contact telling. I almost don’t want to write a review so I can just get onto the next one. Narrator did great. Managed to put fear and terror into her voice without sounding over the top but believable. Check it out! You won’t be disappointed.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Wonderful debut novel, great performances!

I honestly bought it mostly as a longtime fan of the author's from her work on Blip and YouTube, but dang... this kinda rocked, you guys. Very much enjoyed both narrators (my biggest complaint is that they both have lovely soothing voices, which is to say, I have no complaints) and it was so nice to hear Mr. Thorn's voice in a different context.

I did feel that the pacing near the end was off--I actually felt like the least interesting part of the book was the climax-- but even at its least interesting (for me), it was still 8/10, so I'd still very much recommend it.

Will definitely be preordering any more as soon as they're available! Big thumbs up from me!

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Good SciFy from a new author.

Lindsay has crafted a very interesting sci-fi story containing believable human characters and very alien ETs.
I hope she continues to hone her craft of story telling.
My major complaint: The voice actor did a poor job at making the characters feel/sound different enough for it to not be confusing at times. Also, I don't recall too many happy moments, tones, or inflections. Looking back, this gives the overall emotional outlook a negative one.
Lindsay, please allow your characters time for happiness, triumph, jubilation etc in your next book. I spent many hours just feeling pitty for your characters. You have that skill mastered. keep up the good work.

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Highly entertaining

Ellis has written a simply wonderful story that will keep you glued to what comes next. The production is excellent and I can’t recommend this enough.

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Thrilling!

Lots of suspense and some really fun in-jokes if you are a fan of Lindsay Ellis' videos.

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An Alien Story WITH A TWIST!

I had mixed feelings diving into Axiom's End but I was delightfully surprised to find the book to actually really good and even better a good story! Highly recommend!

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An excellent story,

Lindsay has crafted an excellent story with one of the most thoughtfully constructed alien species I have seen in a long time. Coupled with a solid narration this is well worth it. I am really looking forward to the sequel coming this fall. Pre-order placed.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Pulpy and silly, but worth your time.

I am a big fan of Ellis's other works, and I went into this with no expectations...and, well. I sorta wish someone had prepared me for what I was getting into. It's a Saturday Morning Cartoon version of ARRIVAL, or ALIEN meets a magical girl anime. It's fun, but deep sci-fi it ain't.

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2 people found this helpful