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  • The Fifth Sacred Thing

  • Written by: Starhawk
  • Narrated by: Maya Lilly
  • Length: 21 hrs and 53 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (90 ratings)

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The Fifth Sacred Thing cover art

The Fifth Sacred Thing

Written by: Starhawk
Narrated by: Maya Lilly
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Publisher's Summary

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

What listeners say about The Fifth Sacred Thing

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I loved this.

Powerful story, powerful provocative narration, and penetrating concepts that are well worth the thought and reflection. I loved it!!!

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4 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Happy I stuck with it.

Very slow and confusing to start, filled with spiritual and mythical language. However, as the story unfolded it became clear how important the beginning chapters were. About half way through I really started to enjoy a.
unfortunately, for me at least, the narrator detracted from the experience as opposed to enhancing it.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

A rare gem of Inspiration and Hope.

I usually stay far away from post-apocalyptic stories because they tend to be extremely pessimistic and depressing, showcasing the worst of what humans can become under pressure. Those kinds of narratives poison the hearts and minds of people, and I don't see how that can be entertaining or useful.

I am glad I made an exception for this story, as it does bring ideas and hope about the future. Here is an author who has paid attention to what has been going on for ages, and wants to help by proposing scenarios and possible solutions.

The magical aspect was unexpected and welcome, considering fantasy is my favorite genre. I believe that most important events in this story could happen even without the magic, so don't discount this book if you are not into the mystical arts. it can be seen as just a bit of spice!

The narrator was perfect for this book, I will be looking for more of her work.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Inspiring, the characters feel like old friends

I have read and listened to this book a dozen times over the years. The writing is superb. The vision is inspiring. The ideas are complex and show her deep understanding of social change, and the ongoing fight for social justice. I highly recommend this book!

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2 people found this helpful

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A Magikal Experience

A spellbinding and illuminating story I could not put down. I was entranced by the characters and the revelations along with the great narration.
5 Stars!!

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The power of love and unity at play

First let me tell you, the narrator is absolutely fabulous! Many voices, many tones and a lively performance.
Now it takes a couple hours to really get into the world of this story but once you can envision it, it all makes sense.
The author's writing style is delightful.
A little bit of tribal society, a little bit of communion, a little bit of oppression and a lot of love and magic make superb ingredients that take you in a scary and wonderful possible future of humanity...
oh and after this, you will appreciate a glass of water like never before!

For people used to fast action and movie-like books, it might not be for you.

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the perfect novel

This book was PERFECT! I listened to it on my commute to and from work.....and then I started listening to it while cooking dinner. I literally could not get enough!

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

Excellent ending

Slow to start but at some point, all the pieces fit together and the end worth the wait.
Very good narrator who changes her voice to help follow the dialogs.

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So hopeful

I read this book in the 90’s when it first came out and was amazed to find a book written that so closely matched how I understood the world at that time. Now, 30+ years later, I’m glad to read it again. It’s a wonder all these years later and my worldview has not changed. The narrator was excellent - I enjoyed the many voices and how they matched the characters so well.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing story!

loved it! Amazing story of courage and how a community being attacked remained focused on the values that defined the community.

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