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Empty Earth

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Empty Earth

By: Rick McManus
Narrated by: Nettie Rose
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About this listen

A WORLD DESTROYED. A LOVE UNBROKEN

In a world ravaged by climate catastrophe, defiance still flickers among the ashes. Eva has spent her youth fighting the tyrannical remnants of the American government. Her rebellion earned her a one-way ticket to an Arctic prison facility where thousands toil in a concrete maze, growing food for the elite while scientists race to find salvation from "the warming" before humanity's extinction. Through the walls of her frozen cage, Eva discovers Adam, imprisoned in the neighboring British enclosure. Their whispered conversations become a lifeline, their forbidden love the only light in their darkened world. But Eva carries a secret: a smuggled letter containing clues to her grandfather's hidden sanctuary.

If she and Adam can break free, they'll face a perilous journey across a transformed continent—from the bitter Arctic through treacherous wilderness—guided only by cryptic messages and their determination to survive. As humanity edges closer to extinction, Eva must choose: surrender to slow death in captivity or risk everything for a chance at life beyond the walls. Their love story will either become the last whispered tragedy of a dying world or the first chapter of its most defiant triumph.

A gripping post-apocalyptic romance where two hearts refuse to surrender even as the earth itself seems determined to extinguish all hope.

©2014 Richard McManus (P)2025 Richard McManus
Fantasy Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Survival Heartfelt
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Listener received this title free

The romance in this story absolutely floored me. It's delicate, forbidden, and yet, it fuels the entire narrative. Eva is a beautifully written protagonist—flawed, bold, and completely human. Adam complements her perfectly with his quiet strength. The narration by Nettie Rose added layers of emotion and nuance I wasn’t expecting. The frozen prison facility was terrifyingly vivid, and the sense of entrapment was palpable. But through it all, the glimmer of hope never fades. This is not just a survival story—it's about choosing to survive for something bigger.

Love in the Ice

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Listener received this title free

This audiobook felt like a movie playing in my head. The vivid soundscapes, gripping pace, and the chemistry between characters were simply incredible. I could imagine the ruined world, the underground cells, and even the distant light of hope they clung to. The trek across a shattered Earth was filled with tension and wonder. The narration was superbly paced and emotionally rich. It left me thinking long after the final chapter ended. Rick McManus has crafted something truly epic.

A Cinematic Listening Experience

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Listener received this title free

"Empty Earth" is a lyrical, heart-wrenching blend of dystopia and love that hit me in a way few audiobooks do. The imagery of a broken, climate-ravaged world feels terrifyingly real, and Eva’s courage is as admirable as it is heartbreaking. Her connection with Adam, despite their physical separation, felt incredibly intimate—like love blooming in a wasteland. The author balances action with emotion so well, and Nettie Rose's narration is nothing short of mesmerizing. I could feel the cold, the fear, the longing—all through her performance. A masterpiece in post-apocalyptic storytelling.

Hauntingly Beautiful

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Listener received this title free

This audiobook surprised me in the best way possible. At first, I expected just another grim dystopian tale, but what I found was a compelling story about resilience and love that persists despite everything. The world-building is chillingly believable—frightening because it could very well happen. Eva and Adam’s whispered conversations through prison walls gave me chills. It’s not just about survival; it’s about purpose, memory, and legacy. The secret letter was a brilliant plot device that kept me guessing. Highly recommended for fans of The Road and The Hunger Games.

A Voice of Hope in Ruins

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Listener received this title free

I loved the contrast between the physical cold of the Arctic prison and the emotional warmth of Eva and Adam’s growing bond. The world-building is top-notch—detailed and frighteningly plausible. I appreciated how the author didn’t rely on clichés. The smuggled letter and mystery of the hidden sanctuary added real intrigue to the plot. Nettie Rose’s voice carried the weight of the world in each syllable. One of the best dystopian romances I've listened to in years.

Chilling, Yet Full of Fire

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Listener received this title free

I thoroughly enjoyed “Empty Earth” and would gladly recommend it. The story was original, and the emotional moments landed beautifully. That said, I felt like the second half could’ve used a little more development. Some of the challenges they faced during the journey seemed to resolve a bit too easily compared to the intensity of the beginning. Still, the narration and atmosphere were strong enough to keep me hooked. A strong 4 stars and still a standout in the genre.

Powerful but Slightly Rushed

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Listener received this title free

"Empty Earth" doesn’t sugarcoat the future—it presents a brutally honest look at the collapse of civilization due to climate disaster. Yet, amid the desolation, a tender and believable love story blooms. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest times, love can be the most powerful act of rebellion. Eva’s strength, combined with her vulnerability, makes her unforgettable. The themes of sacrifice, freedom, and legacy are powerfully written. This is a rare book that made me feel deeply while keeping me on the edge of my seat.

Bleak and Beautiful

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Listener received this title free

This is the kind of audiobook that takes you on a journey. From despair to hope, from confinement to the terrifying freedom of the unknown. Eva and Adam’s love feels earned and powerful, not just a plot device. The prose is poetic at times but never loses its edge. I was particularly moved by the symbolism in the letters and the idea of sanctuary not just being a place—but a promise. Everything from narration to sound editing was exceptional. Deserves a wide audience.

Not Just Another Dystopia

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