
Koban, Book 1
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Narrated by:
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Patrick Freeman
About this listen
All new narration adds sound effects and eliminates issues noted in reviews. To obtain new version, remove old one from device, download new copy at no charge.
We colonized seven hundred planets. Humankind enjoyed the benefits of expansion and the end of wars. We disbanded our military.
Then the Krall found us.
The Krall have used thousands of years of combat to select the genes of the strongest and fastest warriors. They are a species determined to dominate the galaxy, through annihilation or enslavement of every opponent.
Koban is an uninhabited high gravity planet with impossibly fast savage animals, which employ organic superconducting nerves. This deadly world is where the Krall are testing humans for fighting capability. We are useful only if we can fight well. If not, they will destroy us swiftly, as they have other species. They have slaves, and we’re poor tasting meat animals, so we fight or die. The Krall will use us, if worthy, seeking physical perfection through attrition of war, one planet at a time.
Growing weary of our failures in testing, the ruthless Krall are on the verge of a decision to eliminate our species. A ship carrying bio-scientists is captured for combat testing. The choice for Captain Mirikami and the scientists is simple: Prove we can produce better, smarter fighters quickly, or humanity is doomed to rapid extermination.
But the Krall are only half the problem. We must survive Koban's gravity and superfast animals. The tiger-like rippers with skin contact telepathy are predators too fast and powerful for the Krall to face. Our solution is genetic: If you can't beat them as you are, become human rippers.
The Krall will learn another species can bypass natural selection.
©2012 Stephen W Bennett (P)2013 Stephen W BennettGood book
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A bit of escape
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Seems there were some issues people were having about Patrick Freeman's narration, which in turn affected sales? Seriously? I mean seriously? I don't get it, I really don't. I absolutely loved what Patrick Freeman did with the narration here? There was a hell of a lot of tension in this story between species, Patricks methods of reading totally nailed that tension in my ears and in my visual imagination of what was going on with the Krall.
I've just taken a chance and bought the other two books because I'm totally hooked to the story and universe Mr Bennett has created, so yes, another new fan to his universe. I just hope the narrator of the other audiobooks, (Eric Michael Summerer) can nail the vibe that has been created in this first book. I got burned really hard with the change of narrators with Peter V. Brett's (The Demon Cycle) audiobooks, he dropped the narrator Peter Joyce and replaced all the books with Colin Mace and for me, killed the 'feel' of the audio story dead in the water.
Anyway, it's been a while since I've enjoyed a good long bit of audio Sci-Fi like this, the last time I got a feeling like this was listening to Peter F Hamilton's Commonwealth Saga. What ever the other books hold for me, this is a great story and a great bit of narration no matter the negative comments thrown out somewhat unfairly to Patrick Freeman (in my opinion).
If you are thinking about getting this audiobook and are taking in some of the negative comments about narration, don't listen to them. Get it the audiobook, judge the audiobook for yourself, it's a great rollercoaster of a ride.
For me 5 stars all round.
An excellent first story!
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Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?
This book promised to get going so many time in so many cases but never did. just as you settle down for the action you are sure is coming another lull happens.How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?
Men when threatened react with violence or fear, the charters are so unbelievable it makes it feel like children are playing in a school field. especial the captain who is an army veteran but constantly seek approval from a council of grandma'sWould you be willing to try another one of Patrick Freeman’s performances?
No, his voice is monotonous and dose not have the variation needed for this bookWas Koban worth the listening time?
NoAny additional comments?
there are better sci-fi out thereThe Book that never gets going
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The narrator generally does a good job but for one of the main female characters decided to use an odd speech pattern with pauses and tonal inflections that is very annoying and as it is a main character you come to dread her lines.
Overall the story was enjoyable to listen to and is recommended.
Enjoyable for the most part
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What made the experience of listening to Koban, Book 1 the most enjoyable?
The sound effects enhanced the great storyline.What other book might you compare Koban, Book 1 to, and why?
I'd compare this to David Weber's writings because of the detailed descriptions and in depth analysis during the narration. Just my kind of reading.Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I had a visceral reaction to the fighting etc. and loved the detailed descriptions of the dangers the characters faced.I was hooked from chapter one.
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Story marred by the narrator
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Loved the whole series
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Slow start but enjoyable idea
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The narrator really adds to the story. Good work in every way, can't wait to start the next in the series, same narrator - great!
As good as it looked
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