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- Title: Persepolis Rising
- Author: James S.A. Corey
- Narrator: Jefferson Mays
- Length: 20:37:22
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 05/12/2017
- Publisher: Recorded Books
- Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something magical about a story that unfolds like a map of the stars, each chapter a new constellation in a sprawling galaxy of human struggle and ambition. Persepolis Rising, the seventh installment in James S.A. Corey’s Expanse series, is exactly that – a science fiction epic that grips you from the first word and doesn’t let go. As a travel writer who’s spent countless hours listening to audiobooks while traversing deserts and jungles, I can say this audiobook experience is akin to navigating uncharted territory, full of wonder and danger. Published by Recorded Books, this science fiction and fantasy gem takes us deeper into the political and personal conflicts of the Expanse universe, and with Jefferson Mays at the helm as narrator, it’s a listening experience that feels as immersive as a journey through the cosmos itself.
I first stumbled upon the Expanse series during a long, solitary drive through the Atacama Desert in Chile – a place so otherworldly it could double as an alien planet. Back then, I was listening to magical realism, but the stark, surreal landscape outside my window made me crave something grounded in science yet boundless in imagination. Persepolis Rising fits that craving perfectly. It reminds me of a time when I was camping under a sky so clear you could see the Milky Way with the naked eye, feeling both insignificant and connected to something vast. This book captures that same duality – the smallness of individual lives against the backdrop of galactic empires and ancient alien mysteries. As someone who’s always chasing hidden histories and human connections in my travels, I found the themes of legacy, power, and resistance in this story deeply resonant.
Set decades after the events of Babylon’s Ashes, Persepolis Rising thrusts us into a universe where the fragile balance of power is shattered by the rise of the Laconian Empire, a militaristic force born from the remnants of Mars. The story follows familiar characters like Jim Holden and the crew of the Rocinante as they grapple with aging, relevance, and the moral complexities of resisting an unstoppable regime. What struck me most was how Corey (the pen name for authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck) weaves personal transformation into the larger tapestry of interstellar politics. You can almost feel the weight of time on Holden’s shoulders, the ache of past decisions echoing through the quiet moments. It’s a masterclass in character development, something I’ve come to appreciate deeply from evenings spent listening to oral histories in far-flung villages. Like the grandmother in Oaxaca whose storytelling taught me the power of silence and timing, Corey knows when to let the tension simmer and when to unleash chaos.
The audiobook experience of Persepolis Rising elevates this narrative to another level, largely thanks to Jefferson Mays’ narration. His voice is a compass in the vastness of space, guiding us through the emotional and political intricacies with a gravitas that feels both intimate and commanding. Mays captures the distinct personalities of each character – Holden’s weary idealism, Naomi’s quiet strength, and even the chilling authority of Laconian leaders – with such precision that you can almost hear the creak of a spaceship hull or the distant hum of a reactor. The audio quality is crisp, immersive, and perfectly paced, making long listening sessions feel like mere minutes. As someone who’s trekked through remote regions with only an audiobook for company, I can attest that a narrator’s performance can make or break the journey. Mays doesn’t just read the story; he embodies it, much like those campfire tales I’ve heard from locals in distant lands.
Diving into the themes, Persepolis Rising excels as a science fiction narrative by exploring the cyclical nature of power and oppression. The rise of Laconia, with its advanced technology and authoritarian grip, mirrors historical empires I’ve studied in my anthropology days at NYU. It’s a stark reminder of how progress can be weaponized, a concept that hits close to home when I think of communities I’ve visited, displaced by so-called advancements. The book’s strength lies in its ability to balance these grand, galaxy-spanning conflicts with the personal stakes of its characters. Whether it’s Alex Kamal wrestling with his past or Amos Burton’s unflinching loyalty, every subplot feels like a thread in a larger weave, much like the interconnected stories I’ve uncovered in my travels.
That said, Persepolis Rising isn’t without its challenges. For newcomers to the Expanse series, jumping into the seventh book might feel like boarding a spaceship mid-flight – there’s a steep learning curve with the established lore and character histories. Even as a seasoned listener of space opera and sci-fi audiobooks, I occasionally found the dense political machinations a bit overwhelming, requiring extra focus during long drives. Additionally, while Mays’ narration is stellar, some secondary characters’ voices blend together, making it tricky to distinguish them without context. These are minor quibbles in an otherwise captivating listening experience, but they’re worth noting for potential listeners seeking a seamless entry into this universe.
Comparing Persepolis Rising to other works in the science fiction and fantasy genre, it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with classics like Frank Herbert’s Dune in its exploration of empire and rebellion, though Corey’s focus on character-driven storytelling feels more accessible. It also shares DNA with Ann Leckie’s Imperial Radch series, particularly in its examination of technology as both savior and oppressor. For fans of space opera audiobooks, this is a must-listen, offering a depth of world-building and emotional resonance that few can match.
If you’re considering diving into this audiobook, I’d recommend it to anyone who loves intricate sci-fi narratives, especially those with a penchant for political intrigue and moral ambiguity. It’s perfect for long road trips or quiet evenings when you want to escape to a galaxy far, far away. While it’s not explicitly advertised as a free audiobook, keep an eye out for promotions on platforms like Audiobooks.com, where deals on titles like this can sometimes be snagged. The digital price of $29.99 USD feels steep, but the nearly 21-hour duration (based on my listening) ensures you’re getting a hefty dose of interstellar drama for your money.
Reflecting on this audiobook experience, I’m struck by how it mirrors the journeys I’ve taken in real life – full of unexpected turns, profound encounters, and the constant push-pull between holding on and letting go. Persepolis Rising isn’t just a story about spaceships and alien gates; it’s about what it means to endure, to fight for something bigger than yourself, even when the odds are stacked against you. It’s a reminder of why I love science fiction – it stretches the boundaries of what’s possible while grounding us in the very human struggles we face every day.
So, my fellow explorers, that’s my take on the Persepolis Rising audiobook. I’d love to hear your thoughts – drop me a message or comment with your own experiences of the Expanse series or any sci-fi audiobooks that have transported you. Until our paths cross again on some distant star or dusty road, keep seeking stories that light up your world. Safe travels, Marcus Rivera.
