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Black Swan Planet
- Narrated by: David Swanson
- Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
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Black Swan Planet
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Summary
Raka Varoule is a second-rate investigative reporter, traveling between the 27 worlds of the Galactic Empire exposing minor scandals. His big break comes when he weasels his way onto the emperor’s personal star-cruiser to report live, across the galaxy, how the emperor is celebrating his birthday.
When he exposes the biggest scandal in galactic history, he narrowly escapes with the help of a drug runner, a dominatrix, and a monkey wearing assless chaps. Together, they search for an escape from the empire, a barbarian world outside Imperial control. Then things get weird.
Black Swan Planet is a rare treat of a novel. A satirical science-fiction story told in a unique way, utilizing a variety of perspectives. This story will make both laugh out loud and keep you guessing what will happen next. James Peters has woven a story you’ll never forget, even if you lack mnemonic implants or prescription vibrating undergarments.
“As funny as Hitchhiker’s Guide, but with a plot.” (Agent M.)
“I laughed. I cried. I peed my pants.” (Homeless Guy #2)
“You peed your pants before even picking up the book.” (Homeless Guy #1)
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What listeners say about Black Swan Planet
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- C. Rowlands
- 07-05-18
Monkeying around in space
I was not familiar with this author before getting this book, but the premise seemed like an interesting one, even if at first it did seem like it might be trying a little too hard to be quirky or whacky. Thankfully, the author managed to avoid that potential pitfall quite well and without losing too much humour from the ongoing story managed to nicely add depth and personality to his main characters once they end up on a 'barbarian world' that is actually a mid 20th century Earth that obviously has no idea about the larger galactic empire around them.
On the whole, the narrator does a good job with this book, giving most characters a suitably distinctive voice, the one notable exception would be a particular accent that really didn't work very well at all.
Overall, this was an enjoyable listen and the author has created a well-realised world that I hope he returns to in subsequent books.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Norma Miles
- 30-05-18
A stupid plan is better than no plan at all.
This deliciously silly book is written from the point of view of one Roka Veroule, famous through the 27 planets of the Galactic Empire as an intrepid investigative reporter. But his live streamed videoing of the birthday celebrations of the Emperor exposes rather more of the Emperor than he'd anticipated, so Roka makes an hasty escape in the Emperor's own cruiser, accompanied only by a dominatrix, an Imperial drugs dealer and a nauseous and naughty chimpanzee. In a desperate bid to outwit the pursuing ships, the small crew head out of Imperial civilization in hope of disappearing to one of the barbarian worlds. And they find earth...
As well as often being hilariously funny, in a mostly slapstick and potty humour way, the action is fast paced and observations insightful. The characters are brightly colourful, like comic heros, but still have a depth and reality - very memorable. The story is pretty good, too, and the unexpected really does take the reader completely by surprise. Somehow, the talented narrator, David Swanson, is able to convey all of this in his excellent performance - his reading is fast paced, but not too fast, every protagonist has an individual and appropriate voice and he exudes a slightly satirical undertone through the entire narration.
Although very different in content, the book is reminiscent of the marvellous Harry Harrison stories in it's explosion of on page presence. I'm sure most S.F. fans would enjoy the glorious fun of Black Swan Planet which, combined with the excellently fitting narration, make this a five star audiobook. My deep thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, gifted me with a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. I loved it and I know that some of the scenes will stay with me for a very long time.
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