Book description
War of the Maps
Paul McAuley
This audiobook presents a compelling work from Paul McAuley, whose credentials in hard science fiction are well-established through previous award-winning novels including Fairyland and Four Hundred Billion Stars. The narrative unfolds within an ambitious setting: a massive artificial world orbiting an artificial sun, where geographical isolation has created distinct, disconnected societies.
The protagonist, designated as a lucidor, operates within a specialized law enforcement capacity. His pursuit of justice transcends conventional boundaries when he discovers his target has been shielded from consequences due to governmental interests. This protection mechanism propels the lucidor into unauthorized territory, both literally and figuratively, as he abandons his official position to pursue personal justice.
McAuley's world-building demonstrates sophisticated understanding of biotechnology and genetic manipulation, themes that permeate his broader body of work. The infiltration of genetic modification across the artificial world's ecosystems creates genuine tension, as familiar flora and fauna become hostile entities. This biological threat serves as both backdrop and active participant in the unfolding conflict.
The narrative structure follows the lucidor's solitary journey across treacherous terrain, pursued by both governmental forces and transformed natural elements. His lack of allies, resources, or strategic planning creates immediate sympathy while establishing high stakes. The audiobook format effectively conveys the isolation and determination inherent in this quest.
Particularly noteworthy is McAuley's integration of political intrigue with scientific speculation. The governmental manipulation of justice for strategic advantage reflects contemporary concerns about power structures, while the biological transformations suggest plausible extensions of current biotechnological capabilities.
The pacing maintains tension throughout the lucidor's extended pursuit, with the audio medium enhancing the atmospheric qualities of this alien environment. McAuley's background in biology informs the technical aspects without overwhelming narrative momentum.
This audiobook successfully combines elements of techno-thriller with space opera, delivering both intellectual stimulation and narrative engagement. The lucidor's unwavering commitment to justice, despite overwhelming opposition, provides compelling character development within McAuley's expansive artificial world.
Recommended for listeners seeking sophisticated science fiction with strong biological themes and complex political undertones.
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience