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  • The War of the Worlds

  • By: H. G. Wells
  • Narrated by: John Banks
  • Length: 6 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (232 ratings)
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The War of the Worlds

By: H. G. Wells
Narrated by: John Banks
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Summary

A meteor-like alien object lands on Earth, spearheading an apocalyptic chain of events. Earth has been watched, and now the aliens have landed and their intent is conquest and war...H. G. Wells's The War of the Worlds, the first story to speculate about the consequences of aliens (from Mars) with superior technology landing on earth, is one of the most influential science fiction books ever written. The novel is both a thrilling narrative and an elaboration of Wells's socio-political thought on the subjects of imperialism, humankind's treatment of other animals, and unquestioning faith in military technology and the continuation of the human species.

About the Narrator: John Banks is one of the UK's most prolific audiobook narrators, working for the likes of Big Finish, Audible, Random House and Games Workshop. He is a true multi-voice, creating everything from monsters to marauding aliens. He is also an accomplished stage and TV actor.

About the Author: Herbert George Wells was a novelist, teacher, historian and journalist, who has become known as the "father of science fiction." His works have been adapted countless times, and provided the basis for many literary and theatrical productions.

©2017 Fantom Films (P)2017 Spokenworld Audio & Ladbroke Audio Ltd/Fantom Publishing

What listeners say about The War of the Worlds

Average customer ratings
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    5 out of 5 stars

The Greatest Sci Fi Story

Not going to lie. This is my favourite novel. So excuse my bias. From every angle this story is amazing. The first person perspective is totally immersing. The humble settings described so well as if in portrait. I felt like I was there throughout. Narrator was great, and helped me relax and enjoy the story without the effort of reading myself which just felt even more immersive.

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5 people found this helpful

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Superb

Loved it, well read and drags you in, just the thing to listen to driving down to Woking and back for a trip to the fighting machine

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3 people found this helpful

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👌

👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 👌 good shit, would listen to or read if you ain't.

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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The original alien invasion novel!

A masterpiece of science fiction literature without a doubt. The first ever book to describe a conflict between mankind and an alien race using realistic detail, The War of the Worlds remains a timeless classic that still holds up after nearly 120 years!

John Banks does a great, albeit rather simple job of bringing this story to the ears of readers everywhere. He has a calm and clear tone, but when it comes to the more serious or dramatic moments.

Otherwise, a timeless masterpiece that I highly recommend to fans of science fiction and alien invasion literature!

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2 people found this helpful

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As it should be.

Well read. The story as it should be told. Can’t find negatives. The reader did sound like Ewan macgregor but that’s no bad thing.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent

Whilst certainly of it's time, the original War of the Worlds story is amazing, some really futuristic science fiction happening against a backdrop of casual sexism and ignorance.

I am more familiar with Jeff Wayne's musical version of which I'm a huge fan, so it was interesting to "read" the original story again. I had forgotten that some of the most classic lines in the musical version were lifted straight from the original text. Also I do think the adjustment to the main protagonists family situation for the musical version made more sense than the original plot.

I loved the narration, John Banks is excellent. I just love this story all round.

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1 person found this helpful

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Very good

It captures the tone and feel of the story and the narrator makes it easy to identify each character.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant narration of a fantastic story.

Excellent. Very enjoyable. A timeless classic. If you listen to audiobooks then this should probably be on everybody's list.

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1 person found this helpful

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  • PG
  • 07-02-18

Narration Exceptional

I've been aware of 'War of the Worlds' for many years. This is the first time I've heard the full book, so much more than the films that attempt to portray it. Intriguing too to hear so many familiar places local to where I live. Great story, great writing and amazing narrating.

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Well narrated version of the classic

It was good to hear the story as it was originally written. And the excellent narration did it justice - apart perhaps from the “OOOH LAAAAs” which even the narrator sounded like he felt uncomfortable with!

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