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Semiosis
- Narrated by: Caitlin Davies, Daniel Thomas May
- Series: Semiosis Duology, Book 1
- Length: 14 hrs and 46 mins
- Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy
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Summary
Escaping conflict on Earth, an idealistic group of settlers arrive on a distant planet - Pax - with plans for a perfect society.
The world they discover is rich with life, but this is not the Eden they were hoping for. The plants on Pax are smart - smart enough to domesticate, and even slaughter, its many extraordinary animals.
To survive, the colonists realise that they must strike bargains of their own. But if they are to make Pax their home, they must go further, searching for a way to communicate and coexist with these utterly alien intelligences.
Critic reviews
"This is top class SF, intelligent and engaging, and I loved every minute of it." (Adrian Tchaikovsky, award-winning author of Children of Time)
"Sue Burke blends science with adventure and fascinating characters, as a human colony desperately seeks to join the ecosystem of an alien world." (David Brin, award-winning author of The Postman)
"Original, gripping and gloriously unpredictable." (Mira Grant, New York Times best-selling author of Parasite)
More from the same
What listeners say about Semiosis
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall
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Performance
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- Rosemary White
- 06-09-19
Good concept
Three narrators, one superb, two.... not so much. I very much liked the whole concept of the storyline and it rolled along nicely but towards the end became somewhat lacklustre and the end, I thought , had no impact or real meaning. Maybe I had unrealistic expectations, but that's why I haven't rated this book highly.
2 people found this helpful
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- Chris A.
- 26-03-19
Absolutely superb, excellent story
very unique story told in a fashion I've never encountered before. The science was spot on, the title perfectly reflecting the relationship of fungus, plant and humans. It makes you wonder what could be.
2 people found this helpful
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- Charles Booth
- 18-02-19
Well performed and moving narrative
I am starting to love this genre of generational sci-fi. very interesting having the perspective of plants as well as humans portrayed. It was a bit dark and upsetting at times, but also heroic and moving.
I am shocked that this is Sue Burke's first full sci-fi novel like this and am excited to read whatever she comes out with next.
2 people found this helpful
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- Theodore
- 24-11-18
an excellent one of a kind that makes you think
an excellent one of a kind that makes you think about our lives and perhaps we will not always be at the top of the food chain
2 people found this helpful
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- M. Walker
- 23-07-20
properly mind-expanding SF
An engrossing tale of alien intelligence, politics, morality and mortality told in an unusual way.
1 person found this helpful
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- Sean Kearon
- 27-06-20
Outstanding
The story makes you think and opens your horizons. It is also brilliantly performed by Caitlin and Daniel, Simply outstanding!
1 person found this helpful
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- Dan C Amazon Customer
- 12-06-20
Intriguiging
The story was entirely consistent in the world it created and I loved how the story developed.
1 person found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 05-06-20
Pleasantly surprised
After reading a few negative reviews about the narration I was cautious about Semiosis, but i found no issues with any of the narration and the story itself is great.
1 person found this helpful
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- Steve Jepson
- 13-05-20
Semiosis
A good idea having the apex "animal" as the plants. A good read but felt the ending was too soon and a bit rushed.
1 person found this helpful
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- Marika Blackham
- 16-03-20
So interesting and well thought out
I love this book and the sequel! so interesting and thoughtful, with an intriguing narrative of humanity
1 person found this helpful
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- Jaco du Plooy
- 03-11-20
Interesting concept and simply a good read
Interesting view on alien intelligence and just something slightly different for a change.
I see some find it very dark but I did not. The story grows out from that. I would assume being colonists on an alien planet trying simply to survive would be harrowing at times and rewarding at others. The book simply describes that and it's effects on people.
The narration was good and did not get in the way of some novel ideas on alien intelligence and human interaction with it.
Take a chance. Read the book. I am glad I did.
What can I really say more than I really enjoyed the book.
1 person found this helpful
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- Maija Kovari
- 17-10-19
Dark, slow and violent
Struggled to finish the book as the main characters keep changing, generation after generation, each living in a society as hopeless and dark as the one before.
1 person found this helpful