Great Listen

I was given this book for free.

This is a great volume 2, and I enjoyed it as much as Volume 1.
Great narration as well.

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Two Solid First Contact Novellas

Janus 2: ***
Bernard’s Promise: ****

This is the second collection of of hard science shorts in the James Hayden Universe and it looks at First Contact. Over all it was better than Vol 1 with each story having more room to develop and become interesting (both novellas were slow starting up). It is obvious that a lot of thought went into the science for these stories and for the most part the author came across as knowledgable … but that also means that some of the extensive descriptions and explanations slowed down the narrative a bit and I am sure that experts in these science and tech fields could find plenty wrong with the details, but for the casual reader it was an entertaining mind exercise that I enjoyed.

I was given this free advance review/listener copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

#HaydendWorldVol2 #FreeAudiobookCodes #KindleUnlimited

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A thrilling journey through the cosmos!

S.D. Falchetti's "Hayden's World: Volume 2" takes listeners on a thrilling journey through the cosmos, where the vivid storytelling intertwines seamlessly with the superb narration by Shamaan Casey. From the tense moments of first contact with hostile aliens to the exhilarating maiden voyages of Earth's inaugural starship, each tale brims with suspense and wonder. With its compelling characters and expertly crafted plot twists, this collection is a must-listen for fans of hard science fiction.

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Best New SciFi in ages.

Off the charts great scifi. Sad it is only in novellas and short stories but 100% worth it.
Indepth charters and believable science. Add this to great narration this is a must read.
I do hope the author keeps the world alive with more stories set in this universe.

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Excellent “Old School” Sci-Fi

Just like the first book in this series – this is a collection of stories. Only this time it’s two longer stories, probably both between short novel and novella length. I like that we’re getting more into the “meat and potatoes” with these stories, characters, and overarching story.

Janus 2 instantly sucked me, I mean within a few moments I knew that I was going to enjoy the heck out of it. It revolves around going to find and repair a crashed ship on the icy moon of Janus. And of course, Janus has things that are hidden that won’t come to light until they’re there again. Flachetti’s pacing is excellent slowing down and picking up depending on what’s going on. Each action scene flies off of the page, and the build-up before and the cool-down after both feel ideal to me personally.

I can tell that Falchetti was influenced by some older/classic Sci-Fi and it really shines in both stories. It gave me the feeling of picking up an Arthur C. Clarke at the library as a teen mixed with some of the new hard science fiction hard-hitters like Andy Weir and Peter Cawdron (two of my favorites). I’ll be adding Falchetti to that list and hope that he continues to write stories like this.

Then we dive into the world of Bernard’s Promise – a story about the after-effects of the first short story Janus 2. I won’t go too deep into what happens here since it sort of spoils what happens in Janus 2, but it was a blast. According to the description, this is the first full-length story within the Hayden’s World universe and that makes sense. It takes up most of the Volume 2 collection here and was easily the most comprehensive story that Falchetti has told yet.

I loved everything about it and really enjoyed Casey’s narration throughout. He helps set that excellent pacing I talked about earlier along with just bringing these stories to life in the best way possible.

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Discovery and Complexities of Space

Hayden’s World volume 2 was a bit of a surprise for me. I very much enjoyed the first volume and found the second to be level with or a bit higher than the first. This is a pure science fiction audiobook, and you can eaisly tell that the author was greatly influenced by the classics during his childhood. When the audiobook stories are complete, I have to say, do not skip the final chapter. Here the author gives the listener insight into why he wrote the stories and his inspiration. For me, chapters such as these bring value by helping me understand the author in a way I may never have. This audiobook contains two different stories that come out of the Hayden’s World series. Both were exceptionally written by S.D. Falchetti and the audio narration was superbly performed by Shamaan Casey. If you are one who enjoys a deep and fundamental science fiction tale (or two), I would recommend you give these thirteen hours of audiobook entertainment a listen.

I enjoyed the opening chapter to this volume of stories before the author dropped us into Hayden’s world. Once Janus 2 began, I found the open chapter of this story interesting because of my prior experience as a private pilot. It is nice when one can relate to a characteristic of those in the story. The individuals in this story were big dreamers and they did everything they could to get everyone properly trained for the mission. Things were not easy; nor did the characters sit around and wait for things to just happen. Instead, we see they worked hard to achieve the skills necessary to succeed. Something that is often lacking in our more modern science fiction tales. I found the flashbacks were interesting and helped the listener to better understand the characters. Another thing that often is lacking in modern sci fi is the difficulty and vastness of space itself. Just how much it wants to kill you around every corner, and that space travel most times is monotonous at best. I felt that the author did a good job getting these ideas across in this story. We also see the implication of actions taken earlier in one’s life play out later on. Yet, with all these difficulties, there is a sense of wonder and excitement when someone discovery possible new life, alien life.

The second story felt a bit longer and complex, but I’m not sure that was the case. The story jumped right in without any fanfare or explanation. With the new AI and characters, this felt a bit of the movie Interstellar blended with some early Star Trek elements. And, again based on the authors opening and closing chapters, this would not be a surprise. Even in the year 2071, we still see the many issues that plague our modern society. Not that I wanted the sterile environment like that found in Star Trek, but I was hoping that some of the modern issue would have been solved by this time. As disappointed as I was with it, I would say that it does reflect human nature. This story had a bit more mystery and a feeling of the movie “The Sphere”. Many situations and issues arose also with what to do once alien life was engaged and what to do if it was not friendly. A rather complex tale told in a way that was interesting and made the listener think of how they would react if put in the same position. I find the aspects around the AI and programming enjoyable without getting deeply into the weeds as well. Lastly we see just how much things can change while one is away on a mission in space. Here the author also did a good job of combining the complexities of time-space and how this impacts both parties at home and on the ship.
I found both stories enjoyable and well-written (and narrated). It was not purely entertainment, but often made me think, so I would not recommend listening when you are engaged in other activities. Take the time needed to listen and enjoy both tales equally, I do not think you would regret listening to them either.

About the audiobook’s narration, Shamaan Casey does a wonderful job performing the characters and seems to have a good grasp of the material itself. His use of inflection and pace helps the story progress. Again, he had a smooth and deep voice that fits the darkness of space quite well. I do not recall any issues with the audio such as pops, clicks, patches, or compression. It was clean and clear from start to finish. A real professional in the narration process.

For parents and younger listeners, I did not note anything that stood out as mature or adult in nature while listening. I did not notice any profanity, graphic violence or other items that would exclude younger listeners from enjoying it. However, I would say that the subject matter and some of the concepts of space travel and time may be a bit more difficult for a younger listener to truly comprehend.

In summary, this is a solid science fiction story with great narration. There are complexities around relationships, space travel, and discovery that kept the tale engaging. If you like your science fiction to be though provoking, I would say that both volumes one and two did this for me.

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fun and adventure

just the right mix of science and action!!!
you should read/listen to it

can't wait for the next book!

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Suspense Filled Collection

The continuing stories of James Hayden and his crew as they continue to encounter alien races that require decisions that could shatter the existence of those they are seeking to protect!

The author, S.D. Falchetti weaves detailed stories that provide an action-packed adventure reminiscent of Star Trek and other sci-fi adventures. Character development was consistent and blended into the narrative smoothly. Plot twists are entertaining and intriguing drawing the listener in deeper with each incident.

The narrator, Shamaan Casey gives a stellar performance. His delivery is smooth with deliberate pauses. He is skilled at capturing the essence of each character clearly and consistently throughout the series. He enhances the narrative with his energy adding to the intensity of the situation and action occurring.

Together Falchetti and Casey provide an intriguing, suspense-filled adventure that leaves the audience eagerly waiting for the next book!

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

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