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The Book of Elsewhere

By: Keanu Reeves, China Miéville
Narrated by: Allan Corduner, Asia Kate Dillon, China Miéville, Edoardo Ballerini, Joshua Manning, Lily Rabe, Michiel Huisman, Keanu Reeves
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Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • An “action-packed [and] profoundly stylish” (Los Angeles Times) epic from Keanu Reeves and China Miéville, unlike anything these two genre-bending pioneers have created before, inspired by the world of the BRZRKR comic books

She said, We needed a tool. So I asked the gods.

There have always been whispers. Legends. The warrior who cannot be killed. Who’s seen a thousand civilizations rise and fall. He has had many names: Unute, Child of Lightning, Death himself. These days, he’s known simply as “B.”

And he wants to be able to die.

In the present day, a U.S. black-ops group has promised him they can help with that. And all he needs to do is help them in return. But when an all-too-mortal soldier comes back to life, the impossible event ultimately points toward a force even more mysterious than B himself. One at least as strong. And one with a plan all its own.

In a collaboration that combines Miéville’s singular style and creativity with Reeves’s haunting and soul-stirring narrative, these two inimitable artists have created something utterly unique, sure to delight existing fans and to create scores of new ones.

©2024 Keanu Reeves and China Miéville (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A philosophical, violent thriller about an immortal soldier pondering the nature of his existence, The Book of Elsewhere has an elegance that might surprise you for a pulp thriller. . . . [Miéville’s] presence as Reeves’ narrative collaborator . . . immediately makes it more interesting, even for those who aren't already fans of the comic.”—Polygon

"Action-packed, ultraviolent and morally ambiguous . . . a profoundly stylish and beautiful approach to the trials and tribulations of the ancient warrior who cannot die . . . an enjoyable action-mystery cut through with moments of existential melancholy . . . [the] brimful imagination and impeccable style make it a deeply pleasurable read.”LA Times

“A surprisingly, even rattlingly good read . . . A blood-spattered, era-spanning action thriller, The Book of Elsewhere manages to lift and twist its unbelievably sanguinary source material into a meditation on the cyclical nature of violence.”The Sunday Times

Editorial Review

John Wick meets weird fiction
When it was announced that the universally beloved multihyphenate Keanu Reeves would be cowriting a full-length novel with acclaimed speculative fiction writer China Miéville, I was all-in immediately. I’ve been counting down the days until I can sink my teeth into The Book of Elsewhere, a cerebral, ambitious listen nestled within the inventive world of Reeves’s BRZRKR comics. The story follows the mysterious warrior now known only as “B,” an immortal figure of legend who has long grown weary of his inability to die. But to other self-interested martial parties, what B views as a burden is a massive boon. Probing big philosophical questions about war, memory, the weaponization of power, and the meaning of life in the absence of death, and buzzing with a wholly original narrative style that wanders through the story like its protagonist does through lifetimes, this listen is set up to be like nothing we’ve heard before.— Alanna M., Audible Editor

What listeners say about The Book of Elsewhere

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Perfection

Those inclined to criticize this work are bitter because they sense its greatness and hate that they do not understand. I would feel the same had I not the patience and aptitude to enter the world of this novel and remain there until the end. I look forward to returning, for it is a fine and timeless work of ambition, intellect, and a message that is truly divine and mortal as it gets. This is not some pretentious puzzle, though it is remarkable in its scope of knowledge. It is a product not of ambiguity, but masters at the peak of their game. Most of all, this audiobook is a hell of a lot of fun. I thank all of those involved in its creation and production. I hope such collaborations continue. Clearly, those involved knew they had stumbled upon something special. Their execution is flawless. And somehow, just by listening, I feel a part of something special.

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  • Overall
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Disjointed

Multiple narrative threads were not helped by multiple narrators in the audio version. As others have mentioned, the central conceit of the story -- an undying supernatural force deals with its own nature -- has been done better elsewhere with far more finesse and much less grandiose violence. Still, I remain a fan of both authors and will continue to look forward to all their separate and future joint creations

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4 people found this helpful

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Unexpected Delight

I got this book on a whim, simply because I am constantly impressed by Keanu Reeves and wished to see if this effort of his would continue that trend. I am happy to report that it does. Well written, complex yet understandable, and a story that kept me looking forward to more. I plan to listen again, just to absorb more of the tale. The reading was exemplary, with characters easily distinguishable from each other. I can recommend this book without reservation, and envy the first timer’s experience.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Entertaining and Interesting Premise

Entertaining and Interesting Premise. Some great characters and story arcs. The flashbacks from other perspectives was great. overall a good listen.

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welp, Keanu Reeves wrote a book and it, too, is great.

original, dark, philosophical, existential, critical of humanity and religion. at once cyberpunk and steampunk and historical science fiction.

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1 person found this helpful

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Great read (listen)

I found it a bit confusing at the beginning and a bit confusing at the end, but it’s a fascinating story. Also interestingly philosophical. Even had to look up a few words. Really enjoyed. I might read a hard copy.

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the actors were good

i feel like if this were a movie keanue would be in it . actually couldnt stop listening loved whole cast

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Hard read, and hard to follow

I was excited to see a book that was part written by Keanu Reeves and narrated by him no less but I was sadly disappointed by both. First off Keanu only reads the prologue maybe 10 mins worth and that’s it for the whole book. Secondly story was very hard to follow, it kept jumping all over the place and I had hoped it would get better towards the end but it really didn’t. I don’t normally leave reviews but I was very disappointed with this book could have been so much better, maybe there will be more and hopefully this was just a hiccup and next one will be way better!

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2 people found this helpful

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original idea

Good story. Hope China continues to write fiction.
story was exciting and fast paced Great narration.

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Humanity's Eternal Warrior Berserker

Welcome to planet Earth and an alternative Universe where life forms have the ability after enduring highly stressful conditions to create a nearly unkillable Avenger.
It's filled with twists and turns and violence and sorrow and joy and betrayal and belief. Both authors address the pain associated with being Human and one protagonist's search for purpose and the curse or blessing of "eternal" life.
If you like adventure and superlative writing and pacing, then this is your book to consume. I highly recommend this book not only to hear but also to read. A story can be so well written that it isn't enough to hear the book. You will want to sit on your most comfortable couch and read this most excellent yarn.

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