The Martian and a post-apocalyptic tale have a baby
5 out of 5 stars
While I might compare this to The Martian (which I absolutely loved, FYI) — Tom Abrahams’ SpaceMan was different. Where in The Martian he was stranded on Mars because of a storm, this story follows an astronaut who is aboard the International Space Station when a massive CME (coronal mass ejection) plunges the station into darkness.
The narration for SpaceMan was done by the amazing Kevin Pierce, who kills it as always. I’ve said it a bunch of times, but he really has the perfect Post-Apocalyptic voice. I was so pleased to find out that Pierce and Abrahams were teaming up again for this book (and hopefully series). Pierce is able to provide the perfect narration to Abrahams writing style.
The story itself, as with all of Abrahams’ stories was perfect. The pacing and writing just flowed so effortlessly. I put this audiobook on last night and wanted to listen for a half hour or so — I ended up listening for almost 2 hours. And even today, I couldn’t put it down. Listening on my way to work, on my lunch break, and any other time I could find the time.
The combination of a Post-Apocalyptic world and astronauts is such a fresh and unique point of view, I couldn’t get enough. Thankfully, there will be more — with Descent being written as the next story in this series. Also, if you’re curious — the entire story does not take place in space. You also get to meet his wife and child and a few other people who are around the family. The back and forth from space to Earth was also really different and made the book feel that much more real.
The main character, Clayton, made me laugh numerous times throughout. The way that he kept himself from freaking out or from losing it was so humorous (I won’t ruin it here, just know it’s funny). And the ability to make a person laugh when the person they are reading about is in a dire situation is a rare commodity.
Overall, the fresh take on post-apocalyptic fiction — mixed with the humorous main character make SpaceMan an incredibly enjoyable book, and honestly easily a contender for the best book I’ve read this year (out of 150+).
Book Description:
Clayton Shepard is 249 miles above Earth when the lights go out.
He has no communication, limited power, and an unbreakable will to survive.
His one goal: find his way BACK to his family.
Shepard is an astronaut on his first mission to the International Space Station.
When a violent blast of solar magnetic radiation leaves him stranded in orbit, he’s forced to use his wit and guile to find a way home.
He has no idea what he’ll find when he gets there.
SPACEMAN is a post-apocalyptic/dystopian tale that tells the survival story of a man and the family he left behind. It’s written with the help of former astronauts, NASA team members, and well-respected astrophysicists that give SPACEMAN a unique sense of detail and desperation.
SpaceMan by Tom Abrahams
Narrator: Kevin Pierce
Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins
Series: Spaceman Chronicles #1
Published by Piton Press on November 22, 2016
Genres: Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction
Format: Audiobook
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I received this book for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Also by this author: Home (Traveler #1), Canyon (Traveler #2), Wall (Traveler #3), DescentAlso in this series: Descent, Retrograde
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I was just looking at this, sounds great!
Yeah, it was really enjoyable. Save this one for yourself!
This sounds freaking fantastic!!! I’ll definitely add it to my list.
I bought The Martian on audio but haven’t read it yet, should i??
The Martian honestly might be one of the best audiobook I’ve ever listened to.
I had to laugh at your review title! Perfect, I swear my review title is what I have the hardest time figuring out.
You’re so right about the humor in the book, I had to snicker at the Nickelback reference.
Haha, sometimes they just work for me, and others I have a really hard time. So I totally understand. This one just worked for me.