Space Man Vs. Medieval Planet

When the Ventura enters the orbit of the planet Baytirus it is immediately destroyed by the planet's defense systems. The sole survivor (that we know of) is Barcus, and together with EM (his modified Emergency Module and the most creepy human-like AI ever with its own agenda) he must survive on a planet that mostly resembles the middle ages. He also discovers that many villages are being attacked with no one spared and he decides to intervene while trying to survive on the planet (since he has some pretty strong robotic AI controlled 'friends' along with him which prove very useful).

The story started off great and was very interesting but then its pacing slowed down considerably and I felt that I was showered with details that really don't impact the greater story much (or at all) and while these details do allow for a better imagining of the scenario I found them to be mostly distracting (since not much is going on during these rather tedious descriptions).
Halfway through the novel, the story picks up again and proper pacing returns.
Every chapter is preceded by a short investigation report of the historical events that occurred during the story, I really loved those little tidbits of information and I hope these will be kept for the subsequent novels.

The narration of Andrew Tell is excellent, his performance is spot on and I felt I was listening to more of an Audio Drama at times. His voice and words are crystal clear (even when using various accents for the various characters) and it was a joy to listen to.

This audiobook was provided by the narrator at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

7 people found this helpful

A unique story.

This is an original story that is very creative.It has a good plot with characters you care about.

The performance by the Narrator is the key it is the glue that keeps you attached to this interesting story.




This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

11 people found this helpful

Advanced technology indistinguishable from magic

Martin Wilsey's Still Falling: Solstice 31 Saga is a sci-fi variant of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, although by medieval standards, the Middle Ages were somewhat enlightened. A survey ship, on an undescribed mission to an inhabited planet is destroyed immediately upon entering orbit. The lone survivor, Barkus with the aid of an advanced, and heavily modified shuttle AI must survive and unravel the mystery of the planet where the culture is based around a high priesthood of "keepers" who control all the technology, which the rest of the population regards as magic and women are regarded as property, while most men are regarded as slaves.

The sci-fi elements are mostly confined to the AI variety. Spaceflight is feasible, but plays a minimal role. Implants and sophisticated medical technology is also on prominent display. A unique angle for the tale is that each chapter opens with a brief excerpt from a future investigation report that alludes to a judicial proceeding and sheds some insight into the current action. Something bad has subsequently occurred, but whether this involves a planet colonization gone wrong or some other event is unclear. Exactly what the survey ship was supposed to be doing is never outlined. Watching Barkus deliberately attempt to reset the planet's civilization is the main draw for the tale.

The narration is quite good, especially with the transition from human to AI.

13 people found this helpful

Good People Doing Good Things

Still Falling is the first book in an ongoing series. The book is told in two paths, the main one being the story of Barcus and his exploits on a backwards planet he was stranded on, and the second, which is used to open each chapter, covering an investigation taking place at some time in the future investigating the Solstice 31 incident. I'd have to take off half a point for the story due to the fact that the main story I felt told a very good tale, and ended in a satisfying junction, but the investigation story just stopped. From a story telling perspective, as a reader I find that pretty unforgivable, to have listened to an entire longish novel and have no idea what one particular story thread was actually about. I even rewound and listened to a lot of the chapters again to see if I missed something, but no.

That aside, I did enjoy the story and liked how it was essentially the story of a good man in a bad situation, coming to terms with a new world he is on, and his unfailing journey to make that world a better place, and the hardships on.

The narration was very clear and easy to listen too, and the only reason I had for rewinding was not due to missing something said, but the above mentioned missing something I think the author did not write...

In all an enjoyable listen, and I look forward to the next book. I did get this book as a free review copy, but I'd likely purchase the second book when available, just to find out what happens next.

3 people found this helpful

Nothing at stake in this book

I bought this book because the reviews were so positive and compared it favorably to The Martian, which I loved. However, I couldn't disagree more! Everything happens as if by magic with supposed advanced technology. There's an almost omniscient power at work so I never had any doubt that the main characters would survive or even be in jeopardy for more than a minute. I listened to the entire book mostly because I was too lazy to look for a different book and narrator was really good at keeping me engaged and hoping that something interesting might happen, but it never did. I guess the author is saving that for books 2 or 3.

4 people found this helpful

pretty good sci fi

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I picked this story up because I've enjoyed some of Andrew Tell's other work. I thought this was an entertaining sci fi story. Nothing earth shattering, but entertaining none the less. If you are a fan of sci fi, I'd suggest giving it a shot.

1 person found this helpful

Kept me guessing -- very good read

Where does Still Falling (Solstice 31 Saga: Book 1) rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This would rank in the top portion of what I have read. I finish all books I start, but this is in the area where I was saddened it had finished. The world building and reality checks and balances are very well done.

What other book might you compare Still Falling (Solstice 31 Saga: Book 1) to and why?

As I say, I do not compare books. I will say it is one of the better books I have read.

Have you listened to any of Andrew Tell’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first time I have listened to Andrew, but he does a very good job and at no time was I distracted from the story. Only good readers can do that.

Any additional comments?

Reading is my passion and when a book allows me to enjoy its characters without hesitation I will share the title. This is well worth the read, but if you are expecting exploding aliens and high-tech mumbo-jumbo, then it ain't here. This is far better than that.

1 person found this helpful

Good start to the series

This was a long and enjoyable listen with lots of action. There was quite a bit of graphic violence and descriptions of the atrocities done to dissidents and women so if that sort of thing bothers you, then you should probably pass on this one. The main character is driven to end the atrocities and is assisted by his AI unit who takes on a life of her own and appears to have her own hidden agenda. There is a narrative overlay that I didn't understand at first. It is snippets of a report done sometime in the distant future pertaining to the happenings on the planet and the main characters actions. . Something really bad is coming and he apparently was blamed for it. The story ends abruptly in a cliff hanger.

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com."

5 people found this helpful

Still Falling

Any additional comments?

Excellent story and very clear audiobook Kept me entertained all the way through.. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

This audiobook was provided at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com

4 people found this helpful

One of the best stories I have heard

Would you listen to Still Falling again? Why?

Most likely I would

What was one of the most memorable moments of Still Falling?

The fourth day off

What does Andrew Tell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Emotion and depth

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would if I could

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to part 2

5 people found this helpful