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Ringworld

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Ringworld

By: Larry Niven
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
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Winner of both the Hugo and Nebula Awards for Best Novel, Ringworld remains a favorite among science fiction readers.

The artifact is a vast circular ribbon of matter, some 180 million miles across, with a sun at its center. Pierson’s puppeteers—strange, three-legged, two-headed aliens—discovered this “Ringworld” in a hitherto unexplored part of the galaxy. Curious about the immense structure, but frightened by the prospect of meeting the builders, they set about assembling a team to explore it:

Louis Wu, human—old and bored with having lived too fully for too many years, seeking an adventure, and all too capable of handling it.

Nessus, puppeteer—a trembling coward from a species with an inbuilt survival pattern of nonviolence. This particular puppeteer, however, is insane.

Speaker-to-Animals, kzin—large, orange-furred, and carnivorous. The kzin are one of the most savage life-forms known.

The party’s expedition, however, goes disastrously wrong when their ship crash-lands and its motley crew faces a daunting trek across thousands of miles of Ringworld territory.

©1970 Larry Niven (P)1996 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Action & Adventure Adventure Classics Science Fiction Fiction Mind-bending Interstellar
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Critic reviews

“Larry Niven’s 1970 Hugo Award winner, Ringworld, is arguably one of the most influential science fiction novels of the past fifty years…It’s clear that Ringworld hasn’t just become a cultural staple because it’s a good idea: its inspirational power comes from Niven’s success in bringing it to life. The sense of scale and wonder is joyful. I challenge you to read it without feeling awestruck.”

“[Grover Gardner] captures the personalities of the travelers through individual vocalization and provides smooth, expressive narration. The listener is soon caught up in the adventures of these vivid characters as they struggle to survive…A rousing adventure.”

“Niven’s style is such that you can be awed, then titillated, then amused all on the same page…After more than thirty years, the story remains interesting, and the ideas fascinating. I highly recommend this audiobook, whether you’ve experienced Ringworld already or not. I enjoyed every minute.”

“[Gardner] skillfully uses inflection and timing to heighten drama or highlight humorous details as appropriate. Parker deftly brings to life Louis Wu and other members of the ‘motley crew’…This is SF—and narration—at its best.”
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This is my first true science fiction novel. I read the Dune trilogy but there was no focus on science / technology in that so I would categorize it more as fantasy. Ringworld, on the other hand, was great! The science ideas were very interesting and not too far fetched, and there were some insightful thought experiments in the book as well. I would like to see movies/ video games set in this universe.

Overall the book was very well-written, and the storyline was interesting and well-paced. I’d say the greatest feature was the author’s creativity. I intend to read more books set in this universe in the future

Wildly creative! 10/10

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I really enjoyed this production, great narration, perfect tempo. As noted by previous reviewers some of the ideas have dated which is to be expected in this particular genre but this did not detract from the story nor did it make the other sci fi ideas in this book redundant. This book kept me interested right til the end with no overly extended outro which is a pet peeve with lots of books I've listened to recently. The ending has perfectly set up the sequels which I am definitely be looking forward to hearing. Many thanks Audible, Larry Niven and Tom Parker!

Brilliant example of sci-fi world building...

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little did Niven know back then that a black hole resided at the centre of our galaxy! over look this and it's a fab read & he did get some future predictions right. the eccentric characters were fun and their relationship building great. the vastness of description was also worth a mention. it's no surprise this book won the accolade's it's did back in 70's. I wonder what our Arther C Clarke would of made of it. I'd love to know.

a tad dated, but excellent for when it was written

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This was my first audio book.
I read ringworld 40 odd years ago and remembered the arc and many of the
specific incidents but not all so it was interesting listening and knowing where we heading. Like watching a film you have seen before and spotting the clues more clearly than the first time. I did frequently back up a couple of minutes to make sure I got everything.

This was well read with good expression. You know which of the characters is speaking from the voice. I hope other books are read as well.

My next book is one I do not know so it will be different experience

Classic book read well

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Listened to this on recommendation and what a treat, after a few good books this was a breath of fresh air with an imagination that has withstood the test of time. A wholesome look into another world

Brilliant

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