Ringworld Audiobook [Free Download by Trial]

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Ringworld

The readers can download Ringworld Audiobook for free via Audible Free Trial.


Summary

"I myself have dreamed up an intermediate step between Dyson spheres and planets. Build a ring 93 million miles in radius-one Earth orbit-which would make it 600 million miles long. If we have the mass of Jupiter to work with, and if we make it a million miles wide, we get a thickness of about a thousand meters. The Ringworld would thus be much sturdier than a Dyson sphere." -Larry Niven

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4 comments

  • If you've heard of 'Ringworld', you probably know that it became an instant hit among sci-fi fans upon its release and continues to be popular. It's an absolutely fantastic story with well-developed and interesting characters, not to mention the incredible setting of the Ringworld itself. All of these elements make it a classic in my eyes. In fact, I've read it numerous times and can easily pick it up, open it, and thoroughly enjoy myself. However, due to my familiarity with the book, I was slightly disappointed with the narration. Let me clarify, the narrator did a good job, but I was hoping for a bit more heart, you know? (Disclaimer: I'm used to listening to Jim Dale narrating the Harry Potter books, so that might be influencing my opinion since this was my first experience with an audiobook since then.) There were also differences in pronunciation that may simply come down to personal preference. I've always pronounced the main character's name as "Louis" (loo-is), but in the book, it's pronounced as "Lou-ee". There were a few instances like this that could be chalked up to personal preference. Who's to say I haven't been pronouncing them wrong all these years? Maybe Larry Niven himself! Overall, in my humble opinion, it's definitely worth your hard-earned money, especially if you've never read the book. And if you haven't experienced Ringworld yet, well, shame on you. This is a great place to start.
  • This book is undeniably captivating, let me tell you that right off the bat. As you delve into the story and become acquainted with the characters and the underlying motives, you'll find yourself being irresistibly pulled in. However, at times, it feels like the narrative is primarily driven by the author's eagerness to explore eccentric "scientific" concepts. It's almost like you're thinking to yourself, "I wonder if they're going to touch upon the idea of enclosing a star in a metal sphere..." and lo and behold, just five minutes later, the characters are having that exact discussion! Now, don't get me wrong, this doesn't make the book boring by any means. If you've never pondered upon such notions before, it will genuinely captivate your interest. The characters themselves are quite engaging, making this book a worthy addition to the genre.
  • Larry Niven's Ringworld falls into the realm of hard sci-fi, meaning that the focus lies on the setting and its technology rather than the characters. In this regard, Ringworld succeeds admirably. Niven possesses a talent for vividly describing futuristic technologies, making them come alive for the reader. However, a minor disappointment arises from the lack of exploration into the Ringworld itself. The human characters in Ringworld come across as dull, while the alien characters appear absurd, exaggerated, and unengaging. Given the dire circumstances they find themselves in, one would expect the characters to be anxious and their relationships to be complex. Unfortunately, they seem to barely care about the dangers surrounding them. In fact, the characters are so forgettable that even days after finishing the novel, I struggle to recall their names. There are a few instances of tension when we learn about the Puppeteers' history of manipulating the evolution of other species for their own benefit. However, the overall situation feels insincere, as if their anger is nothing more than an inside joke that will soon pass. Additionally, I was taken aback by how quickly everyone dismisses Teela after her disappearance. Nevertheless, it can be excused because I never formed any emotional attachment to any of the characters. The plot of Ringworld is straightforward: the group crash-lands on the Ringworld and must find a way to escape. They embark on a series of explorations and encounters before eventually discovering a means of getting out. Ringworld offers a decent read, but I fail to comprehend the overwhelming praise and the numerous awards it has received. It falls into the realm of mediocrity across all aspects. The narrator of the audiobook does a remarkable job, but unfortunately, the audio quality is appalling. Apart from the obvious tape-quality recording, there is a persistent and irritating background echo. Every word uttered by the narrator is duplicated, as if there is an ongoing conversation occurring in the background. Sometimes the echo is glaringly obvious, while at other times, it goes unnoticed. This issue annoyed me greatly, to the point where I almost stopped listening. The book loses a star due to its audio problems.
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