Totality by Kim Harrison is the second audiobook in the Eclipsed Evolution audio first trilogy. First contact has been established with demonic looking Neighbors who claim to be trying to save their dying planet. A tense, addictive tale narrated by Xe Sands that kept me on edge and eager for more.
by Kim Harrison
Series: Eclipsed Evolution #2
Narrator: Xe Sands
Length: 4 hours and 41 minutes
Genres: Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
After a solar eclipse opens a way between our world and a paranormal realm, and the dark side of first contact emerges, one woman’s loyalties will be tested in this gripping serialized adventure from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Hollows series.
Dr. Renee Caisson never expected that her scientific expertise would lead to a role playing interpreter between humans and the demonic-looking Neighbors. When the door between their worlds opened, she was drafted by the government to study the otherworldly beings and was able to prove her theory: the Neighbors had been to Earth before—and now they simply wanted to save their dying planet.
At least, that’s the story, and everyone—both human and Neighbor—is sticking to it. The Neighbor in charge of the new portal’s operation, Noel, isn’t that sure anymore. Having succeeded in finding a new planet to inhabit, the leaders of her world have made the dark truth of their existence clear to her: the Neighbors forcibly tried to make a foothold on Earth in the past—and they can’t afford to fail again.
But the Neighbors’ ability to magically teleport from place to place has convinced Major Jackson that the only way to keep control of the situation is to embrace it and tell the world of the Neighbors’ existence.
Unfortunately, not everyone agrees.
I recommend listening to this series in the order of its release. Totality picks ups where First Contact left off. In this installment, we learn more about the Neighbors and their history with Earth. We also get to know key individuals better. While both sides claim the Neighbors are here to save their planet, we learn some doubt that.
The Eclipsed Evolution trilogy is the perfect summer listen, from interesting characters to the interactions and tensions created by the Neighbors’ arrival. Have you ever wondered what first contact would be like?
Dr. Renee Caisson continues her role of interpreter, and much discussion is made about how to reveal the Neighbors’ presence to humanity. August and Renee’s interaction intrigued me. The two are moving into the friends category, and I am curious how that will influence decisions. The characters are interesting from optimistic to calculating and I was curious to learn about the players, especially after the debacle that took place during First Contact. What Noel learned about the Neighbors’ leaders built up suspense as did errors made my humans.
Once again I slipped into this science fiction tale and am excited to dive into Emergence, the final audiobook. Fans of science fiction and first contact stories will want to listen to this audio first series. Xe Sands does a wonderful job bringing these characters and their emotions to life.
About Kim Harrison
Kim Harrison, author of the New York Times #1 best selling Hollows series, was born in Detroit and lived most her her life within an easy drive. She's currently working on the Peri Reed Chronicles, and when not at her desk, is most likely to be found landscaping her new/old Victorian home, in the garden, or on the links.
About Xe Sands
Xe Sands is an award-winning narrator known for her authentic characterizations and intimate delivery. She has more than a decade of experience bringing stories to life through narration, performance, and visual art, including recordings of Wonderland by Stacey D'Erasmo, The Art Forger by B. A. Shapiro, and Survival Lessons by Alice Hoffman. Sands has also been recognized for her engaging romance narrations and was named Most Impressive Narrator Discovery for titles such as Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins and On Thin Ice by Anne Stuart.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
The covers of these are good. And they do sound good. Looks like they are on the shorter side? I might have to give the audiobooks a chance. Great review!
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
I am excited to read this series, but haven’t started yet. Glad you liked it.
Kym
I am such a Kim Harrison fan. I read SO many of the book in the Hollows series. I often want to pick back up where I left off. I’m pretty sure I remember enough to keep going but I’m years behind at this point. I had no idea the series existed but It’s going right in my StoryGraph. I’m always looking for a new audiobook! Thanks for sharing.
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
This sounds super interesting. I still have to get my hands on the first one.
Laurel-Rain Snow
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Jen Twimom
I love Xe Sands’ performances. I’m kicking myself that I didn’t pick this series up when it first came out, but I have too many review audios right now.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I couldn’t read your review because I am looking forward to reading this one soon.
Kimberly
No worries. It’s spoiler free though. Kim Harrison said so…🤣
Anne - Books of My Heart
ok Great non-spoiler review! I’m excited to get started on the last 2. I’m going to review them together later in the month.
ailyn koay
maybe the neighbors have better manners …
Mary Kirkland
Oh that sounds good. I can only imagine what a first contact with an alien species would be like with our government. They might come in peace at first and then after being around our people in charge they would either leave or take over. LOL
This sounds good though.
Kimberly
LOL, yes.
Sophia Rose
Yes, that would be interesting to imagine how a First Contact would go.