Only Human

By: Sylvain Neuvel

Narrated by: Various

Pacific Rim meets The Martian in the explosive follow-up to Sleeping Giants (“One of the most promising series kickoffs in recent memory.”—NPR) and Waking Gods (“Pure, unadulterated literary escapism.”—Kirkus Reviews).

Brilliant scientist Rose Franklin has devoted her adult life to solving the mystery she accidentally stumbled upon as a child: a huge metal hand buried beneath the ground outside Deadwood, South Dakota. The discovery set in motion a cataclysmic chain of events with geopolitical ramifications. Rose and the Earth Defense Corps raced to master the enigmatic technology, as giant robots suddenly descended on Earth’s most populous cities, killing one hundred million people in the process. Though Rose and her team were able to fend off the attack, their victory was short-lived. The mysterious invaders retreated, disappearing from the shattered planet . . . but they took the scientist and her crew with them.

Now, after nearly ten years on another world, Rose returns to find a devastating new war—this time between humans. America and Russia are locked in combat, fighting to fill the power vacuum left behind after the invasion. Families are torn apart, friends become bitter enemies, and countries collapse in the wake of the battling superpowers. It appears the aliens left behind their titanic death machines so humankind will obliterate itself. Rose is determined to find a solution, whatever it takes. But will she become a pawn in a doomsday game no one can win?


Read by William Hope, Charlie Anson, Laurence Bouvard, Adna Sablylich, Laura Kirman, Aaron Vodovoz, Julie Rogers, Christopher Ragland, Patricia Rodrigues, Jennifer Woodward, Karina Fernandez, Eric Meyers, Madeleine Rose, Lance C. Fuller, and the author, Sylvain Neuvel


Advance praise for Only Human

“Packing a surprisingly powerful thematic punch, this novel is an addictive blend of science fiction, apocalyptic thriller, and chillingly timely cautionary tale. Two (giant, robotic) thumbs up!”—Kirkus Reviews

“Boasting a winning combination of briskly paced action and futuristic dystopia tempered by cautious optimism, Only Human brings a fitting, satisfying end to the Themis Files series.”—RT Book Reviews

Critic reviews

“Packing a surprisingly powerful thematic punch, this novel is an addictive blend of science fiction, apocalyptic thriller, and chillingly timely cautionary tale. Two (giant, robotic) thumbs up!”—Kirkus Reviews

“Boasting a winning combination of briskly paced action and futuristic dystopia tempered by cautious optimism, Only Human brings a fitting, satisfying end to the Themis Files series.”—RT Book Reviews

“This action-packed tale with apocalyptic stakes is a fitting finale to this wonderfully cinematic series.”—Publishers Weekly

“Series fans will be eager for [Sylvian] Neuvel’s ever-so-satisfying conclusion to his rip-roaring science-fiction adventure tale.”—Booklist

“It is one of those stories that stirs something up inside, makes you question the world around you, and lingers long after it is over. . . . I cannot recommend this series highly enough.”—Read and Wander

“The perfect ending to an amazing trilogy”—Three Piece Heart

“An epic and thought-provoking ride from beginning to end.”—Teri Polen

“What a perfect end Only Human was to an incredible trilogy. It was emotional, deep, and satisfying. . . . This will be a story that lingers, and one that really made me think about my place in the world, and what it means to be human.”—I Blame Wizards

“Compulsively readable.”—eMissourian

“Thought-provoking”—W.A.R.G.

Praise for Sylvain Neuvel’s Waking Gods

“Pure, unadulterated literary escapism featuring giant killer robots and the looming end of mankind. In a word: unputdownable.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Kick-ass, one-on-one robot action combines with mind-bending scientific and philosophical speculation.”—Booklist

“Stellar science fiction.”—SFFWorld

“Sheer escapist fun.”—Shelf Awareness

Sleeping Giants

“Reminiscent of The Martian and World War Z, Sleeping Giants is a luminous conspiracy yarn that shoots for (and lands among) the stars.”—Pierce Brown, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Red Rising trilogy

“Sleeping Giants bursts at the seams with big ideas. This book is a sheer blast from start to finish. I haven’t had this much fun reading in ages.”—Blake Crouch, author of Dark Matter and the bestselling Wayward Pines trilogy

“One of the most promising series kickoffs in recent memory.”—NPR

“A remarkable debut.”—Library Journal (starred review)

not as good as the first 2

I really like the cast except for the new reader for Eva. Story was just ok this time.

Great story

I have been reading science fiction since 1956 and can compare this trilogy to a large collection of many stories by many authors. Verdict: it is worth reading.

Terrific

Excellent series with a surprising and wonderful ending…I think everyone will enjoy the full cast that was used . I didn’t want the story to end.

The conclusion

If you liked the previous books you will like this. Didn't like Vincent's character or this would have gotten 5 stars. Plus the alien language was clunky

Amazing end to this family/political drama

This book luckily wasn't as emotionally devastating as the prior one.

It was more interesting though as this time around we get to get immersed into this new world and see this from the aliens perceptive.

I was pleased with the balance the political drama brought as the amount of chaos caused in the first 2 books in the series was paid back in full with an equally devastating amount of death and political devastation on the alien planet for all that nonsense happening.

The voice acting was great, the tension the characters were able to portray was believable and realistic.

I really liked how this series ended. I sorta saw this coming as it really would not be able to end any other way. Even with a clear ending like this, i was glad for it as i wouldn't want this story dtagged on forever.