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Fractal Noise cover art

Fractal Noise

By: Christopher Paolini
Narrated by: Jennifer Hale
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Publisher's Summary

Fractal Noise is the thrilling prequel to the masterful space opera To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by internationally bestselling author of Eragon, Christopher Paolini.

On the planet Talos VII, twenty-three years before the events of To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, an anomaly is detected: a vast circular pit, with dimensions so perfect that it could only have been the result of conscious design. So a small team is assembled to learn more – perhaps even who built the hole and why. Their mission will take them on a hazardous trek to the very edge of existence.

For one explorer, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. For another, a risk not worth taking. And for xenobiologist Alex Crichton, it’s a desperate attempt to find meaning in an uncaring universe. But every step they take towards that mysterious abyss is more punishing than the last. Ultimately, no one is prepared for what they will encounter.

©2023 Christopher Paolini (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic Reviews

Paolini makes the experiences of his well-shaded explorers vivid and gripping through smart worldbuilding and believable stakes. James S.A. Corey fans will be especially riveted (Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about Fractal Noise

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Not what I thought it would be.

I’m a long time fan of eragon and Christopher Paolini’s other book asleep in a sea of stars.
I feel this was a let down it was very dark and there wasn’t a favourite character they were all annoying.

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Yes a slow burner but still a masterpiece

I truly enjoyed this book and the narration is 10/10. Yes, it is a slow burner and more on the psychological side of things and not as much sci-fi or mystery but I loved every minute of it.

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a work of art, reads like a transcribed memory

an absolutely beautiful book, helped me through a recent depressive episode. much like Paolinis Inheritance, it reads like a transcribed memory. every scene was perfectly rendered within the scope of protagonists point of view, and i was truly touched by his existential introspection. There were some truly beautiful segments, pondering on the nature of reality and his place within it. this book was a very personal journey for me and I feel I can say no more here. read it or don't, I am very grateful for its existence, and it deserves its place in the universe.

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A deliberate exploration

While I enjoyed Paolini’s To Sleep in a Sea of Stars I often found the immense scope of that novel difficult to contain in my little head. The slow deliberate pacing of Fractal Noise was a wonderfully focused exploration of humans pushed to the brink. It reminded me in some ways of the ominous shadow that hung over some of Michael Crichton’s work like Sphere and Prey. I thoroughly enjoyed it and Jennifer Hale gives a fantastic performance.

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amazing

I enjoyed it immensely, the world, the story, the tension, the ending. Reading was exceptionally good

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Refreshing

After a long time
Finally a refreshing human story in a alien world which actually makes sense and touches a human mind and hearts

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    3 out of 5 stars

Mysterious and depressing

I like the style, keeps you engaged. But the story was very depressing, no hope really. For me the worst of Paolini so far.

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Mystery and emotion

The depth of emotion that C.P. captures in this book is astounding. It really makes me wonder if he himself has been in a similar position to the main character.
I love the element of mystery embedded in this book.

I'd recommend this to anyone. Can easily be read before or after "To Sleep in a Sea of Stars"

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Thrilling, terrifying but can’t put it down

Well narrated story from a protagonist who is grieving while completing a Herculean journey in an alien landscape with inherently disagreeable colleagues on his away team.
The scary bits will make you squirm and the grief will touch your soul.
Beautiful narration from Jennifer Hale.

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A Filler

looking forward to book 3, this one feels like a filler, a bit of a back story but lacked the plot and was much slower.

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