I haven't seen the movie, so I can't comment on that. The book is good, but this is about the Brilliance Audio recording performed by R.C. Bray. Being a librarian has its perks, among which are first dibs on items people return if there isn't already a hold request to fulfill. I nabbed this from the returned items pile. The rest of you have to wait until I am done! Well, unless you request another copy from my network, or use a different library network altogether.
I like hard science fiction that tries to be scientifically accurate. I also like books that humanize the characters and give them personalities. If you know about the book, you probably know it's well-regarded in the first respect, and is at least competent in the second.
Audiobooks have potential to be either excellent or awful, depending on the quality of the recording and the skill of the narrator. Some feature a full cast performing various voices, and some feature music and sound effects. This performance is well-suited to the subject, with a single narrator adjusting his accent, inflection, cadence, etc. for different characters. He does a great job, too. Some performers are lackluster or overly-dramatic, but this is simply well done in every respect.
This also has no sound effects. I prefer that. It is rare for good sound work to enhance a performance rather than breaking the immersion, and this avoid that performance. I can easily see how a poor SFX addition could ruin it though. There is also no music other than that accompanying the CD intro-outro announcements. This is a massive blessing since disco plays a surprisingly large role in this story.
The only real downside is that the story and narration combine to create a compelling distraction that's hard to turn off when other matters intrude. Highly recommended.
Image source: Audific Audiobook Review
Great review! I've found a good deal. Checkout The Martian Audiobook on ABBS for only $5 (limited time i think)
Loved it!