Beyond Death by Michael Atamanov

Beyond Death

Cyberpunk chaos where royal blunders birth galactic war

Narrated byNeil Hellegers
Length12h55m
Release dateDecember 27, 2015
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.6 (4 ratings)

Free with Audible trial. Cancel anytime.

Listen to a Sample

Hear Neil Hellegers's narration on Audible.

Play Sample on Audible

Quick Facts

AuthorMichael Atamanov
NarratorNeil Hellegers
Runtime12h55m
PublishedDecember 27, 2015
Rating★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 (4 ratings)
CategoriesScience Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction, Cyberpunk, Space Opera
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

*Beyond Death* isn’t just another space opera—it’s a masterclass in how a single reckless decision by a spoiled crown prince can unravel an empire. Michael Atamanov drops you into a universe where political cowardice meets alien invasion, and the result is a cyberpunk-infused military thriller that crackles with dark humor and brutal consequences. This isn’t your typical "hero’s journey"; it’s a story about elites playing with fire while the galaxy burns, narrated by Neil Hellegers with the dry, world-weary tone of a man who’s seen one too many royal screw-ups.

What sets this audiobook apart is its unflinching focus on systemic collapse. The tech is sleek, the battles are visceral, and the dialogue snaps with sarcasm, but the real star is the way Atamanov turns bureaucratic incompetence into a cosmic horror show. Hellegers’ narration leans into the absurdity—his delivery of Georg’s panicked justifications and the alien invaders’ chilling detachment makes every misstep feel like a gut-punch. If you love sci-fi that’s equal parts *Dune*’s political intrigue and *The Expanse*’s gritty realism—but with a cyberpunk edge—this is your next obsession.

Tags: cyberpunk military sci-fipolitical space opera with bitealien invasion chaosdarkly humorous sci-fi audiobookimperial incompetence thrillervisceral cyberpunk narration

Why Listen to Beyond Death?

  • Expert narration by Neil Hellegers brings every character and scene to life across 12h55m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.6 stars by 4 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
Start Listening Free
AE

Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

I’ll admit, I went into *Beyond Death* expecting another by-the-numbers space war epic, but Atamanov subverted my expectations within the first hour. The premise—a crown prince accidentally inviting an alien armada because he’s *that* desperate to avoid his dad—should feel ridiculous, but Hellegers sells it with a mix of exasperation and creeping dread. His voice work is stellar, especially when switching between the smug imperial elite and the terrifyingly efficient invaders. The production quality is flawless: no awkward pauses, no volume spikes, just a tight, immersive listen. That said, the pacing isn’t perfect. The middle act drags slightly as Atamanov indulges in *just* a bit too much tech exposition (yes, we get it, the shields are *very* advanced), and Georg’s arc from coward to... well, *less of a coward* sometimes feels uneven. But the payoff is worth it. The final act’s battle sequences are some of the most visceral I’ve heard in audiobook form, with Hellegers’ narration making every laser blast and desperate command feel urgent. What really stuck with me, though, was the biting satire beneath the action—this isn’t just about aliens vs. humans, but about how power corrupts and incompetence has consequences. If you love sci-fi that’s smart, cynical, and occasionally hilarious in its darkness, this is a must-listen. Just be prepared to yell at Georg. A lot.

Download: Beyond Death

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Beyond Death by Michael Atamanov is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Neil Hellegers with a runtime of 12h55m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.