Prophet

I’ll admit, I went into *Prophet* skeptical. Hard sci-fi can often prioritize ideas over characters, but Cornell strikes an intriguing balance—though not always a perfect one. The story picks up five years after the DAGS treatment’s release, and the world feels lived-in, with factions jockeying for control over genetic destiny. The standout here is the moral complexity: there are no clear villains, just people with conflicting visions of progress. I loved the scenes where scientists clash with politicians, or when a "cured" character grapples with identity post-treatment. These moments crackle with tension, even if the Virtual Voice narrator’s flat delivery sometimes saps them of urgency. That said, the audiobook isn’t without frustrations. The pacing drags in the middle, bogged down by lengthy explanations of genetic mechanics that, while fascinating, could’ve been tightened. And while the Virtual Voice’s clarity is excellent for the science-heavy sections, its lack of emotional range makes some character arcs feel distant—especially in quieter, introspective scenes. A human narrator might’ve added the nuance this story occasionally craves. Still, the payoff in the final act, where the ethical and scientific threads collide, is worth the investment for fans of *The Windup Girl* or *Schild’s Ladder*. Just don’t expect a breezy listen; this is a book that demands your attention, for better and worse.