The Awakening

Name: The Awakening
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (5 reviews)
Author: Joe Jackson

Epic fantasy where the dead refuse to stay buried

Written byJoe Jackson

Narrated byChelsea Stephens

Length16h00m

Release dateNovember 20, 2023

GenreScience Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Epic

LanguageEnglish

★★★★☆ 4.8 (5 ratings)

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Quick Facts

Author	Joe Jackson
Narrator	Chelsea Stephens
Runtime	16h00m
Published	November 20, 2023
Rating	★★★★☆ 4.8 / 5 (5 ratings)
Categories	Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Epic
Format	Audiobook (Digital)
Platform	Audible

About This Audiobook

Joe Jackson’s *The Awakening* isn’t just another zombie apocalypse—it’s a meticulously crafted epic where the dead walk for reasons far older than illness or curses. Leighandra Evenstar, a sharp-witted chronicler, finds herself entangled in a political powder keg when nations scramble to respond to the unnatural resurrection. What begins as a straightforward reporting assignment spirals into a race against time, as Leighandra uncovers a buried history of betrayal and forgotten gods stirring beneath Terrassia’s surface. Jackson’s worldbuilding is dense without being overwhelming, weaving political intrigue with the kind of mythic dread that lingers long after the last page. The prose crackles with intelligence, balancing action with introspective depth, making it a standout for readers who crave fantasy that rewards attention. Chelsea Stephens’ narration elevates the experience further, her voice shifting seamlessly between weary skepticism and breathless urgency, capturing the weight of Leighandra’s journey.

Tags: epic fantasy audiobookzombie apocalypse with a twistpolitical intrigue fantasystrong female protagonistmythic horror fantasyengaging narration Chelsea Stephens

Why Listen to The Awakening?

Expert narration by Chelsea Stephens brings every character and scene to life across 16h00m of immersive audio.
Highly rated at 4.8 stars by 5 listeners.
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Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

I’ll admit, I approached *The Awakening* with skepticism—another zombie story? But Jackson and Stephens quickly proved me wrong. Stephens’ narration is the secret weapon here; her voice for Leighandra is a masterclass in dry wit and exhausted curiosity, while the ensemble cast of political figures and undead embodies the story’s range. The pacing is brisk enough to keep the 16-hour runtime from dragging, though I did wish Jackson had lingered a beat longer on the lore of Terrassia’s forgotten pantheon—some threads feel underdeveloped in favor of plot momentum. That said, the sheer momentum of the story more than makes up for it. The undead aren’t just a backdrop here; they’re harbingers of a waking nightmare, and Leighandra’s reluctant heroism feels earned. My only real critique? The audiobook’s sound design occasionally leans too heavily on echo for the underground sequences, which muddles Stephens’ delivery. Still, this is fantasy with teeth—both literal and intellectual—and Stephens’ performance cements it as a must-listen.

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The Awakening by Joe Jackson is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Chelsea Stephens with a runtime of 16h00m, 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.