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Cover of Blindsight

Blindsight

by Peter Watts

CyberpunkFictionScience Fiction

Published 2006

Hugo and Shirley Jackson award-winning Peter Watts stands on the cutting edge of hard SF with his acclaimed novel, Blindsight Two months since the stars fell... Two months of silence, while a world held its breath. Now some half-derelict space probe, sparking fitfully past Neptune's orbit, hears a whisper from the edge of the solar system: a faint signal sweeping the cosmos like a lighthouse beam. Whatever's out there isn't talking to us. It's talking to some distant star, perhaps. Or perhaps to something closer, something en route. So who do you send to force introductions with unknown and unknowable alien intellect that doesn't wish to be met? You send a linguist with multiple personalities, her brain surgically partitioned into separate, sentient processing cores. You send a biologist so radically interfaced with machinery that he sees x-rays and tastes ultrasound. You send a pacifist warrior in the faint hope she won't be needed. You send a monster to command them all, an extinct hominid predator once called vampire, recalled from the grave with the voodoo of recombinant genetics and the blood of sociopaths. And you send a synthesist—an informational topologist with half his mind gone—as an interface between here and there. Pray they can be trusted with the fate of a world. They may be more alien than the thing they've been sent to find. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

These are AI narrators you can listen to with your own EPUB on ElevenLabs or Fish Audio. How does it work?

Best Narrators

Top voices for narrating this book

1

Bob Velvet - Smooth, Deep and Relaxed

Editor’s Pick

Bob Velvet - Smooth, Deep and Relaxed

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

British · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Calm

“This voice offers a smooth, deep, and relaxed tone, perfectly capturing Siri's detached and analytical perspective with a professional presence.”

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2

Franklin

Editor’s Pick

Franklin

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

American · Young · Male · Narrative Story · Calm

“The calm, low-register, and consistently measured delivery of this voice aligns well with Siri's dispassionate and intellectual nature.”

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3

Stryka - Calm, Confident and Formal

Editor’s Pick

Stryka - Calm, Confident and Formal

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

Canadian · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Calm

“With a smooth, steady tone and calm energy, this voice provides the professional and measured pacing needed for a synthesist's unique narration.”

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4

Arsen - Intelligent, Confident and Sharp

Editor’s Pick

Arsen - Intelligent, Confident and Sharp

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story

“Arsen's voice is calm, relaxing, and measured, ideal for portraying Siri's analytical mind and thoughtful, somewhat mysterious demeanor.”

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5

Leoni Rutherford

Editor’s Pick

Leoni Rutherford

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Deep

“This deep, controlled voice brings a cinematic depth and authoritative presence, suitable for a narrator with a complex, internal world in a sci-fi setting.”

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Character Casting

For listeners: use the Best Narrator voice above in ElevenReader or Fish Audio. Character casting is for authors producing audiobooks with studio tools.

Jukka Sarasti

protagonist

A highly intelligent and augmented biologist with a precise, almost clinical speaking style, reflecting his enhanced senses and scientific rigor.

1

Mitch Jones

Editor’s Pick

Mitch Jones

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Confident

“Mitch Jones provides a rich, professional baritone with calm and controlled delivery, fitting Sarasti's highly intelligent and precise scientific rigor.”

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2

Robert Riggs - Low and Trustworthy

Editor’s Pick

Robert Riggs - Low and Trustworthy

Editor’s PickElevenLabshigh_quality
ElevenLabshigh_quality

American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Professional

“Robert Riggs' low, trustworthy baritone with measured pacing conveys the professional and analytical traits of an augmented biologist.”

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3

Matthew Schmitz - Scriptures, Bible & Religious readings

Editor’s Pick

Matthew Schmitz - Scriptures, Bible & Religious readings

Editor’s PickElevenLabshigh_quality
ElevenLabshigh_quality

American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Calm

“This voice is calm and authoritative, perfectly suited for Sarasti's clinical speaking style and enhanced senses, providing a clear, deliberate tone.”

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4

Reuven - Natural, Wise, Thoughtful

Editor’s Pick

Reuven - Natural, Wise, Thoughtful

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Modulated

“Reuven's deep, resonant baritone with a measured, thoughtful timbre captures Sarasti's scientific wisdom and calm, rigorous approach.”

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5

Fahad - Concerning Voice

Editor’s Pick

Fahad - Concerning Voice

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Mature

“Fahad's calm, composed, and slightly mysterious voice with a measured pace works well for Sarasti's intellectual depth and controlled demeanor.”

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The Linguist (The Rorschach Collective)

protagonist

A complex, multifaceted voice representing a collective consciousness, capable of subtle shifts between analytical and more emotive tones.

1

Elise - Warm, articulate, and effortlessly professional with a European tilt

Editor’s Pick

Elise - Warm, articulate, and effortlessly professional with a European tilt

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Confident

“Elise's sophisticated European British voice with a naturally warm and composed tone offers the perfect balance of professional authority and subtle shifts for a collective consciousness.”

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2

Jeanne – Warm Authority, Clear Presence

Editor’s Pick

Jeanne – Warm Authority, Clear Presence

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

Canadian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm

“Jeanne's warm, grounded Canadian voice with calm, clear authority can represent the analytical and measured aspects of the collective.”

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Also recommended for: Amanda Bates

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3

Gia - Clear, Firm & Confident American English

Editor’s Pick

Gia - Clear, Firm & Confident American English

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Confident

“The clear, firm, and calm tone of Gia's voice provides the professional and confident delivery suitable for a complex, multifaceted entity.”

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Also recommended for: Amanda Bates

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4

Diksha - Calm & Confident

Editor’s Pick

Diksha - Calm & Confident

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

Indian · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Pleasant

“Diksha's smooth, professional, and calm voice with a neutral accent can embody the collective's analytical and composed communication style.”

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Also recommended for: Amanda Bates

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5

Tia Mirza - Confident, Calm and Charming

Editor’s Pick

Tia Mirza - Confident, Calm and Charming

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

Indian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Confident

“Tia Mirza's voice, balancing husky charm with corporate authority, is ideal for the Linguist's professional yet subtly emotive shifts.”

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Also recommended for: Amanda Bates

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Amanda Bates

supporting

A disciplined and controlled voice, reflecting her warrior training and pacifist nature, with an underlying strength and resolve.

1

Avery Rose-Friendly & Natural | Conversational, Documentary, Commercial & Calm Voice

Editor’s Pick

Avery Rose-Friendly & Natural | Conversational, Documentary, Commercial & Calm Voice

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm

“Avery Rose's calm, confident, and natural tone is ideal for Amanda's disciplined warrior training and underlying strength, offering a grounded presence.”

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2

Gia - Clear, Firm & Confident American English

Editor’s Pick

Gia - Clear, Firm & Confident American English

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Confident

“Gia's clear, firm, and calm voice projects the disciplined and controlled nature of Amanda, reflecting her resolve.”

No ratings yet

Also recommended for: The Linguist (The Rorschach Collective)

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3

Jeanne – Warm Authority, Clear Presence

Editor’s Pick

Jeanne – Warm Authority, Clear Presence

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

Canadian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm

“Jeanne's warm, grounded voice with calm, clear authority conveys Amanda's pacifist nature with an undeniable, steady strength.”

No ratings yet

Also recommended for: The Linguist (The Rorschach Collective)

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4

Tia Mirza - Confident, Calm and Charming

Editor’s Pick

Tia Mirza - Confident, Calm and Charming

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

Indian · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Confident

“This voice, balancing husky charm with corporate authority, can represent Amanda's disciplined and strong character, with a professional edge.”

No ratings yet

Also recommended for: The Linguist (The Rorschach Collective)

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5

Diksha - Calm & Confident

Editor’s Pick

Diksha - Calm & Confident

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

Indian · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Pleasant

“Diksha's smooth, professional, and calm voice provides a measured and controlled delivery, fitting Amanda's disciplined demeanor.”

No ratings yet

Also recommended for: The Linguist (The Rorschach Collective)

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The Vampire (Jagan)

antagonist

A deep, ancient, and predatory voice, embodying a resurrected hominid with a sociopathic intelligence and an intimidating presence.

1

Ezekiel – raspy narrator

Editor’s Pick

Ezekiel – raspy narrator

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

American · Old · Male · Narrative Story · Raspy

“Ezekiel's low, rotten, and husky voice perfectly embodies the ancient, predatory, and intimidating presence of the Vampire, with a slow, deliberate cadence.”

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2

Raspy - Convincing and Weary Narrator

Editor’s Pick

Raspy - Convincing and Weary Narrator

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

American · Young · Male · Narrative Story · Deep

“The raspy, gritty, and natural edge of this young male voice captures the dark, intense, and sociopathic intelligence of Jagan.”

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3

Paul Davis

Editor’s Pick

Paul Davis

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

American · Old · Male · Narrative Story · Intense

“Paul Davis offers an intense, old male voice that can convey the ancient and predatory nature of the Vampire, with a commanding presence.”

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4

POTUS 47 - Trump

Editor’s Pick

POTUS 47 - Trump

Editor’s PickFish Audio
Fish Audio

Male · Old · Social-Media · Entertainment · Raspy · Confident · +2 more

“This old, raspy voice carries an inherent authority and a slightly menacing quality, fitting the intimidating antagonist.”

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5

Alok K – Deep, Suspenseful & Intense for Thrillers & Stories

Editor’s Pick

Alok K – Deep, Suspenseful & Intense for Thrillers & Stories

Editor’s PickElevenLabsprofessional
ElevenLabsprofessional

Indian · Young · Male · Narrative Story · Intense

“Alok K’s deep, deliberate pacing and intense delivery are ideal for building anticipation and tension, reflecting the Vampire's dark and calculating intelligence.”

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