by Charles Stross
Published 2008
It was called in as a robbery at Hayek Associates, an online game company. So you can imagine Sergeant Sue Smith's mood as she watches the video footage of the heist being carried out by a band of orcs and a dragon, and realises that the robbery from an online game company is actually a robbery from an online game. Just wonderful. Like she has nothing better to do. But online entertainment is big business, and when the bodies of real people start to show up, it's clear that this is anything but a game. For Sue, computer coding expert Jack Reed, and forensic accountant Elaine Barnaby, the walls between the actual and the virtual are about to come crashing down. There is something very dangerous and very real going on at Hayek Associates, and those involved are playing for keeps. No cheats, no back doors, no extra lives - make a wrong call on this one and it's game over.
These are AI narrators you can listen to with your own EPUB on ElevenLabs or Fish Audio. How does it work?
Top voices for narrating this book
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Serious
“This voice's dramatic presence and deep, smooth tone are perfect for building tension in a tech-thriller while maintaining an engaging narrative quality.”
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Deep
“Daniel offers a cinematic and powerful delivery with dramatic pacing, ideal for transitioning from dry humor to escalating stakes in the narrative.”
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story
“Arsen's intelligent and sharp tone, combined with a smooth, measured pace, would effectively convey the narrator's professional demeanor and analytical observations.”
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Professional
“For the narrator, Will provides a grounded and professional presence with clear articulation and steady pacing, suitable for both initial setup and rising action.”
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Deep
“Obsidian's deep, gritty texture and rich resonance would lend a unique, slightly darker edge to the narration, fitting the cyberpunk genre's mood.”
For listeners: use the Best Narrator voice above in ElevenReader or Fish Audio. Character casting is for authors producing audiobooks with studio tools.
A no-nonsense police sergeant, initially exasperated but quickly becoming sharp, determined, and authoritative as the stakes rise.
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Serious
“Niki's smooth, natural, and serious voice perfectly embodies a no-nonsense police sergeant, capable of conveying both exasperation and growing determination.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Confident
“Leanne's rhythmic and controlled delivery, with notes of high energy and depth, would suit Sue Smith's evolving role from exasperated to authoritative.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“This voice, Vespa, offers an intimate yet assured tone with natural resonance, ideal for a sergeant who needs to project both professional authority and underlying resolve.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Professional
“Clara's calm, clear, and professional delivery would provide a solid foundation for Sue Smith, allowing her determination to shine through a steady presence.”
Also recommended for: Elaine Barnaby
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“Viki's calm and professional American female narration style, with a clear tone, is well-suited for a police sergeant who becomes sharp and methodical under pressure.”
Also recommended for: Elaine Barnaby
A computer coding expert, intelligent and focused, with a calm, analytical demeanor even under pressure.
Male · Middle-Aged · Narration · Deep · Calm · Serious · +5 more
“JJK's deep, calm, and professional tone with a smooth, measured delivery is an excellent fit for Jack Reed's analytical and focused demeanor, even when things get intense.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Narration · Low · Calm · Measured · +11 more
“This voice, Investigative Essau, with its low, calm, and measured delivery, perfectly captures the intelligent and serious nature of a computer coding expert like Jack Reed.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Educational · Narration · Deep · Serious · +3 more
“Alhaitham's mature male voice, deep and professional with a measured pace, aligns well with Jack Reed's calm and analytical approach to complex problems.”
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Calm
“Brad's steady and serious presence would lend itself to Jack Reed's focused and calm disposition, providing a reliable and intelligent sound.”
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Relaxed
“Benjamin's deep, warm, and calming voice offers a slightly more approachable yet still serious interpretation of Jack Reed's character, highlighting his composure.”
A forensic accountant, precise and detail-oriented, with a clear and methodical speaking style.
Female · Middle-Aged · Narration · Announcer · Professional · Clear · +3 more
“Cathrine Cowdrey's professional, clear, and crisp voice with a calm delivery is ideal for Elaine Barnaby's precise and methodical speaking style as a forensic accountant.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“Hai Ngoc's warm, clear, and natural mid-range voice, with a steady pitch and moderate speed, perfectly suits Elaine's detail-oriented and methodical approach.”
Female · Middle-Aged · Narration · Character-Voice · Calm · Professional · +3 more
“Robin's calm, professional, and clear voice, with its measured pace, would effectively convey Elaine's precise and methodical speaking style.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“Viki's calm and professional American female narration, with a soft international tone, provides a clear and methodical presence fitting for a forensic accountant.”
Also recommended for: Sergeant Sue Smith
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Professional
“Clara's calm, clear, and approachable professional voice, with steady pacing, would effectively communicate Elaine's detail-oriented and methodical nature.”
Also recommended for: Sergeant Sue Smith