by George Alec Effinger
Published 2017
The complete Hugo and Nebula Award–nominated cyberpunk trilogy by an author whose work is "wry and black and savage" (George R. R. Martin). Praised as "a perfect example of how exciting the subgenre can and should be," George Alec Effinger's Budayeen Cycle is a towering and timeless science fiction achievement that continues to amaze, shock, and captivate readers ( SF Signal). When Gravity Fails: Set in a high-tech near future featuring an ascendant Muslim world and divided Western superpowers, this cult classic takes readers into a world with mind- or mood-altering drugs for any purpose, brains enhanced by electronic hardware, and surgically altered bodies. Street hustler Marîd Audran has always prided himself on his independence, free from commitments, connections, and even cybernetic modifications. But when a string of brutal murders lands him on the radar of Friedlander Bey, the most powerful and dangerous man in the decadent Arab ghetto, the Budayeen, Audran is forced to change his loner ways, or risk losing his life . . . A Fire in the Sun: Once a small-time smuggler, Marîd Audran has, to his chagrin, moved up in the ranks of the criminal underworld to become a lieutenant in Friedlander Bey's shadowy empire. Tasked with being Bey's eyes and ears inside local law enforcement, Audran finds himself tracking yet another serial killer through the streets of the Budayeen. And the closer he gets to his target, the more embroiled he becomes in the deadly political machinations hidden behind the city's façade. The Exile Kiss: Marîd Audran is finally learning to appreciate the wealth and benefits that come from being on Friedlander Bey's payroll when a powerful enemy does the unthinkable, and gets both Audran and Bey exiled from the Budayeen. Abandoned in the lifeless and lethal Arabian Desert, Audran and Bey have only one option: survive long enough to exact revenge on the man responsible.
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Top voices for narrating this book
Indian · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Serious
“With a deep, measured tone and subtle intensity, Rudra's narration builds tension effortlessly, ideal for the gritty and mysterious atmosphere of the book.”
Indian · Young · Male · Narrative Story · Intense
“Alok K's deep, deliberate pacing and intense delivery are well-suited for capturing the dark and suspenseful undertones, drawing listeners into the cynical world.”
American · Young · Male · Narrative Story · Crisp
“The blend of numbness, cynicism, and existential despair in this voice, combined with its crisp texture, can effectively convey the narrator's subtle edge of cynicism.”
American · Young · Male · Narrative Story · Formal
“Revenant's youthful yet rugged and gritty voice, with its cinematic texture, brings an intense energy that aligns with the dark and high-tech setting.”
For listeners: use the Best Narrator voice above in ElevenReader or Fish Audio. Character casting is for authors producing audiobooks with studio tools.
A street-smart hustler who evolves into a lieutenant in the criminal underworld. His voice should be adaptable, reflecting his independence, cynicism, and growing authority.
American · Young · Male · Narrative Story · Intense
“Titan's raspy yet youthful tone delivers gripping storytelling, making it an excellent fit for Marîd's street-smart, intense, and evolving persona.”
Female · Male · Young · Middle-Aged · Old · Character-Voice · +11 more
“This commanding and intense voice, with its raspy, mature tone, suits Marîd's journey from a hustler to a lieutenant, reflecting his growing influence.”
British · Middle Aged · Male · Characters Animation · Confident
“Dave's gritty and cheeky British character, with a highly stylized accent, offers a unique interpretation for Marîd's independent and cynical nature.”
American · Young · Male · Narrative Story · Husky
“Christian's warm, deep voice with natural intimacy and emotional range could portray Marîd's adaptable and serious conversational style, especially as he gains authority.”
Male · Old · Social-Media · Entertainment · Raspy · Confident · +2 more
“The raspy and energetic quality of this voice provides a distinct texture that could embody Marîd's street-smart intensity and evolving character.”
The most powerful and dangerous man in the Budayeen. His voice should command respect and hint at hidden depths, with a calm but authoritative presence.
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Modulated
“Reuven's deep, resonant baritone with a measured, calm gravitas perfectly embodies Friedlander Bey's powerful, mysterious, and deliberate presence.”
British · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Professional
“Jim's deep British baritone, with the calm of a C-suite executive, projects the trustworthiness and persuasive nature required for the Budayeen's most dangerous man.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Narration · Deep · Calm · Professional · +3 more
“The measured and relaxed delivery of this deep, warm voice is ideal for Friedlander Bey's calm demeanor, hinting at hidden depths beneath his composed exterior.”
Canadian · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Calm
“Stryka's smooth, steady tone and calm energy, combined with a deep pitch, create a professional yet approachable presence suitable for a powerful figure like Bey.”
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Calm
“Sean's deliberate, low voice offers an authoritative narration that can capture Friedlander Bey's slow and deliberate speaking style, underscoring his control.”