Failure Mode Audiobook - Expeditionary Force, Book 15

Summary

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through the pages of this captivating audiobook. Whether you’re an avid reader or a newcomer to the world of audiobooks, this unique listening experience is sure to leave a lasting impression. With a perfect blend of engaging storytelling and skilled narration, this audiobook transports you into a realm where the boundaries between reality and fantasy seamlessly blur.

Audiobook Info

Author: Craig Alanson
Narrator: R.C. Bray
Duration: 14 hours and 47 minutes
Publisher: Audible Studios
Release Date: October 1, 2019
Series: Expeditionary Force
Book: 5

Review

Rarely does an audiobook seize your attention with such force that reality seems to fade into the background – but “Failure Mode” by Craig Alanson achieves exactly that, thanks in large part to R.C. Bray’s powerhouse narration. For seasoned listeners of science fiction and newcomers alike, this fifth entry in the Expeditionary Force series offers not just adrenaline-fueled action but also layers of emotional depth and existential tension.

Let’s start where “Failure Mode” truly shines: R.C. Bray’s performance. His reputation as one of the premier voices in modern audiobooks is cemented here – Bray doesn’t simply read; he embodies every character, amplifying their desperation, wit, and indomitable spirit at each turn. His delivery during moments of crisis is electrifying: he draws out every ounce of uncertainty when resources dwindle and hope hangs by a thread. Whether voicing Lieutenant Gumm’s dogged perseverance or capturing the camaraderie among spacefaring comrades, Bray keeps listeners riveted with impeccable pacing and emotional nuance.

Craig Alanson’s storytelling continues to evolve with every book in the series, but “Failure Mode” ups the ante by confronting its beloved crew – and readers – with catastrophic odds. Gone are easy victories; here, we find characters stripped bare by adversity: their ship battered beyond repair, their mission teetering on the brink of collapse. It’s not just another battle – it’s a test of resilience when defeat feels inevitable. Alanson deftly explores themes of leadership under duress and the psychological tolls exacted by cosmic warfare without ever losing sight of his characters’ humanity (or alien perspectives).

The plot moves at a relentless pace yet allows for moments of introspection – a balancing act that has earned both praise and occasional criticism regarding pacing from fans online. Still, these quieter passages serve as vital breathing room amid chaos, making climactic confrontations all the more impactful.

Long-time followers will relish nods to previous adventures from SpecOps onward; new listeners may find themselves drawn in by sharp dialogue and inventive world-building that never condescends nor overwhelms. In particular, “Failure Mode” excels at making you care about survival – not just for its protagonists but for what they represent: courage tested to its breaking point.

Ultimately, this is more than military sci-fi; it’s a study in tenacity against cosmic peril – and thanks to Bray’s narration coupled with Alanson’s masterful plotting, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Download & Listen

If you’re craving an immersive blend of gripping space battles and heartfelt character moments – brought vividly alive by R.C. Bray’s signature narration – “Failure Mode” stands as an essential listen for any science fiction fan. Don’t miss your chance to join Lieutenant Gumm and his crew on their most daunting mission yet; download this stellar audiobook today from KTAudiobooks.com and let yourself be swept away into interstellar drama at its finest!

Status: Completed Version: Unabridged Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy Author: Craig Alanson Narrator: R.C. Bray Updated: 16/11/2025 Series: Expeditionary Force Listening Time: 19 hrs and 22 mins