Gateway Audiobook - Expeditionary Force, Book 18

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 16, 2017

Review

When it comes to science fiction audiobooks, few combinations are as electrifying as Craig Alanson’s sharp wit paired with R.C. Bray’s powerhouse narration – and Gateway delivers that dynamic in spades. What truly sets this listening experience apart is how Bray’s performance anchors every emotional beat from start to finish. Before diving into the intricacies of Alanson’s story, let me spotlight Bray: his voicework in Gateway isn’t just good; it’s award-winning, having helped secure the coveted Audie Award for Science Fiction in 2018.

Bray’s approach is immersive and nuanced – he captures tension, camaraderie, and vulnerability so convincingly that listeners feel embedded within every scene aboard the Earth Defense Force team. Characters are given distinct personalities: Joe Bishop emerges haunted but steadfast; secondary voices brim with anxiety or gallows humor depending on the moment. Bray never lets melodrama overtake authenticity; instead, he draws out subtle moments of courage and uncertainty that linger long after each chapter ends.

As for the story itself, Gateway plunges us into a post-catastrophe landscape where hope is fragile and loyalty is tested at every turn. Marcus Bloom – the central figure – joins an elite team tasked with exploring a mysterious alien portal on the edge of our solar system. The narrative deftly balances military sci-fi action with introspective themes: loss after failure, rediscovering purpose when all seems lost, and facing threats both cosmic and deeply personal. Alanson’s ensemble writing shines here; each character must confront their own fears without relying on omnipotent saviors or easy solutions.

Gateway distinguishes itself not only through its pulse-pounding missions and clever banter but also its willingness to slow down for authentic reflection – a trait praised by many listeners despite occasional pacing critiques. The story’s world-building feels expansive yet intimate; alien mysteries coexist with human doubts in ways that make victories genuinely hard-fought rather than handed out by plot contrivances.

For newcomers, Gateway provides a gateway (pun intended) to what makes modern space opera so compelling: rich characterization amid epic stakes, all elevated by Bray’s engaging delivery. For longtime fans of Alanson’s Expeditionary Force universe – or those seeking something new beyond Earthly worries – this audiobook offers both closure and fresh surprises as its crew navigates uncharted stars without their usual safety net.

Download & Listen

Ready to join Marcus Bloom and his team as they confront cosmic mysteries while wrestling with very human challenges? Gateway isn’t just another sci-fi adventure – it’s an emotionally charged odyssey brought vividly to life by R.C. Bray’s masterful narration. Experience every twist, triumph, and moment of vulnerability firsthand – download Gateway today from KTAudiobooks.com and prepare for a spacefaring journey that resonates far beyond its final chapter!

Status: Completed Version: Unabridged Genre: Science Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy Author: Craig Alanson Narrator: R.C. Bray Updated: 16/11/2025 Series: Expeditionary Force Listening Time: 19 hrs and 26 mins