The Very First Damned Thing Audiobook by Jodi Taylor | The Chronicles of St Mary’s series

Summary

What happens when you give a group of eccentric historians access to time travel technology? Chaos, of course – but the most brilliant kind. The Very First Damned Thing plunges listeners into the founding days of St. Mary’s Institute of Historical Research, where Dr. Bairstow faces the monumental challenge of assembling a team capable of witnessing history firsthand while somehow managing not to destroy it in the process.

Audiobook Info

• Author: Jodi Taylor
• Narrator: Jodi Taylor
• Duration: 5 hours and 45 minutes
• Publisher: Audible Studios
• Release Date: August 20, 2015
• Series: Chronicles of St. Mary’s

Review

There’s something deliciously meta about hearing Jodi Taylor narrate her own creation. Her voice carries an intimate understanding of every character’s quirks, every moment of dry British humor, and every emotional beat that makes the St. Mary’s universe so addictive. This isn’t merely narration – it’s the author pulling back the curtain and inviting you directly into her imagination.

The story itself serves as a fascinating origin piece, revealing how St. Mary’s rose from the ashes of post-war Britain. Taylor masterfully balances the grim reality of rebuilding with the absurd optimism required to believe that time travel could actually work – and that historians would be the perfect candidates to wield such power. Dr. Bairstow emerges as a compelling figure, his determination to assemble an unconventional team of misfits and dreamers setting the stage for the adventures that follow.

What sets this audiobook apart is Taylor’s signature blend of genres. Science fiction concepts collide with historical detail, wrapped in a layer of humor that never undermines the genuine stakes at play. The pacing keeps listeners engaged without rushing through the character development that makes St. Mary’s personnel feel like old friends rather than fictional constructs.

For newcomers to the series, this prequel offers an accessible entry point that explains the mechanics and mission of St. Mary’s without overwhelming exposition. Longtime fans will find deeper appreciation for characters they’ve already grown to love, understanding the foundations upon which their favorite adventures are built. Taylor writes historians the way they deserve to be written: passionate, slightly unhinged, and absolutely devoted to their craft.

The listening experience feels remarkably personal, almost like sharing tea with a friend who happens to have the most extraordinary stories to tell. At under six hours, it’s the perfect weekend listen – substantial enough to satisfy, compact enough to devour in a single sitting.

Download & Listen

Ready to discover why historians make the most dangerous time travelers? Download The Very First Damned Thing from KTAudiobooks.com and experience the wit, wonder, and controlled chaos that launched one of science fiction’s most beloved series. Your journey through history – and beyond – starts here.