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Audiobooks > Science Fiction >  General Science Fiction > The War of the Worlds
The War of the Worlds Audiobook, by H. G. Wells Play Audiobook Sample

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3.78 out of 53.78 out of 53.78 out of 53.78 out of 53.78 out of 5 (3.78) - 81 customer ratings
The War of the Worlds Audiobook, by H. G. Wells Play Audiobook Sample
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Author: H. G. Wells Narrator: Christopher Hurt Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Audio Length: Release Date: July 2012 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9781481555593
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Publisher Description

"No one would have believed in the last years of the nineteenth century that this world was being watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than man's and yet as mortal as his own…" So begins The War of the Worlds, the science fiction classic that first proposed the possibility that intelligent life exists on other planets.

This spellbinding tale describes the Martian invasion of Earth. Following the landing in England of ten huge and indefatigable creatures, complete chaos erupts. Using their fiery heat rays and monstrous strength, the heartless aliens threaten the future existence of all life on Earth.

This classic chiller, when adapted for radio in 1938 by Orson Welles, was realistic enough to cause widespread panic throughout the United States.

Download and start listening now!

Quotes

  • “This is the granddaddy of all alien invasion stories.”

    - Amazon.com, editorial review

  • “This archetypal story of alien invasion provided a model for countless cruder imitations.”

    - Cambridge Guide to Literature in English

  • “The story…captured popular imagination with its fast-paced narrative.”

    - Merriam-Webster’s Encyclopedia of Literature

Customer Reviews

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  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The "War of the Worlds" is about Martains that come to Earth[in an area you will have to find out]. People try to fight back, but it does not work. This book was okay, was very suspesful and filled with disturbing images. The way they describe the aliens is grusome, but it is filled so much detail. The only problem about it is that you can predict the outcome of the martians correctly before you reach the end. I say go check it out, it's a good read. "

    - Allan, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Interesting how the aliens die "

    - Jay, 2/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Very poor. A classic that doesn't age well. A detailed (as in tiny village by village) account of a guy wandering around an apocolyptic London is not a good read to me. I'm sure if you lived in the local area you may find it fascinating but its as dull as an alien invasion can possibly be. "

    - Matt, 2/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Ead this when I was about 14, and I remember being captivated by it. Great story. "

    - K.D., 2/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " made me realize just how fragile humans and their civilization really is.. "

    - اویس, 2/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " At first it seemed rather thin(both in character and content), but when you think about it in terms of when it was published, you realise it is and probably was the shit. "

    - Jason, 2/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Probably my favourite "old school" SF novel. "

    - Stephen, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " A moderately interesting tale of martian invasion of earth. "

    - Ashishg, 2/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I now completely understand why this is considered a classic. It's a truly marvelous read that should be required reading of students everywhere. If you think the audio recording is cool, pick it up today! Can't wait to read more H.G. Wells - and I only wish that I'd read this earlier. "

    - Kristen, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells is a scifi book where the unnamed narrarator reflects on the invasion of martions from Mars. It follows his journey to safety and shows the humans' curiosity of other lifeforms. I really like his diction and think it makes the book a lot more interesting. "

    - Alexis, 2/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Expected a thriller. Fell asleep. "

    - Phil, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is certainly not my favorite by HGW, but it is still a must read for those who want to read the roots of Sci-fi! "

    - Dan, 2/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Boring at times but ok. I guess. "

    - BethMarch, 1/30/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I was obsessed by this story and played the musical so often my parents probably went insane. I used to write and illustrate my own fan fiction and side stories. "

    - Joss, 1/29/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " the first tale of alien invasion, with possibly the most ingenious ending of any book in the genre. "

    - Ben, 1/24/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Great book i dont know if i have read a book like this in years "

    - Grant, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " What a classic. It varies somewhat from all the screenplays and radio versions. But I enjoyed it in the original version. Truly the genesis of the alien invasion genre. "

    - Marc, 1/22/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Classic H.G. Wells. Very immaginative, very intense. Practically loved every minute of it. "

    - Megan, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " HG Wells' The War of the Worlds starts out rather slow, but gets very interesting in the second half of the book. Between when I started this book and when I finished it, I did not have a lot of time to read it, so my experience of it is drawn out over a long period of a few months, thereby rendering my opinion of it very difficult to gauge. I never really realized how forward thinking HG Wells was until I finished this book. He wrote The War of the Worlds in 1898 England, when colonialism and imperialism were the popular ideologies of the day, and in a place where class-based social stratification was commonplace. I can imagine how much people scoffed at his ideas and books during his time. HG Wells was truly a man far ahead of his time. However, there is one aspect of The War of the Worlds that I never see present in any other adaptation of the book. This aspect is the Artillery-man's realization of what the Martians were actually trying to do on Earth and what that would mean for humanity, which is a concept that is rarely ever discussed in other works of fiction. In every other adaptation of this book that I've seen, the Martians' end goal always seems to be the eradication of humanity or the absolute dominance over the populace to use as a temporary food source, and never seems to be the utter physical and metaphorical usurpation of humanity's place on Earth. Oh well, you know what they say, "the original book is always better," and I've never seen a version of this better than HG Wells own novel. "

    - Nick, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Un classico ancora splendidamente leggibile. "

    - Aries, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " absolutely fantastic. It's rare to find a book that clashes the sci-fi genre and classic literature. The idea about humanity and war the book generates is both disturbing and intriguing. One of the best books I've ever read. "

    - Olivia, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " H. G. invades Earth via Mars. "

    - Steve, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 4/5 Because it is very hard to read, but all of H. G. Wells books are like that. Classic alien invasion book, where the aliens are so huge and deadly that characters only survive out of dumb luck. "

    - Tracey, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Wow, what a classic piece of fiction. Wells' imagination was unbelievable, especially given the time period he wrote in. A great critique on the fragility of civilization as well as a masterful narration of the ever fascinating apocalyptic alien invasion. It has stood the tests of time, and for good reason. "

    - Clint, 1/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Reading this one for the fourth of fifth time now. It is a classic that has helped in defining the genre. "

    - Ken, 1/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Really enjoyed reading this. I felt there were several elements that were very well written: crowd panic scenes; battle scenes and his grubbing for survival. The writing is stiff, as was the period. Nothing insightful, but brutally entertaining and very compelling. "

    - Tagnahoor, 1/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very interesting. Especially being as he wrote it in 1898. It was fascinating to see a world without social media and how slowly news travelled. "

    - Nicola, 1/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Very dry. I hope the other books by him I planned to read aren't that way because I'm really looking forward to getting into them. "

    - Joshua, 1/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I absolutely loved this novel. It was a heart pounding story, and the imagery was awesome. I want to read it again "

    - Henry, 1/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Boring at first, but towards the end it picks up and gets better. The movie, in my opinion, was better. "

    - Fire_Dragon_, 12/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not my favourite Wells book, but still a good read. "

    - Jon, 12/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It is strange to read books based upon movies I've seen; each movie is a product of its time, as is the book. "

    - Christopher, 12/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I'm really not a big science fiction fan when it comes to reading but this was actually a good book...once you realize it's very different from the Tom Cruise movie! By the end, however, I had forgotten the movie altogether and found myself caught up in the classic tale. "

    - Dorina, 12/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Fantastic read. Can't say it was scary, but it is remarkable that this was written at the end of the Nineteenth Century. Way ahead of it's time. "

    - Mark, 12/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read this book in 7th grade, and I still remember the way I though of the tripod and the rows or British houses destroyed in the battle. A true classic that I plan on rereading soon! "

    - Collin, 12/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I enjoyed the book. The introduction by Orson Card is an eye opener and should be read. I probably gave a higher rating just for the introduction. "

    - Lance, 12/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A classic, unspoilt by the passage of time. "

    - Rik, 12/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Entertaining, but I maintain that the end is a cop-out. "

    - Xander, 12/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I love this book. I first read it in 3rd grade and I thought it was the coolest book ever! I love H.G.Wells. If u like classics then this is your classic. "

    - Bm2, 11/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I love this book now I have to read more of H.G.Wells books. "

    - Matthias, 11/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Written over a hundred years ago. Compared to what science fiction writers write today it got me pondering what science fiction writers would be writing in a hundred years time. Unfortunately I'll never know. "

    - Dennis, 10/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This edition with illustrations by Edward Gorey is THE edition to get if you can find it. The illustrations provided by Gorey really do justice to the imagery presented in the story, which is itself a bonafide sci-fi classic. Just wish I'd been around for the radio broadcasts... "

    - Jon, 10/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This was a good read, although the narrative was slightly too matter-of-fact for me. However the plot is well developed and fast paced. "

    - Lottie, 10/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A pretty interesting and thrilling book. As someone interested in History, reading an account of an attack on late 19th century England is kind of awesome. We've all seen or read the modern day versions of this book, but the original is by far the best. "

    - C.S., 4/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is my favorite book of all time! If you love Sci-fi, this the book for you!! "

    - Mr., 1/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Fascinating when you think it was written over a hundred years ago! "

    - Susan, 1/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is certainly not my favorite by HGW, but it is still a must read for those who want to read the roots of Sci-fi! "

    - Dan, 1/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Really enjoyed this - especially the anatomical info. Might have to use it in my zoology class as a comparative study "

    - Christen, 10/12/2012
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I did not enjoy this story as it developed very slowly and you could predict the ending very early. The story was probably for people that had a low reading level and that enjoy simple and easy mysteries. I almost could not finish the book, it was that bad. "

    - Casino, 10/4/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " really great book. found it difficult to take in at the beginning and had to keep re reading pages to picture what the martians were doing but as the book progressed in to the 2nd half called book 2 I found myself believing and understanding this could actually happen. "

    - Victoria, 8/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Good book, but I don't know how I feel about the end. The whole god nonsense gets old real quick. "

    - Larry, 7/13/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A very simple start to the whole Sci-fi genre. (Free e-book from B&N) "

    - Diana, 5/20/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A little hard to follow after a while, but very imaginative and well-written. A lover of the classics would enjoy this. "

    - Sarah, 3/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I might enjoy it now, but did not really care for it as a kid. "

    - Denae, 2/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Still one of the best invasion novels, and the section in the basement of the ruined house is brilliant, its observations of the human mind under existential stress only too relevant. "

    - Anne, 1/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Deserves a reread, someday. I wasn't entirely captured, but the writing is absolutely eloquent. "

    - Chris, 12/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Chilling page turner for classic sci-fi... I was hooked from the first page. "

    - Erin, 10/29/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " LOVED it! Science-fiction at it's best. Wished more of his work was like this one. "

    - Kerry, 10/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Interesting narrative. Much more engaging than any of the movies. "

    - Siddhartha, 10/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I absolutely loved this novel. It was a heart pounding story, and the imagery was awesome. I want to read it again "

    - Henry, 9/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " If I wanted to write a book that spoke so clearly of its time and place, I'm not sure I could. To imagine someone so unfamiliar with alien invasion lore that he sits down to tea after the first canister landed... Plus, I loved the rabbit metaphor. "

    - Isla, 8/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is a great classic science fiction book. I recomend it to anyone who likes these type of books or movies. "

    - Clark, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " An interesting read though perhaps Wells' vision of the future is somewhat dated as our society moves farther away from the manufacturing of the Industrial age and more to the service and computers of the Information Age. "

    - Lisa, 5/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Again, I like the writing style of HG wells. I enjoy classic science fiction or. "scientific romance." as he used to call it. "

    - Maria, 5/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Love the constant allegory of the destruction that mankind brought about on itself, and the terrible wrath that it played out on us through the ages. "

    - Michael, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The most unique view into mankind's history I've ever read. "

    - Rebecca, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I am reading it, I am enjoying it, this is my first HG Wells read. The language is antiquated, it might bother some, but it is interesting enough that I have downloaded War of the Worlds to also read. "

    - Elaine, 5/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A fast but interesting read "

    - Kim, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " If only they would film what Wells wrote!! Sigh. "

    - Kdirewolf, 5/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Just the most amazing book ever. "

    - G.l., 5/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Where would Sci-Fi be without this book! "

    - G.l., 5/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I read and honestly I was not able to visualise all that he wrote whatever i was able to for that I am happy that i read this one "

    - Sidharth, 5/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I good read if you enjoy the pre 1900 literary style "

    - Alan, 5/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Good, but a little too wordy... still good though! "

    - LuckyCharmer, 5/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Finally got around to this one, and very glad I did. Prompted immediate acquisition of additional works by Wells, I so thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast read. "

    - Carolyn, 5/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I liked the anthropological tone of the narrator describing the future races. It's definitely a product of the 1800's and was very similar to the ethnologies of the time. "

    - Ella, 5/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Brilliant, tight and prescient. Wells is working about 3 themes right on top of each other. He makes us the rabbits, the ants, the colonized and is able to explore not just themes of technology and evolution, but colonialism and imperialism. "

    - Rob, 5/2/2011

About the Author

H. G. Wells (1866–1946), born in Bromley, Kent, England, was apprenticed to a drygoodsman and a druggist before he made his way to the Royal College of Science where he studied biology. Known as the father of science fiction, he was also a prolific writer in other genres, including contemporary novels, history, and social commentary. As a spokesman for progress and peace, his middle period novels (1900–1920) were more realistic and covered lower-middle-class life, suffrage, and the emergence of feminist ideals that pushed against the limits set by male-dominated society.

About the Narrator

Christopher Hurt is an accomplished narrator with a lengthy résumé of popular titles for Blackstone. A graduate of George Washington University’s acting program, he currently resides in New York City.