THE DAY OF THE MARTIANS - volume 1
Emerald Book Reviews
"Raising inevitable comparisons to H G Wells’ original “The War of the Worlds”, this Audio book may not be a great example of originality but offers a very solid plot and a remarkable continuation that complements the original work. Spielberg's adaptation of War of the Worlds delivered the thrill and paranoia of H.G. Wells' classic novel while impressively updating the action and effects for modern audiences. However, H.E. Wilburson remains true to the original classic. I had a very good time with this audio book and I will absolutely be seeking out this author's coming works. I recommend a listen to this on your free time, it's a work that demands to be heard. Highly recommended and a well deserved five stars from me."
Brendan - Goodreads
"Extremely enjoyable written in the style of HG Wells - a must for any War of the Worlds fan."
Gabriel Blake - Goodreads
"What a superb follow up to the great and legendary War of the Worlds. H.E. Wilburson has done a fantastic job and should be truly proud of his achievement. The sound effects and music was superb. I wholeheartedly recommend giving The Day of the Martians a listen. If you can, why not listen first to The War of the Worlds and then move on to this super and intelligent follow up. Well done, H.E. Wilburson. You have been brave and done something others would never dare to touch and in my eyes succeeded in bringing the story to a new generation."
Tim Goodreads
"I loved it! I especially liked how the story emphasises the gravity of the second invasion; a lot more of the cylinders, and the way bigger pentapods. The Martians were planning to actually live here and exterminate the bacteria so they can live here permanently. To summarize: great book, if you enjoyed War of the Worlds, I most certainly recommend you to read this book as well."
John Decarteret - Goodreads
"A fantastic listen. All of the sound effects and mix of music complement the narration beautifully. A brilliant production that places the visions of the story in your mind with sounds, and gives the whole story another dimension. This is like nothing I have seen (or heard to be more specific) It stands alone in its own right, making this very compelling. I look forward to the next part of the story. 5 stars for this wonderful piece of art."
Adrian-
Goodreads
"I for one will be at the front of the queue for episode two. Thanks H.E. for the opportunity to experience this, an atmospheric and 'true to the original' continuation of a classic book."
redheadedbooklover.com
"Overall The Day of the Martians is a thrilling, compelling and thought-provoking audiobook that will easily entertain readers for many days and nights and so I, of course, have to award this stellar gem of a book five stars! If you are a reader who loves science fiction or even dystopian fiction then I implore you to read The Day of the Martians; it is a fast-paced, action adventure that should not be missed!"
Zack Riley-
Goodreads
"This was an excellent, modernised rendition of something from my childhood. Well written and put together with many memorable parts within. The human race fighting back and finding an answer with enough new ideas to keep me guessing. At the length of a modern movie, this is fun and exciting to listen to with a sense of satisfaction at the end."
S Langley
"With plenty of suspense to keep the listener interested, as well as some new ideas that sit comfortably alongside those of the original novel, the listener has no idea how things will play out, or if the human race can survive to fight another day. Clear narration and atmospheric background music add to the overall enjoyment of this piece, which I found to be an entertaining fan-fiction sequel that left enough unanswered questions to lure the listener back for more."
Amy Shannon
"I had the privilege of listening to Wilburson's The Day of the Martians. It's a story that viewed as a sequel to the H.G Well's War of the Worlds, and I found it very intense and entertaining. I'm sure that there is a different vibe to the story when listening as opposed to reading, and it does depend on how it's put together. This story has a way to bring the reader in. The Martians come to life and to earth, the story is filled with twists and suspense. There is a lot of detail with Wilburson's writing, and it details the talent of the writer and narrator. I look forward to reading (or listening to) more by this new author."
Melanie Roussel
"H.E. Wilburson takes the next logical leap in the understanding of the alien’s motives and methods so it truly does feel like a continuation of the world, rather than rehashing old ground. I particularly enjoyed how Laura is slightly broadened out and given more of a role than she had in H.G. Wells's book.
This is just a delight to listen to! Apparently, book 2 will be coming out and I’m in no doubt that I’m going to be listening to it.
Toni Morrison once said, “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” I think that’s exactly H.E. Wilburson's intention and one he has succeeded in."
Simon
- A Little Diamond From Mars!
When I saw the author asking for reviewers on Goodreads for this I was intrigued, albeit it's fair to say a little dubious. Anyone approaching The War of the Worlds with music and voice following Mr Wayne's wonderful musical is surely just setting themselves up for people like me to lambast them...
But this is not a musical, it's one of those rare things, a mostly straight up Audiobook heavily backed by sound effects and incidental music that really works. Previously I've very much thought that what normally tends to succeed is either full cast audio productions like Audible have been producing or straight ahead audiobooks. Some books do have a little music and / or sound but they often seem like afterthoughts.
Written very much in the style of a sci-fi classic Wilburson evokes the feel of H G Wells but has also made the music and effects an integral part of his production. I wouldn't say that the narration has the very best of voice acting but for want of a better word the voices are just so splendidly appropriate and carry the story well. I loved this but I know that when music and effects are so prominent some people are not so keen, check the audio sample, it demonstrates some of the louder background. If you're okay with that it's not always that prominent and if you enjoy this brief snippet you should be fine with the rest.
The story itself is told very much like the original and moves fast with the glorious naiveté of a classic sci-fi novella. If like me you still carry visions of Martian fighting machines striding across London I think you'll smile as you listen to this and how the Earth responds to another deadly threat from the red planet.
The chances of this working so well might not have been quite a million to one but the author is clearly a talented fellow and has beaten the odds to produce a little Martian diamond.
Gabriel Blake
Outstanding!
H.E. Wilburson did a brave and incredible job daring to go where others never would.
I had been meaning to listen to this for a while and finally managed to get around to listening while painting my floor. The speakers were on very loud which added to the sense of excitement and suspense. When the ships blasted the Martians from the Kent coast it felt like I was there watching them take a pounding.
To follow up something as legendary as War of the Worlds is not an easy accomplishment and H.E. Wilburson should be very proud. Very proud indeed.
I'm already looking forward to the next instalment and may even give the original a listen as my wife owns a copy on CD.
I highly recommend giving this a listen, it will surprise you. It follows on from the original albeit a few years later, with the same cast of characters. It is tense, dramatic, and powerful. The narration and music: superb.
I cannot praise The Day of the Martians enough.
Justine Reyes -
Readers Favorite
The audio book was unexpected and a great touch. After all, The War of the Worlds had been infamous for starting a mass panic when it was broadcast on American radio for an anthology series known as The Mercury Theatre on the Air. Listening to The Day of the Martians had me awestruck; the atmospheric music, the ambiance, the narration, and above all the story itself. It takes place in 1913 when science and speculation about aliens was still a bit of a niche interest. The Day of the Martians will capture listeners' imaginations and wonder. It certainly captured mine. I implore fans of H.G. Wells and fans of the science fiction genre to listen and savor the adventure which H.E. Wilburson has given us. I greatly appreciated Terry Thompson and Harry Preston's astounding performances. This was more than an audio book. This was, in many ways, a wonderfully executed tribute to H.G. Wells.
Mark Schultz
This audio book was so much fun! I loved it! The story kept me on the edge of my kindle for the entire tale. The narration and the sound effects were top notch.
I felt like I was transported into the past and was witnessing these events myself. As the sequel to such a famous story it was handled quite well and felt so organic to the original story.
I give The Day of the Martians​ 5 STARS! I loved it and so will you!
Amazon Customer - A very stylish experience indeed
During the War of the Worlds all Martians were defeated by Earth's microbes - or were they? Ten years later humanity must once again prepare for a fight, complete with improved heat-rays, eccentric inventors, no-nonsense military chaps, and a protagonist very era-appropriately bemused by his wife's competence under duress (there is also a comet-cameo). Borrowing the manners and pacing of another era, the book's textflow and narration beautifully complement each other. With spot-on sound design and expressive, scene-appropriate music, listening to this book makes for a very stylish experience indeed!
Kam
Martians, Cylinders, Astronomers, Welsh Hills ... gripping, atmospheric, just wonderful
I read this book with dimmed lights and cosy blanket on a cold night. This audiobook takes you right to the centre of the story, the possible invasion of the Martians (again) and the human scientific combat plans. Absolutely wonderful, loved the music, no Justin Heywood but beautiful instrumental pieces. The story is gripping and a fabulous continuation from the original book. Bold characters, great story line, clear narration, lovely voice. Well done Mr Wilburson!
Norman - They’re Back
This story could have been a sequel written by H G Wells. The style was very similar. The story was good and so was the narration. I liked the sound effects, but think the background music could have been toned down at times. Overall, a worthwhile listen.
Walro
A well written and soundly planned sequel to the original. The plot flows well and the audio presentation fits the time period very well. I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to the next instalment!
Jim Cox - Midwest Book Review
An inherently interesting, ably narrated, and thoroughly entertaining "sequel" to the classic H. G. Wells science fiction novel "War of the Worlds", the audio book edition of "The Day Of The Martians" by H. E. Wilburson is especially recommended to the attention of all dedicated science fiction fans.
Gallifreyan Buccaneer
The H.G Wells invasion classic, The War of the Worlds has blazed a trail through books, film and even music since its first release in 1897. Perhaps the most famous adaption was the audio version directed and narrated by Orson Welles; famously causing outrage and terror amongst radio listeners when it was originally broadcast in 1938.
The Day of the Martians picks up ten years after the original story when a martian capsule is discovered in Wales. Whilst investigating it becomes apparent that another, more powerful and devastating invasion is imminent.
This is an exciting and engaging story from beginning to end. It feels like the perfect younger sibling of the original and is very much on the same wavelength. Astronomer Ogilvy, from the original story, is a key player in developing and planning a fightback against the martians. It’s clever and unique and whether it will work or not kept me on the edge of my seat. It is a great, well plotted story.
The sound quality and music really bring the story to life. This is by no means just an audio book; it feels more like an audio drama. Special mention to the fantastic narrator Harry Preston who does a fabulous job of bringing the story to life.
Check it out on Amazon now. Fingers crossed we don’t have to wait too long for volume two.
E. Damron-Cox
Lovely writing, narration, musical composition, and visuals in this two-chapter trailer. All these elements together create a suspenseful set-up for this newly-conceived Martian tale.
Nicely done!
Treebeard
- Breakaway Reviewers
H E Wilburson has created a truly fantastic continuation to complement H G Wells’ original “The War of the Worlds”. The format is an audiobook and H E Wilburson’s choice of the narrator, Harry Preston, reflects the seriousness of the story with so much meaning and inspiration making the story come alive and real.
Wilburson has added music and background sound adding even more excitement to the intense storyline as, once again, the earth comes under attack by the Martians.
If you are, like me, a fan of “The War of the Worlds” then download this audiobook. Discovering it has left me with the feeling that sometimes in life, amongst all the boring stuff, something comes along to shake up your life and make you grateful for other people’s creations. H E Wilburson has certainly succeeded in making me a very happy listener. I now await Volumes 2 and 3.
Richard Dow
Very Enjoyable - Really enjoyed the music, and the narrators made the characters seem very lifelike. I'm not familiar with the War of the Worlds, but enjoyed Day of the Martians as a standalone audiobook. Looking forward to the next one!
Goodreads Member- A follow up to War of the Worlds
The author has very successfuly matched H.G Wells style, and it is a seamless journey from the original to this new work. I am looking forward to vol 2
If you liked the original then this is a book for you. I highly recommend this audio book.
Lynda Engler- Nostalgic for old radio shows
When I was a teenager in the late 70s and early 80s, a local radio station in NYC brought back old-time radio dramas for a while, late at night, and I thought it was fun to listen to them, imaging myself living in the 40s or 50s, listening to radio before TV took over the world (and later the internet!) This is one of those dramas. The narrators, the background music, the sound effects, all made me nostalgic for those "simpler times" of my youth.
This is not your typical audiobook. The overly-dramatic story and the implausible notions in this type of SF are true classic scifi. It was wonderful reading a book that took place in 1913, that also felt like it was written in that era. The author did a fantastic job with the "feel" of this story.
I look forward to Volume 2!
Retro Brit
I was hooked on this sci-fi audio straight away. The narration is gripping plus the background music is haunting and atmospheric. The historic feel and the characters are marvellous. As the plot began to unfold, the story got better. It all leads to a fabulous climax and I would recommend this to any War of the Worlds fan. A splendid sequel.
Amazon Customer
Beautiful nostalgic feel. A truly masterful piece of story telling.