Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Lost at L3 by Douglas Phillips, Bryant Phillips Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Published by Tantor Audio on August 16, 2022
Genres: Humor, Science Fiction
Length: 11 hours, 42 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm
Lost at the far side of the sun, two pilots, five space tourists, and one fluffy dog explore a miniature planet steeped in mystery. The planet is small enough to circumnavigate in a few hours. Treetop clouds form in unusual shapes. And what’s that rumble each morning? Even their remarkably perceptive pup hasn’t figured that one out. Will they be marooned forever? It will take scientific ingenuity and a good sense of humor, but these marginally clever castaways stand a chance. And even if they don’t make it home, being lost was never more fun.
An earnest new first officer, a laid-back captain, a sketchy group of passengers in an older space shuttle on a tourist space flight… what could go wrong? If you started hearing the theme song to a certain popular TV show about a castaway boat on a deserted isle then you aren’t far off the beam. I was in the mood for a light-hearted sci-fi comedy and seeing a familiar narrator, I didn’t hesitate to snatch this one up and it was well worth the chance when my amusement rose from the earliest moments.
Lost at L3 is a near future, frolicking sci-fi adventure for a group of people who are meant to take a little space cruise up above earth, see some planets and have an experience before returning to the landing pad for Megladon Industries in sunny Florida. Instead, a mysterious encounter with a fast moving unidentified object in space pulls them along in its wake and launches them well past what their little short-range shuttle can handle and sends them on what looks to be a one-way trip to the unknown.
There’s a bit of adventure, mystery, and laughs as they do what they can to survive and the hardest part is actually getting along. Earnest first officer on her first of three trial flights to earn her captain’s bars doesn’t let a little thing about getting lost in space keep her from a professional, can-do spirit, laid back captain hoping to retire to a life of sunny, lazy days isn’t in the mood to take charge of a doomed situation, a bubbly flight attendant on holiday, a mind-blowingly brilliant scientist, a hazy amnesiac, a secretive sharp-tongued woman who hints she’s some sort of government operative, and an abrasive wilderness survivalist all make for a volatile band of castaways just wanting to get back to earth though the odd little planet does have its challenges, quirks, and plenty of sources to keep them alive.
Lost at L3 was fun, but also took its time through the intro to the large cast of characters giving them each a chance at narration and filling in their backstories as they coped with their situation. Yes, it has a Gilligan’s Island feel and there is definitely a strong motif in situation and characters, but only up to a point. This isn’t a retelling and the latter portion of the book takes things in a whole new, suspenseful direction that had been foreshadowed well in the first half. I preferred the pace and advancement of plot going on with the second half, but the first half wasn’t lacking especially at first when it has a good interest making opening set of scenes. This is one that the listener/reader should definitely be aware that it’s comedy and not meant to be taken seriously, yet it does have some good science present as well as delightful quirky characters developed well and forming new relationships.
All in all, it did what it set out to do. I was highly entertained and would enjoy more of the sort if the father-son chose to collaborate again. Sci-fi Comedy fans should definitely give it a go.
Narration:
Amanda Ronconi does a good job with light and humorous stories and she did a good job with a large cast of main characters.
Listen to clip:Â HERE
About Amanda Ronconi
Amanda is an actress and narrator who divides her time between New York City and Upstate New York. She has a BFA from NYU where she studied at the Stella Adler Conservatory. She has performed in theaters around New York City and regionally at The Alley, Capital Rep and many productions at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.
Her Off-Broadway solo comedy, Shirley at the Tropicana, received critical acclaim and was subsequently featured in The New York Times. Film and TV credits include Daydream Believer (Slamdance 2001’s Best Dramatic Feature winner), The Understudy, Deadly Sins (ID Discovery), IFC’s Get Hit and Chasing Paradise. National network and regional commercials include Chase Bank, Sony and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Her voiceover work encompasses nearly 100 audiobooks available on Audible.com. She is a member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity.
Amanda’s new solo show, Kempner, will debut in 2016.
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As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing.Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience so many wonderful books, authors, and narrators.Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance.Though, sorry, no horror or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby.
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“Gilligan’s Island feel” how fun!
It sure was, Carole!
Not something I would have picked up, but you have me wanting to listen. It sounds fun.
Yeah, it was the Gilligan’s Island tie-in that sold me. It was fun. 🙂
I totally want to read this one! Gilligan’s Island in space…I’m loving it already. 😀
It was a blast, Lark!
I loved Gilligan’s Island. I don’t read much Sci Fi, but I love humor, so this sounds really good to me.
The focus is really on the people and humor is strong so it would be a good one for less sci-fi-y types. 🙂
I don’t think I already tried a Sci-fi Comedy so I’m curious
Oh the fun! It is well worth a try, Melliane. 🙂
This narrator is so fantastic and I will listen to anything that she narrates. I have never seen a sci fi comedy before, but this one sounds like a blast! Glad it was such a hit for you Sophia!
I was a Douglas Adams reader early on so sci-fi comedy grabbed me from the get go. 🙂
This is a Kindle Unlimited but not for the audio. I just recommended it to my libraries so crossed fingers it comes through because I like the sound of this one!
I really hope your library comes through for you b/c if you can have both it is sensational, Rachel. 🙂
I’m sure I would enjoy this one also. Thanks for sharing Sophia!
I think you’d get a kick out of it, too, Anne. 🙂
Wow! I don’t think I ever would have picked this up back on the cover and title, but it sounds really good. Thanks for the review!
Haha, some story titles and bookcovers can really give one a different impression. I’ve been startled so many times, too, Jen!
I don’t know that I would have given this one a second glance but it does sound fun and I do enjoy the narrator. Great review, Sophia Rose!
LOL, sometimes its the unlikely ones. 🙂
This one does sound fun! I love good comedies that are also sci-fi. I’ll have to check it out!
Glad to put you onto it, Lisa! 🙂