What do you think?
Rate this book
Wanderers
Long Paradise
Previous cover of ASIN: B07V6K5HM3
A novel from the Wanderer Universe.
An ancient mystery has returned.
Everyone wants to survive. Everyone wants answers.
The Outer Layer is an enigma to its residents. Representatives from countless races and civilisations wander the many territories, hoping to unlock the secrets and progress further into its depths.
An anomaly has been detected in space by an artefact from an extinct civilisation. Ciqalo, a machine intelligence from the Wanderer civilisation, is tasked with leading the investigation in the hope of weaponizing it for a galactic war.
Beatrict and Gerstial are leaders of the Alexis-Meld - a prominent Roranian collective. They control their commercial interests from the idyllic homeworld of Lillea, and expect rule of the meld to be passed to their heirs, Beatrict II, Gerstial II and Philsima. Unfortunately for them, life is never so simple. Tolren, playmate of Gerstial II, becomes a hunted fugitive, and finds himself thrust into an adventure aboard a structure in space that defies all understanding, alongside Seremend, a fellow Roranian. While the relationship between them intensifies, they race to comprehend the complexities of their new home and why they have been chosen. What is the purpose of it all?
A novel from the Wanderer Universe.
An ancient mystery has returned.
Everyone wants to survive. Everyone wants answers.
The Outer Layer is an enigma to its residents. Representatives from countless races and civilisations wander the many territories, hoping to unlock the secrets and progress further into its depths.
An anomaly has been detected in space by an artefact from an extinct civilisation. Ciqalo, a machine intelligence from the Wanderer civilisation, is tasked with leading the investigation in the hope of weaponizing it for a galactic war.
Beatrict and Gerstial are leaders of the Alexis-Meld - a prominent Roranian collective. They control their commercial interests from the idyllic homeworld of Lillea, and expect rule of the meld to be passed to their heirs, Beatrict II, Gerstial II and Philsima. Unfortunately for them, life is never so simple. Tolren, playmate of Gerstial II, becomes a hunted fugitive, and finds himself thrust into an adventure aboard a structure in space that defies all understanding, alongside Seremend, a fellow Roranian. While the relationship between them intensifies, they race to comprehend the complexities of their new home and why they have been chosen. What is the purpose of it all?
438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2019
3 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
James Murdo
12 books39 followersJames Murdo was born and raised in London, where he still lives. He graduated from university with a Masters degree in Physics, which added fuel to his early love of science fiction. All of James' books are set in the Wanderer Universe.
James also created the Glossary Generator (software that quickly combs author manuscripts to help identify key terms that may be useful to include in glossaries). It can be found and used for free on James' website.
TAPACHE'S PROMISE TRILOGY
Echoes of Gravity (Book 1)
Echoes of Time (Book 2)
Echoes of Foundation (Book 3)
STANDALONES
Siouca Remembers
Long Paradise
Fractured Carapace
WANDERERS SERIES
Gil’s World (Book 1)
Searching the Void (Book 2)
Infinite Eyes (Book 3)
Instagram: @JamMurdo
Twitter: @JamMurdo
James also created the Glossary Generator (software that quickly combs author manuscripts to help identify key terms that may be useful to include in glossaries). It can be found and used for free on James' website.
TAPACHE'S PROMISE TRILOGY
Echoes of Gravity (Book 1)
Echoes of Time (Book 2)
Echoes of Foundation (Book 3)
STANDALONES
Siouca Remembers
Long Paradise
Fractured Carapace
WANDERERS SERIES
Gil’s World (Book 1)
Searching the Void (Book 2)
Infinite Eyes (Book 3)
Instagram: @JamMurdo
Twitter: @JamMurdo
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 7, 2021
The characters are well written together with the plot to make you feel a part of it. Fast paced with lots of action. The odd time, a bit hard to follow, but love it anyway.
February 10, 2021
This is a somewhat complicated story. It begins in a normal fashion but quickly plunges into a series of actions taking the characters thru a set of kaleidoscopic realities. The world building is beyond my wildest expectations and is nearly overwhelming. The characters develop over the course of the book into well designed actors. It takes a bit of effort to get thru some passages but the reader is well rewarded for efforts expended. The story requires some tenacity from the reader but the rewards are ample. I recommend it to anyone who wants a reading challenge. The author has obviously spent much time and effort to create this book and it pays off.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 10, 2022
A fascinating SciFi thriller with an engaging storyline, full of mystery and intrigue, and yes, thought provoking . A complex and 3 Dimensional world building, rich alien cultures, an immense diversity of fantastic aliens..Lovers of hard Science Fiction will rejoice with this book, with all the high technology introduced in the series. The Wanderer Universe is fascinating, with wondrous worlds, captivating characters, fast paced and exciting!
I highly recommend this series!
I highly recommend this series!
August 22, 2019
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
"Long Paradise" is my first Introduction to Murdo's writing.
The author could, I think, do a bit better in balancing the world building and story telling elements of the book. Mayhap, intersperse the world building more inline to the main story that he is trying to tell. Murdo does do a fine job of world building. At first though, I found the "setup" at the beginning of the story confusing and drawn out overmuch before getting to the tale. I am glad, however, that I hung in there, to make it to the "meat" of Murdo's story. It is an interesting and thought provoking story.
I do recommend this book.
I will also explore more of the author's work.
In the interest of transparency: I was given a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing this review which is my own honest opinion.
"Long Paradise" is my first Introduction to Murdo's writing.
The author could, I think, do a bit better in balancing the world building and story telling elements of the book. Mayhap, intersperse the world building more inline to the main story that he is trying to tell. Murdo does do a fine job of world building. At first though, I found the "setup" at the beginning of the story confusing and drawn out overmuch before getting to the tale. I am glad, however, that I hung in there, to make it to the "meat" of Murdo's story. It is an interesting and thought provoking story.
I do recommend this book.
I will also explore more of the author's work.
In the interest of transparency: I was given a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing this review which is my own honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2021
I received a promo code for this from the author.
This bok was not what I was expecting, along the way, I didn't think I was liking it, but by the end, I changed my mind and I enjoyed it and would like to read more in the universe it is set in. The world building is similar to what was in Ninefox Gambit, in which the world is super detailed and well though out, but the author does not engage in the tradition of hand holding and explaining it all to the reader. This is a little jarring at first, and the way the time spans jump around between the book parts made it confusing at first, but then you know to expect it. Eventually, you have enough tools to piece together the world in a way that allows you to understand what all is happening, By the end, I felt very satisfied, there is more explanation about what all is going on in the last couple of chapters, so if you are still lost byu then, that should clear it up.
As far as the narration goes, I think The Voice of Nick does a great job, and I am excited to see how he progresses as he gets more titles under his belt. I appreciate that he differentiates character voices inside of chapters, but I feel like voices get reused for different characters across chapters. This is fine, normally, but when you have non-linear scene changes, like here, it makes itr hard to identify who is talking if they are a new character or not. Overall, I liked the tone and delivery of the narration, although some of the dialogue felt a bit melodramatic. Not sure if that was how it was acted or how it was written, but it wasn't too big of an issue.
If you like Big Dumb Object stories, where people explore mysterious megastructures (Ringworld, Rama, Heaven's River), you will probably enjoy this one.
This bok was not what I was expecting, along the way, I didn't think I was liking it, but by the end, I changed my mind and I enjoyed it and would like to read more in the universe it is set in. The world building is similar to what was in Ninefox Gambit, in which the world is super detailed and well though out, but the author does not engage in the tradition of hand holding and explaining it all to the reader. This is a little jarring at first, and the way the time spans jump around between the book parts made it confusing at first, but then you know to expect it. Eventually, you have enough tools to piece together the world in a way that allows you to understand what all is happening, By the end, I felt very satisfied, there is more explanation about what all is going on in the last couple of chapters, so if you are still lost byu then, that should clear it up.
As far as the narration goes, I think The Voice of Nick does a great job, and I am excited to see how he progresses as he gets more titles under his belt. I appreciate that he differentiates character voices inside of chapters, but I feel like voices get reused for different characters across chapters. This is fine, normally, but when you have non-linear scene changes, like here, it makes itr hard to identify who is talking if they are a new character or not. Overall, I liked the tone and delivery of the narration, although some of the dialogue felt a bit melodramatic. Not sure if that was how it was acted or how it was written, but it wasn't too big of an issue.
If you like Big Dumb Object stories, where people explore mysterious megastructures (Ringworld, Rama, Heaven's River), you will probably enjoy this one.
May 12, 2021
The parts of this novel I enjoyed included the early interactions with Trict and her family as they pressure her to have a medical implant. The arguments and debates are well done and the outcome is both understandable and heartbreaking. Another favored part of the book is when Tolren and Seremend are trapped in a space station. Both characters interact well, questioning one another and exploring their surroundings in a way that helps the world building of the story to great effect.
Although this is a standalone novel, there are references to many things that are not easily clarified. Those who have read the rest of the series may understand the entirety of the story more than those who have not. Overall, Long Paradise is an interesting scifi book. The unique non-linear story provides mysteries, challenges and an array of strange characters and unexpected dangers.
Although this is a standalone novel, there are references to many things that are not easily clarified. Those who have read the rest of the series may understand the entirety of the story more than those who have not. Overall, Long Paradise is an interesting scifi book. The unique non-linear story provides mysteries, challenges and an array of strange characters and unexpected dangers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2021
Long Paradise is the second novel in the Wanderer Universe by James Murdo. If you are tuned into cerebral Sci-Fi with an emphasis on the ‘Sci’. If you enjoy Hard Sci-Fi, complex Space Opera, and authors such as Iain M. Banks, Alastair Reynolds and Dan Simmons, then this is for you. Similar to Fractured Carapace, an entry that can stand on its own. Long Paradise can be its very own starting point into the Wanderers Universe as well. You will truly be able to read this as a stand alone novel, but why would you? I can’t wait for the next novel in this series. While reading about other worlds you will find many parallels to our own. I highly recommend this novel. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the book with no monetary compensation
August 24, 2023
Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. Narrated by The Voice of Nick, leads you through the labyrinthine adventure that Tolren and Seremend find themselves plunged into an adventure aboard a mysterious alien vessel deep in space and forced to build a friendship out of the necessity of survival. The truth they discover is a complex journey that is subtle and surrounded in layers of gray shadows that will shatter the trust they've built for each other they come to know each other on such a deep level. The narrative is beautifully complex and well keep your attention as you work to hold the threads of the story together that has a memorable ending. Highly recommended.
March 8, 2021
Long Paradise: Wanderer Universe was one of the first audiobooks I wanted to stop listening to for the first quarter of the book. The story seemed to be told in a fairly confusing way. However, at about the third of the way point things became clear and once I understood why the author had built the narrative this way the story took hold and I settled in for a very enjoyable story. If you enjoy science fiction stories that challenge you as a reader, grab a copy and see what you think. Narration by The Voice of Nick really brought the characters and story to life. I received a review copy through StoryOrigion and chose to provide this review.
March 7, 2020
Weird SciFi Universe!
This is the first book I’ve read from James Murdo’s Wanderer series. I found the prologue quite interesting but the story jumps around so much I had a hard time keeping track of the characters for the first part of the book. It’s an unusual adventure that combines unique alien species, AI machines, a quirky world, time travel and several complex moral issues. The ending sets the scene for another future book. I received an advance copy and voluntarily leave my honest review.
This is the first book I’ve read from James Murdo’s Wanderer series. I found the prologue quite interesting but the story jumps around so much I had a hard time keeping track of the characters for the first part of the book. It’s an unusual adventure that combines unique alien species, AI machines, a quirky world, time travel and several complex moral issues. The ending sets the scene for another future book. I received an advance copy and voluntarily leave my honest review.
March 21, 2021
Trippy
This is perhaps the strangest book I have ever read, almost psychedelic. At first there seem to be several unrelated story lines, but they eventually come together. There is LOTS of world building, and that’s where the trippy stuff comes in. It got a bit repetitive after a while, though. Overall the book was hard to read, and I almost quit reading. However I kept reading mostly to see how much stranger it would get. I wasn’t disappointed. I probably won’t read the other books in the Wanderers series.
This is perhaps the strangest book I have ever read, almost psychedelic. At first there seem to be several unrelated story lines, but they eventually come together. There is LOTS of world building, and that’s where the trippy stuff comes in. It got a bit repetitive after a while, though. Overall the book was hard to read, and I almost quit reading. However I kept reading mostly to see how much stranger it would get. I wasn’t disappointed. I probably won’t read the other books in the Wanderers series.
March 4, 2020
This is my fourth read in the Wanderers Universe including the first three books of the Wanderers series. I can hardly wait for book four in that series. This book will confuse you at first but don't give up. It just adds to the mystery. Once the story starts to fall into place you will find it to be an interesting and unique Sci-Fi adventure with complex worlds, interesting characters and imaginative future tech.
March 20, 2021
This was my first exposure to the Wanderer Universe and I was quite intrigued. It’s definitely hardcore sci-go, and that’s exactly what I was looking for.
James Murdo is very creative with his characters and storyline. I also found his writing to be very descriptive.
The narration, by The Voice of Nick, was very well done. I thought his style worked well for this story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
James Murdo is very creative with his characters and storyline. I also found his writing to be very descriptive.
The narration, by The Voice of Nick, was very well done. I thought his style worked well for this story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
July 1, 2022
James Murdo did a wonderful job with this book and the Wanderer Universe as a whole. The world settings are built well, the main and support characters are relatable in most cases, and I cant wait to read what James writes next! Audio Version: Nick continues to do some great narration in Murdo's worlds.
February 27, 2021
An enjoyable and interesting hard science fiction story. The writing is excellent and the story complex, it took me a while to get my head around it but in the end everything comes together to a satisfactory conclusion. Excellent narration make this an enjoyable listening experience.
March 4, 2021
Interesting read. It starts with a very layered story with complex subplots. So it it reads like a mystery. How does all this fit together in this highly imaginative universe? They do but not in the way that you might think. Great characters.
June 19, 2021
Well worth a read. I personally found the beginning quite irritating, which is why it gets four stars not five. It does open up to be a huge world with interesting, well developed characters. Just don't give up on it. It's worth waiting for.
November 4, 2022
Allow at least two days for this strange PG philosophical science fantasy which takes place in the Wanderer Universe of James Murdo and starts with three-legged Better Than Two seeking to climb a mountain. I had a copy via StoryOrigin and have finally gotten to review it.
May 18, 2025
This needs to be picked up by Netflix
December 30, 2019
In this whole series I started out so confused that I disliked the book... this one was the worst in that aspect - but I was always surprised to find that by the end, it all made sense, and the internal satisfaction that comes from having everything click into place can't be beat. I look forward to more from this author.
Bear in mind as you read that nothing will make sense at first, but everything is happening for a reason.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bear in mind as you read that nothing will make sense at first, but everything is happening for a reason.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2019
Long Paradise, my first read from author James Murdo. I'm not normally a Sci-Fic reader and this book took a while to get going. Extremely detailed, you have to like Sci-Fic to get into it. No spoilers here though, buy the book, read the book, get into a good author I have! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
October 28, 2019
**FULL DISCLOSURE** I received an ARC of, this story for review purposes. The author requested a review, but made no conditions for it. I am writing this review based solely on my enjoyment of this story in particular, and the author's writing overall.
Long Paradise is full of intriguing concepts and characters. This story has action, adventure, and attitude as we enter into a somewhat alarming and complex world where technology is integrated into the fabric of this universe, with mind boggling implications and applications. I found this story a little difficult to read at times because of the non-linear storytelling and time travel. It is definitely a series for more cerebral than science or space based science fiction fans. Part one of the book was a little hard for me to digest until I got to part five where it all made sense. You will be fascinated by the worlds and places you visit.
Long Paradise is full of intriguing concepts and characters. This story has action, adventure, and attitude as we enter into a somewhat alarming and complex world where technology is integrated into the fabric of this universe, with mind boggling implications and applications. I found this story a little difficult to read at times because of the non-linear storytelling and time travel. It is definitely a series for more cerebral than science or space based science fiction fans. Part one of the book was a little hard for me to digest until I got to part five where it all made sense. You will be fascinated by the worlds and places you visit.
October 8, 2019
First off, I was given the opportunity to receive a copy of the first book in the Wanderers series, Gil’s World. Second, I enjoyed it so much that I read the next two books in the series, Searching the Void and Infinite Eyes. Now even though this current book, Long Paradise, is technically a stand-alone, I’m glad that I read in this order. We enter into an intriguing and somewhat alarming world, complex with several parallels to our own today. Technology has become integral in this universe, with mind boggling implications and applications…time travel just being one of them, which is another contributor to the non-linear storytelling. Definitely the series for more cerebral/science-based scifi and space mystery fans. You’ll be fascinated by the Wanderers cosmos! I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 4, 2019
A complex world created and described to a tee. Enables the reader to envision everything clearly. A thought-provoking read. Well thought out and well written.
September 1, 2023
Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. Narrated by The Voice of Nick, leads you through the labyrinthine adventure that Tolren and Seremend find themselves plunged into an adventure aboard a mysterious alien vessel deep in space and forced to build a friendship out of the necessity of survival. The truth they discover is a complex journey that is subtle and surrounded in layers of gray shadows that will shatter the trust they've built for each other they come to know each other on such a deep level. The narrative is beautifully complex and well keep your attention as you work to hold the threads of the story together that has a memorable ending. Highly recommended.
September 27, 2019
Full of intriguing concepts, characters, and situations - it feels like a cross between Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking Glass" and L'Engel's "A Wrinkle in Time" with more than a dash of the multiverse thrown in for good measure. Quite the fun read! The author's Wanderer Universe just keeps getting richer and richer.
NOTE: I received a free review e-copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
NOTE: I received a free review e-copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2019
Author James Murdo has come a long ways since his first novel! This story has all the right ingredient's, action, adventure, intrigue and attitude and a whole lot more. Get this novel, read it and enjoy it.
March 11, 2021
Enjoyed the concept but felt more was needed to complete it. Thought I needed to follow up with another novel to see but still hanging for the conclusion. Positive this is intentional. Hoping it all concludes satisfactorily in the final novel.
November 5, 2021
Wild and strange story about a search for a way through to heaven or basically to a place where they will find the meaning of their life. Expect the unexpected and put on your analysis mode because this book will astound you!
September 27, 2021
A nice and interesting sci-fi book with an incredible rich writing.
I enjoyed reading this Book but the story was sometime a little bit confuse for me.
I recommend this Book.
I enjoyed reading this Book but the story was sometime a little bit confuse for me.
I recommend this Book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews