Byways (A METAtropolis Story) cover

Byways (A METAtropolis Story)

METAtropolis #2.3

3.76 ABR Score (246 ratings)
★ 3.77 Goodreads (93) ★ 4.46 Audible (153)
1h 35m Released 2014 Sci-Fi

Why Listen?

Wil Wheaton's narration transforms this lean noir mystery into something unexpectedly gripping—his performance as an ordinary guy stumbling into conspiracy feels lived-in and urgent in ways the page alone couldn't match.

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About This Audiobook

In the sustainable city-state of Cascadia, demolition worker Reg appears to be just another laborer clearing the urban landscape for renewal. However, when a shadowy conspiracy emerges that could destabilize the entire METAtropolis, Reg finds himself unexpectedly positioned as the only person capable of preventing catastrophe. As layers of deception peel away, it becomes clear that both Reg's background and the forces threatening Cascadia run far deeper than anyone suspected. The fate of this carefully engineered society rests in the hands of someone the conspirators never saw coming.

Wil Wheaton's narration brings remarkable depth to this tightly woven thriller, expertly balancing the story's noir atmosphere with its speculative elements. His performance captures Reg's working-class authenticity while gradually revealing the character's hidden complexities, creating a compelling audio experience that draws listeners into Cascadia's richly detailed world. Wheaton's pacing builds tension methodically, allowing the conspiracy to unfold naturally while maintaining the story's sense of urgency. The intimate runtime makes this an ideal audio format for Buckell's focused narrative, with Wheaton's nuanced delivery enhancing every revelation and character moment.