The Book of Elsewhere Audiobook By Keanu Reeves, China Miéville cover art

The Book of Elsewhere

A Novel

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The Book of Elsewhere

By: Keanu Reeves, China Miéville
Narrated by: Allan Corduner, Asia Kate Dillon, China Miéville, Edoardo Ballerini, Joshua Manning, Lily Rabe, Michiel Huisman, Keanu Reeves
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About this listen

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • An “action-packed [and] profoundly stylish” (Los Angeles Times) epic from Keanu Reeves and China Miéville, unlike anything these two genre-bending pioneers have created before, inspired by the world of the BRZRKR comic books

She said, We needed a tool. So I asked the gods.

There have always been whispers. Legends. The warrior who cannot be killed. Who’s seen a thousand civilizations rise and fall. He has had many names: Unute, Child of Lightning, Death himself. These days, he’s known simply as “B.”

And he wants to be able to die.

In the present day, a U.S. black-ops group has promised him they can help with that. And all he needs to do is help them in return. But when an all-too-mortal soldier comes back to life, the impossible event ultimately points toward a force even more mysterious than B himself. One at least as strong. And one with a plan all its own.

In a collaboration that combines Miéville’s singular style and creativity with Reeves’s haunting and soul-stirring narrative, these two inimitable artists have created something utterly unique, sure to delight existing fans and to create scores of new ones.

©2024 Keanu Reeves and China Miéville (P)2024 Random House Audio
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Critic reviews

“A philosophical, violent thriller about an immortal soldier pondering the nature of his existence, The Book of Elsewhere has an elegance that might surprise you for a pulp thriller. . . . [Miéville’s] presence as Reeves’ narrative collaborator . . . immediately makes it more interesting, even for those who aren't already fans of the comic.”—Polygon

"Action-packed, ultraviolent and morally ambiguous . . . a profoundly stylish and beautiful approach to the trials and tribulations of the ancient warrior who cannot die . . . an enjoyable action-mystery cut through with moments of existential melancholy . . . [the] brimful imagination and impeccable style make it a deeply pleasurable read.”LA Times

“A surprisingly, even rattlingly good read . . . A blood-spattered, era-spanning action thriller, The Book of Elsewhere manages to lift and twist its unbelievably sanguinary source material into a meditation on the cyclical nature of violence.”The Sunday Times

Editorial Review

John Wick meets weird fiction
When it was announced that the universally beloved multihyphenate Keanu Reeves would be cowriting a full-length novel with acclaimed speculative fiction writer China Miéville, I was all-in immediately. I’ve been counting down the days until I can sink my teeth into The Book of Elsewhere, a cerebral, ambitious listen nestled within the inventive world of Reeves’s BRZRKR comics. The story follows the mysterious warrior now known only as “B,” an immortal figure of legend who has long grown weary of his inability to die. But to other self-interested martial parties, what B views as a burden is a massive boon. Probing big philosophical questions about war, memory, the weaponization of power, and the meaning of life in the absence of death, and buzzing with a wholly original narrative style that wanders through the story like its protagonist does through lifetimes, this listen is set up to be like nothing we’ve heard before.— Alanna M., Audible Editor

What listeners say about The Book of Elsewhere

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Disjointed

Multiple narrative threads were not helped by multiple narrators in the audio version. As others have mentioned, the central conceit of the story -- an undying supernatural force deals with its own nature -- has been done better elsewhere with far more finesse and much less grandiose violence. Still, I remain a fan of both authors and will continue to look forward to all their separate and future joint creations

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Stuck to my chest…

I’ve been thinking on this book for a long while after finishing it. I think it is one I will return to many times. The writing is compelling, and the narrative is complex and engaging. But I think the larger themes of the story are what keep replaying long after I put the book down. I cannot wait to read more works from this author, and I will definitely be checking out the BRZRKR comic series too!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

I enjoyed it

I've heard mixed reviews. I liked it. I like world building, and there certainly was that.

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

An interesting take on immorality

I’ll probably jump to read the comic books now, I was interested in reading this due to China’s involvement. The book could have been a bit shorter, but overall it’s interesting and a good fun.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

welp, Keanu Reeves wrote a book and it, too, is great.

original, dark, philosophical, existential, critical of humanity and religion. at once cyberpunk and steampunk and historical science fiction.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great read (listen)

I found it a bit confusing at the beginning and a bit confusing at the end, but it’s a fascinating story. Also interestingly philosophical. Even had to look up a few words. Really enjoyed. I might read a hard copy.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

the actors were good

i feel like if this were a movie keanue would be in it . actually couldnt stop listening loved whole cast

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Excellent story, highly original!

I think the title is what I like the least of this book, because the story encompasses so much more. Very imaginative and vivid descriptions narrated superbly.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

I fell asleep trying to focus on the story

Reeves is a great actor and performer but his reading of this novel is not what I expected. Very disappointing. Can’t get into the story. I'll try again another time...

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A wild journey to elsewhere

A lot of questions; not many answers. A wild speculative foray into notions of mortality and infinite mortality. B’s quest to understand himself and what he is, is told in a mosaic of non-linear fragments that inform the overall story line. At times both brutal and poetic, the language is rich and speculative, prodding and punching the narrative along. While based on the BZRKR comic/graphic novel series it is not necessary to have read them to enjoy this portrayal of that world. It’s a wild ride that will have you thinking.

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