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Orphan Black: The Next Chapter
Orphan Black: The Next Chapter
The official continuation of Orphan Black, narrated by Emmy Award winner Tatiana Maslany. The story we never wanted to end continues.
12 pages, Audiobook
First published September 12, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 14, 2022
This is the follow on from the ‘Orphan Black’ TV series from a few years back. There are clones, lots of them. I got into this because I kind of enjoyed the TV series, or at least the first three seasons, and because it’s part of an attempt to develop podcast serials being broadcast by Realm.com. It was good to re-meet some of the characters voiced by the excellent Tatiana Maslany. Great memories of Sarah, Cosima, Delphine, and of course the awesome soccer mom, Alison. On the negative side, it really didn’t add much to the original series except for another generation of clones. Enjoyable, but probably only for those who remember the TV series fondly.
June 19, 2024
While I have read better fanfiction, there was something so charming about this. To return to your favourite characters and see them not only settled in their unique ways (the existence of Gabriele made me teary) but also still fighting as they did in Orphan Black was equally comforting and nostalgic. It was also a testament to just how good this universe is. How good these characters are, how good the established relationships, romantic or familial are. I could spend forevermore with them and Tatiana Maslany voicing these characters.
(Would have been 4 stars if not for the over the top fan service. There is no way the words 'Chez Cophine' would leave Kira's mouth).
- 3.5 stars!
(Would have been 4 stars if not for the over the top fan service. There is no way the words 'Chez Cophine' would leave Kira's mouth).
- 3.5 stars!
December 29, 2020
I've never had any interest in reading books based on my favorite shows or games but I would consider The Next Chapter a must-read for fans of Orphan Black. If you still haven't watched this incredible show, you are seriously missing out! It's such an exciting, funny, and sexy sci-fi series with stellar acting and so many twists and turns. Admittedly, I wasn't loving the last couple of seasons but I still think back on this show with so much love. And now, of course, I'm itching to rewatch it.
I didn't remember the ending of the show but it didn't hinder my understanding of what was happening in this book. It took me only a chapter or two to be caught up and fully enjoying the ride. And oh boy, what a crazy ride it was! This book had everything I loved from the show: my favorite characters, clones impersonating each other, fighting with some scary establishments that want to use their DNA, and great humor. I'm very interested in reading the next "season".
Thank you to Netgalley and Serial Box for the ARC.
I didn't remember the ending of the show but it didn't hinder my understanding of what was happening in this book. It took me only a chapter or two to be caught up and fully enjoying the ride. And oh boy, what a crazy ride it was! This book had everything I loved from the show: my favorite characters, clones impersonating each other, fighting with some scary establishments that want to use their DNA, and great humor. I'm very interested in reading the next "season".
Thank you to Netgalley and Serial Box for the ARC.
December 13, 2019
I was a bit concerned, because the last couple of seasons didn't do much for me. But I felt this was an improvement. It was helped by not constantly focusing on Sarah, who was able to become part of the ensemble. Tatiana Maslany still nails all the voices, and even gets Delphine pretty spot-on.
July 21, 2020
LOVED this. It was so fun to revisit these characters in a different medium, and hearing Tatiana Maslany reprise the roles made it all the more special.
June 19, 2021
As an Orphan Black fan I was so happy to discover this. Definitely listen to Tatiana Maslany read this (the whole thing is available as a free podcast now). Good to reconnect with the original clones 8 years later - it makes perfect sense that Cosima's academic career would be affected by all the time spent on secret research and need to hide her identity. This matches the show in twists and turns and extreme science.
December 6, 2019
This review will contain spoilers for the television series Orphan Black throughout, literally starting with the final episode, "To Right the Wrongs of Many". It's been more than two years and you're reading reviews of the sequel series, but I thought it fair to warn you anyway.
One thing that I've loved about the finale of Orphan Black since I watched it two years ago, which was re-kindled as I re-watched it while listening to this series, is that the conspiracy storyline wraps up pretty much halfway through the episode, and is then just... done. Helena gives birth, and then we see where these characters go next - Helena, raising her babies; Alison's music; Cosima and Delphine travelling the world to cure the Ledas; Sarah continuing to mess up raising Kira. Once all this was over with, they still had lives to go back to - well, except Rachel - and that life continued. With some sequel series or expanded universes, you do have to wonder if it's necessary. With Orphan Black, the finale set the stage for it to work.
It's eight years later. Cosima and Delphine, now married, live in Toronto where Delphine has a high-profile medical ethics job while Cosima's career has stalled as a result of her paranoia about the limelight. They play occasional host to junior clone, Charlotte, and undergrad at U of T, and seventeen-year-old Kira when she runs away from her Mom who has moved out of town. In a bid to kick-start her career, Cosima attends an interview at GRIT - the Genetics Research Institute of Toronto - with Dr Nathaniel Sturgis. Unbeknownst to Cosima, Sturgis is under surveillance by CIA operative Vivi Valdez - a woman to whom she bears a striking resemblance....
Here are some things that I loved about Orphan Black: The Next Chapter. The continuing story admits that there are difficulties to surviving in a heavily surveilled world when you are one of 274 genetically identical clones that extend beyond the convoluted conspiracy theories surrounding your creation. The story shifts focus from the four central clones of the television series to focus more on Kira and Charlotte, the children who have grown up with their own problems connected to their clone families, and who have very different perspectives on how they should exist in the world. The bit-parts played by other clones from the series (), and how they react to events in this continuation. And, of course, that it was narrated by Tatiana Maslany, who does fantastic versions of Delphine and Art, can still do all the voices of the clones she played, and is only let down by her complete inability to do Felix. It's impossible to imagine this story continuing without her in some capacity, .
I was less keen - or perhaps better to say, not completely sold - on certain other aspects.
The weird thing about the story is that I followed it and it made sense. The labyrinthine double-crossing conspiracies upon conspiracies of the television show have been replaced by the kind of plot you might expect from a group of science fiction writers interested in tech ethics, the ramifications of bioengineering, and good storytelling. A couple of things from the television show seem to have been dropped (Kira's psychic connection to all of the Leda clones, for example), but maybe they'll show up in the next series.
Fundamentally, Orphan Black TNC maintains the feel of the show (assisted by the narration and the soundtrack, to be fair), respects and cares about the characters, while also taking the story in new and interesting directions. It's about all you could want from a continuation of a beloved television series.
One thing that I've loved about the finale of Orphan Black since I watched it two years ago, which was re-kindled as I re-watched it while listening to this series, is that the conspiracy storyline wraps up pretty much halfway through the episode, and is then just... done. Helena gives birth, and then we see where these characters go next - Helena, raising her babies; Alison's music; Cosima and Delphine travelling the world to cure the Ledas; Sarah continuing to mess up raising Kira. Once all this was over with, they still had lives to go back to - well, except Rachel - and that life continued. With some sequel series or expanded universes, you do have to wonder if it's necessary. With Orphan Black, the finale set the stage for it to work.
It's eight years later. Cosima and Delphine, now married, live in Toronto where Delphine has a high-profile medical ethics job while Cosima's career has stalled as a result of her paranoia about the limelight. They play occasional host to junior clone, Charlotte, and undergrad at U of T, and seventeen-year-old Kira when she runs away from her Mom who has moved out of town. In a bid to kick-start her career, Cosima attends an interview at GRIT - the Genetics Research Institute of Toronto - with Dr Nathaniel Sturgis. Unbeknownst to Cosima, Sturgis is under surveillance by CIA operative Vivi Valdez - a woman to whom she bears a striking resemblance....
Here are some things that I loved about Orphan Black: The Next Chapter. The continuing story admits that there are difficulties to surviving in a heavily surveilled world when you are one of 274 genetically identical clones that extend beyond the convoluted conspiracy theories surrounding your creation. The story shifts focus from the four central clones of the television series to focus more on Kira and Charlotte, the children who have grown up with their own problems connected to their clone families, and who have very different perspectives on how they should exist in the world. The bit-parts played by other clones from the series (), and how they react to events in this continuation. And, of course, that it was narrated by Tatiana Maslany, who does fantastic versions of Delphine and Art, can still do all the voices of the clones she played, and is only let down by her complete inability to do Felix. It's impossible to imagine this story continuing without her in some capacity, .
I was less keen - or perhaps better to say, not completely sold - on certain other aspects.
The weird thing about the story is that I followed it and it made sense. The labyrinthine double-crossing conspiracies upon conspiracies of the television show have been replaced by the kind of plot you might expect from a group of science fiction writers interested in tech ethics, the ramifications of bioengineering, and good storytelling. A couple of things from the television show seem to have been dropped (Kira's psychic connection to all of the Leda clones, for example), but maybe they'll show up in the next series.
Fundamentally, Orphan Black TNC maintains the feel of the show (assisted by the narration and the soundtrack, to be fair), respects and cares about the characters, while also taking the story in new and interesting directions. It's about all you could want from a continuation of a beloved television series.
August 2, 2021
Wasn't sure I'd like this audio book on Serial Box/REALM since I'd never seen the television series or read any of the comics. Surprise!! I really enjoyed it despite a few problems with the audio on my cellphone when I took my walk.
This 'season' picks up and follows Sarah, Cosima & Dephine, Alison, Helene and the 'children' from the television series several years after the end of that show. It also introduces several new clones from a later 'batch' including a CIA operative and several younger women who have been infected with a non-lethal virus cooked up in a lab in Canada. Interesting mystery that only gets more complicated when the clones are 'outed' on international television.
Tatiana Maslaney is an AMAZING narrator and I can hardly wait to catch her in She-Hulk on Disney+.
This 'season' picks up and follows Sarah, Cosima & Dephine, Alison, Helene and the 'children' from the television series several years after the end of that show. It also introduces several new clones from a later 'batch' including a CIA operative and several younger women who have been infected with a non-lethal virus cooked up in a lab in Canada. Interesting mystery that only gets more complicated when the clones are 'outed' on international television.
Tatiana Maslaney is an AMAZING narrator and I can hardly wait to catch her in She-Hulk on Disney+.
December 14, 2019
I have to admit, most of what makes this 5* is that Tatiana Maslany was the reader. So half about half the voices were absolutely cannon, and the other half were pretty much spot on.
Having said that, it absolutely felt like a continuation of the series, with the same sorts of tension and humor and over the top crazy which goes with that. This is absolutely a must-listen for anyone who enjoyed the series (with the bonus of significant Canadian content).
Having said that, it absolutely felt like a continuation of the series, with the same sorts of tension and humor and over the top crazy which goes with that. This is absolutely a must-listen for anyone who enjoyed the series (with the bonus of significant Canadian content).
April 16, 2022
So much clone nostalgia action. There's a couple new well written characters, and of course ethical quandaries to grapple. This takes place 8 years after the show, and I'm really pleased that Keira and Charlotte are active players.
This is not an intro to clone club. Watch the show first.
This is not an intro to clone club. Watch the show first.
August 31, 2020
AMAZING. I missed Orphan Black so much, and this felt like a propper continuation.
September 16, 2024
It's a first time for me to see a tv series continue to live on through an audiobook and it was absolutely amazing and has really exceeded my expectations
Voicing the audiobook tatiana maslany has succeeded to bring me back to the spirit of the show and by voicing all these characters in a unique way along with the writing and the audio production I really had a unique amazing experience
As a fan of the show, I liked a lot the storytelling and how they built on the characters we already know and love and add even more interesting characters
My favourite character will always be Helena with her free spirit , gentle character, and the violent giant within her that never failed to save the day
Voicing the audiobook tatiana maslany has succeeded to bring me back to the spirit of the show and by voicing all these characters in a unique way along with the writing and the audio production I really had a unique amazing experience
As a fan of the show, I liked a lot the storytelling and how they built on the characters we already know and love and add even more interesting characters
My favourite character will always be Helena with her free spirit , gentle character, and the violent giant within her that never failed to save the day
June 17, 2021
It's more Orphan Black, with Tatiana Maslany narrating! I was starting off as a fan, and it would have taken a pretty big misstep to keep me from loving this series.
This audio sequel totally works as a continuation and expansion of the original story though. I'm curious to see where it goes in the second season.
This audio sequel totally works as a continuation and expansion of the original story though. I'm curious to see where it goes in the second season.
September 22, 2020
This is an fascinating continuation that picks up some years after the conclusion of the television series.
Orphan Black is one of a handful of tv shows that truly changed my life. The premise was so ambitious, but somehow the production team and actors managed to pull it off. In the time since I first saw the show, I have discovered a deep and abiding love for weird fiction with odd storylines. It changed the way I view media and gave me a willingness to suspend my disbelief just a little bit further than I normally would whenever I give something new a try. Sometimes you’ll find some new that’s worth hearing about.
One of the highlights of this continuation is the fact that the formatting really allows Sarah to fade into the ensemble, rather than constantly being one of the most important driving forces for the plot. We start off with Cosima, Delphine, and Charlotte (Charlotte and Kira really shine here in a way that they couldn’t as children ). However, Charlotte has a dangerous preoccupation with making all clones go public while Kira on the other hand... falls into some high key stupid teenage rebellion that I could barely stand. She has complicated motivations, and she is trying her best to deal with the hand she’s been dealt, but after everything, I don’t think running away from home to join a sketchy genetics organization was even vaguely in the realm of good ideas. And that’s just where we meet her again! Now I get to spend the next 9 chapters (episodes?) worrying about how risky that was. She does so desperately want to be seen as an adult, in that truly confident way that all 17 year olds do.
I was glad to have a chance to take another step into this world—I suspect a little piece of my heart will always belong to clone club.
That being said, we do get some truly out-there coincidences and conspiracies in this one. My suspension of disbelief was hanging by some seriously precarious threads. I enjoyed reuniting with these characters even than I enjoyed the plot. Although, if I am going to read fiction about biological warfare and conspiracies to create genetically modified viral pandemics, 2020 was the year to do it. Perhaps it was good that I came to this continuation a year late.
As it stands, the text on its own makes for a pretty fun story, but I will definitely keep an eye out for the audiobook—I expect Tatiana Maslany’s narration adds a delightful layer to the ebook. (Edited to add: I checked the Serial Box website, and the first episode/chapter is available for free! Go, go now and listen. Tatiana Maslany is, predictably, a delight)
Thank you to NetGalley and Serial Box for approving my request for a review copy of this book!
Orphan Black is one of a handful of tv shows that truly changed my life. The premise was so ambitious, but somehow the production team and actors managed to pull it off. In the time since I first saw the show, I have discovered a deep and abiding love for weird fiction with odd storylines. It changed the way I view media and gave me a willingness to suspend my disbelief just a little bit further than I normally would whenever I give something new a try. Sometimes you’ll find some new that’s worth hearing about.
One of the highlights of this continuation is the fact that the formatting really allows Sarah to fade into the ensemble, rather than constantly being one of the most important driving forces for the plot. We start off with Cosima, Delphine, and Charlotte (Charlotte and Kira really shine here in a way that they couldn’t as children ). However, Charlotte has a dangerous preoccupation with making all clones go public while Kira on the other hand... falls into some high key stupid teenage rebellion that I could barely stand. She has complicated motivations, and she is trying her best to deal with the hand she’s been dealt, but after everything, I don’t think running away from home to join a sketchy genetics organization was even vaguely in the realm of good ideas. And that’s just where we meet her again! Now I get to spend the next 9 chapters (episodes?) worrying about how risky that was. She does so desperately want to be seen as an adult, in that truly confident way that all 17 year olds do.
I was glad to have a chance to take another step into this world—I suspect a little piece of my heart will always belong to clone club.
That being said, we do get some truly out-there coincidences and conspiracies in this one. My suspension of disbelief was hanging by some seriously precarious threads. I enjoyed reuniting with these characters even than I enjoyed the plot. Although, if I am going to read fiction about biological warfare and conspiracies to create genetically modified viral pandemics, 2020 was the year to do it. Perhaps it was good that I came to this continuation a year late.
As it stands, the text on its own makes for a pretty fun story, but I will definitely keep an eye out for the audiobook—I expect Tatiana Maslany’s narration adds a delightful layer to the ebook. (Edited to add: I checked the Serial Box website, and the first episode/chapter is available for free! Go, go now and listen. Tatiana Maslany is, predictably, a delight)
Thank you to NetGalley and Serial Box for approving my request for a review copy of this book!
December 27, 2022
OH MAN, this was AWESOME!!!! I binged listen to two seasons of this podcast show and I'm sad there isn't any more so far. I really hope there is a 3rd season to follow. The writing and the performances were OUTSTANDING.
Great quality all around and it was just like the TV show but with just audio. It had me on the edge of my seat to wait to see what was coming next. It was full of all the things you love about Clone Club. If you are a fan of the original TV series then you will just LOVE this podcast continuation of the Lidas in Canada aka Clone Club members (Sarah, Helena (aka Meathead), Alison, Cosima, and Rachel) and the rest of their family and friends.
Great quality all around and it was just like the TV show but with just audio. It had me on the edge of my seat to wait to see what was coming next. It was full of all the things you love about Clone Club. If you are a fan of the original TV series then you will just LOVE this podcast continuation of the Lidas in Canada aka Clone Club members (Sarah, Helena (aka Meathead), Alison, Cosima, and Rachel) and the rest of their family and friends.
May 25, 2020
It reads like a bad fanfic, so much so that there were a few moments I felt downright bad for Maslany having to read it. She does an amazing job as always and if she'd been the one to also write it, maybe it wouldn't be so OOC. The show itself either focused on the science or on the characters and it couldn't do both at once, but this book could do neither. I think having a different writer for each chapter as though it's a show played a huge part in this. I loved the show and I loved the Cosima/Delphine dynamic in the show so maybe my expectations were too high.
June 26, 2024
05/25/2024
Second listen - just fantastic as the first time. I love this world!
2022
I listened to this in podcast version, narrated by Tatiana Maslany, and I was HOOKED. Orphan Black is my favorite show of all time and it means so much to me, and it's so exciting to see it come back in a new format. The writing was fantastic, and Tatiana was incredible with the narration as always. Very excited to start listening to the second season!
Second listen - just fantastic as the first time. I love this world!
2022
I listened to this in podcast version, narrated by Tatiana Maslany, and I was HOOKED. Orphan Black is my favorite show of all time and it means so much to me, and it's so exciting to see it come back in a new format. The writing was fantastic, and Tatiana was incredible with the narration as always. Very excited to start listening to the second season!
December 25, 2019
Heading more about sestra adventures was enticing but the change in format from tv to book didn't do the story justice. Also, having the author change from chapter to chapter created a strange narrative arc. The little science was non-existent or flimsy. This continuation focused much more on feelings and emotions and making sure everyone paired off in a happily ever after.
August 6, 2022
Season 1 of Orphan Black: The Next Chapter
February 11, 2020
I was audibly excited when I heard that there was going to be a continuing story arc and that the audio would be narrated by Ms Maslany herself. The platform that was used for this retelling - set ten years after the closing events of the series, is a service called SerialBox which releases books one chapter at a time and makes us listeners wait excrutiating periods of time between chapters (ok so it was actually only a week in between but....) Luckily for you, all ten episodes have been released now so you can spare yourself the wait. Each chapter has written as well as audio launched at the same time and your subscription includes both formats which is a really interesting format. I found myself reading and listening at the same time like those read along books from childhood with the tapes that narrated.
As far as the story goes, this was definitely written with fans of the series in mind. All of the beloved core clone characters were back and I was so excited to hear their voices again through Tatiana's narration. This new story brought in a whole new set of "sestras" who are self aware. Although it was refreshing to have new characters, I feel like the origin story for those ladies was not as fully realized as I wanted them to be. I really wanted to know who was behind that experiment, how many cousins there were and how it linked back to Leda. Instead, the action focused more on a targeted bio-weapon that was set to be unleashed and the effects that they had on clones. The new "cousins" were simply a plot vector by which this weaponized virus was introduced to the plot. I wanted MORE from this younger set of clones.
I loved how they brought up the two younger characters from the original storyline who were only 8 or 9 at the time the series wrapped and framed their clone life through the lenses of teenage girls who are trying to balance their parent's experience with the one they wanted to see. Watching them come into their own over the course of the story added a satisfying layer to the evolution of all of the main characters as well as the change of perspective that time and technology can bring about.
The epilogue of this serial was narrated by none other than Jordan Gervais who played Felix in the series and left a delicious little opening through which another chapter could creep out if the authors and powers that be will allow it. I'll gladly hand over my $9.99 to continue in the tidy little Orphan Black Universe.
As far as the story goes, this was definitely written with fans of the series in mind. All of the beloved core clone characters were back and I was so excited to hear their voices again through Tatiana's narration. This new story brought in a whole new set of "sestras" who are self aware. Although it was refreshing to have new characters, I feel like the origin story for those ladies was not as fully realized as I wanted them to be. I really wanted to know who was behind that experiment, how many cousins there were and how it linked back to Leda. Instead, the action focused more on a targeted bio-weapon that was set to be unleashed and the effects that they had on clones. The new "cousins" were simply a plot vector by which this weaponized virus was introduced to the plot. I wanted MORE from this younger set of clones.
I loved how they brought up the two younger characters from the original storyline who were only 8 or 9 at the time the series wrapped and framed their clone life through the lenses of teenage girls who are trying to balance their parent's experience with the one they wanted to see. Watching them come into their own over the course of the story added a satisfying layer to the evolution of all of the main characters as well as the change of perspective that time and technology can bring about.
The epilogue of this serial was narrated by none other than Jordan Gervais who played Felix in the series and left a delicious little opening through which another chapter could creep out if the authors and powers that be will allow it. I'll gladly hand over my $9.99 to continue in the tidy little Orphan Black Universe.
September 26, 2020
For fans of the TV series (watch it before reading this). Tatiana Maslany narrates and immediately picks up the voices of the clones. Tatiana does is also brilliant with the non-clone voices, especially Delphine and Felix.
This story is 8 years after the TV series, set in Canada, a thriller, peoples lives are at risk and the outcome is life changing for the sestras. I missed these characters and wanted more even before finishing (the next book is available for pre-order).
I'm not sure if it was the writing, that it was a book, or it was me being nostalgic but the writer perfectly picked the 'voices' of the clones, making the story more personal than the TV series. I'd often smile to myself at how different clones reacted and spoke, just as I remembered.
It turns out I have favourite sestras, so it was special to see how Cosima's and Delphine's relationship had grown, that Helena was still deadly Helena and flourishing, that Allison was just as demanding.
A theme of the story is accepting differences and being stronger together. The bond between the sestras is even stronger, and after 8 years together they're a family. They're clones but the writing and narrating makes clear those differences, that the sestras know the good and bad of each other, and support each other regardless. There's definitely a 'feel good' element to the story. I loved having another chapter with these individuals.
This story is 8 years after the TV series, set in Canada, a thriller, peoples lives are at risk and the outcome is life changing for the sestras. I missed these characters and wanted more even before finishing (the next book is available for pre-order).
I'm not sure if it was the writing, that it was a book, or it was me being nostalgic but the writer perfectly picked the 'voices' of the clones, making the story more personal than the TV series. I'd often smile to myself at how different clones reacted and spoke, just as I remembered.
It turns out I have favourite sestras, so it was special to see how Cosima's and Delphine's relationship had grown, that Helena was still deadly Helena and flourishing, that Allison was just as demanding.
A theme of the story is accepting differences and being stronger together. The bond between the sestras is even stronger, and after 8 years together they're a family. They're clones but the writing and narrating makes clear those differences, that the sestras know the good and bad of each other, and support each other regardless. There's definitely a 'feel good' element to the story. I loved having another chapter with these individuals.
September 20, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley for this text version of the Serial Box audio series.
This is the printed version of "Orphan Black: The Next Chapter" that has already been released as an audio series, narrated by Tatiana Maslany, by Serial Box. The story is excellent, a cozy and comfortable extension of the show that ended after five too-short seasons. All of the humor is carried over, and the cast is larger, with the kids taking on greater roles. Set several years after the show, Cosima has finished her Ph.D. and she and Delphine are married, Felix and Colin are common-law married, Kira is nearly grown-up, Helena is running her twins through wilderness survival training, and Art adopted Charlotte who is also grown-up. Those of the younger generation are stretching their boundaries, especially Kira under the watchful eye of her somewhat overprotective mom, and discovering their own roles in Clone Club. And, as one might expect, there are new clones, genetic science, secret government projects, spies, clone mix-ups, and plenty of mortal danger. This collection of stories, written in "exquisite corpse" style among a small group of fantastic sci-fi authors, feels just like a two- or three-episode epilogue to the amazing original series, and possibly the beginnings of a new stage in the adventure.
This is the printed version of "Orphan Black: The Next Chapter" that has already been released as an audio series, narrated by Tatiana Maslany, by Serial Box. The story is excellent, a cozy and comfortable extension of the show that ended after five too-short seasons. All of the humor is carried over, and the cast is larger, with the kids taking on greater roles. Set several years after the show, Cosima has finished her Ph.D. and she and Delphine are married, Felix and Colin are common-law married, Kira is nearly grown-up, Helena is running her twins through wilderness survival training, and Art adopted Charlotte who is also grown-up. Those of the younger generation are stretching their boundaries, especially Kira under the watchful eye of her somewhat overprotective mom, and discovering their own roles in Clone Club. And, as one might expect, there are new clones, genetic science, secret government projects, spies, clone mix-ups, and plenty of mortal danger. This collection of stories, written in "exquisite corpse" style among a small group of fantastic sci-fi authors, feels just like a two- or three-episode epilogue to the amazing original series, and possibly the beginnings of a new stage in the adventure.
September 30, 2020
Orphan Black: The Next Chapter
by Malka Older, Madeline Ashby, Mishell Baker, Heli Kennedy, E.C. Myers, and Lindsay Smith
Publisher: Serial Box
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers | Sci Fi & Fantasy
Release Date: September 12, 2019
OH MY GOODNESS!!!! This was insanely amazing!!!! It brought me right back into the series Orphan Black and it was so much better in print! I could hear each character in my mind, just like I was watching them on screen. I've missed this show!
Orphan Black: The Next Chapter is set about 10 years after the television series ends. It was so wonderful to read what they have been doing and where they are going. Kira and Charlotte play a much bigger role now. In true, Orphan Black fashion, the excitement kicks off right away and of course, the Clone Club finds themselves in the middle of it all.
This book is filled with so many twists and turns that I couldn't put it down! (I also never wanted it to end.) Did I mention that I absolutely loved this book?
Please, please, please publish more books!!!! I'm dying for Season 2! Also, I will be downloading the audio version because Tatiana Maslany resumes her roles!
I'm so grateful to Malka Older, Madeline Ashby, Mishell Baker, Heli Kennedy, E.C. Myers, & Lindsay Smith, Serial Box, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
by Malka Older, Madeline Ashby, Mishell Baker, Heli Kennedy, E.C. Myers, and Lindsay Smith
Publisher: Serial Box
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers | Sci Fi & Fantasy
Release Date: September 12, 2019
OH MY GOODNESS!!!! This was insanely amazing!!!! It brought me right back into the series Orphan Black and it was so much better in print! I could hear each character in my mind, just like I was watching them on screen. I've missed this show!
Orphan Black: The Next Chapter is set about 10 years after the television series ends. It was so wonderful to read what they have been doing and where they are going. Kira and Charlotte play a much bigger role now. In true, Orphan Black fashion, the excitement kicks off right away and of course, the Clone Club finds themselves in the middle of it all.
This book is filled with so many twists and turns that I couldn't put it down! (I also never wanted it to end.) Did I mention that I absolutely loved this book?
Please, please, please publish more books!!!! I'm dying for Season 2! Also, I will be downloading the audio version because Tatiana Maslany resumes her roles!
I'm so grateful to Malka Older, Madeline Ashby, Mishell Baker, Heli Kennedy, E.C. Myers, & Lindsay Smith, Serial Box, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
February 22, 2022
I actually didn't know that fiction audiobooks can have various voices and playful sound effects. Is that common? The listener is pampered by the many voices of Tatiana Maslany, and the quality is on par with the regular series. But it leaves the depiction of scenes to your imagination (the snowy one in the small city was best). This was my first fiction book in a long time and I dedicated an empty dark room to each of the listening sessions - when you need to imagine things it's no good to do something that requires movement or your mind.
Every now and then I had to leverage fandom wiki to refresh my memory about who is who since it's been a long time since the show. But overall the story can be easily followed and all the returning characters are welcome with a very orphanblackish story. I especially liked that we get to hear about Charlotte and Kira and the dynamic between Delphine and Cosima is sexy af. What's crazy good is that just by listening (to the same actress) you can instantly tell who is who by the differentiated accents and talking styles. Tatiana never disappoints. If you are speeding up the experience, don't venture far above 1.1x territory if you want to enjoy it. Now I'll look for the second season, yay!
Every now and then I had to leverage fandom wiki to refresh my memory about who is who since it's been a long time since the show. But overall the story can be easily followed and all the returning characters are welcome with a very orphanblackish story. I especially liked that we get to hear about Charlotte and Kira and the dynamic between Delphine and Cosima is sexy af. What's crazy good is that just by listening (to the same actress) you can instantly tell who is who by the differentiated accents and talking styles. Tatiana never disappoints. If you are speeding up the experience, don't venture far above 1.1x territory if you want to enjoy it. Now I'll look for the second season, yay!
May 29, 2021
I started listening to this now that they're releasing it in podcast form, but I got engaged in the story enough to subscribe to Realm so I could finish it without waiting for weekly releases.
The eight-year time gap between the end of the series and this works to its advantage, particularly in how it lets Kira and Charlotte (now young adults) be actual characters. The time gap also lets the plot here stand on its own more (I'm glad I didn't need to remember the intricacies of the various factions and conspiracies from the show to appreciate this).
It's not perfect (in particular, ), but neither was the original show, and on the whole I'd put it on par with the show's better seasons.
Overall, it's a worthy continuation and I'm excited to listen to season 2 later this year.
The eight-year time gap between the end of the series and this works to its advantage, particularly in how it lets Kira and Charlotte (now young adults) be actual characters. The time gap also lets the plot here stand on its own more (I'm glad I didn't need to remember the intricacies of the various factions and conspiracies from the show to appreciate this).
It's not perfect (in particular, ), but neither was the original show, and on the whole I'd put it on par with the show's better seasons.
Overall, it's a worthy continuation and I'm excited to listen to season 2 later this year.
November 24, 2020
I had a little trouble jumping into this novel, which was maybe because I had to go through the adjustment process from a TV-formatted story, to the written form... or maybe because the newness of clones seems to have worn off a tad, but for whatever the reason it took a while before I got into it, but soon found myself completely engaged in the novel!
In this Chapter, the clones have been outted to the press, and now must learn to deal with all the publicity... and their own infamous past!
I couldn't have come up with a better narrator for this book, not even if I'd thought about it... after all, Tatiana Maslany IS the voice of the clones! Kudos to Serial Box for securing Tatiana's services (for what I believe is her first ever voice performance for a novel), and kudos to Tatiana Maslany for pulling it off so well!
In this Chapter, the clones have been outted to the press, and now must learn to deal with all the publicity... and their own infamous past!
I couldn't have come up with a better narrator for this book, not even if I'd thought about it... after all, Tatiana Maslany IS the voice of the clones! Kudos to Serial Box for securing Tatiana's services (for what I believe is her first ever voice performance for a novel), and kudos to Tatiana Maslany for pulling it off so well!
January 27, 2020
Let me be clear THIS IS A MUST FOR ANY ORPHAN BLACK FAN! I was skeptical to learn that there was a continuation of the series, however when I heard it was read by the main actress, I figured I'd give it a shot. It was truly amazing. It takes place 8 years after the show ended. The title "The Next Chapter" is very fitting, as this felt like a new chapter, not a forced continuation. Could they do another book to follow up to this one? Yes. Do they need to? No. Do I want them to? HELL YES!
This is a Serial Box exclusive - you can read it as an e-book or listen as an audio. Very much worth the $10.
This is a Serial Box exclusive - you can read it as an e-book or listen as an audio. Very much worth the $10.
September 21, 2020
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS. I didn't know how much I needed to revisit the Orphan Black world until I listened to this excellent audiobook. Tatiana Maslany narrating made this something really special, and it was like being reunited with old friends hearing her do Cosima, Allison, Helena, and Sarah's voices again. I am equally stunned (though I don't know why, given how talented she is) at her spot-on voice for Delphine, also for Bell, as well as the distinctive voices she donned for all the other characters too. Story-wise, I loved that Kira and Charlotte became main players in the story now that they are grown. I'm so excited for a series 2!
November 4, 2020
The Tv series was entirely addictive so I was very excited to have the opportunity to read an advanced copy through NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity. I loved this book too. The story didn’t disappoint. The authors start this next chapter several years after the TV series story ends. All the characters you love from the original (that lived) return. I love that the authors reintroduce the characters as the face common, everyday life struggles. But they also have a new enemy or enemies to face. I don’t want to include spoilers but there are twists and challenges to overcome once again but as a family now. Looking forward to the third chapter.
January 3, 2020
This was very true to the tone of the show, without feeling repetitive. Tatiana Maslany gives a fantastic performance reprising her clone roles, as well as several other characters. However, her base-level narration was very flat and kind of awkward. It was so jarring to go back and forth between dialogue (which was dynamic and fantastic) and description (which was monotonous). The story wraps up nicely while leaving enough unanswered questions to invite further seasons. Personally, I found a lot of the sound effects distracting, but it was worth it to revisit some old favorite characters.
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