The Perfect Run Audiobook – The Perfect Run, Book 1

One rainy Portland afternoon, as the sky painted my living room windows with watercolor streaks, I found myself drawn into the chaotic charm of “The Perfect Run.” As someone who listens to audiobooks during daily walks or while working on an art project, this story was a vivid companion—a testament to just how transformative a well-produced audiobook can be.

From the opening chapters, Ryan “Quicksave” Romano’s gift—creating save-points in his own life and reliving moments after each demise—struck a nostalgic chord. It reminded me of those old video games I played growing up, feverishly replaying levels until every move felt right. Yet here, it isn’t about achieving high scores but navigating moral choices in a world that refuses simple answers.

New Rome is not your run-of-the-mill dystopian cityscape; it’s pulsing with corporate conspiracies, superpowered heroes-for-hire, villainous masterminds, and monstrous chaos at every turn. Maxime J. Durand and Void Herald have crafted more than just another science fantasy setting—they’ve built an environment alive with consequences where every decision ripples outwards. There were times I paused mid-listen to reflect: if given endless do-overs like Ryan, would I strive for heroism—or cave to easier temptations? The book left me questioning my own understanding of redemption and what “the perfect ending” could possibly mean.

A huge part of what kept me glued was Eric Michael Summerer’s narration. His performance balances subtlety with energy; Ryan feels wonderfully human—sometimes wryly self-deprecating or exhausted by failure, other times fiercely determined or deeply compassionate. Summerer gives voice to New Rome’s vibrant supporting cast too: from charming allies to menacing adversaries, each character stands distinct yet interconnected in the messy game of survival and ambition.

There’s something joyfully subversive about following a protagonist who tries—and fails—over and over again (a feeling painfully familiar from both real life and those art projects that never seem quite finished). For all its high-stakes action scenes (and they are plentiful), “The Perfect Run” shines brightest when grappling with ambiguity: Is success measured by winning? By helping others? Or simply by refusing to give up hope?

If I had one minor criticism—at nearly eighteen hours long—the pacing sometimes lingers on certain loops longer than necessary. But honestly? The immersive storytelling made even the slower moments feel worthwhile; they’re often packed with witty dialogue or philosophical musings that lingered long after my headphones were off.

Accessibility is another plus—the audio format opens this universe up for so many listeners (especially those juggling busy schedules or facing barriers to traditional reading). And as someone always searching for fresh genres or hidden gems among audiobook shelves, discovering this blend of LitRPG mechanics with heartfelt adventure felt like stumbling upon a secret level in my favorite game.

In short: If you’ve ever wished you could rewind your biggest mistakes—or if you crave stories where triumph means learning from countless wrong turns—you’ll find yourself swept away by Ryan Romano’s relentless journey through New Rome. “The Perfect Run” is audaciously inventive storytelling brought vividly alive through sound—a memorable escape for anyone willing to hit play and start anew alongside its endearing hero.