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The Hike: A Novel Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Drew Magary (Author), Christopher Lane (Narrator), Brilliance Audio (Publisher)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 3,800 ratings
4.0 on Goodreads
24,385 ratings
Editors' pick Best Science Fiction & Fantasy
See all formats and editions

"The Hike just works. It's like early, good Chuck Palahniuk. . . . Magary underhands a twist in at the end that hits you like a sharp jab at the bell. . . . It’s just that good." —NPR.org

“Inventive, funny. . . . Quietly profound and touching.”—BoingBoing

From the author of The Postmortal, a fantasy saga unlike any you’ve read before, weaving elements of folk tales and video games into a riveting, unforgettable adventure of what a man will endure to return to his family

When Ben, a suburban family man, takes a business trip to rural Pennsylvania, he decides to spend the afternoon before his dinner meeting on a short hike. Once he sets out into the woods behind his hotel, he quickly comes to realize that the path he has chosen cannot be given up easily. With no choice but to move forward, Ben finds himself falling deeper and deeper into a world of man-eating giants, bizarre demons, and colossal insects.

On a quest of epic, life-or-death proportions, Ben finds help comes in some of the most unexpected forms, including a profane crustacean and a variety of magical objects, tools, and potions. Desperate to return to his family, Ben is determined to track down the "Producer," the creator of the world in which he is being held hostage and the only one who can free him from the path.

At once bitingly funny and emotionally absorbing, Magary’s novel is a remarkably unique addition to the contemporary fantasy genre, one that draws as easily from the world of classic folk tales as it does from video games. In The Hike, Magary takes readers on a daring odyssey away from our day-to-day grind and transports them into an enthralling world propelled by heart, imagination, and survival.

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  1. Listening Length
    8 hours and 4 minutes
  2. Author
    Drew Magary
  3. Narrator
    Christopher Lane
  4. Audible release date
    August 2, 2016
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Brilliance Audio
  7. ASIN
    B01HIJ011I
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
3,800 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story compelling and memorable with fun twists and turns. They describe the book as a quick, fun read that moves along at a quick pace without feeling rushed. Readers praise the writing style as well-written and solid. The book provides an interesting perspective on life's biggest decisions and keeps them entranced. They appreciate the humor and lighthearted tone, finding it lighthearted yet thought-provoking. Overall, customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable.

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Story qualityReadabilityPacingWriting styleThought provokingHumorEase of useCharacter development
204 customers mention "Story quality"170 positive34 negative

Customers find the story engaging and memorable. They appreciate the brilliant premise and fun twists and turns that keep the story moving at a fast pace. The book is described as thought-provoking, funny, and profound.

"Unbelievable story. Stumbled upon this recommendation randomly but I’m glad I did. This book will not disappoint and is a quick read...." Read more

"...I definitely recommend reading this book. It's fast paced, unique, and will leave you with a new perspective on life...." Read more

"...in particular, truly caught me off guard—it was so, so good, tying the story together in a way that was both surprising and deeply satisfying...." Read more

"I couldn't put this down. It is very fast paced and action packed. I think this book is appropriate for many levels of reading comprehensions...." Read more

173 customers mention "Readability"169 positive4 negative

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable. They describe the story as memorable, funny, and surreal, requiring suspension of disbelief to enjoy. The fantasy leaves readers feeling satisfied, though they would like more books.

"...It's fast paced, unique, and will leave you with a new perspective on life...." Read more

"...The ending, in particular, truly caught me off guard—it was so, so good, tying the story together in a way that was both surprising and deeply..." Read more

"...Was it about memories and paths not taken? I guess so. It was fun. Just not what I was expecting." Read more

"I would never pick a "fantasy" for my book club, but I loved this book. What an imagination Magary has. A great page turner." Read more

52 customers mention "Pacing"48 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it fast-paced and easy to read, starting immediately. The storytelling doesn't feel rushed or strained, making it a quick and enjoyable read.

"...This book will not disappoint and is a quick read...." Read more

"...I definitely recommend reading this book. It's fast paced, unique, and will leave you with a new perspective on life...." Read more

"I couldn't put this down. It is very fast paced and action packed. I think this book is appropriate for many levels of reading comprehensions...." Read more

"I liked the pace of the storytelling. But really kept reading in hopes the story would get ‘less random’ if that is such a thing...." Read more

39 customers mention "Writing style"33 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find it well-written, easy to read, and engaging. The prose is thick, the plot is quirky, and the book is appropriate for different reading comprehension levels. Readers appreciate the author's work and consider it an unpredictable and different read.

"...shifts rapidly between surreal landscapes and encounters, Magary’s clear, confident storytelling ensures that the plot remains easy to follow...." Read more

"...I think this book is appropriate for many levels of reading comprehensions. It is very well written...." Read more

"...It’s a good trip, though. Magary’s writing is light and easy to read. He mixes humor and imagination with light-handed insight...." Read more

"...In some ways this book was very quick to read, took me less than a week and the writing style was simple yet effective...." Read more

38 customers mention "Thought provoking"38 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking and funny. It offers an interesting perspective on life's biggest decisions. The story is relatable with absurd parallels to real-life struggles. They appreciate the sense of humor and gritty determination. The story keeps readers entranced and guessing, with each chapter helping them explore the world further. Overall, customers describe the book as a mind-bending adventure that is full of wisdom.

"...There was a very humanistic approach to it all...." Read more

"...Through it all is a story of love and hope and existentialism. Very fun read!" Read more

"...fact, this book does not stink at all and is one of the best, most thought-provoking, funny and profound science fiction novels I've ever read...." Read more

"...However, Drew Magary makes the story feel modern, relatable and laugh out loud funny..." Read more

35 customers mention "Humor"35 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find the dialogue and banter between Ben and the crab hilarious. The pacing is quick and lighthearted, but thought-provoking.

"...In fact some of the dialogue and banter between Ben and the crab are hilarious and some of the best parts of the book...." Read more

"...does not stink at all and is one of the best, most thought-provoking, funny and profound science fiction novels I've ever read...." Read more

"...However, it was a light and easy read, it did make me laugh, and it was imaginative and detailed in a way that truly conjured a vibrant scene in one..." Read more

"...I loved the characters, the pacing, the writing, the humor, and especially the ending. Give this a read, you’ll have a blast!" Read more

10 customers mention "Ease of use"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and understand. They say it's a light, fun read with simple language that anyone can understand. Readers also mention that the fast-changing scenes are distinct enough for them to finish the book easily.

"...I read it in a couple of days--if you want a quick and easy, albeit unconventional, book to read then you should pick this up." Read more

"...Easy to get through in one sitting, but fast-changing scenes are distinct enough that it's also a good "pick up when you have small chunks of..." Read more

"...absurd, awaits you at the end of this book... it's a light read, nothing complex. Bubblegum fiction...." Read more

"...A sci-fi novel that anyone can read, understand and even follow...." Read more

23 customers mention "Character development"16 positive7 negative

Customers have different views on the character development. Some find the characters interesting and colorful, with a unique plot. Others feel the characters lack development and there is no real exposition. The protagonist is also described as annoying and unnatural.

"...Really fun plot points and twisty supporting characters that Ben meets along his journey. Enjoy!" Read more

"...No long, slow character building here. You get thrust right into it!..." Read more

"...The only downside was that the main character was kind of a wimp and lacked in deserving empathy from the reader...." Read more

"...I love the story, the characters, the plot twist at the end, and everything about this book!..." Read more

Well Written by a shabbily dressed author
5 out of 5 stars
Well Written by a shabbily dressed author
Although the author is a Vikings fan and in general a horrible person he can write. The book was a fast read and interesting the whole way through. Having lived in Pennsylvania for 8 years I can see reality in the book even though it's fiction. Not the dog faced men or the talking crab mind you. But thousands of dead deer on the roads and endless mountain hikes that make you pine for a garden to tend to if only it will get you off the path. Buy it. You'll enjoy it. I think.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Andrew D
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a trip!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Unbelievable story. Stumbled upon this recommendation randomly but I’m glad I did. This book will not disappoint and is a quick read. Without giving away too much- think of a twisted and crazier version of Alice and wonderland combined with the Wizard of Oz that meets Kurt Vonnegut. Really fun plot points and twisty supporting characters that Ben meets along his journey. Enjoy!
    Helpful
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  • Cat
    4.0 out of 5 stars What a great story!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book comes in hot pretty much right off the bat! No long, slow character building here. You get thrust right into it!

    There was a point where I was SO disheartened I wasn't sure I was going to push through but I'm glad I did!

    And what an ending! Holy cow! I won't spoil anything but man what a way to end such a story!

    I definitely recommend reading this book. It's fast paced, unique, and will leave you with a new perspective on life.

    The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because IF I were to ever re-read a book, this wouldn't be one I would choose. Please don't misunderstand, I loved this book! It's just not the type of book I would have as much pleasure reading a second time. Man was it good the first time though!
    One person found this helpful
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  • PJ Rubio
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Drew Magary’s The Hike masterfully weaves an unpredictable narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. While the story shifts rapidly between surreal landscapes and encounters, Magary’s clear, confident storytelling ensures that the plot remains easy to follow. The constant twists and turns make for a thrilling, imaginative journey where the unexpected is the norm. The ending, in particular, truly caught me off guard—it was so, so good, tying the story together in a way that was both surprising and deeply satisfying. A thoroughly enjoyable read that stays with you long after the final page.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars very fun & fast paced read
    Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I couldn't put this down. It is very fast paced and action packed. I think this book is appropriate for many levels of reading comprehensions. It is very well written.
    I can't wait to read his other book The Postmortal.
    Helpful
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  • Brian Jablonski
    3.0 out of 5 stars I read it all the way but not sure I can reco this book
    Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I liked the pace of the storytelling. But really kept reading in hopes the story would get ‘less random’ if that is such a thing. Dreamlike in a lot of ways. Maybe this was written for young adults and I missed that somehow. Was it about memories and paths not taken? I guess so. It was fun. Just not what I was expecting.
    Helpful
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  • Jim Reinhart
    4.0 out of 5 stars Annoying protagonist….
    Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    …but ending makes up for it, and the ending is why one hangs on….to see what happens. You know when people behave in a bothersome manner, like in a way no one would? It’s grating, but there are enough twists to make the journey interesting.

    And I’m still going to eat crab cakes. ( you’ll get it )
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Drew
    5.0 out of 5 stars Goosebumps!!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Not only did this book give me Allison in Wonderland vibes, but also is one of my six star books I’ve read this year. I love the story, the characters, the plot twist at the end, and everything about this book! Wish I could re-read this book for the first time every-time. I love the adventure the character takes and the “creatures” he meets along the way. This book made me overlook a key plot in the beginning of the book because it didn’t seem important and then turned around and made it the entire reason behind the ending of what happened! A must-read!
    One person found this helpful
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  • SC
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book is wild!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Highly recommend. Stumbled upon it by chance glad I did.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Amazon Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sollte man gelesen haben
    Reviewed in Germany on November 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Super Buch das zum nachdenken anregt
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars From horror to self-actualizing adventure
    Reviewed in Canada on April 24, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The art of storytelling is often abused, frequently poorly understood, but when executed well yields a story that flows well and is pleasurable to read.

    Drew Magary matches characters who mirror the everyman's insecurities with the self-determining hero we all aspire to (unless you're one of those wretches that ends a sentence with a preposition...). His narrative is well crafted, linking grand odyssey with the tropes of modern cinema all the while keeping the reader engaged. It's not necessarily the Most Brilliant Story Ever, Man, but it's a quality story that explores the frailty and resilience of the human condition.

    Certainly worth a read.
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  • Marco
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente libro
    Reviewed in Mexico on January 2, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Excelente historia! Me ha encantado todo el libro y espero que algún día la hagan película.
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  • Puggy
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Australia on August 29, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Well done
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  • Erin
    4.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly weird and wonderful
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This novel is a strange and hallucinatory journey, Weird Fic in all its glory. Though it may seem meandering at times, there is a core of momentum about it, and the ending definitely does it justice.
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