AUDIOBOOK

North Star Rising bit.ly/bithellpod

Bithell Games – of Thomas WasAlone, SubsurfaceCircular and JohnWickHex fame – has always had a penchant for unconventional releases. Now, the studio’s finished rolling out something entirely different: an audiobook. The six-episode science fiction drama, featuring the vocal talents of industry sweetheart Troy Baker, Hades star Francesca Hogan and spoken-word poet Scroobius Pip, centres on two Milton Keynes residents who suddenly find themselves aboard a mysterious starship. Journey composer Austin Wintory provides a stellar soundtrack, with Chris Randle on sound design: Mike Bithell weaves a tale filled with verve, humour, and optimism. It’s a heartening listen, and notionally free: if you like what you hear, Bithell Games suggests making a donation to your local food bank.