The Strain Audiobook By Guillermo del Toro, Chuck Hogan cover art

The Strain

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The Strain

By: Guillermo del Toro, Chuck Hogan
Narrated by: Ron Perlman
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“A high-tech vampire epic....Terrifying.”
—San Francisco Chronicle

“Part The Andromeda Strain, part Night of the Living Dead.”
—Salon.com

“Chuck Hogan is known for his taut thrillers, Guillermo del Toro for his surreal horror films…The Strain brings out the best of each.”
—Minneapolis Star Tribune

An epic battle for survival begins between man and vampire in The Strain—the first book in a heart-stopping trilogy from one of Hollywood’s most inventive storytellers and a critically acclaimed thriller writer. Guillermo del Toro, the genius director of the Academy Award-winning Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy, and Hammett Award-winning author Chuck Hogan have joined forces to boldly reinvent the vampire novel. Brilliant, blood-chilling, and unputdownable, The Strain is a nightmare of the first order.

©2009 Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan; (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers Adventure Fantasy Horror Science Fiction Supernatural Thriller & Suspense Scary Paranormal Fiction New York Warrior Exciting Vampires War

Featured Article: The 25 Best Vampire Audiobooks to Suck You In


Vampire stories have fascinated people across cultures for generations. From gothic Transylvania to early-aughts Washington, it seems like vampires have taken every form in every culture and every country around the world. From all of these options, we’ve selected 25 of the best audiobooks from the pack—those with the most captivating characters, creepiest settings, and, perhaps most importantly, the best vocal performances available.

Featured Article The 25 Best Vampire Audiobooks to Suck You In
Fresh Vampire Mythology • Scientific Horror Approach • Deep Resonant Voice • Well-developed Characters • Gripping Plot

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Really enjoyed this book. I was surprised by how quickly I went through this, given its length. I've seen other criticisms of Ron Perlman's narration, but I thought his reading and cadence were dead-on for the subject matter. The story's very cinematic, but what would you expect when of the authors is del Toro. Can't wait for Part 2.

Gripping Story, intense narration.

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The opening of this novel is very chilling, engaging and filled with promises for things to come.

Unfortunately this quickly changes into a "Night of the Living Dead" copy that just failed to keep me interested.

I liked the narrator - he kept me going when the story already failed me.

Suggestion: Listen for the first 30 minutes, then delete the file. It will make for a good open ended thrilling short novel ;-)

Good start - and big drop

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The reading is pretty well done, the story is sort of cheese, typical vampire stuff. Couple of fun scenes but didn't touch my love buttons

Sorta meh

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The reader made a LOT of difference. Smoothly transitioned between characters. The material is not especially original but the beginning is uniquely creepy and all the characters are well thought out. Kept me coming back for more. Ending was a bit anti-climactic but will say that I was HOOKED throughout.

SOLID LISTEN

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In listening to this (excellent narration by Ron Perlman - that was half the fun) I couldn't help but picture this more as a script than a book. I found the twists on vampire lore refreshing and unique compared to the few I've read - Ann Rice, Twilight books, first of the Sookie Stackhouse books (I won't read anymore at the risk of spoiling True Blood) and maybe a couple others over the years.

Very visual writing, goes for the gore and chill factors and I thought it delivered well. Interesting and diverse characters (reminded me a bit of Stephen King there) pulled together into what promises to be a great trilogy.

I won't be surprised to see this go to film and with Guillermo at the helm smells like a blockbuster.

Destined for the big screen?

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