N. Houghton

This compilation includes a little something for everyone. That's its strength and its weakness. One of the drawbacks to audible compilations is that you can't flip through the stories to see if they balance in favor of your taste. Overall I am not disappointed that I bought this selection.

I read this because I was told I must. Best thing since JK Rowling... I wish! Every book is written with author's intent and received with readers perspective. Since this was presented to me as a juvenile/young adult fiction I must judge its value as such from a retired educator's perspective.

The video game feel made me uneasy but I hoped that some moral resolution would justify this as a device to reach young readers. Unfortunately, although the situation into which these young people were put, while clearly unconscionable was simply accept and never resolved. This is the type of fiction that is fine for s adult with a clearly established moral code. For a teenager without that, and I know way to many, it was disturbing. It's not fantastical vampires and werewolves, it's children wantonly killing other children and even the heroines actions are never really resolved. It felt like watching South Park with boys and young men, cheering on a laughing at racism, homophobia and gore that never saw the irony that makes it funny.

I understand the sequels resolve some of these issues, but I didn't care enough to return to find out.

I feel like these guys are family and I just want to shake 'em and say.... "Get it together!" But their's is a very believable relationship of two men who come from worlds where homophobic standards are imposed. I do have to say that despite that, the end of this one is just out of left field. We need a resolution!

This reader is awful. Where's the fire? He obviously can't wait to get out of the studio and speeds through the story a record pace. There is a way on my player to set the story to double time if I'm in a hurry... but this guy takes all emotion out of the story.

What a storyteller. And he has found a great vehicle in this story. "Can't put it down" story and great narration. My only issue is that the narrator is a bit over the top in his stereotypical portrayal of a some characters. It's a fine line to walk. He does help to keep characters distinct and is obviously a talented performer.

I am a mature gay man and not a pedophile. I listen to this kind of fiction with an ear toward what I wish was available when I was growing up gay. I have mixed feeling about the graphic sexual conduct. A straight version of this story, while including the sex would hardly be as explicit, making it more acceptable to parents to recommend it as a coming of age story that would speak to the universality love. But it is what it is, and I wish it were available 40 years ago.

This was well worth it. Alan Cumming is a favorite and so versatile. Tim Curry never disappoints. The only thing missing from Audible's production is a cast list. I recognized some narrators that I had listen to before, but think they all deserve credit for the job well done. Lucy's naivety, and Minna steadfast strength for instance deserve crediting. I was disappointed when this was not a part of the concluding credits.

If other reviewers could not be swept up in the production, perhaps it is due to a distaste for the genre. I like a good vampire tale as much as the next person, but this sheds so much light on how far we have come from the mother of all tales, where more is implied than exposed.

This is a boring story. No matter what strange wrapping the author uses it is still just boring. Perhaps intended to send the message that there is no conflict between same-sex love and religion, this book only cheapens a laudable goal.

I have spent a great deal of my life spreading the Good Word that God loves us and wants us tove each other. This tale, if it makes it into the hands of those who disagree.will only elicit, "See! This is where the slippery slope leads!"

Ouch. Offensive.

Even if the mystery were not riveting, which it is, Burke's skills of engaging the listener in and environment sent me to research more about the setting. I thought I knew what a Bayou was but I really do and have a much better sense of Louisiana geography in general.

The characters are well developed, the narrator brought them to life. Thoroughly enjoyable. I am off to visit Dave and Clete again soon.

What a great idea! I wanted to listen to the complete old testament especially and this seemed an approachable way to do. I don't share the views of the commentator and there is so much here that is speaking to s specific people in a specific time... but everyone should read The Bible at least once. What really makes this recording annoying is the trashy Muzak in in the background and the Echo Chamber for the voice of God. Certainly there are great actors that could convey authority without this trite device.