Chantelle

I didn't find a problem with the narration as others have, but I'm just about done with reading/listening to anymore of this author because of his relentless sadism. He has a real problem! The torture involved in these books is unhealthy and revolting. Three books in and I dont think I can hear anymore, but to be honest, I'm pretty sure I can predict the rest of the series because the books follow a pretty lame repetition. I did like the first book - aside from the violence and torture, but they have gotten worse and I'm almost afraid to hear anymore.

The story isnt bad but can be slow and not in the way that it would increase suspense. The narrator reads the entire story with a depressing overly dramatic affectation of doom. Right from the start his voice seems to tell us this story won't end well. Reminds me of the way Vincent Price use to talk.

Its hard to like a book when there isnt a single character you can root for. By the time I was just over halfway through I was ready to stop. Only the need to finish each book I start kept me going but I wont listen to it again and I'm glad I didnt buy the hard copy. Narrators are great, the story would be great but the writer doesnt give the reader a character we can sympathize with or feel empathy for.

Just a personal preference but I found it very irritating that most of the story is told in a hushed/whispered/breathless voice. It did get better as it went and I can see how others may enjoy a breathy voice, for me it detracted from the story.

Coming from the Brat Pack Era myself it was fascinating to hear 'behind the scene' stories from all those great 80's movies - from Outsiders to St. Elmo's Fire - and as I took the advise of a previous reviewer, I need to re-state that having Rob read his life story with all the WONDERFUL impersonations he does really made this book more memorable.

Good story but there are interludes of loud brash music which is supposed to be background music but drowns out the reader and is just horrible. The female reader is really good but Stephen King does not fit in the narration. It would have been better with just the female narrator. The story gets intense, weird and empowering (for women at least). A good display of how reality can create a madness in a person.

Reminds me of vintage King. I couldn't wait to listen and at the same time tried to force myself to make it last. Overuse of the word obdurate but that is the only complaint. Makes you wonder, allows you to imagine the possibility of a different outcome if you change a pivotal moment in the past.

I love Bryce Courtenay and have listened to most of his books, loved the first book but this sequel seemed a bit like a history class, too preachy. I found myself drifting off in some parts when the detailed history became too long. Still one of my favorite writers though.

I've tried three times now, the narrator makes me cringe, shes SO hysterical and dramatic its like nails on a chalkboard. I picked this book based on the ratings and some of the positive reviews but trust me DO NOT GET THIS BOOK IF YOU HAVENT LISTENED TO THE PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES. The author has not made this a stand alone book, it requires the backstory but the main character is too busy convulsing in dramatic fits to give us an adequate history. I'M so ticked that I wasted a credit on this book. I made it to 3 hrs in and wince when I think of continuing.

Absolutley Fantastic....hooked right away and I found myself frustrated that I did not have a hardcopy so I could peek at the pages ahead. Very good characters and we arent overwhelmed with back history, there is some jumping back and forth but it works, evil protagonists, good twists and the end didn't feel rushed but it left me really wanting a sequel....