"A man and his dog win again"
Being a retired Law Enforcement Officer, I really appreciated the story, and the "fairly accurate" portrayal of cops in the LA area. I say fairly accurate, because it is very difficult to describe being a cop in LA unless you've been there, but Crais does a fair job. Better than that was the story line and Crais' understanding and presentation of how a K-9 Officer (i.e. the dog) brings an amazing amount to the table with his or her God-given abilities. Dogs in general are amazing. Police K-9's are a true miracle, absolutely wonderful critters, loyal, courageous and tireless, selfless. They serve with the purest of motives and ask only to be with their partner so they can do whatever he or she needs to do. Once you've been around these great dogs you can't help but marvel at the wonder of such special beings. If you love dogs, you'll love this read.
"I Admit, I Left This One Unfinished"
I should have heeded the review that complained about the yelling and whining. I suppose if one read a hardcopy it wouldn't have the same annoying impact as the audio version. The first 20 "pages" were all I could do. The story opens with the main character, a teen girl, Alex, arguing with her aunt on the phone. The aunt feels she needs to yell her half of the conversation. Then Alex meets a truly annoying child that screams, pouts, cries and verbally abuses her grandfather/guardian. Frankly after listening to that I found I could care less about the story.
I like the narrator and have heard her other work but even she couldn't pull this out. I may try it again later and if I can get through it, I'll change the review, but right now I can't do it. The yelling, whining and the attitude of the 8 year old child in the story totally turned me off...and consequently off went my iPod.
"Loved the First Book, This One is Even Better!"
Outpost is action from start to finish. This book does not have a dull moment. There is a love triangle, zombie-like creatures, and family dynamics, to name a few elements. The narrator was good, but the accents were a little inconsistent. At one point they sound like they are from Boston, the next like they are from the South. But that is a small complaint because overall it was great. The hard part is now waiting for the third book, Horde, to come out!
"Best Dystopian Novel in a Long Time"
Have to say I loved this book start to finish. There is never a dull moment and I thought the author did a great job of creating unique characters. I disagree with criticisms of the narrator. I liked her and the way she performed this book and the sequel, Outpost.
"Easy Listening"
I enjoyed this book very much. I read it in hard copy first and wanted to go through it again in audio. Kevin Sorbo has a very pleasant voice and because he is reading his own story, it feels almost like he's talking to you. The chapters read by his wife are pleasant as well. I would recommend this to any one who is a Hercules, or Kevin Sorbo fan. There is so much more to the actor and his personal life than was ever made public.
"Thank You for a New Narrator"
Have always loved this book and when I found it in unabridged form I was thrilled. The first copy I purchased was narrated by the author, and while I love her books - I could not stand the sound of her voice. I was never able to get through the audio version because of it.
Now this new narrator is great and gives the feel of Meg Murray and her family. She does a great job. Story, great, narrator great - definitely recommended.
"I Was Worried After the Reviews I Read"
Loved the book, even though it is marketed as young adult. Carrie Ryan is a great writer. When I decided I wanted the audio book, I read the reviews here of Vane's narrating and the news was not good. I decided to do it anyway.
I have to say I have heard better readers, but I got used to her about a quarter of the way through and it was no longer an issue. Really enjoyed this story in both print and audio. I would recommend it.
"I Love Star Trek Voyager but..."
I really enjoyed the start of this book and thought it was going somewhere exciting, but the author goes back in time to a character's past ever other chapter so it is hard to stay with the story. I love Mulgrew's reading and yes, she is Janeway, but this book is not only short, it is putting me to sleep. By the way, why don't they do unabridged versions of these stories? They deserve the full treatment.
"Left Wanting More"
I suppose it is the hallmark of a good writer when you finish one of their books and begin looking for more. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. The smart talking, wise-cracking, yet tortured Samantha Moon is a delight.
This particular book was probably the weakest of the 4, maybe because I knew it was the last and I wanted more. The story lines are fairly simple but Samantha's struggle to accept all things vampire keep the plot moving. I hope Mr. Rain will write more for this series. I have to compliment the narrator. She brings the story to life and you can see the self-assured, wise-cracking Sam blowing a bubble when she finds she can chew gum and getting it in her hair. Dina Pearlman does an outstanding job.
More please!
"Good Stuff for Twilight Fans"
I enjoyed the book very much and likewise the audio version. In particular, I loved the narrator's voice. She became Bella to me. She does a great job of changing tone and tenor for different characters. The book moves along well, the characters are true to their original story. I really liked it, but it is not a stand-alone. Read book one first before trying this one.