"classic Conroy"
Well worth the wait. This new novel has a suspense element that I don't remember from any other Conroy books. Creepier than Prince of Tides, more menacing than Lords of Discipline. But at the same time, wonderful Charleston characters touching on the good parts of the Citadel and the bad parts of the challenges of integration in the south. Leo King turns out to be a lovely, flawed, very funny guy - a great hero. The cast of friends drew me in, and I loved visiting their world.
The narrator was superb. A great listen, start to finish.
"More unlikeable people"
It was a mistake to listen to this after A Casual Vacancy. So many unlikeable people in this one too! I had hoped for more intrigue or mystery or something - this book just wasn't my cup of tea. I figured it all out pretty early on and then just kept waiting for something surprising to happen. That being said, Gillian Flynn really created a complete world and cast - everyone is clear as a bell and very real, I just didn't like those people at all and didn't want to spend any time with them.
If you enjoy books where there's someone to root for, this is not it.
The narrators were really excellent, though.
"A very unlikeable cast"
Well, I listened to the whole thing...so that's something. It took a long time, though. The story is like a microscope on a small contingent of very unlikeable people. I wasn't invested in any of their lives, and felt a little like I was watching an episode of a horrible-secret-revealing daytime talk show. Not recommended.
"Something for everyone!"
Yes because of Wil Wheaton's narration. Maybe a little no also because there are a lot of lists...list of the current top 10 scorers, list of games, lists of computers, etc. I would probably have skimmed those in a regular book.
Wade was my favorite character. Smart, funny, humble, likeable - I wanted him to win the whole time.
Everything.
YES.
Props to Ernest Cline for creating a spectacular world. I love all the influences and how they rear their heads throughout the story, but Mr. Cline put it all together perfectly in his own very unique way. Who doesn't dream of a 'world' where there's a Firefly galaxy next to a Star Wars galaxy next to a Star Trek galaxy? And you can play quidditch? Totally awesome. Also, it's rare that a book appeals to both sexes equally, but I think this one does. Highly recommended, and totally credit-worthy!
"Cute, but Maggie is no Mo."
I'm a big Molly Harper fan. I didn't have as many laugh-out-loud moments with Maggie - she's a little more complicated than charming and funny Mo from the first book in the series, but I loved coming back to Grundy, AK. Very cute, light-hearted paranormal romance. I highly recommend Molly's Nice Girls Don't series. Amanda Ronconi is always great - so 5 stars for her!
"A sweet ending for the Septembers"
This last piece of the traveling pants story took a little while to get into. I think I struggled with the narration in the beginning - it starts out very buttoned up or maybe stodgy? Very careful pronunciation, not conversational at all, which would be how I hear the girls in my head. But after an hour or two, it seems to loosen up. By the end, it seemed much, much better. The story is kind of goes along with the narration...drags in the beginning...particularly with Lena and Carmen...sometimes I just wanted to shake them and make them have the necessary conversations to get their lives on track. But if another story about them was released, I'd snap it right up and listen or read it cover to cover, just like I did with this one. You can't not read the end of the series. Overall, I'm an Ann Brashares fan.
"Worth a credit for history buffs"
I was looking for more of a spy thriller, and The Company just moves too slow for that. Here's what I liked: awesome character development, interesting people put in very difficult situations...you end up cheering for the so-called villian more than once. Historically, I found it very compelling - a lot of times I headed straight to the internet to learn more about the different campaigns/battles/events. Bottom line, this book is LONG. I struggled to stay interested, it just doesn't have a quick pace, but I did finish it, and I'm glad I did. Definitely worth a credit.
"One of her best!"
I'm a big Sarah Dessen fan, but this might be my favorite yet. The narrator is perfect, really brings the characters to life AND has good comic timing! Highly recommended if you're looking for a good YA novel with great characters.
"A lovely generational mystery"
I loved this one. Great narration by Caroline Lee. Wonderful story telling (including original fairy tales!) by Kate Morton. There's a little darkness, a little magic - not literally, it's just a feeling. I think if you liked the Thirteenth Tale, you'll like this. I'd say it's not as fast-paced, but excellent the whole way through.
"Credit Worthy!"
Wow - I am not generally a Stephen King fan, but I loved every bit of this one. I kept imagining a dome coming down as I was driving on the highway. Totally crazy to imagine - and King does it in full detail. This is a long one, but it holds your attention throughout. Narration is superb - distinctive voices for all of the huge cast.
Although King does go for full detail on some gore and depravity, this isn't a horror novel at all. I'd say it will appeal to anyone who likes a good small-town story, where the characters rule the roost. Human nature under a magnifying glass. With a little science fiction thrown in for good measure. Highly recommended!