Michigan, USA | Member Since 2010
"Hilarious!"
This book is funny enough that I could have laughed throughout most of it - except that the narration was so over-the-top dramatic and serious. Narrator did a good job with the voices, but the rest of the story - all the same - sloooooowwwww and dramaaaatiiiiiiic. That would have been great for parts of the story, but not for ALL of it. I still enjoyed the book, but the narrator made it hard to get going. Once I got used to him, I ignored him and enjoyed the story. Make sure to listen to the sample!
"Sweet"
Savannah Reid is my kind of heroine! She's comfortable with her body, won't let others push her around, and is warm, loyal, and loving to her friends and family. She is also really funny! Loved hearing some familiar 'southernisms' coming out of her mouth. Dina Pearlman did her usual great job as a narrator - good accents without going over the top. A great start to a fun series.
"Edge of my seat"
Edge of evil is the beginning of another series by J. A. Jance, starring Ally Reynolds. She is a tv news anchor who is fired because of her age, and she won't stand for it! Then her childhood best friend is found dead, and she has more to think about than losing a job. I really enjoyed the writing here, it sounded more like a real person's life, with several story lines that are handled admirably. I read this book when it first came out, and enjoyed this narration. When the narrator's style blends in so well that you don't notice the narrator - that is when it is done right!
"Needs a new narrator"
A mix of mystery, procedural, romance, and written like a YA. The story is ok, but the narration is so bad I wouldn't have listened to the end except I had no wireless connection and no other books to listen to on a long trip. The southern accents make everyone sound like a fool, and the whole recording sounded like it was done at the bottom of a well. Not recommended unless you're desperate!
"Honor's honor"
The second book in the series introduces the planet Grayson, and its misogynistic people. But not as misogynistic as the Masadans! Honor once again saves the day, several times, and manages to make some powerful enemies as well as some good friends. The narrator did an excellent job, even with all the different characters she has to voice.
"On Basilisk Station"
This is the first book in the Honor Harrington series, and there are 12 more at this time, plus several collections of short stories in the Honorverse. I have read them, and own many, but was reluctant to listen to them because of my main complaint with these books - too many meetings and conversations to explain plot points. I found though, that the narrator did a great job of making even those tedious parts interesting! I am purchasing more, and hoping they continue be this good. I appreciate DW's explanation about the pronunciation of Manticoran. Otherwise, I would have been really irritated! Mispronunciations are a pet peeve of mine!
"Starts slow, but hang on!"
Another in the retrieval artist series. This is not a stand-alone book, since there are many references to previous ones, and it would be hard to care about the characters if you don't know who they are. Several different threads are going at once, but they do come together! I found it a bit slow at first, but by the end my heart was racing! Looking forward to the next in the series!
"Great Story"
Another story in the Liaden Universe! Yaaaay! It is well-written, though it seems (except for one scene) that the target audience may be YA. Doesn't bother me at all, just realize that the majority of the story is from the viewpoint of young adolescents. The narrator did an OK job, though I wish the various narrators would use the same pronunciation of Liaden words! Or even the word Liaden! Also, pronouncing 'kompani' as if it were 'company' just didn't make sense to me. All in all, a good addition to the universe.
"Excellent short story"
This is the first time I've listened to this author's work, and I was impressed. Writing a good short story is difficult, especially for one who usually writes full length novels. And she did a fine job, with decent character development, and an excellent mystery. I will be checking out her full length works. Thanks for the free introduction!
"Uh-oh! Talk your way out of this one"
Yes, it's getting better, and the plot lines are starting to come out. It can't be easy writing an entire book that is made up of short stories that are interrelated, but so far, Scalzi is managing it. I do wish he would find words other than 'said' for his dialogue. Gets irritating! He does this in all his books, so I guess it won't change anytime soon. If these stories are your first introduction to Scalzi, try some of his other books to get a better idea of his writing style. I especially recommend Fuzzy Nation or Agent to the Stars.
"Chilling"
Some reviewers complained about this short story, but I found it well written and well performed. Yes, it isn't really a stand alone story, unless you like unresolved stories (remember reading The Lottery in high school English class?), but I found myself hoping for a good ending. You find out what happened to this colony in the next installment.