Marco

This is an introductory novel to the then new campaign setting for Dungeons & Dragons. Every now and then, mixed with and in explanation of some parts of the plot, there are excursions on the races, societies, and magical aspects of the world. The way the story and the explanations mingle together is well crafted (a long way since the Forgotten Realms and better than Dragonlance).

The heroes of the story are all interesting. Maybe my favourite is Daine, probably the main male protagonist. I like that way the character has religious doubts and doubts altogether on what to do next, after the Last War. That's the kind of character I like best.

Certainly a professional, maybe his voice sounds too "old" for these characters (all young or young-ish). Nice rhythm.

I'd suggest this book to any D&D geek, like myself, or to anyone who wants a good introduction to fantasy fiction. The narrator has certainly done his job, but I would have preferred a younger voice. He tries to give each character their own unique voice, but sometimes the effect is slightly comical (the warforged and occasionally Lei). Still, the narration is smooth and the audiobook is certainly worth its credit!

Absolutely. The performance is excellent and the plot is engaging. Maybe this novel doesn't shine like Pillars of the Earth, but it's worthwhile to read it,

Its predecessor, "Pillars of the Earth". Same pacing, same kind of characters with motivations and psychological background.

The women in general. Gwenda, Caris, Lady Philippa, the abbess... he has a certain skill to make them alive and real while his voice is definitely male.

"What Real Aristocracy Is", or something of the kind. One of the themes is the downfall of aristocrats and peasants, the ascendancy of some and the despair of others. Ralph has his own notion of what being an aristocrat is, his brother Merthin another. It's interesting to see the "new" mentality develop (and we are still struggling today with this idea that there's a "divine" right to something... people would not acknowledge this, but they behave like Ralph most of the time).

Great performance by John Lee. A must if into Ken Follett or historical novels.

There's something different in this new trilogy from the "classical" ones, the Chronicles and the Legends. The authors evidently decided that something different must be done to revitalize the brand. Herington's performance is very good, even though her portrayal of some of the elves is slightly comical (Samar for instance).

My favourite character is, and always will be, Laurana. Since the first trilogy, she stands apart because she grows as a person in a "believable" way. From elfmaiden to general and first class politician,

Too long. But the performer's reading was just about right, It is a pleasure to listen to.

I'll certainly buy the other two titles in the series. Eagerly anticipating Ax Norman's new versions of the Chrinicles. I'm sure he's done an excellent job.

This is a nice listening for everyone who loves the tv show, not the novels. L. J. Smith's work is always very good: there are interesting characters and situations, descriptions are apt without being overwhelming, and the pacing is the right one for a vampire story.
The narration though is not a great one: the performer is almost always using the same tone, his portrayal of female characters is sometimes comical (Stefan's fiancee for instance) and overall he doesn't create the same sense of foreboding and despair that Rebecca Mozo provides in her performance of the main novels.
It's OK if you love the tv show, but for the original series reader it's rather disappointing (though not seriously so).

No, I wouldn't. Martin has done a geat job with this series and the great success of the TV show is just a confirmation of it. The audiobook makes up for a nice listening as the performer did a great job with Matin's words. I am not overly fond of his voice, too husky in my opinion.

For me, the Lady moment (I won't be specific in order not to spoil the book to future readers/listeners). It's the first time that a certain "pettiness" of a certain character is shown. When I got to that part, I knew that I was reading not only a fantasy novel, but a "mature" fantasy novel as well.

A certain objectivity. I am not an impartial reader, I take side more often than not and it's very easy to do this with this series. Dotrice's reading is flawless this way, he doesn't give away any particular emotion unless it's expressed by the character or intended by the author.

Probably one of the best fantasy series so far, the world of "A Song of Ice and Fire" is brutal, unforgiving, and full of unresolved situations. Dotrice's reading of the book gives the story the correct aura, in my opinion, even though sometimes can be a little comical (the portrayal of the Imp, or Lord Varys for that matter). Still, thousands of pages, hundreds of characters... he's done an excellent job. I would have preferred a younger voice, but this is just a personal preference, nothing to do with the quality of the performance.

Yes, I would. The narrator has done an excellent job in bringing to life the little town of Pagford and all its little and big problems.

My favourite characters are Sukvinder Jawanda and Andrew Price. I think the narrator has succeeded in expressing Sukvinder's solitude and Andrew's interior rage. Also the way he has portrayed Andrew's mother, Ruth, is on par with the overall ability of the narrator to bring the characters to life.

Probably Parminder Jawanda, and her secret love for Barry Fairbrother. Another character I liked in Hollander's performance is Nana Cath, with all her swearing and her low class English accent!

Barchester Chronicles meet Peyton Place!

The story of "A Casual Vacancy" is a nice one, penned to remember people where real courage and strength lie. I'd recommend this book, and the audiobook, to anyone who's in a blue moment to remind them that there are values that are beyond our petty lives and the pettiness of others. While I was reading some parts of the novel, my eyes were moist and the same thing happened while I was listening to the audiobook; that's a clear sign for me that Mr. Hollander has done its job correctly. So, I highly recommend the listening of this audiobook!

Paul Boehmer has done a good job with this. I'm sorry Ax Norman didn't get the chance to re-record the books himself, as I'm sure he could have done a good job too. Unfortunately, his previous performance was not excellent. I'm back to reading Dragonlance books thanks to Audible, so I'm reading the War of Souls series and listening again to the Chronicled and I admit I was at first disappointed. That's why a second listening is "necessary", to reestablish "order" in the universe!

I've always loved the inn scene, when we meet all the main characters. I think the authors did a great job there of introducing the characters, give information about them, and proceed with the story. Laurana's introduction too is a memorable moment for me. I remember when I read it the first time twenty years ago, I was besotted with her!

No, it's my first. Good job, nice characterization, the pacing is flawless. When you realize you want to go on listening to the rest, the performer has done their job. This guy certainly works. :-)

I do not like that. because I think it's too much information at once. I like to listen to audiobooks in more than one sitting in order to savour all the elements.

What about the legends? Do Audible plan to re-record those novels as well?

A great reading for a classic that has shaped an entire genre of fiction. The performance of the actors is truly amazing and the quality of the audio is likewise stunning (probably the best so far, especially in comparison with

I'm not a fan of Bram Stoker and I don't even like Dracula very much, but it's a classic and I've noted that sometimes books in print get sort of

This is a job well done. Very impressive. I was totally hooked up. John Lee does an amazing job, especially with female characters, usually quite difficult for a male narrator (in my opinion, women are slightly advantaged in that respect). The novel really comes to life and it's just... enthralling. A must have and, above all, a must listen to!