"Missed Target"
Too many narrators and too many writers with the resulting effect of confusing the voice and pace of the book. First, the narration: each chapter has a different narrator so any indentification with the character is lost for the listener. We hear the thoughts of character Rosemary in a woman's voice, then a man's. As a listener I struggled with the continuity of the story because I had to change my character perceptions with each new voice. Secondly the same problem occurred for me with the pace of the story. Every time the author changed so did the language and pace of the story - the tone as well. Perhaps if I had read the book instead of listened I would not have experienced the level of distraction I did. I would not recommend the book nor the method with which it was produced. I do believe PRODUCED is the correct word. As far as being predictable - well, it had a twist - but not so clever as to be exciting when unveiled. Overall a disappointing experience created by many good narrators and writers.
"So So So So So So So So Tedius"
I usually love Card and have read most of what he has published. It was a surprise to find myself hoping for the book to end. While parts of the book were interesting, many more were long-winded postulations as to the nature of paradox and time flow. I began to feel that I needed to find a rabbit hole myself.
"Took Me By Surprise"
I began my listen and almost pulled the plug! Background music, short, clipped first person dialog, and outrageous storyline. It slapped me into listening. Then, I began to understand that this was not just an audio book, it was an audio experience! The main character told his story with outlandish seriousness. I laughed out loud at his internal dialog. This was a fun listen. Looking for more.
"Surprisingly well written!"
The title stopped me in my tracks. No, I was not interested in some lame story about a cursed castle etc. I do read reviews, however, and could not ignore the intensity with which this book was praised. So, I took a chance. All I really want to say is, "TAKE A CHANCE!" I enjoyed the performance completely. The writing was clear and the main characters well developed. I found myself growing more curious as to how the author would end and was very happily suprised. This is a plain old good book. I will look for more by this author and this narrator.
"spoiled by tv series"
I don't know whether it was because I was trying to hear the "real" tv Dexter's voice or imagine the thoughts he might have, but Jeff Lindsay did not do it for me. His delivery for me was weak. Well, he did write the book so I have to believe he delivered it just as he intended. I was also unhappy with the divergence of the events between the series and this book; which includes people from the series being alive in the book who are dead on the tv series and Dexter's sister knowledge of his 'hobby' in the book but not on the television. I think if an author is writing for a character who also has a television show that he should at least keep the story history consistent. I found the story interesting but Jeff Lindsay's Dexter was too sloppy. If not for the interesting story I would have given the overall rating for this book a two instead of three star.
"Performance outshined the story"
I think this was a good listen. The story was longer than necessary due to detailed descriptions that were often repetative - however I could not decide whether they were without value. The characters were interesting and the narrator was able to convey each with subtle difference in voice and tone. There were a few times that I had difficulty knowing who was speaking but that was because I listen in my car and came in and out of the story at strange times. Overall I am glad I experienced the Night Circus.
"I CLAPPED WHEN I FINISHED IT"
This has been the BEST listen I have had so far. I thought that The Help was amazing, then Branaugh's reading of The Heart of Darkness blew me away. Reginal Hill delivers a variety of easily identifiable characters in what might otherwise be a complex book to understand. I was hooked from the beginning, although I did re-listen to the first few chapters to be sure I understood the groudwork and characters. If you want a wonderfully involved cast and even more interesting subplots listen to this book. I think it would be better than ever reading it!
"Love, Love, Love Branagh"
I'd read Heart of Darkness prior to listening to Kenneth Branagh read - what a wonderful experience - listening to him! His concise enunciation and style are perfect to the book.