Nanette

I love all of the Liaden titles, but this one is winding an amazing number of strands toward a grand climax. Theo's story could be stand alone, though having read the others deepens the background and adds to the richness. I have read them all in print, so my listening to Dragon Ship was a wonderful re-visit, and I felt all the same delight as on my first reading. I do find that listening to a book expands the book. One hears bits that the eye may skip over. The reading was very good, with just a couple of words that the reader was not familiar with. I always find that a bit jarring. They were not "strange" words from the Liaden Universe, rather normal English words. I eagerly await the next step in the overall plot, and heartily recommend this title.

This is a grand book, with fascinating characters and delightful dialog. It is well read and the reader checked with the authors on pronunciation of alien words, so it flows nicely and un-annoyingly. It does require Crystal Soldier be read (listened to :) first. And from there I believe you will have to continue in the series to see what happens next, unless you are made of stone. I shan't give away plot. Science fiction /fantasy ( and this is a great blend) should speak for itself.

To describe the "plots" would be impossible. But Neil Gaiman in the preface refers to the interview process for a reader, and I can only rave at the excellent choice. He can Read!
He can pronounce words correctly! Even foreign words! He can do intonations, semi-accents, and characterization. I am falling down in delight. And for this writing that is all absolutely necessary. Because Avram Davidson was a brilliant man, with an education seldom seen these days, and a very wry sense of humor/the ridiculous.

Had forgotten (read this in paper once) that this is a mediocre book character-wise. This is not helped by the fact that something about the reader's tonality sets me a bit on edge. I actually stopped half-way into the book, because instead of being supporting it was aggravating. I regret saying this, but it is true. The data is fascinating, but buried in strange character behavior and dialogue.

I have seldom been so upset. I foolishly did not notice the "abridged", so my fault. But to so truncate and destroy the plot and characterization of a book that is not so very long to begin with is unconscionable. I am so glad I did not purchase more of her books, if they are all so clipped and tattered as this one. Shame on the publisher. Shame.
The narration however was quite good. As is the book , of course. One of my very favorites. I am hoping to find it read unabridged somewhere.