Kari

Normally, I am a huge fan of fantasy novels. Suspending reality in order to enjoy a story is not a problem, but this story is just odd and way over the top. But, my main problem with the book is Chabon's narration. It was like listen to an adult try to make a storybook more interesting to a small child. His tone and cadence grated on my nerves enough that it made the story even less enjoyable. Maybe if I had just read the book, I might have liked it.

I really enjoyed this story. It took some unexpected twists and turns. It was easy to become invested in the main characters. I originally tried to read this novel, but found the story slow to start. I am a fan of fantasy, so six months later I decided to try listening to the book. Applause to the narrator that kept me focused and excited for more from the very beginning! Now I can't wait to buy the sequel. I loved this book.

If you are a fan of Julie Garwood, you know her typical format for her books. Girl needs the help of boy to stay safe. Though the girl is smart and strong, she needs a man's help fighting the villain. And in the process, they grudgingly fall in love. Whether she is a damsel in distress in the highlands of Scotland and her hero is a Laird or a professional woman in modern day America and her hero is a law man.

The secret to a good Garwood book is how creative the details of the story are in her tried and true format. I happen to be a fan of Ms. Garwood. I have read the majority of her books. While this wasn't my favorite of her books, it was enjoyable. The narrator did an excellent job.

Great narrators. Even when the author dissolves into overly flowery prowse, both narrators do a wonderful job sounding involved in the story.

I loved the concept for this book and was very excited to finally listen to it. It started out slow, but mainly due to the authors use of overly detailed descriptions and even a few lapses into other languages, all meant to establish the romance and deep beyond time love of the main characters. It dragged until the middle, then the story started to really develop and I started to care about the characters. Towards the end the book took a dark and almost macabre turn. The rest of the book followed suit. I went from just liking the book, to really disliking it.