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Michael

Chicago, IL, United States | Member Since 2010

HELPFUL VOTES

42 reviews
77 ratings
140 titles in library
5 purchased in 2013

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Pines

UNABRIDGED
- by Blake Crouch
- Narrated by Paul Michael Garcia
Pines

UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 33 mins)

By Blake Crouch

Narrated By Paul Michael Garcia

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(134)
Performance
(128)
Story
(126)

Wayward Pines, Idaho, is quintessential small-town America — or so it seems. Secret Service agent Ethan Burke arrives in search of two missing federal agents, yet soon is facing much more than he bargained for. After a violent accident lands him in the hospital, Ethan comes to with no ID and no cell phone. The medical staff seems friendly enough, but something feels…off. As the days pass, Ethan’s investigation into his colleagues’ disappearance turns up more questions than answers. Why can’t he make contact with his family in the outside world? Why doesn’t anyone believe he is who he says he is? And what’s the purpose of the electrified fences encircling the town? Are they keeping the residents in? Or something else out? Each step toward the truth takes Ethan further from the world he knows, until he must face the horrifying possibility that he may never leave Wayward Pines alive…
Matthew says: "I had no idea"
"Better than Expected"

Overall
Performance
Story

If you could sum up Pines in three words, what would they be?

Real surprise endiing

What was one of the most memorable moments of Pines?

You didn't even have a clue what was going on until pretty far in the story. It was fun to discover clues along with the main character.

What does Paul Michael Garcia bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Easir to listen than to read sometimes.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

What's really going on?

1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Cold Days: The Dresden Files, Book 14

UNABRIDGED
- by Jim Butcher
- Narrated by James Marsters
Cold Days: The Dresden Files, Book 14

UNABRIDGED (18 hrs and 50 mins)

By Jim Butcher

Narrated By James Marsters

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(3153)
Performance
(2919)
Story
(2915)

After being murdered by a mystery assailant, navigating his way through the realm between life and death, and being brought back to the mortal world, Harry realizes that maybe death wasn’t all that bad - because he is no longer Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard. He is now Harry Dresden, Winter Knight to Mab, the Queen of Air and Darkness. After Harry had no choice but to swear his fealty, Mab wasn’t about to let something as petty as death steal away the prize she had sought for so long.
Ethan M. says: "Thwarts Every Expectation - In a Good Way"
"It was OK, mostly like the others/"

Overall
Performance
Story

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It was time "OK" spent. The story line is no longer as fresh or novel as it used to be.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Most interesting was a certain concept about an island in Lake Michigan. Least interesting? Lots and lots of dialoge about the winter and summer "ladies".

Which scene was your favorite?

No favorite.

Could you see Cold Days being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

God no. It would be boring as hell.

Any additional comments?

The earlier books in the series were way better.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Phantoms

UNABRIDGED
- by Dean Koontz
- Narrated by Buck Schirner
Phantoms

UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 43 mins)

By Dean Koontz

Narrated By Buck Schirner

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(635)
Performance
(286)
Story
(287)

They found the town silent, apparently abandoned. Then they found the first body strangely swollen and still warm. One hundred fifty were dead, 350 missing. But the terror had only begun in the tiny mountain town of Snowfield, California.
Amanda says: "True Horror!!!!"
"If you don't figure it out, it'll get you!"

Overall
Performance
Story

What did you love best about Phantoms?

It took a long time to figure out what the monster was, and how to try and defeat it. Koontz gave clues, but not obvious ones. Made the story more interesting.

What did you like best about this story?

The pace at which it developed.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the were talking to the monster via computer terminals.

If you could take any character from Phantoms out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I'd take the English guy who wrote the book (book title "The Ancient Enemy")

Any additional comments?

Good, solid Koontz book. You can't go wrong.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful
TORMENT: A Novel of Dark Horror

UNABRIDGED
- by Jeremy Bishop
- Narrated by R. C. Bray
TORMENT: A Novel of Dark Horror

UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 27 mins)

By Jeremy Bishop

Narrated By R. C. Bray

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(42)
Performance
(40)
Story
(40)

Jeremy Bishop's first pulse-pounding novel is a horrific tale of post-apocalyptic terror that is one part zombie story and one part Dante's Inferno. The story asks hard questions and generates strong emotions in everyone who reads it--anger, excitement, and most of all: FEAR. This book asks the question that everyone is afraid to answer: Are you ready? Enter the mind of Jeremy Bishop if you dare. Share his nightmares. Experience the fear that shaped his life. You may never be the same.
Mike Naka says: "a touch of lost and the twilight zone with zombies"
"Good start, couldn't keep going"

Overall
Performance
Story

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

It would have been better for me if the story line was stronger. Off to a great start, then I lost interest.

What could Jeremy Bishop have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Keep the story line at a more active level. It doesn't work for me when it opens with a "bang" then peters out to mundane details.

Would you listen to another book narrated by R. C. Bray?

Yeah, his voice was OK.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Sorry I bought it. I was expecting more.

Any additional comments?

No.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Twelve: A Novel: The Passage Trilogy, Book 2

UNABRIDGED
- by Justin Cronin
- Narrated by Scott Brick
The Twelve: A Novel: The Passage Trilogy, Book 2

UNABRIDGED (26 hrs and 26 mins)

By Justin Cronin

Narrated By Scott Brick

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(1574)
Performance
(1351)
Story
(1350)

In the present day, as the man-made apocalypse unfolds, three strangers navigate the chaos. Lila, a doctor and an expectant mother, is so shattered by the spread of violence and infection that she continues to plan for her child’s arrival even as society dissolves around her. Kittridge, known to the world as "Last Stand in Denver", has been forced to flee his stronghold and is now on the road, dodging the infected, armed but alone and well aware that a tank of gas will get him only so far. April is a teenager fighting to guide her little brother safely through a landscape of death and ruin.
Amanda says: "Expanding The Story In Every Direction"
"Boring"

Overall
Performance
Story

What would have made The Twelve: A Novel better?

More action. Less character building.

Has The Twelve: A Novel turned you off from other books in this genre?

No, I still like end of the world stuff.

Did Scott Brick do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Yes, the characters were all different, but that was most of the story. I couldn't finish it.

What character would you cut from The Twelve: A Novel?

Don't know.

Any additional comments?

Way to slow moving for me. Gave up about 1/3 of the way through.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Run: A Thriller

UNABRIDGED
- by Blake Crouch
- Narrated by Phil Gigante
Run: A Thriller

UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 36 mins)

By Blake Crouch

Narrated By Phil Gigante

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(102)
Performance
(95)
Story
(94)

Five days ago a rash of bizarre murders swept the country. Senseless. Brutal. Seemingly unconnected. A cop walked into a nursing home and unloaded his weapons on elderly and staff alike. A mass of school shootings. Prison riots of unprecedented brutality. Mind-boggling acts of violence in every state. Four Days Ago the murders increased ten-fold. Three days ago the President addressed the nation and begged for calm and peace. Two days ago the killers began to mobilize. Yesterday all the power went out. Tonight....
R. Ashby says: "INTENSE"
"Entertaining"

Overall
Performance
Story

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It was time well spent. The story was different enough, and I liked the performance.

Would you be willing to try another book from Blake Crouch? Why or why not?

Yes, I would try another one from him.

Which scene was your favorite?

It all blends together, but it kept up a good pace.

Could you see Run being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Don't know.

Any additional comments?

You'll like it. It's entertaining.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful
14

UNABRIDGED
- by Peter Clines
- Narrated by Ray Porter
14

UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 38 mins)

By Peter Clines

Narrated By Ray Porter

Overall
(6269)
Performance
(5668)
Story
(5647)

There are some odd things about Nate’s new apartment. Of course, he has other things on his mind. He hates his job. He has no money in the bank. No girlfriend. No plans for the future. So while his new home isn’t perfect, it’s livable. The rent is low, the property managers are friendly, and the odd little mysteries don’t nag at him too much. At least, not until he meets Mandy, his neighbor across the hall, and notices something unusual about her apartment. And Xela’s apartment. And Tim’s. And Veek’s.
Magpie says: "Super solid listen!!"
"Unusual story line--kept up my interest."

Overall
Performance
Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I'd recommend it. The plot is released a little at a time, and it's not easy to figure out.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Don't remember his name, but he was the main character. Why? Don't know--he was likeable.

Have you listened to any of Ray Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not sure, but he was a good narrator.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I wouldn't make a film of ths one. It's a good story to read or listen to.

Any additional comments?

Give it a try. 80% of the story is really good. Like many stories, the 'punchline' could have been better, but it wasn't bad.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Endurance

UNABRIDGED
- by Jack Kilborn
- Narrated by Christopher Lane
Endurance

UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 2 mins)

By Jack Kilborn

Narrated By Christopher Lane

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(140)
Performance
(88)
Story
(83)

The bed and breakfast was hidden in the hills of West Virginia. Wary guests wondered how it could stay in business at such a creepy, remote location, especially with its bizarre, presidential decor and eccentric proprietor. With the event hotel for the national Iron Woman triathlon accidentally overbooked, competitor Maria was forced to stay at the Rushmore. But after checking into her room, she quickly realized she wasn't alone....
Terri says: "WOW.......GREAT BOOK!!!"
"Could only take 5 minutes"

Overall
Performance
Story

What would have made Endurance better?

The narrator using a 'regular' voice and accent

What do you think your next listen will be?

No sure, I listen to a lot of them

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Christopher Lane?

I don't know them by name.

What character would you cut from Endurance?

Didn't listen to the story.

Any additional comments?

If you like listening to a Southern "Mark Twain" kind of accent, maybe you will like this one.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Dead Man, Volume 2: The Dead Woman, The Blood Mesa, Kill Them All

UNABRIDGED
- by Lee Goldberg , William Rabkin , David McAfee , James Reasoner , Harry Shannon
- Narrated by Luke Daniels
The Dead Man, Volume 2: The Dead Woman, The Blood Mesa, Kill Them All

UNABRIDGED (6 hrs and 41 mins)

By Lee Goldberg, William Rabkin, David McAfee, and others

Narrated By Luke Daniels

Overall
(10)
Performance
(8)
Story
(8)

A shocking accident gave Matthew Cahill the ability to see a nightmarish netherworld that nobody else does, pitting him in a fight to save us all - and his own soul - from the clutches of pure evil in these three exhilarating tales of dark humor, nonstop action, and pure horror.
Delinda says: "Not like any other book I've listened to - EVER"
"It's OK"

Overall
Performance
Story

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I wouldn't say it was time well spent, but then again I listened to the stories while I was walking so the time was well spent anyway (if that makes any sense).

If you’ve listened to books by the authors before, how does this one compare?

I litened to Volume I, and this was not quite as good. Maybe because the typical story line started getting old for me. Both Volume I and II contain 3 or 4 short stories with the same main character, and same basic premise.

Have you listened to any of Luke Daniels’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not sure.

Was The Dead Man, Volume 2 worth the listening time?

Not really.

Any additional comments?

Volume I was a bit better I think.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Light at the End

UNABRIDGED
- by John Skipp , Craig Spector
- Narrated by Chet Williamson
The Light at the End

UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 23 mins)

By John Skipp, Craig Spector

Narrated By Chet Williamson

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(13)
Performance
(13)
Story
(13)

An adrenaline-charged tale of unrelenting suspense that sparks with raw and savage energy... The newspapers scream out headlines that spark terror across the city. Ten murders on the New York City subway. Ten grisly crimes that defy all reason -- no pattern, no m.o., no leads for police to pursue. The press dubs the fiend the “Subway Psycho”; the NYPD desperately seeks their quarry before the city erupts in mass hysteria. But they won't find what they're looking for.
Sherray says: "Chills and thrills"
"Not for me"

Overall
Performance
Story

Would you try another book from John Skipp and Craig Spector and/or Chet Williamson?

I don't think I would.

What was most disappointing about John Skipp and Craig Spector ’s story?

Seemed to float along without any character developement. I lost interest.

What three words best describe Chet Williamson’s voice?

Just plain regular.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Light at the End?

Lots of the in-between filler scenes.

Any additional comments?

Maybe someone else would like it, but I didn't. Didn't finish listening to it.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful