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Steven

Lover of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, mystery, and westerns in all media, including old-time radio dramatizations.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, United States | Member Since 2006

HELPFUL VOTES

26 reviews
136 ratings
0 titles in library
17 purchased in 2013

FOLLOWING

FOLLOWERS

The Gripping Hand

UNABRIDGED
- by Jerry Pournelle , Larry Niven
- Narrated by L. J. Ganser
The Gripping Hand

UNABRIDGED (15 hrs and 11 mins)

By Jerry Pournelle, Larry Niven

Narrated By L. J. Ganser

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(243)
Performance
(206)
Story
(208)

Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle, award-winning authors of such best sellers as Footfall and The Legacy of Heorot, return us to the Mote, and to the universe of Kevin Renner and Horace Bury, of Rod Blaine and Sally Fowler. There, 25 years have passed since humanity quarantined the mysterious aliens known as Moties within the confines of their own solar system. They have spent a quarter century analyzing and agonizing over the deadly threat posed by the only aliens mankind has ever encountered - a race divided into distinct biological forms, each serving a different function: Master, Mediator, Engineer, Warrior.
James says: "The sequel matches the first book"
"Solid, but not revolutionary"

Overall
Performance
Story

I enjoyed both the story and the performance, but neither left me begging for more. 'The Mote in God'd Eye' should definitely be experienced, first. Don't expect any new ideas or entertaining twists. It's solid scifi, but that's all.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Taoist Breathing

ORIGINAL
- by Ken Cohen
Taoist Breathing

ORIGINAL (28 mins)

By Ken Cohen

Overall
(2)
Performance
(2)
Story
(2)

How we breathe has a profound impact on our overall health and awareness. In this guided session, qigong expert Ken Cohen teaches you the Taoist three-stage method to use every breath you take to enter a state of calm, stimulate your body's vital organs and boost your energy throughout the day.
Steven says: "Okey-dokey :-( Guided abdominal breathing."
"Okey-dokey :-( Guided abdominal breathing."

Overall
Performance
Story

It is what it is. Nothing to complain about, but nothing that most Zen/Chan/Taoist practitioners won't already know. If you are new to these disciplines, or just beginning to practice Tai Chi/Chi Gung, then it's probably worth the purchase. At the price, buy it for cash. Don't waste a full credit.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A Memory of Light: Wheel of Time, Book 14

UNABRIDGED
- by Robert Jordan , Brandon Sanderson
- Narrated by Michael Kramer , Kate Reading
A Memory of Light: Wheel of Time, Book 14

UNABRIDGED (41 hrs and 55 mins)

By Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson

Narrated By Michael Kramer, Kate Reading

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(2774)
Performance
(2517)
Story
(2542)

Since 1990, when Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time® burst on the world with its first book, The Eye of the World, listeners have been anticipating the final scenes of this extraordinary saga, which has sold over 40 million copies in over 32 languages. When Robert Jordan died in 2007, all feared that these concluding scenes would never be written. But working from notes and partials left by Jordan, established fantasy writer Brandon Sanderson stepped in to complete the masterwork.
Terrell Sanders says: "The saga that brought 'Epic' back to fantasy"
"Must have!"

Overall
Performance
Story

Those who are considering purchasing this book probably already know that the WOT series had it's highs and lows. Jordan started off brilliant, then slowly faded in the middle of the series. However, I believe that those works were essential to the series. No disrespect intended to the great storyteller Robert Jordan, but Brandon Sanderson completes this epic work with a skill and passion that equals, or exceeds, the early Jordan work. This is EASILY my favorite book of the series. If you are new to WOT, do yourself a huge favor, and start at the beginning. If you are a life-long friend, you will leave 'A Memory of Light' with many unanswered questions, but having really enjoyed the ride.

Brilliantly conceived by Jordon, masterfully written by Sanderson, beautifully executed by Kramer and Reading.

My HIGHEST recommendation.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Lost Fleet: Dauntless

UNABRIDGED
- by Jack Campbell
- Narrated by Christian Rummel , Jack Campbell
The Lost Fleet: Dauntless

UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 59 mins)

By Jack Campbell

Narrated By Christian Rummel, Jack Campbell

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(3010)
Performance
(1659)
Story
(1690)

Captain John "Black Jack" Geary's legendary exploits are known to every schoolchild. Revered for his heroic "last stand" in the early days of the war, he was presumed dead. But a century later, Geary miraculously returns from survival hibernation and reluctantly takes command of the Alliance fleet as it faces annihilation by the Syndics.
Appalled by the hero-worship around him, Geary is nevertheless a man who will do his duty. And he knows that bringing the stolen Syndic hypernet key safely home is the Alliance's one chance to win the war. But to do that, Geary will have to live up to the impossibly heroic "Black Jack" legend.
Chance says: "Ranks up there with Star Wars!"
"Captured by it!"

Overall
Performance
Story

This is the first book in Jack Campbell's "Lost Fleet" series.

It's been a long time since I read/heard a book that left me immediately ready for the next installment. I can find no fault with Christian Rummel's reading- very well done. Black Jack (our protagonist in this series) is my kind of hero. He is quietly competent and ethically sound. Maybe this series should be required reading for all public officials! I found the mix of action and intrigue to be just about right. Some reviewers have commented that, as the series progresses, the "escape" of the fleet (see publisher's intro.) is drawn out too long. We'll see. So far, I'm loving it!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Redbreast

UNABRIDGED
- by Jo Nesbo
- Narrated by Robin Sachs
The Redbreast

UNABRIDGED (16 hrs and 46 mins)

By Jo Nesbo

Narrated By Robin Sachs

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(745)
Performance
(557)
Story
(556)

It is 1944: Daniel, a soldier, legendary among the Norwegians fighting the advance of Bolshevism on the Russian front, is killed. Two years later, a wounded soldier wakes up in a Vienna hospital. He becomes involved with a young nurse, the consequences of which will ripple forward to the turn of the next century. In 1999, Harry Hole, alone again after having caused an embarrassment in the line of duty, has been promoted to inspector and is lumbered with surveillance duties. He is assigned the task of monitoring neo-Nazi activities....
Richard says: "Better than the book!"
"Fan of the story, but not of Harry!"

Overall
Performance
Story

After "The Bat," I thought I was unsure about this series. Now, I think I understand what it is. I completely enjoyed "Redbreast," but I'm still not won-over. Why? I think it's that I don't like Harry, himself. For new potential readers/listeners, Harry reminds me of Jesse Stone. I have to confess that I only know Jesse from the movies. Strangely, I liked that series of movies in a way that I can't really like Harry. Maybe it's the Tom Selleck effect, since they are similar characters. Some additional credit may go to the translator. I'm amazed at how well humorous elements translate. I would normally expect humor to be a highly cultural phenomena, but you would never know that the novel wasn't originally written in English.

I'm pretty sure I will get the next available installment, but I hope that Harry will become a less damaged character over time. I can only do so much of the damaged, whining, unreliable, drunk before I expect to see some improvement in character. I want characters that I can look up to, eventually. I tell you this so that you can judge for yourself. If you find a permanently damaged personality to be more "realistic," then Harry might be your guy.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Wise Man's Fear: Kingkiller Chronicles, Day 2

UNABRIDGED
- by Patrick Rothfuss
- Narrated by Nick Podehl
The Wise Man's Fear: Kingkiller Chronicles, Day 2

UNABRIDGED (42 hrs and 59 mins)

By Patrick Rothfuss

Narrated By Nick Podehl

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(5888)
Performance
(4420)
Story
(4445)

"My name is Kvothe. I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep...."
Joe says: "Excellent, Imaginative, Beautiful, Page Turning!!!"
"6/5 Stars for writing and performance."

Overall
Performance
Story

If anything, Day 2 is even better than Day 1. Nick Podehl's performance was first class in every way.

The story-line kept me up late several nights and sent me checking for a status on Day 3 as soon as I heard the Audible announcer give his usual , "...we hope your enjoyed..."

Attempts at humor in books often get the barest grin out of me, but Day 2 had me laughing out loud - very unusual. There are subtle references that indicate that Rothfuss has some personal knowledge of Chinese internal martial arts. Usually, whether from personal experience or research, these things are often overdone. I appreciate how this knowledge, along with an appreciation for the subtleties of musical performance, are woven seamlessly into Rothfuss' stories.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Mars

UNABRIDGED
- by Ben Bova
- Narrated by Stefan Rudnicki
Mars

UNABRIDGED (18 hrs and 55 mins)

By Ben Bova

Narrated By Stefan Rudnicki

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(405)
Performance
(203)
Story
(205)

Half-Navajo geologist Jamie Waterman has been selected for the ground team of the first manned expedition to our mysterious neighbor planet. Joining an international team of astronauts and scientists, he endures the rigors of training, the dangers of traveling an incredible distance in space, the challenges of an alien landscape, and the personal and political conflicts that arise when the team must face the most shocking discovery of all.
Ben says: "Solid Near Future Sci-Fi"
"Solid, but a little slow, dated, and unrealistic."

Overall
Performance
Story

A very enjoyable look at the political and scientific challenges involved in a program of exploration of Mars. Rudnicki is great, as always. He did a more than respectable job of voices and accents.

Some of the technological references are dated and the characters take actions that I found a bit unlikely, but I enjoyed it overall. If you like your SciFi near-future and with predictable technology, then you will consider Mars to be time and credit well spent.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Lightning

UNABRIDGED
- by Dean Koontz
- Narrated by Christopher Lane
Lightning

UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 58 mins)

By Dean Koontz

Narrated By Christopher Lane

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(2153)
Performance
(720)
Story
(722)

A storm struck on the night Laura Shane was born, and there was a strangeness about the weather that people would remember for years. But even more mysterious was the blond-haired stranger who appeared out of nowhere - the man who saved Laura from a fatal delivery. Years later - after another bolt of lightning - the stranger returned.
Barry says: "One of Koontz' best, entirely enjoyable."
"Better Koontz"

Overall
Performance
Story

I'm usually either hot or cold about Koontz. Lightning is one of his better works. From concept to characters, this was a real treat.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Bat: A Harry Hole Thriller, Book 1

UNABRIDGED
- by Jo Nesbo
- Narrated by Sean Barrett
The Bat: A Harry Hole Thriller, Book 1

UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 43 mins)

By Jo Nesbo

Narrated By Sean Barrett

Overall
(675)
Performance
(584)
Story
(574)

Harry is out of his depth. Detective Harry Hole is meant to keep out of trouble. A young Norwegian girl taking a gap year in Sydney has been murdered, and Harry has been sent to Australia to assist in any way he can. He's not supposed to get too involved. When the team unearths a string of unsolved murders and disappearances, nothing will stop Harry from finding out the truth. The hunt for a serial killer is on, but the murderer will talk only to Harry. He might just be the next victim.
Charles says: "Probably the best of this remarkable series."
"Ready for the next in the series"

Overall
Performance
Story

The Harry Hole character reminds me a little of Jesse Stone. He's definitely not your squeaky-clean hero. This series was recommended to me by someone who saw that I enjoyed Stieg Larsson's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and its sequels, and I'm grateful that he did. The summary is that it was worth the credit, but I'm not yet hooked and pining for the next book. I've purchased the next available audio book, number 3 in the series. We'll see how it goes. If I don't get a little more out of it, Harry may have to go on the shelf for a while.

Keep in mind, when reading my opinions, that darkish detective fiction is not really my thing, so I don't have a lot to compare Nesbo's work. I thought it was solid believable fiction, and, like Larsson's, very well translated. It felt like it was written for native english speakers. In a number of parts, I was amazed see that the humor translates well. Someone did a great job. Sean Barrett's performance of the various accents was very good, but the voice of Harry never quite fit the character for me. Other reviewers have stated a preference for another reader as Harry, but as this is my first in the series, I can't say. Sometimes, when the reader of a series changes, the new one doesn't get a fair chance. We (fans) like of character's voices to stay the same.

If you like the genre, give Harry a spin. You won't regret the credit, and may get to really like him.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Gathering Storm: Book Twelve of the Wheel of Time

UNABRIDGED
- by Robert Jordan , Brandon Sanderson
- Narrated by Michael Kramer , Kate Reading
The Gathering Storm: Book Twelve of the Wheel of Time

UNABRIDGED (33 hrs and 2 mins)

By Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson

Narrated By Michael Kramer, Kate Reading

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(3870)
Performance
(1701)
Story
(1706)

Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, struggles to unite a fractured network of kingdoms and alliances in preparation for the Last Battle. As he attempts to halt the Seanchan encroachment northward - wishing he could form at least a temporary truce with the invaders - his allies watch in terror the shadow that seems to be growing within the heart of the Dragon Reborn himself.
Dominique says: "I normally wouldn't, but..."
"Better than expected or hoped for!"

Overall
Performance
Story

I have read, rather than listening to, most of the 'Wheel of Time', but I think Kramer and Reading both did excellent work. However, you really have to pay attention to follow 'TWOT' in audio due to the number of characters and subplots.

Jordan was so fantastic that I expected to be disappointed by anyone finishing his work, but Sanderson was the ideal author to carry-on this great story from Jordan's notes. His pace feels a little faster to me, and he stays true to the feel of the series.

I will be following Sanderson's other work closely, now that I have discovered him.

0 of 0 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
(3146)
Performance
(2914)
Story
(2910)

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"
"Six stars out of five!"

Overall
Performance
Story

Welcome back James Marsters!

Not only is Marsters great, he IS Harry Dresden. 'Nough said about that.

I don't know of any author but Jim Butcher who can pen a 14-novel series and never make you feel that he is just churning-out another block of words for a paycheck. If anything, he gets better. 'Days' has all of the action and humor that we expect Jim, Harry, and James to deliver. I can't wait for the next installment.

6 of 8 people found this review helpful