Eustis, FL, United States | Member Since 2004
"Not bad..."
I liked actually reading this better. As much as I've liked some of Michael York's screen acting, I didn't quite appreciate his reading. It was a bit slow, and his voice didn't change much between characters.
The story itself is excellent, as always, but seemed to progress a bit slower than when I actually read it. Children would be able to follow along easily, though.
"Better than the first one"
Sure. I'd recommend it to someone who enjoys supernatural books with a little history thrown in
It's not common that the second in a series of books reads better than the first. Perhaps it was the randomness of the 16th century setting, or maybe her storytelling got better, but I found Shadow of Night much more interesting and far less sappy/girlie than Discovery of Witches. Diana, the protagonist, is a bit more likable here, though still too much of a wimp for my tastes. I enjoyed Matthew and all the unique friends he has in Elizabethan London much better. I wonder, though, if I didn't like the setting and the characters themselves more than I liked the actual story.Either way, it kept me focused and wanting to know what was next, which makes reading much better ;)
"What a wonderful surprise!"
Heartfelt, uplifiting, surprising
The completely different angle on story telling: letters between people.
Not sure I've heard any of the narrators before, but they all played their roles very well. The accents were great.
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book. The title was about as random as they come; and I loved that they actually explain it. It's a fantastic story of love, loss and friendship told in a unique way.
Entertaining, with historical highlights, and beautiful characters, the author—and in turn the narrators—were able to make each person really come alive. This might be one of those books better read to you, than by you.
"Not a girlie book at all"
Surprisingly (for me), among the top 15%.
The only thing that made me get this book were the wonderful reviews. I expected a silly girlie book but got a very well told—entrancing and emotional—story instead. The narrator was good and the story's thread weaves throughout the book effortlessly, coming out in the most interesting moments.
The reveal, obviously.
Honestly, I didn't have one character I liked best. She played them all very well and I was able to differentiate between speakers in conversations.
Don't be put off by the three-book length. It's a book you'll want to continue reading through to the end. I simply HAD to know what was happening next!
"Typical Dirk Pitt novel"
By the wrap up, yes. It took me a little while to get through it, though. While it was ultimately fun, it was as formulaic as most of the others. However, there were three story lines/characters, something different this time.
"Horrible reader"
I might've enjoyed this book as much as some of Cussler's others had the reader been better. I found his voice annoying and his attempt at accents, etc simply awful. I can usually get used to these things but, alas, not this time.
"A few stalls but overall...interesting"
Despite some of the reviews I read here, I enjoyed it. The basic story, while somewhat similar to other books I've read, was interesting; as were most of the characters. It's style resembles Stephen King's. The character development fits the category as does the length. It was, at times, predictable, but overall a good read—though quite depressing. It had few stall points, and a couple moments that seemed to have no originating points, but in Mr Cronin's defense, Mr King's works can, too.
Some reviewers have mentioned the jump into the future. This took me by surprise as well, and I did find the first part more engrossing, but he brought it back around eventually.
For the record, I get sucked into the long books for the sheer escapist factor. While I'm reading I'm also gardening, driving, floating in my pool, etc. While I can get into an autobiography or non fiction book, I usually prefer the entertainment factor of unrealistic fiction.
"Yummy!"
I think these books gain something when someone reads them to me. Definitely not literature, but who doesn't need some fun ;)
"Very entertaining"
I read this on a long drive over Thanksgiving. I mention this because, if the book were read is shorter pieces, it might loose something. The first book takes a long time to set the stage but, considering the 10th century setting, it's necessary.
I liked the protagonist, as well as the way the author wrapped the story up. I also ended up appreciating the narrator, though getting used to her old Cambridge English took a little time.
"Such great characters"
It's not often I get angry with a book. Well, not with the book itself but rather with the characters in it. Kay Kenyon has managed to do this with every one of her books. Her creatures are so unique and well expressed, her villains so deep and the story so elaborate, this third installment has left me hungering for the final.
Additionally, I've enjoyed the reader, so hopefully he'll remain for the last book.
Don't be put off by the sci fi classification. This is great reading period!
"An excellent narrator"
I prefer not to make comments on books as I believe each person needs to delve into their realms untarnished by the judgements of others. As such, this review is actually for the narrator.
Brendan Fraser is an amazing reader. I've liked him well enough in the various movies I've seen, but I had no idea I would enjoy this book so much more because of him. He has a pleasant voice which tells the story easily and blends well into the narration, allowing the many characters in this book to really attain a life of their own. His accents, tones and lilts are wonderful. It's so much simpler for me listening to a book this way, since I'm rarely sitting still while reading. The ability to differentiate between characters without having to rewind is invaluable.
I've enjoyed this book very much, more so than I did Inkheart, because of his reading. What a delightful surprise!