Michael J. D'oliveira

I've very happily worked my way through the Revelation series (and Chasm City) in print and was looking forward to something new from the author. Where the Revelation series was special this book is average at best. What really hurt, though, was the narrator. First impressions were that he has a great voice -- strong and well-spoken. Unfortunately his strength of voice and matter-of-fact style of reading overpowers any nuance that should come through in the words and sentences. This dooms the book (aided by the writing to some extent) to sound like simply a dry reading of events rather than providing any sense of tension or drama.

I've avoided some books because John Lee was the narrator but will have to reconsider them. After initially being disappointed that he was narrating and having a preconceived notion that I would need to gut out listenting to this so that I could go on to the next book, I must say I think he did a great job and as I read Book 5 I'm finding that I am preferring him to Roy Dotrice (which is saying a lot).

Even though the characters followed might not have been the "regulars", the book soon draws you into their storylines as much as the other books did.

Can't think of a better book about 19th century England. Kate Reading's narration is first class. An absolute must if you enjoy reading about this period. Yes, it is long but at no time is it boring -- one of those books that you are sorry to see end.

One of the best readings I have heard. What sets it apart is the narrator's ability provide different voices for each of the characters that are truly spot-on. This is huge in adding to the enjoyment of listening to a story that relies so much on what it's characters say and do.

This is also probably my favoriter Dickens novel.