Kim

"Voices" is a coming of age story, a young adult novel, an owner's manual for the democratic process, and a metaphysical journey. Also, an extremely entertaining listen you'll want to continue to the end, and play again and again to catch the nuances. Superbly narrated by Melanie Martinez.

Vonda McIntyre has long been known for her detailed, believable settings, and her strong, human characters. She doesn't disappoint in this narrative set in the court of Louis XIV of France, involving Vatican intrigue, the collision of superstition and science, a vanishing race of merpeople, and a grand romance. The hero, Marie-Josef (sp?) will rock your socks as she struggles against religious and political mysogyny. Five stars.

Brandon Sanderson knows how to do epic fantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed his "Mistborn" series. "Warbreaker" has the same theme of humans dealing with obtaining godlike powers, and the ethical and political complications which ensue. His characters are fully drawn and likable, with moments of hilarity. The plot twists and turns, keeping the reader in suspense and guessing. Sanderson's descriptions create a realistic atmosphere.

So why didn't I enjoy this novel as much as the "Mistborn" series? I don't know. Perhaps the characters are not as compelling when condensed into "merely" a long novel, instead of one spread out across 3 or 4 volumes. A good, perhaps not a great, read. Four stars.

I downloaded "The Gathering Storm" with some trepidation, as well as anticipation. Would Brandon Sanderson really be able to bring Robert Jordan's characters to life? Would he be able to help readers navigate Jordan's ultra-complex web of interrelated plotlines?

The answers: Yes, and yes. Sanderson nailed the characters. The plotlines were actually less confusing than Jordan's. And Sanderson did not exhibit much of Jordan's sexism and fixation with female characters...body parts.

A very enjoyable listen. Having the former narrators continue on with book 12 helped the continuity of characters, as well. This was well worth the wait, and I look forward to the next installment.