Tony

This is a really terrific novel A taut, brutal view at the conflict in Northern Ireland' looking at the 'war' from every perspective be it the British Government, The IRA ( soldiers and political leadership), ordinary people etc etc. Gerard Doyle does a great job capturing the intensity and undercurrent of tremendous tension weaving around Fegan and his conscience. A reminder once again of what human beings are capable of doing to other human beings. What a fabulous read!

It is very obvious from the outset that this novel was written to serve as the set up for the series. As such, It was for me o.k. but as a standalone novel it left me unfulfilled but it had enough good characters and unusual characters that I will listen to the next installment. Humphrey Bower is outstanding as always. I know that it is his job but his ability to do so many characters is truly astounding, you are left with the impression that the narration is done by a cast.

Where 'The Power of One' looked at the maturation of one boy in the oppressed state of South Africa, "Tandia' brings the ugliness of Apartheid to the reader like a punch in the gut! Bryce Courtenay tells a beautiful story and develops his characters slowly and in great detail. He makes you smile, elicits tremendous empathy, laugh and makes you cringe at the details of life in a separated S. Africa. A wonderful follow up presented so spot on by the inimitable Humphrey Bower.

To me there is no better combination than the late Bryce Courtenay and Humphrey Bower. Bryce Courtenay tells stories that combine life lessons with fabulous characters, beautiful prose with the expression of his love of the countries that have served to be the setting of his own life. Every time I read one of his novels I wanted more. Many times he gave us more but still he could have kept them coming. Humphrey Bower is simply the best. His command of the various accents dovetail beautifully with his understanding of the emotions presented by Mr Courtenay. I am thankful that I still have about a half dozen novels by this awesome combination to listen to in the coming months.

5 central characters travel our solar system to prevent a cataclysmic event that could threaten the very existence of human beings! The similarity is unavoidable but the fun also attached to the Star Trek franchise is very much in evidence. The science or pseudoscience is challenging which makes the genre such thoughtfully addicting. Jefferson Mays does a very good job and I look forward to the follow up novel which is now next on my list.

India vs Pakistan, Hindu vs Moslem, 3 characters looking for love when life itself is such a challenge. Manil Suri takes on a road trip that gives us war, love, religion, lots of criminals of every stripe and evolving true love that expresses itself as the physical nature of love takes second place in the lives of three consenting adults. I felt that Priyas' narration is not top quality. Vikas Adam is excellent.

I should have paid more attention to the reviews. I guess this is a historical romance but it left me hoping for something else. I found the story to be tedious and yet I completed it as I kept thinking that the action may improve and provide a counterbalance to the lengthy descriptions of the love evolving between the two main characters. Anyway, on to something better but I will never get those many hours back. I take it that I am not a hopeless romantic just hopeless!

Beautiful language and a familiar story but I never really cared for the characters. Frazier Douglas did an admirable job and despite knowing the classic tale I couldn't for the life of me understand why thoughtful Greeks would want to spend 10 years trying to capture Troy. At the end I wish that Hector had overcome Achilles and his meddling Goddess mother!

I purchased this novel because I saw the title on quite a few lists of the best books of 2012 and I wasn't disappointed in the least. It's a coming-of-age story at the centre of First Nation history, reservation life, Indian mythology, family, a horrendous crime and so much more. Wonderful, a 'do not miss' novel. I had some trouble with the narrator at first but became accustomed to his style. I could have listened to hours more.

Two likeable main characters, Emperors, Princesses, monsters, corruption, murder etc etc etc... our family gatherings. A fun read and future adventures which I can get into right away. Good stuff!