Jennifer

I am enjoying this series. Synching some of the habits and aspects of Victorian society with the needs of werewolves and vampires is very clever! Playful and light - great for the moment when I want a bit of escape from the current world!

I found this book compelling in both ideas and ease of listening. The author provides a well-supported glimpse into the shaping of human culture, from brain and species evolution to gender roles. I had to laugh in agreement that, indeed, regardless of professional or business life, in the end, women are the cooks for men and family. Enlightening to hear a view as to why. This book has generated great conversation at our evening dinner table and continues to perk in my mind.

The story and setting bring to life the colonial world though a plot interwoven with small surprises and fine detail. While contemporary in writing style, the dialogue harkens to an earlier time, giving authenticity to the characters. Brutal and graphic at moments -- not the story to listen to while driving the family on vacation - the story is held together with a underlying humanism and emerging Enlightenment world view. The narrator's voice changes fit the characters very well. Worthwhile both for the mystery and the reminder of conditions of life in early colonial life.

The unfolding continues, as the adventures go to the next step. The plot definitely thickens in Book 2 as main characters and the larger story line develops. I confess to be a little curious as to the mindlessness of Thrace (akk am I spelling that right? Given listening, I am not sure), now Empress. Regardless, this is a fun story, no great literature but great escape, well read. The plot and characters have unexpected twists that keep the story fresh.

Enjoyable listen. Well read. The mixing of the present day and historic story is well done. The premise that the young hero character needs to be hidden, to the point of no acknowledgement of a wife and child seems a bit over the top to me BUT it was still a fine story.

Enjoyable plot line, with enough twists to keep it from being predictable. Just enough irreverence to give light moments. Good narration.

Returning to Austenland in the second book, I got the playful escape I expected but not the same quality of plot and ambiance as the first book. The story begins well, but bogs down in the "mystery story" within the overall story, including the self-doubts and fears of the main character. The juxtaposition of modern and Regency life is not as strong as the first book, which I missed. If you seek lighthearted escape, you will enjoy it but if you are seeking transportation to Austenland, then perhaps not.

Though out of the Jack Ryan story directly, this book is an important piece of the overall.

Continuing the saga, this is well read. I really enjoy listening to Tolkien. His language develops into a style fitting of stories of old, and this really comes through in the recorded form.

To now listen to this 3 book set without having to keep track of my CD's is a true treat. The written Rings story has a depth of character, culture, history and interwoven plots that the movie version -- however visually wonderful -- just cannot provide. It is good to drop back into the richness of Middle Earth. I have always felt this reader is well suited to the story.