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bionichands

procrastinator

washington, d.c. area | Member Since 2009

183
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 33 reviews
  • 153 ratings
  • 519 titles in library
  • 49 purchased in 2013
FOLLOWING
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FOLLOWERS
16

  • The Providence Rider: A Matthew Corbett Novel, Book 4

    • UNABRIDGED (15 hrs and 33 mins)
    • By Robert McCammon
    • Narrated By Edoardo Ballerini
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (265)
    Performance
    (239)
    Story
    (236)

    The Providence Rider is the fourth installment in the extraordinary series of historical thrillers featuring Matthew Corbett, professional problem solver. The narrative begins in the winter of 1703, with Matthew still haunted by his lethal encounter with notorious mass murderer Tyranthus Slaughter. When an unexplained series of explosions rocks his Manhattan neighborhood, Matthew finds himself forced to confront a new and unexpected problem. Someone is trying - and trying very hard - to get his attention.

    bionichands says: "This is a fun series"
    "This is a fun series"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I've read all four Corbett books to date. Thanks audible for making these available! I highly recommend checking out the entire series. Matthew Corbett is a fantastic character. The colonial America setting is unusual and well written, and the stories are engaging and fun.

    I've been looking forward to Book 4 for a few months. Thankfully, McCammon seems to churn these out quickly. All of your favorite characters are back, AND most importantly we finally get to meet Professor Fell. Lots of action.

    This isn't high art by any stretch, but it is a really fun read. Well worth your listening time and credits.

    6 of 6 people found this review helpful
  • Impulse

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 33 mins)
    • By Steven Gould
    • Narrated By Emily Rankin
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (66)
    Performance
    (62)
    Story
    (62)

    Cent has a secret. She lives in isolation, with her parents, hiding from the people who took her father captive and tortured him to gain control over his ability to teleport, and from the government agencies who want to use his talent. Cent has seen the world, but only from the safety of her parents' arms. She's teleported more than anyone on Earth, except for her mother and father, but she's never been able to do it herself. Her life has never been in danger. Until the day when she went snowboarding without permission and triggered an avalanche. When the snow and ice thundered down on her, she suddenly found herself in her own bedroom.

    B. Zvonetskiy says: "Great continuation of Jumper"
    "Just couldn't do it."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What disappointed you about Impulse?

    Just too YA for me. And I hated the first person narrative.


    What could Steven Gould have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

    Not written a book about the daughter.


    Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Emily Rankin?

    She was fine.


    Any additional comments?

    I'm sure there is an audience for this book. Kind of a wasted credit for me unfortunately. I really enjoyed JUMPER and REFLEX was pretty good too.

    2 of 6 people found this review helpful
  • Wool Omnibus Edition (Wool 1 - 5)

    • UNABRIDGED (17 hrs and 57 mins)
    • By Hugh Howey
    • Narrated By Minnie Goode
    Overall
    (482)
    Performance
    (436)
    Story
    (433)

    This is the story of mankind clawing for survival, of mankind on the edge. The world outside has grown unkind, the view of it limited, talk of it forbidden. But there are always those who hope, who dream. These are the dangerous people, the residents who infect others with their optimism. Their punishment is simple. They are given the very thing they profess to want: They are allowed outside.

    Miller says: "Good Story, Should have READ it"
    "Read this Twice."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you listen to Wool Omnibus Edition (Wool 1 - 5) again? Why?

    Absolutely. I actually read this book on my kindle over the past year. Decided I wanted to check out the audiobook.


    What was one of the most memorable moments of Wool Omnibus Edition (Wool 1 - 5)?

    This seems like a dumb question to me. I don't want to give away any of the plot and spoil the book for anyone. I'll just say if you're a fan of post apocalyptic fiction, this is a really good one with no zombies involved. It feels fresh, characters are mostly well drawn out, and the story is really clever. I couldn't help but think as I read this book that it would make a great HBO series like Game of Thrones.


    Have you listened to any of Minnie Goode’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

    I don't think so, but the reader is good. The most prominent character is a woman,so her voice seems appropriate. Some of the male voices are a little goofy, but no big deal.


    Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

    I guess so.


    Any additional comments?

    I don't know if this is really a 5-star book or not, but I wanted to emphasize that I thought it was one of the better SF-ish books I've listened to this year and well worth your time checking out. I listened to a good chunk of those SM Stirling books, and this series is so much better, so much less cheesy. I think even non-SF fans may enjoy this one. Very glad to find it in audio version.

    9 of 9 people found this review helpful
  • HHhH

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 48 mins)
    • By Laurent Binet
    • Narrated By John Lee
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (39)
    Performance
    (36)
    Story
    (38)

    HHhH: "Himmlers Hirn heisst Heydrich," or "Himmler's brain is called Heydrich." The most dangerous man in Hitler's cabinet, Reinhard Heydrich was known as the "Butcher of Prague." He was feared by all and loathed by most. With his cold Aryan features and implacable cruelty, Heydrich seemed indestructible-until two men, a Slovak and a Czech recruited by the British secret service-killed him in broad daylight on a bustling street in Prague, and thus changed the course of History.

    Darwin8u says: "Himlers Hirn heisst Heydrich"
    "Weird storytelling just didn't work for me."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you try another book from Laurent Binet and/or John Lee?

    No.


    What do you think your next listen will be?

    WOOL Omnibus Edition.


    Would you be willing to try another one of John Lee’s performances?

    Sure there was no issue with the narrator.


    You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

    The actual story and history that the book wants to tell is compelling. But the weird method of telling the story gets in the way.


    Any additional comments?

    This should have been a much better book considering the story it aims to tell about the assassination of Heidrich. The problem with the book is that the author is writing about his attempt to write this story. In PAINFUL detail. He literally interrupts the story to say things like, "I was going to write that Heidrich had pancakes for breakfast, but I didn't know for sure if that would be historically accurate". I'm not making this up. WTF?? The first three chapters of the book are the author's ramblings about thinking about writing a book. I thought it was just a lengthy FOREWARD or something.

    I don't know why he wrote the book this way. It seems like it would have been a compelling story and at times it starts to be, then the author interjects something like, "I wrote this sentence but my girlfriend didn't like it, but I kept it anyway." ugh.

    4 of 5 people found this review helpful
  • Flowertown

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 36 mins)
    • By S. G. Redling
    • Narrated By Tanya Eby
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (33)
    Performance
    (32)
    Story
    (32)

    Seven years ago, a chemical spill brought the U.S. Army to rural Penn County, Iowa, where soldiers established a long-term, medically maintained quarantine. Officially, it’s called the PennCo Containment Area. But to the people trapped inside, their bodies tainted with chemicals that give off a sweet smell, it’s known simply as Flowertown. The quarantine was supposed to save their lives, but many of the survivors have grown suspicious of the government’s real motives. But not Ellie Cauley - her rage long ago burned down to hard, cynical pessimism. When a series of deadly events forces Ellie out of her apathy, she must prepare to face an enemy powerful enough to unleash her greatest nightmare.

    GremlinGrrl says: "My favorite new smart-aleck heroine"
    "Painful. Not sure I can finish last 60 minutes."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Sorry, this is just bad. I'm on the last 60 minutes or so, and I don't know if I can finish. I really could care less if I finish it. I'm just pressing on through sheer willpower.

    The premise of this sealed off town starts off ok. Quickly devolves into this trite and convoluted story of this big pharm company conspiracy. The dialogue in the story is HORRIBLE. Completely phony witty banter. Seriously, S.G. Redling, NOBODY TALKS LIKE THIS AND IT IS PAINFUL TO LISTEN TO. The back and forth between Ellie and Bing is especially bad as is their constantly replaying the same scene over and over. The two talk amicably, suddenly get upset, one storms off, then they meet up again later and apologize, suddenly upset, one storms off, etc; I am not kidding, this happens a dozen times at least in the same book.

    And lastly, no offense, but it you speak with a lisp, you should not be narrating audiobooks. It can be cute and endearing, I have no problem with it. However, it is just annoying in an audiobook, like fingernails on a chalkboard. Audible should start screening these books and post a freaking warning when the narrator has a lisp or is Stephen King.

    There are a TON of better books on audible to use your credit on. Avoid this one.

    1 of 3 people found this review helpful
  • Glory Road

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 34 mins)
    • By Robert A. Heinlein
    • Narrated By Bronson Pinchot
    Overall
    (139)
    Performance
    (121)
    Story
    (125)

    . C. “Scar” Gordon was on the French Riviera recovering from a tour of combat in Southeast Asia, but he hadn’t given up his habit of scanning the personals in the newspaper. One ad in particular leapt out at him: "Are you a coward? This is not for you. We badly need a brave man. He must be 23 to 25 years old, in perfect health, at least six feet tall, weigh about 190 pounds, fluent English with some French, proficient with all weapons, some knowledge of engineering and mathematics essential...."

    ShySusan says: "Heinlein's only fantasy"
    "Not sure this is really as good as you remember"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I've had this book in my Amazon wishlist for a long time as I've heard a lot of good things about it and read the great reviews. So I was happy when I saw it was available on Audible and gave it a listen.

    I don't know exactly what to say other than I just found the book kind of silly and juvenile for the most part. Very disappointing, because the first chapters of the book about Gordon's life and path to Vietnam were really good. It really lost me almost immediately as soon as the story leaves Earth.

    I have a feeling my problem with this book is that it was written in 1964 or whatever and just doesn't hold up as well for a first time reader. Its like being a fan of the original Battlestar Galactica and remembering how great it was when you were a kid. But if you show it to your kid today, they likely wouldn't see it the same way.

    I hate to bash the book as it clearly has a lot of fans who love it. My comment is just that if you're like me and you've grown up reading Gibson or Stephenson or more contemporary sci-fi writers, you might find this a little unsophisticated.

    Bronson Pinchot's narration was pretty awesome though.

    6 of 11 people found this review helpful
  • Cryptonomicon

    • UNABRIDGED (42 hrs and 53 mins)
    • By Neal Stephenson
    • Narrated By William Dufris
    Overall
    (1302)
    Performance
    (727)
    Story
    (731)

    Neal Stephenson hacks into the secret histories of nations and the private obsessions of men, decrypting with dazzling virtuosity the forces that shaped this century.

    flaos says: "Finally Audible"
    "Great book that holds up well"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I first read this book ten years ago, and it made a big impression. I was glad upon revisiting the audio version that the story still holds up so well. The complex narrative is really something of a masterpiece.

    I thought this was especially good in audio format. I remember reading the book that there were long passages of formulas and hard to pronounce names like Ghnxh. Dufris does a great job with all of that. His narration is excellent, especially his voice for Bobby Shaftoe. I forgot what a funny character he was in the book. Even funnier narrated by Dufris.

    I was reminded listening to this book that it really doesn't need to be filed away in the sci-fi section. There's really nothing sci-fi about it other than some of the characters being computer geeks and cryptographers. Its a touch of historical fiction, techno-thriller and a dash of Catch-22.

    Anyway, unfortunate that this one costs you two credits, but well worth it for this dense, complex tale that you can definitely listen to more than once.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Cut: Spero Lucas, Book 1

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 36 mins)
    • By George Pelecanos
    • Narrated By Dion Graham
    Overall
    (49)
    Performance
    (41)
    Story
    (41)

    Spero Lucas has a new line of work. Since he returned home after serving in Iraq, he has been doing special investigations for a defense attorney. He's good at it, and he has carved out a niche: recovering stolen property, no questions asked. His cut is 40 percent. But is any cut worth your family, your lover, your life?

    Cori says: "So entertaining and surprising!"
    "Loved it"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I happened to listen to this book after just failing to finish a disappointing audible download. This was just what I was looking for: quick, smart, and entertaining. I was into the story from the get go, and REALLY enjoyed it.

    I live in the DC area and loved the authentic, DC-centric setting. Pelecanos doesn't just name drop all of the local bars, streets, schools, etc; he actually gets them right. He even nails the changing atmosphere of the city today. The narrator is an excellent, giving easily recognizable and distinct voices to the characters.

    As to the story, the Spero Lucas character is a good one, as is his interesting family and background. I'll be looking forward to checking out the next book.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • A Bridge of Years

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 1 min)
    • By Robert Charles Wilson
    • Narrated By Jonathan Davis
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (79)
    Performance
    (34)
    Story
    (33)

    A secluded Pacific Northwest cottage becomes a door to the past for Tom Winter, who travels back to the New York City of 1962, followed by a human killing machine that he alone must stop.

    Shellbin says: "absorbing, excellent narration"
    "ugh."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Only made it through half of this audiobook before I gave up. Just too slow for my tastes. I give Wilson credit for fleshing out his characters into real people with real problems, but I mostly just found them real dull. Its a strange problem, because the book opens up with a stirring gun battle that raises all sorts of questions about what lies ahead. Unfortunately, few of those questions are answered anytime soon, as the main character mopes about his divorce or contemplates the arrangement of his sock drawer.

    The slowness issue is exacerbated by the narrator. I listen to a ton of audiobook and my least favorite performance is the slow, quiet, overly earnest, NPR style delivery. Its a narration style seemingly designed to soothe the reader to sleep. Honestly, I am not sure if the book is as slow and dull as I think it is or if the narrator just read it that way.

    3 of 7 people found this review helpful
  • The Hitman's Guide to Housecleaning

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 20 mins)
    • By Hallgrimur Helgason
    • Narrated By Luke Daniels
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (47)
    Performance
    (43)
    Story
    (43)

    With some 66 hits under his belt, Tomislav Bokšic, or Toxic, has a flawless record as hitman for the Croatian mafia in New York. That is, until he kills the wrong guy and is forced to flee the States, leaving behind the life he knows and loves. Suddenly, he finds himself on a plane hurtling toward Reykjavik disguised as American televangelist Father Friendly. With no means of escape from this island devoid of gun shops, this country with absolutely no tradition for contract killing, he is forced to come to terms with his bloody past and reevaluate his future, to tragicomic effect.

    Jason says: "Funny moments but mostly a snore"
    "Funny moments but mostly a snore"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    There are some things to like about Helgason's novel. As common a character as "the hitman on the run" is in books, this hitman at least has a fairly interesting and novel background. The setting in Iceland is also something the reader might not have come across before now. There are funny moments in the book, a few almost laugh out loud. And lastly, the narrator is fantastic. I am guessing that he is affecting the accent he uses for the hitman, but I personally thought he did a great job with the reading.

    My main problem with the book was the story. After a decent setup, it alternates between not very interesting to just flat out dull. At times the situations feel like something you might find in a sitcom. Three's Company or something like that. A lot of things happen which are just hard to understand. Why did a character act this way? Why is this happening at all? The finale is completely unsurprising. This book ends pretty much EXACTLY the way you think it will.

    I was mostly glad it was a fairly short novel. I managed to finish it, so it wasn't a complete waste of a credit or anything. I think I have better books in my library to enjoy though.

    2 of 3 people found this review helpful

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