Cage

This was the very first audiobook I ever listened to. That is, the abridged cassettes read by Denis "Wedge Antilles" Lawson, a long time ago, a couple states away. Now, finally, a perfect audiobook experience is available in this unabridged version of Heir to the Empire. This story was great when I read it back in high school, and is even better now! I always considered Timothy Zahn's trilogy to be Episodes VII, VIII, and IX, although they aren't officially recognized as such.
The sound effects were distracting at first, because I don't hear many effects in other audiobooks, but considering the sounds and music are from Star Wars ( tattooed on my brain since childhood), I found them to actually enhance the story. This is my first listen to Marc Thompson ever, and it's no wonder why he does all the Star Wars narrations. Perfection! This is quite possibly the best audiobook I have ever heard. Bring on Dark Force Rising and The Last Command! The Force is most definitely with us...

This was a 'page turner' for sure! It was exciting, full of twists, great scientific exposition on time travel, intriguing historical education, and a truly satisfying ending. The narration was excellent. I give props to narrators like John Bedford Lloyd, who can create such unique voices for every character. Loved it!!

I love Michael Crichton's work, especially the educational portions, and Airframe gave me some insight into the world of the airline industry. This one was typical Crichton, with lots of cool info, average character development (not unusual for this author), and best of all, it was a quick-moving, fairly short novel. Crichton completists, don't let this one fly over your head!

What a great audiobook! This was a fantastic science fiction novel. The pacing was perfect, never a dull moment. I don't want to spoil the story so I will just say, if you like techno-thrillers, this is very similar to one, but without the jargon and complex language. The first act is mysterious, and once the story moves past the first act, it won't slow down till the riveting ending, where all is revealed! Great narration too! I love a good European accent (I'm not saying which!)

On the one hand, this was a briskly paced mystery that I got through pretty quickly, which is a good thing. I also thought the narrator was excellent. There are a number of principal characters and Ray Porter successfully brought a unique voice to each of them.
On the other hand, the actual story was very middle of the road. Each plot twist was underwhelming, and the final revelations in the third act did not rub me the right way.
I would recommend this one to those with a (less discriminating) taste for the world of gothic horror, mystery, and/or science fiction. But it was too much of a mixed bag for my own taste.

This was a strange one. I was never bored, but the ending was not very compelling. A bit anti-climactic. There is a bit of sex throughout the book, so listen responsibly, kiddies!
I really enjoyed the narration. Both of the main narrators were soothing and gentle, and the third introduced late in the book was also very good.
Now, on to the biggest problem with this book. As many reviewers have pointed out, this book is repetitive. Here is an example (don't worry, it's not actual dialogue, just my impression of a typical conversation)
A: Are you hungry?
B: No, I already ate.
A: You already ate.
B: Yes
A:In other words, you put something in your mouth, chewed and swallowed?
B:That's right.
A: Was it good?
B: It was good.
A: In other words, You enjoyed it?
B: Yes.
A:Yes?
B: Yes.
A. In other words, you are stating an affirmative?
B:Yes.

This kind of conversation happened so many times, it may be responsible for an eighth of this book's length.
Though the story had some extremely moving moments, they were few and far between. It was different, though, that's for sure. My final analysis, the long journey is better than the destination.

This is my first trip to the world of Agatha Christie, and after researching for a good place to start, recommendations around the internet suggested this or Murder on the Orient Express. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. At first I wasn't sure I would like it, but the style of writing (this was 1939), was extremely easy to follow, the story zips along at a nice pace, and the narration is excellent. The epilogue makes the trip worth it, with a wonderful recap of the events which explain everything that happened. Not only will I have to re-read this one, I am already exploring more Christie novels. A+!

The Thrawn Trilogy comes to a close in The Last Command, and I wish it didn't have to end.
If you've invested your time on the first 2 audiobooks, you won't want to miss this one! The story draws to a very satisfying conclusion, and for a Star Wars fan like myself, it's FUN! The sound effects, the sweeping Star Wars music of John Williams, and Chewbacca starring as himself! I generally don't care for music or sound effects in an audiobook, because it can be distracting. In this case, I love it! And Marc Thompson can throw a great voice on every character you put in front of him, rock solid performance!
P.S. Kevin J. Anderson's Jedi Academy Trilogy, anyone? I'd drop a credit or 3! Let's hope Marc Thompson will continue with an unabridged performance of the next series.

Following in the footsteps of last year's 20th anniversary release of Timothy Zahn's Heir to the Empire, Marc Thompson delivers another perfect performance with this second installment of The Thrawn Trilogy. For the uninitiated, this series' popularity helped launch the expanded universerse we all take for granted now. For example, the 'Imperial Planet' was first named Coruscant in this trilogy. If you enjoyed it as much as I did, this audiobook will make you want to listen to the third and final book, The Last Command, thankfully also available unabridged and narrated by Marc Thompson. The Force is strong with this one!

What a fantastic book! This is a very cool story about a not-so-distant future where 100 teenage boys volunteer for a yearly, grueling, last-man-standing marathon. The competition is televised for America's entertainment, as one by one, the kids drop like flies. Put this in a pot, sprinkle some Running Man in, and you've got yourself The Hunger Games!
This is one of my favorite King stories, written under the psuedonym Richard Bachman.
Whether you are new to Stephen King (welcome to Planet Earth), or a fan looking for something else by the Master of Horror, I don't think this will disappoint!

This was an excellent book, even if you've enjoyed the original film (and who hasn't?). You can clearly see the inspiration for the classic movie, but the book moves in a slightly different direction. You will find the principle characters of Nova, Cornelius, Zira, and Dr. Zaius. Beyond that, I won't divulge any specifics about the story, as it has its own little twists and turns. For the Planet of the Apes completist, I say quit monkeying around and listen to this one!