Kii

I was impressed with this book. The writing is good, the performance very good, and the story intriguing. Though listed as a young adult book, adults will enjoy it too. The characters are by far the best part. They have a depth and realness not often seen. That said, this isn't an action or adventure story. I've read some reviewers say "nothing happens!" And yeah, the characters aren't fighting dragons or doing battle. The story is more nuanced. This is a quieter book, the kind that sneaks in and makes you think about it when you aren't reading/listening.

The story and the writing are as awesome as I've come to expect from James Butcher. I found the story line, and the changes to the situations of the characters, really interesting. Also, James Marsters is back! For me, he is the voice of Dresden. I didn't like the last audio book as much because someone else narrated it.

I tend to consider this book and Hyperion as a single book. Broken in two because it would be too heavy as a single book, or too intimidating for many people. So, my review for Hyperion is also my review for Fall of Hyperion.
I first read this book years and years ago. One of my first forays into "hard" sci-fi. I loved it. I've revisited many books I read way-back-when, and sometimes find myself disappointed. Not Hyperion or Fall of Hyperion. Still as good. Still as thought provoking. I liked how each character had their own voice, it was well done. Very smooth transitions, voices at the same volume. Not at all like the "dramatic readings" I've listened to before. I did not like the voice of Martin Silenus, the poet. He annoyed me. But maybe that was the point of casting that particular voice actor, Martin Silenus is a very annoying character.

I first read this book years and years ago. One of my first forays into "hard" sci-fi. I loved it. I've revisited many books I read way-back-when, and sometimes find myself disappointed. Not Hyperion. Still as good. Still as thought provoking. I liked how each character had their own voice, it was well done. Very smooth transitions, voices at the same volume. Not at all like the "dramatic readings" I've listened to before. I did not like the voice of Martin Silenus, the poet. He annoyed me. But maybe that was the point of casting that particular voice actor, Martin Silenus is a very annoying character.
In any case. I really enjoyed both this and its twin, the Fall of Hyperion.

A few reviews likened this book to Twilight. Aside from the paranormal flavor and the star-crossed lovers, I don't see much overlap. Well, some of the ways the author references the main romantic relationship are pretty sappy. I think the book is on a more interesting and intelligent level than Twilight. I liked the story.
The performance was lacking. The performer has two accents she uses and most of the scenes where the main character is experiencing wonder or melancholy, she just sounds flat. It really detracted from the story.

The characters are so well done, very nuanced. I also liked how Correa worked historical events into the book's universe.

At first, the deep country accent of Fae was off putting, but as I got to know the character, it really worked. The voice for Sullivan was perfect.

For a while I passed this book by because the cover looks ridiculous, I wish I hadn't, this is a great book.