The Family Trade

By: Charles Stross

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Miriam Beckstein is happy in her life as a successful reporter. When she gets iron-clad evidence of a money-laundering scheme, Miriam thinks she's found the story of the year. But when she takes it to her editor, she's fired on the spot and gets a death threat from the criminals she's uncovered. Before the day is over, she's received a locket left by the mother she never knew - the mother who was murdered when she was an infant. The knotwork pattern within has a hypnotic effect on her. Before she knows it, she's transported herself to a parallel Earth, a world where knights on horseback chase their prey with automatic weapons and where her true family is in charge.

The six families of the Clan rule the kingdom of Gruinmarkt from behind the scenes, a mixture of nobility and criminal conspirators whose exclusive inherited power to walk between the worlds makes them rich in both. Her unexpected return will supercede the claims of other clan members to her mother's fortune and power, and whoever killed her mother will be happy to see her dead, too. But Miriam is no one's pawn, and is determined to conquer her new home on her own terms.

Blending the creativity and humor of Roger Zelazny, the adventure of H. Beam Piper and Philip Jose Farmer, Charles Stross has set a new standard for fantasy epics.

©2004 Charles Stross (P)2015 Macmillan Audio

better than fair....

there was times that I was intrigued and there were times when I wish it was over. there were some twist but I wish The Twist were a little bigger. Also some predictability however it would be a great mini series.

Bad pronunciation

The story was ok but author tried too hard. She references NY and Marriott Marquis as hotel stay they visit. It is very famous but she butchers the pronunciation. Marriott "Markwiss" instead of "Markee." It is so blatant that it removes all credibility for the story.

its a good start

The characters and story are good. There is a bit a lot to set up. There isn't as much magic and action as expected. The rules of travel, political intrigue are interesting. I look forward to next part on series.

Good but

Good book but she's an ideological idiot. Power will always find power. Oh she is sitting in a position of power so use it to create a better world. To just tear it down to turn it into a paradise is just stupid. Hope she learns to use force to not be so stupid that she believes in the communist idea

not a real story

should have been the opening three chapters of a good book. to much set up no substance and no closure

This was a great listen!

I drive an 90 minutes in to work every morning and this book had me getting to work late as I found myself still sitting in my car and listening for "just a few more minutes".

Charles stross always amazes me with tales

loved it. it was intense and fun. thrilling and funny. a masterpiece indeed! read it.

awesome book by an awesome author

these books are wonderful, captivating story lines, fascinating characters, great narrators as well. stress is a great author!

Series worsened as it went on

The first book had a very intriguing premise. The story had some inconsistencies, but I put up with them for the sake of the mystery. However, the second book was boring; the characters tedious. It was in a different setting from the first one, so you any expectations you have from the first aren't fulfilled. My son, who listens to the audio books I buy, got to the third one first. He told me not to read it, so I didn't.

6 books - intriguing series

Any additional comments?

Charlie Stross creates a phenomenal/creative multiverse that really makes you think. Some of the things I wondered about are not developed until later books but he always out does my expectations. Charlie introduces lots of unexpected twists and turns through out the series. He may not be as hard on his characters as George Martin, but he can be ruthless. (He doesn't make death gruesome or revolting, but there is no doubt about the feeling of loss.) He doesn't seem to believe in everyone riding off into the sunset and living happily ever after. Life is hard and choices have consequences, but the series is adequately escapist. I did think it could be better if it was a little shorter, but it was certainly a fun romp and worth the investment. Finally, Kate Reading was a fantastic reader. She brought the characters to life and let the story develop. I recommend the entire series.