Savages

A Novel

By: Don Winslow

Narrated by: Michael Kramer

Length: 7 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Part-time environmentalist and philanthropist Ben and his ex-mercenary buddy Chon run an independent Laguna Beach–based marijuana operation, reaping significant profits from an established clientele. But they may have come up against something that they can't handle---the Mexican Baja Cartel wants in, and saying no is unacceptable. When they refuse to back down, the cartel kidnaps Ophelia, the boys' playmate and confidante. O's abduction sets off a dizzying array of ingenious negotiations and gripping plot twists that will captivate listeners eager to learn the costs of freedom and the price of an amazing high.

©2010 Samburu, Inc. (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A spellbinding, tour de force that is utterly impossible to put down. Savages is, bar none, the finest novel I have read in years." (Christopher Reich, author of Rules of Deception)

Good book weird editing

This is the second book I’ve listened to recently that most of the first words are cut off. I can figure it out but am getting annoyed with having to. Not sure what’s going on. Great book though. Good listen!

"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"

Meets the "Real Housewives of Orange County". I agree that the characters were not very likable or well developed, but they had their own unique appeal. The novel brings to mind the first time I saw that "reality" TV show. The characters are so awful you just cannot look away. It is fun to peek into something foreign and so far removed from most of our realities. I stuck with the book unlike the TV show. A much more enjoyable way to spend some time. I loved Winslow's pace and his prose.

I can't stand the narrator

I'm returning this one. the tone of the narrator is so bad. he's trying to sound cool or something, but it just comes across in a DB way.

I preferred the sequal

excellent novel which as expected was better than the film adaptation. overall though I must say it came across as more shallow than the prequel or Mr. Winslow's Cartel novels.

It was just OK

I love Don Winslow and really liked the prequel ‘Kings of Cool’, but for me ‘Savages’ just didn’t deliver. I felt as a stand alone book it didn’t give enough background on how they go to where they were, and there wasn’t much character development or suspenseful moments (in the first 60% or so of the book). As always the writing is good, but overall it was a bit disappointing from what I’m used to.

The narrator didn't do a great job with the various characters especially the female ones. Again vs. the first book it just fell short.

Story and Narrator Were Made For Eachother

I thought I had a favourite narrator before this book...now I'm torn. I'm almost scared to listen to other books he's done because this book was so perfect for his voice.
The book was so real and raw, the movie was close but not half as good.
I started recommending it when I was only an hour in.

LOVED IT!

Any additional comments?

I think people will either love this book or hate it. This is about a drug war, hostages, and going to the edge of the world for the ones you love. This is not a book for the "soccer mom" type. It is a sexy but very violent book. I loved this book. :)

Action for no reason

I too read great reviews about this book, but it was much more like an episode of crime drama that a novel. The character development wasn't very good. They were shallow, had unbelievable motivations and were frankly unlikeable. When characters are like this, I don't get invested. I don't really care what happens to them. It did learn a lot about marijuana and drug trafficking, which was interesting but the details didn't move the plot along. I did like the authors style and the edge in the dialogue. For entertainment value, I gave it three stars but I won't be running to get more of Winslow's work based on this book.

I'm glad I don't lead this life

Drugs, Southern California, a Mexican drug cartel and 3 friends are the core of this story. It was made into a movie last year directed by Oliver Stone. When I first thought about getting this book I noticed a prequel "The Kings of Cool" had come out after this one but decided to start with the other. This one completes the story. The author, Don Winslow, has a very interesting writing style and kept your interest. I have a feeling a lot of the gruesome stuff in this book happens in real life if you believe the drug cartel stores you hear about in the news. I do know I would hate to get caught up in this lifestyle, your life isn't worth a plug nickel if you do. I will say both books were entertaining.

very entertaining

What made the experience of listening to Savages the most enjoyable?

there was always something happening and the narrator has a great voice

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

yes

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

no

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no extreme reaction, but there were some very sexual parts