The River of Souls

Matthew Corbett, Book 5

By: Robert R. McCammon

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

The year is 1703. The place: The Carolina settlement of Charles Town. Matthew Corbett, professional 'problem solver,' has accepted a lucrative, if unusual, commission: Escorting a beautiful woman to a fancy dress ball.

What should be a pleasant assignment takes a darker turn when Matthew becomes involved in a murder investigation. A sixteen-year-old girl has been stabbed to death on the grounds of a local plantation. The suspected killer is a slave who has escaped, with two family members, into the dubious protection of a nearby swamp. Troubled by certain discrepancies and determined to see some sort of justice done, Matthew joins the hunt for the runaway slaves. He embarks on a treacherous journey up the Solstice River, also known as the River of Souls. He discovers that something born of the swamp has joined the hunt...and is stalking the hunters with more than murder in mind.

What follows is a shattering ordeal encompassing snakes, alligators, exiled savages, mythical beasts, and ordinary human treachery. The journey up the River of Souls will test Matthew's courage, commitment, and powers of endurance. It will also lead him to a confrontation with a figure from his recent past, which will alter Matthew's life, setting the stage for the next installment in this compulsively readable series.

Gripping, unsettling, and richly atmospheric, The River of Souls is a masterful historical adventure and a major addition to Robert McCammon's extraordinary body of work. Featuring the continuing exploits of a young hero USA Today has called 'the Early American James Bond.'

©2014 The McCammon Corporation (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Was Hoping For More, But Good For What It Is

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would recommend this. However, I'd preface that with asking my friend to read the other books in the series first, because that's where McCammon really shines. I was higly anticipating this book and was a bit disappointed in its length, abruptness and lack of depth.

If you’ve listened to books by Robert McCammon before, how does this one compare?

This would be last in the series of Matthew Corbett. Like others have said, it's like half a book, really. McCammon generally does excellent character development but this one left me wanting more.

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

I love Edoardo Ballerini and could listen to him read a phone book. I always know which character is speaking, as he clearly defines each one. He even does the women well. 5 stars always for Edoardo!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Near the beginning, when Matthew was finished with his "duel" with Magness. It brought out Matthew's caring nature.

Any additional comments?

I liked this book a lot. However, it does have the shortcomings I've listed above and others have pointed out. It will not stop me from buying any more in the Matthew Corbett series, though.

OMG. Robert McCammon is the greatest author ever

I want to scream it to the world. Book after book after Book after book in this series is absolutely fantastic. I marvel at McCammon's invention and at how he can write such strong characters and stories one after another, so consistently.

In this book, Matthew Corbett returns to his original dwellings in the south. North Carolina in this case, not too far from where the first story took place in Fount Royale. however, this book is a bit darker than the others. I was definitely creeped out multiple times. creepy creepy creepy. I even had to stop reading at one point because it was close to bedtime and I did not want that to be the last thought in my head before I closed my eyes.

The other thing I like about McCammon style is he leads the reader in directions That one would never expect but that are also better than where one would think it could go. River of souls was fantastic and I cannot wait to get the next book

Love this series

Would you consider the audio edition of The River of Souls to be better than the print version?

Absolutely

What did you like best about this story?

The character of Matthew Corbett

Which character – as performed by Edoardo Ballerini – was your favorite?

Ballerini is so talented however I do love the Stamper voice. Purrr

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

It made me read it twice back to back and I can't wait until the next book.

Excellent

Excellent story, wordplay, and narration. Surprised not to find many books narrated by Eduardo Ballerini.

Another great adventure with Matthew Corbett.

Another great adventure with Matthew Corbett. I use Audible and Edoardo Ballerini does a great job narrating the book. Can't wait for the 6th novel.

love it!

love this series!! Matthew corrbett comes up from a no account clerk boy to a strong willed and even stronger minded man!

Great narration and story

McCammon sucks you in, and you can visualize the time period. I only wish it hadn't had to end.

Great Story, Great Performance

What did you love best about The River of Souls?

Hearing more about characters I'm already familiar with, and there was consistency with the characters through all of the books.

Any additional comments?

I'm hooked on the series but I agree that the ending is awkward even for a cliff hanger. Other books in the series are complete books, but this one does not follow that pattern. Eduardo Ballerini is one of the best narrators I've ever listened to, excellent performance.

The journey continues

Mr McCammom knows how the develop memorable characters-first through current book. Mr. Ballerini knows exactly how to bring them fully to life. Great tales and I am on to the next!

Dare I say it - a tad lazy.

Any additional comments?

Been waiting as long as every other Matthew Corbett fan out there for McCammon's latest effort - even preordered it. Wasn't sure I had, by mistake, paid for and downloaded the abridged version of the book. Starts off well and it's great to reacquaint oneself with all the usual characters, but it's just too bloody short. Listening to it, I felt as though whole chapters were being deliberately left out. Ballerini's narration is up to its usual brilliance, but for me it doesn't rescue the book. I hope McCammon's next installment is of better quality and quantity. I'll probably relisten later this year, but for now I feel more than disappointed with The River of Souls. No doubt, you'll probably still purchase the book, but you've been advised.