On Stranger Tides

By: Tim Powers

Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

Length: 12 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

The basis for the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean film.

On Stranger Tides follows the exploits of John Chandagnac, who travels to the new world after the death of his puppeteer father to confront his uncle, who has apparently made off with the family fortune. During the voyage, he befriends Beth Hurwood and her father, Benjamin Hurwood, an Oxford professor. Before they arrive at their destination, their ship is waylaid by Blackbeard and his band of pirates. With the help of the professor and his assistant, the captain is killed, and Chandagnac is pressed into piracy and sorcery as Blackbeard searches for the Fountain of Youth. Chandagnac, newly dubbed “Jack Shandy”, must stop the evil plot and save Beth Hurwood.

©2006 Tim Powers (P)2010 Blackstone Audio

Critic reviews

“World Fantasy Award-winner Powers demonstrates a precise control of complex narratives…This dark fantasy tale will appeal not just to pirate fans but also to anyone who appreciates Powers’ talent for blending the most unlikely elements into a brilliantly cohesive whole.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“Powers writes action and adventure that Indiana Jones could only dream of....Keeps you reading for the joy of it.” ( Washington Post)

Great book, not impressed with the reader

Maybe it is because I just listened to a novel read by David Suchet. (He is the Master of voices!) I thought Pinchot voiced the different characters fairly well, it was his reciting of the narrative that was uninspired. He sounded like he was bored most of the time. Maybe it's just me. Great book though.

Masterfully Read

I have listened to hundreds of audio books in my day but never one made so engaging. I've found myself looking for books read by Bronson Pinchot. Great story told by a real intellect.

Fantastic pirate story

I loved the mix of pirate escapades and magic. And adding A few real world pirates or conquistadors of the past was cool, i looked them up on Wikipedia to learn more.

The narrator was terrific with many different and believable voices for the characters. He sounds a lot like Scott Brick who I also enjoy.

Great story Great Story Teller

A great adventure and very well read; at times, an edge of the seat nail-biter. Awesome. And I had already read the book! (Though many years ago).

Great adventure by Tim Powers & Bronson Pinchot is an excellent narrator

The title really says it all- it’s a rollicking pirate adventure story with the added elements of Caribbean mysticism, and Bronson Pinchot’s multifaceted narrative allowed for a wide variety of differing voices without ever becoming over- acted or camp. All around enjoyable tale!

This has not aged well

Flat, shallow characters, poorly defined magic, and what feels like 4 separate endings are what didn't really do it for me. Loved Pinchot's performance, he did a great job. This book was on all the lists of great pirate fiction and I do love Pirates of the Caribbean but it just fell flat and I almost quit 3 chapters in. I did finish it, hoping it would improve but I can't say it did. Parts of the story were excellent but so much of it was disappointing.

An all around fantastic pirate adventure!

I'd like to start off by firstly acknowledging the INCREDIBLE performance by the voice actor, they could not have done a better job. Between the mass of voices I was sometimes in shock that it was all done by the same person! The actual story itself is in my opinion very well paced and gives just the right amount of excitement and wonder. As an avid fan of all things pirate, I adored every moment of this story and the growth of the main character. At the end of the book, I can say it left me with a sense of fulfilment, as though there were no loose ends, or things still left wanting. All around, this book was certainly worth the listen!

I have waited for this audiobook for years!

I have waited for this audiobook for years! This book is without a doubt the most entertaining fiction that I have ever read! Tim Powers has been cheated in my opinion because his books have not been available to the audio public and they are not advertised as they could considering Disney bought the rights to this one for the next "Pirates of the caribean" movie. But His agent said Tim Powers now has 4-5 of his books in the works to be put to audio as we speak. So spread the word and enjoy like I have in this wonderful entertainment like few can write!!!

Pirates + Voodoo = A very solid book

I picked this up because Bronson Pinchot is my favorite recap and the reviews were solid and didn't regret it one bit.

I hope to find more in the series.

Ran out of sail

One of the worst, most abrupt endings ever. Wash sold on the book at first, but git into it. Then the it fizzled out right when there should have been a kaboom.