Skybound

By: Aleksandr Voinov

Narrated by: Matthew Lloyd Davies

Length: 1 hr and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Germany, 1945.

The Third Reich is on its knees as Allied forces bomb Berlin to break the last resistance. Yet on an airfield near Berlin, the battle is far from over for a young mechanic, Felix, who's attached to a squadron of fighter pilots. He's especially attached to fighter ace Baldur Vogt, a man he admires and secretly loves. But there's no room for love at the end of the world, never mind in Nazi Germany.

When Baldur narrowly cheats death, Felix pulls him from his plane, and the pilot makes his riskiest move yet. He takes a few days' leave to recover, and he takes Felix with him. Away from the pressures of the airfield, their bond deepens, and Baldur shows Felix the kind of brotherhood he's only ever dreamed of before.

But there's no escaping the war, and when they return, Baldur joins the fray again in the skies over Berlin. As the Allies close in on the airfield where Felix waits for his lover, Baldur must face the truth that he is no longer the only one in mortal danger.

©2012 Aleksandr Voinov (P)2015 Aleksandr Voinov

5 treasurable stars!

I was literally left speechless. Pure perfection I was told, and it was no lie. Do yourself a favor and join this free-fall of emotions, you won’t regret it!

Skybound is a Treasure

Where does Skybound rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

#1

Any additional comments?

My original book review stands. (See my blog). I won't change it, but I can say without question this audio version enhances the experience of Skybound, beautifully, as well as my feelings for it. Here I will focus on the audiobook itself and the delivery by the narrator.

First and foremost the quality of Matthew Lloyd Davies’ voice is ideal. He has an airy, lofty cadence that imparts the feeling of lift and flight. He doesn't swoop and soar, but instead carries the audience along on the wings that this story is built upon. And most importantly he conveys the brilliance of the writing.

Further into the story there is perfection when Felix's innocence and timidity need to come through. And they do. Not only am I told that his pulse is racing, but I can hear it in the narrators breath.

Finally, the melancholy tone that runs through the book is heard deep down in the vocal chords, but they don't cover up the endless, yet waning, hope that keeps you linked to each word. Despair, pain, loss, utter love and awe are all heard, and felt. And something that I had somehow forgotten came through clearly, Felix's strength. Yes, this modest man, who has seen so much loss, clings to his capabilities which show his devotion and care. He almost comes across as arrogant, but it just allows you to love him all the more. Timid Felix has strength that he doesn't know he possesses. But Baldur knows. And you will too after listening to this treasure.

Something Completely Different But Just As Good

This was a short, sweet read, proving that the author can write more than just dark, twisted hate/love relationships. I wasn't sure I'd like it as the initial pace seemed a bit slow, but in the end, the two main characters coming together and the action-filled conclusion melted my heard.

Matthew Lloyd Davies delivers another stellar performance, reading the shy Felix perfectly.

Stunning! A Beautiful Performance by Davies

Gah, just perfection! From the very opening, Aleksandr Voinov captures the mood of the final days of the war for these two German soldiers. Simply incredible. Voinov is always excellent, but Skybound is definitely one of his best.

I was lucky enough to do this one in audio, which is beautifully performed by Matthew Lloyd Davies. Davies truly brings Voinov's poetry to life.