Ruins

Pathfinder, Book 2

By: Orson Scott Card

Narrated by: Orson Scott Card, Stefan Rudnicki, Kirby Heyborne, Emily Janice Card

Length: 14 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Features a new exclusive introduction read by author Orson Scott Card.

From the author of Ender’s Game, the major motion picture!

A complex fate. A deadly path. Book two in the New York Times bestselling series Publishers Weekly calls “an epic in the best sense.”

When Rigg and his friends crossed the Wall between the only world they knew and a world they could not imagine, he hoped he was leading them to safety. But the dangers in this new wallfold are more difficult to see. Rigg, Umbo, and Param know that they cannot trust the expendable, Vadesh - a machine shaped like a human, created to deceive - but they are no longer certain that they can even trust one another. But they will have little choice. Because although Rigg can decipher the paths of the past, he can’t yet see the horror that lies ahead: A destructive force with deadly intentions is hurtling toward Garden. If Rigg, Umbo, and Param can’t work together to alter the past, there will be no future.

The adventure, suspense, and time travel continue in this second installment in the critically acclaimed New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling Pathfinder series.

©2012 Orson Scott Card (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Great story, but...

The character of Loaf was not consistent because the narrators represented him differently in attitude. I found this annoying. the original narrator with deep male voice portrayed a bit of warmth in him which seemed to fit, while the others made him seem absurdly cranky and irritating. I had to keep reminding myself to listen to the words and ignore the tone which I feel was overplayed. All of the characters were overplayed at times. Taking a slightly more neutral tone, and leaving some of the emotions to be filled in by the readers' imaginations would be better.

Orson is the best writer of his time.

Would you consider the audio edition of Ruins to be better than the print version?

I am absolutely sure that the audiobook version is the better then the print. Orson wrote his books to be read aloud.

What did you like best about this story?

The inventiveness of the world he created is second to none.

Not on the same level as the first book

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I would shorten it and have less arguing between the characters, it does tend to become a little bit boring. I also don't like the idea that Rigg ends up with a face mask.

If you’ve listened to books by Orson Scott Card before, how does this one compare?

The basic idea is better than the Homecoming Series, but it seems to flatten out quicker than the mentioned series. I think the same unfortunate fate has struck Pathfinder than the Mithermages' second book.

Which scene was your favorite?

I really did have a favourite scene as such.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No, definitely not, I just don't think it will make a good movie.

Any additional comments?

None.

Great story, annoying characters

I continue to like the storyline and ideas in this series, so I will continue listening, but I found the constant bickering between characters pretty annoying. It made them a lot less like-able. There were also a few points in the book where the character's discussion of their abilities got a little long winded. Still, overall the basic premise of the book continues to be engaging.

Another Hit

story and premise great,
Card always has depth to his characters.
I loved it.

Great book

In the beginning it was a little hard to follow as the story jumped around a little more than I am accustomed to. I also only listen in small increments so that may have had something to do with it. However one the story for rolling and I got into the characters it was fantastic. I love the detail and alternative view of time traveling. Awesome

Exciting and action-filled!

The narration of the Pathfinder series really makes you feel like you are a part of the story. Ruins, the second book in the series, continues the action-filled plot of Rigg and his cohorts as they try to save the planet Garden. Card really outdid himself with this series.

Great follow-on to Book 1

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

Top notch readers, They breathe life into these characters.

What did you like best about this story?

Card's continued exploration of the ethical issues surrounding the interaction of human and non-human lifeforms; particularly, consideration of what it means to be 'human.'

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Enhanced emotions and personality for the characters.

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

Umbo's struggle with his inner voices.

A worthy next step in the adventure...

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

Yes

What did you like best about this story?

The depth of character development

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

Embodied the personalities of the characters

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

How can they save the world, if they can't even save themselves

Was disappointed by the ending...

Hoping book 3 brings it back for me. Love the story telling of OSC, but this got a bit dischordal and confusing. Still a good story though!