Agent of Change

Liaden Universe Agent of Change, Book 1

By: Sharon Lee, Steve Miller

Narrated by: Andy Caploe

Fleeing the scene of his latest mission, Val Con yos'Phelium finds himself saving the life of ex-mercenary Miri Robertson, a young Tarren on the run from interplanetary assassins. Thrown together by circumstances, Val Con and Miri struggle to elude their enemies and stay alive without slaying each other - or surrendering to the unexpected passion that flares between them.

©1988 Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

A Pretty Average Sci-fi

This story is basically two super agents out in the big wide world of classic sci-fi. They get into trouble and are hunted throughout the book and on into the next. There isn't anything particularly bad about it and there's nothing particularly good either. If I had to sum it up in one word it would be "unremarkable." The characters are pretty flat and cliche. The sci-fi tech is very mundane and uninspired. Most of the time they are getting ambushed and effortlessly defeating mindless flunkies. There's no main villain, just an endless supply of throw-away thugs. There are a few good characters in the turtles but, unfortunately, they are not the protagonists. It's a decent time-passer but I'm probably not interested enough to continue in the series.

fun story

not the best, but certainly worth a listen if you are looking for some lighter listening with interesting characters, dialogue and action. I am interested enough to buy more in the series.

Good audio for a good book

I have been a massive fan of these books for several years, so I was quite happy that Audible had the audiobooks. I have to admit I love the narrator on the Carousel books better then this one, but this narrator I still darned good.

Great Story

I have read this story many times and enjoyed it. Unfortunately I did not like the narrator. His male voices are fine, but the female main character sounds like a whiny housewife from New Jersey. Very annoying. Love the turtles!

narration is the problem here

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

The books - yes. Not these audio versions - the narrator pretty much destroyed the charm of the series.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Edger. Powerful and potentially lethal but wise and peaceful.

What didn’t you like about Andy Caploe’s performance?

Same problem as with the 1st book in the series - all "his"women sound either simpering or peevish. He is the worst narrator so far (in my experience) concerning female personages.

Also he obviously does not pay attention to the text itself - so somewhere in the book somebody says something "gently" but the narrator totally disregards such hints and the phrase comes out as rude or forceful.

Did Agent of Change inspire you to do anything?

See if there are more Leaden books narrated by somebody else.

Any additional comments?

Not buying anything else by this narrator.