©1999 Orson Scott Card; (P)2007 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
"Unique and engaging."
Card deals with the Sleeping Beauty in a unique way in this book and it is definitely intriguing. This story jumps between the present and the 9th century and between Russia (before and after the fall of the Berlin wall) and the U.S. It blends magic and modern technology, has likeably flawed characters, and is, overall, extremely enjoyable.
I'm trying to wean myself and learn to function without earbuds for more than ten minutes at a time. It hasn't been easy. I lose balance...
"Enchanting"
OSC is not reliable, I've been dissapointed here and there. But not this time. It's rather nicely done. I'd say it's close to Gaimon worthy with a little more reality built-in. It's a tale for an age where our history and past are a bit neglected. Not smushy in the tale sense either - a smart, mythical trip into magic for anyone. Meaning you dont' have to be a chic to carry it around the park eh?
"Fantasy with Historical and Mythical Elements"
An imaginative tale that uses _Sleeping Beauty_ as a point of departure for a fantasy that links the 20th century with an imagined 9th century Slavonic kingdom. The ending is weaker than the rest of the story (a common phenomenon,) but it held my interest all the way through.
"Echanted Entertainment"
This is the perfect book for an audio version, especially with the separate characters and the different voices for each. I love the accents and lively perspectives. Orson Scott Card has again combined history with fantasy and romance in a tale that ranks up there with the Alvin Maker series.
"Beyond Science Fiction"
Even if you are not a science fiction fan, do not pass this one up. This is an absolute delight that brings to life the fairy tale residing in all of our memories from childhood. Grand fun!
"converting to fantasy"
Highly recommend.
I've been a sci-fi reader for decades and haven't really delved into fantasy only LOTR. I read Harry Potter so I could discuss it with my kids but the magic didn't make sense to me.
This has started my conversion to fantasy at least OSC version of fantasy. This was a great story with lots of twists and action. The magic didn't overpower the story and mostly made sense to me.
It was well read by both readers and was an enjoyable experience. I looked forward to the drive to work and home.
"A modern day Fairy Tale"
I've read the book twice and listened to it repeatedly as well. It is full of imagination and makes one wonder what truth lies behind other fairy tales. This is one of my favorite summer reads.
"BRILLIANT!!!"
This was a BRILLIANT reading of a wonderful book! You have to understand that I ENJOYED getting stuck in traffic twice a day for 2 hours EACH WAY so I could listen to this book. It was an absolute MASTERPIECE!!!!! Buy it, download it, listen and see for yourself.
"a grown up fairy tale"
This is a charming take on Sleeping Beauty; a Russian boy leaves the Soviet Union and returns when he is an adult; he goes back to the woods which haunt his dreams, finds the damsel, and rescues her. There are trials, and the hero and the beauty are able to pass into each other's worlds. The audio is very good, and Mr. Rudnicki is wonderful as always.