Laddertop

Quite a few things unfortunately. I've read and then have listened to almost every OSC novel. I don't really enjoy short stories because there's usually no real depth. I was amazed really that the book is read like a dramatized play, like an old time players theater when radio was the only entertainment, with sound effects and da-da-ta-duuuh music. Very distracting to me. The story and the writing is very simple and the childish voices (but then, this is a book about children which included their self-centered view of life) were a bit irritating. That was probably my biggest disappointment. That is until I reached the end of the book. The last few lines took a weird left turn and then, huh? It's over? I had to back it up and listen to the ending again. Perhaps I missed something. The last section seemed to have no relevance to the direction of the story. I suppose this could be the first of a series but the first book is usually 3.5 plus hours long. I fear this is the book. The end.

The silliness of the kid's interactions. I'm used to OSC's kids being more mature, even when they're 5 or 6 years old. These kids were probably more true to life. The conversations were petty and immature. For this reason pre-adolescents would probably enjoy the story and presentation better. The adults in the story were shallow. And one more thing. The conversations of the adults made it seem they were discussing the intentions of the Givers for the first time instead of having 25 years of experience with the incomprehensible equipment.

Didn't really have one. If I have to pick it would be Roberta.

Disappointment and a bit of disbelieve that this was an Orson Scott Card book.

I had similar reactions to Pretty Boy and Space Boy which I had listened too just before Laddertop. Come on.... did Mr. Card really write these books? (No offense intended.)

I am a fan of Card. I enjoy his style of story telling and his character development.

When I downloaded this I expected a short story but not one that lacked depth. It seemed like I purchased a pre-release introduction. After good character and plot introduction the story stopped. What happened to the next 10 hours of story line?

I am actually going to ask for a refund on this one.

I have purchased and enjoyed every Card download available on Audible except for laddertop. If it was any other author, I would have given up at 30 minutes.

The story appears to be a cross between a short story and a script for a play. The disconcerting style allows for zero character development.

Nothing interesting happens and the ending is so underwhelming that I listened to the last five minutes twice not believing that OSC would allow something so lame to be promoted with his name.

The performance gets a three only due to Stephan Rudnicki. EJC sounds as if her voice is modulated to increase the listener's discomfort.

The story is nicely written, but it just ended when it appeared to be just getting started. Maybe I missed something important and I was interrupted several times near the end but it just left me hanging. It had all the features that made most of Card's other books so readable but ... Where's the Beef???

I will buy the real book once it comes out
good beginning to a story
buy it only if u like orson scott card since its not a whole book yet

I didn't notice how short this book was until after I downloaded it. That was irritating but the real annoyance was that the storyline was just beginning when it suddenly stopped. It's obviously written for a young audience (Anime type crowd) but the story is interesting enough. This book should be re-released when the remaining two thirds of it are completed.

I wish for the rest of this story. As a short story, it's not bad. But, considering cost per minute, it's not so good. Where is the rest of the book?

There was only the beginning here. I want some assurance that the story will be complete before I recommend this author.

Fairly well done.

Keep writing.

It started pretty well. The storyline was there and the characters, while immature, were still somewhat endearing. It seems like OSC was setting a stage for something impressive when the story suddenly stops. I know authors should leave their audience wanting more, but not by ending when it's just getting interesting.

I recall that Ender's Game started as a short story and then turned into one of the best novels ever written, so maybe there is some hope for this story.

The Host

No

Disappointment. I expect better of OSC.

Come on Orson... tell the rest of the story as only you can.

The pace seems slow, but that is because there is not much content or timeline. Characters seemed flat and the plot overly simple. Seemed more like a short story or preface for a novel than his usual works.

Love Orson Scott Card's works and have read almost everything he has written. Had this book not been by him I would have quit after the first couple of chapters. Yes will continue to buy his books.

below usual par

Yes, but the book needs to incorporate Laddertop as the first few chapters and then continue on with lots more character and plot line development.

Pace of the story was a bit slow considering

There was a decent premise, but not a good attempt. The narration was pretty poor too.