Warriors

By: George R. R. Martin - author/editor, Gardner Dozois - author/editor

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor, Christina Traister

People have been telling stories about warriors for as long as they have been telling stories. Since Homer first sang of the wrath of Achilles and the ancient Sumerians set down their tales of Gilgamesh, warriors, soldiers, and fighters have fascinated us; they are a part of every culture, every literary tradition, every genre. All Quiet on the Western Front, From Here to Eternity, and The Red Badge of Courage have become part of our literary canon, taught in classrooms all around the country and the world.

Our contributors make up an all-star lineup of award-winning and best-selling writers, representing a dozen different publishers and as many genres. We asked each of them for the same thing: a story about a warrior. Some chose to write in the genre they’re best known for. Some decided to try something different. You will find warriors of every shape, size, and color here, warriors from every epoch of human history, from yesterday and today and tomorrow, and from worlds that never were. Some of the stories will make you sad, some will make you laugh, and many will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Every story in this volume appears here for the first time. Included are: a long novella from the world of his Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin, a new tale of “Lord John” by Diana Gabaldon, an “Emberverse” story by S. M. Stirling, a “Forever Peace” story by Joe Haldeman, and a long tale of humanity at bay by David Weber. Also present are original stories by David Ball, Peter S. Beagle, Lawrence Block, Gardner Dozois, Robin Hobb, Cecelia Holland, Joe R. Lansdale, David Morrell, Naomi Novik, James Rollins, Steven Saylor, Robert Silverberg, Carrie Vaughn, Howard Waldrop, and Tad Williams.

Many of these writers are best sellers. All of them are storytellers of the highest quality. Together they make a volume of unforgettable listening.

©2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.; 2011 George R.R. Martin

Not the right narrator for the book

I didn't listen to every story in the book, because I was too distracted by the narrator. He was talented, but just not the right person for the book. It is hard to explain exactly what was wrong about his voice, but it was awkward hearing him talk about mature topics. He should limit his narrating to young adult books, and some nonfiction.

I liked some of the stories I listened to. Others were forgettable. I would recommend reading it instead of listening.

Narrative

There are so many stories in this one audio book but only one narrator. I couldn't tell when one story ended and another began. Bad idea.

Intro was the best part of the book.

I loved the introduction! It made me want to try all new genres and to just pick up a book, any book and start to read it, regardless of genre or author. Some of the stories were good, some bizzare, some thought provoking, and some were way out there. I love the premise of the book (stories about Warriors regardless of genre) but some of the stories were nothing I would ever want to read again and I know what authors I would never even consider reading again. The narration was excellent. He sounded like he was talking to you, not reading and especially not overacting his reading.

Interesting collection of stories.

I enjoyed every bit of it. Highly recommended. Dunc and Egg was superb as all the other stories. I now have more fantasy authors to read

Solid audiobook, glad I bought it

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

Great variety of different stories in different styles. Cool way to discover new writers one might want to read more of.

Would you recommend Warriors to your friends? Why or why not?

I definitely would recommend this to my friends, especially the ones who love fantasy and science fiction.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I liked to take a break between stories. There is hardly a break between the end of one story and the beginning of the next, though. That I found somewhat annoying because you want the previous story to fade out in your mind before the next one is sprung on you.

Any additional comments?

I really only bought this for G. R. R. Martin's story, but there are some good listens among the others as well.