Return Engagement

Settling Accounts, Book 1

De: Harry Turtledove

Narrado por: Paul Costanzo

Duración: 25 h y 33 m

Resumen del Editor

In 1914, they called it The Great War, and few could imagine anything worse. For nearly three decades, a peace forged in blood and fatigue has held sway in North America. Now, Japan dominates the Pacific, the Russian Tsar rules Alaska, and England, under Winston Churchill, chafes for a return to its former glory. But behind the façade of world order, America is a bomb waiting to go off. Jake Featherston, the megalomaniacal leader of the Confederate States of America, is just the man to light the fuse.

In the White House in Philadelphia, Socialist President Al Smith is a living symbol of hope for a nation that has been through the fires of war and the flood tides of depression. In the South, Featherston and his ruling Freedom Party have put down a Negro rebellion with a bloody fist and have interned them in concentration camps. Now, they are determined to crush their Northern neighbor at any cost.

©2004 Harry Turtledove (P)2016 Tantor

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Turtledove produces yet another absorbing installment of his character-centered alternate-history saga." ( Booklist)

Robert's Review

This is a great series. It's a great twist to the history of the U.S. vs. CSA. You will love this series.

I Miss George Guidall

A passable reading, but too many mispronounced words for me to ignore. Plus, this reader changes the accent of his narrating voice depending on where a scene is set, which might get him elected, but is distracting once you notice it.

Character Voices

I think Paul Costanzo is a good storyteller but after all the prior, Guidall-read books I get lost. Hard to tell the characters apart.

Narrator stumbles at first, but picks up.

This narrator is not as good as the one used earlier in the series and there's no escaping that. He does hit his stride a few hours in, though, and it becomes a good listen.

I have quibbles with turtledoves story and how much he seems more interested in swapping names and locations than making a new history. I'm still this far into the series and still listening to the next ones, though, so for whatever gripes I have I am still fully engaged

Impressive Rendering by Narrator Paul Constanzo

Yes, I'm one of those listeners who often chooses my next audiobook based on Narrator. Narrators come in many flavors, each bringing different strengths to the table. I'm lately especially fond of the highly skilled Will Patton, Scott Brick, and Paul Constanzo.
Hence, my purchase of Return Engagement by Harry Turtledove. This was my first taste of Turtledove's alternative histories. Interesting and enhanced, I am sure, by Constanzo's rich voice, his soothing timber and cadence. His masterful narration allowed me to paint the pictures of the unfolding story myself, never interrupting my connection with Turtledove's intent. It's a beautiful thing and a powerful skill.
To be honest, as much as I already appreciated his work, after listening to Return Engagement I am even more impressed with Paul Constanzo. I didn't realize just how wonderful his character work could be. He's much more versatile than I'd realized, creating subtle, but well drawn characters, both male and female.
Well done. VERY well done. We're lucky there's more to come!

Good with a few errors

Th is narrator is a change from the preceding 7 books of the series and makes some pronunciation choices that are a little bothersome at first but ignorable. Though at one point he refers to “leed” soldiers instead of lead soldiers when referencing toys. But a minor issue at worst.

Wonderful book

Harry Turtledove is a Master at his craft, and while not all of the characters he creates are my favorite or interesting to me, he creates a vivid world that is very thoughtfully portrayed. If you can ignore some minor annoyances or odd things about the books (repetition, overuse of certain phrases, over explaining things etc.) the books are a wonderful read.

Fire The Narrator

story was great as always...but changing the narrator on book 7 out of 11 is jarring. Not to mention the gentleman who does it has the charisma of an empty bathtub.

Finally on audio

I've been left in limbo waiting for this final series to come to audio and it's finally here. Paul Costanzo does a fine job of picking up the series. It's not George Guidall, but he makes this series his own and I enjoyed his narration. I highly recommend this book and this final series in this alternate history timeline.

Miss the old reader

The new narrator for the book is not as good as the previous one. Monotonous at times. Butchers names and even a few common words.

The story is great though. Definitely a good series