The Second Tree

The Order, Volume 1

De: John Butziger

Narrado por: Scott Thomas

Winner of the 2015 Shelf Unbound Indie Notable Award

Thanks to a drunken accident in Western Uganda, Martin and Andrew think they've found the next culinary craze to hit Manhattan's trendy restaurant scene. They're about to find out they've stumbled onto a centuries-old secret that, once unleashed, may be impossible to contain.

Everyone wants something from the new discovery. Andrew wants a chance to make a decent living and escape his dead-end job. Self-absorbed, greed-driven Martin wants to profit from a cutthroat industry that envisions a revolutionary product lurking in the find.

Military organizations at home and abroad have their own more violent agendas. And, hidden in a West Ugandan valley, a tribe of guardians wonder if an ancient prophecy is reaching fulfillment or if the world discovered their secret too soon.

In a story reminiscent of Crichton and Brown's corporate and religious thrillers, John Butziger presents a potent mix of adventure, conspiracy, and the mystical. From the petty double-dealing of a culinary network channel to the high-stakes world of cyber espionage, Butziger weaves a complex adventure where few can be trusted-and all want to control the power of The Second Tree.

©2014 John Butziger (P)2015 John Butziger

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Greed, exclusivity and rampant, aggressive commercialization are all themes brilliantly explored in Butziger's brisk narrative..." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"...Butziger's work is one roller-coaster ride of intense emotion and heart stopping suspense." [ New Vision (Uganda's leading daily)]

"An immensely promising start to a new thriller series." ( Kirkus Reviews)

Great Story

Where does The Second Tree rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was the first time I used audiobooks and I dont think I could have picked a better story

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Second Tree?

When Andrew first realized the powers the fruit possesed

What about Scott Thomas’s performance did you like?

He did a good job separating the characters voices so you felt you got to know the characters personally

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

I listened to this book while commuting to and from work. I found myself sitting in my driveway after arriving home because I wanted to hear another chapter

Any additional comments?

I found this book to be extremely enjoyable. I thought the characters were well developed and the transition between them during the course of the book was smooth and easy to follow.

I was blown away by the audiobook

What made the experience of listening to The Second Tree the most enjoyable?

The way the author moved from one location to the other without losing continuity was captivating. The reader did a superb job with inflections and tone.

What did you like best about this story?

The intrigue was my favorite part - the book was impossible to "put down."

Have you listened to any of Scott Thomas’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first one.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I couldn't stop listening once I started.

Any additional comments?

I've listened to other audiobooks (Tom Clancy, John Grisham) and this was my favorite.

A Great Original Story

I loved John Butziger's fresh and unique story that takes you around the world and even to Eden. Each chapter built upon the other and kept you intrigued to the very end. Every character was well developed and the story--although fictional--had a realistic feel and knowledgeable background.

Narrator Scott Thomas helps bring this story to it's fullest potential. He does a fine job voicing the multitude of characters as well as the range of ethnicity's, age, and gender. His steady and easy going tone was truly enjoyable to listen to.

Overall this was a fantastic read and I would recommend it.

This audiobook was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Very enjoyable listen; good story, good narrator

Would you listen to The Second Tree again? Why?

Maybe before I listen to book two, to refresh my memory since the next book in the series isn't out yet.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, because of its is-it-real?-or-is-it-sci-fi?-ness. I wanted to believe the plot and how amazing the discovery of this fruit was, then some of the healing qualities would just seem too amazing to be true. But, that's what makes the Neoka so amazing. The long description of the history of the fruit's discovery in the middle of the book delayed the action just a little bit. But it was necessary information, so I didn't mind. By the end, I couldn't decide if this plot could actually happen, or if I was using my imagination a little bit.

Which scene was your favorite?

Even though I hated it, when one of the main characters has a big change in character. I didn't see it coming, but it really made the story that much more terrifying.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, because the author would make me want one outcome, then make me realize that outcome wouldn't be the best. I was torn by the greed vs. morality and there were many suspenseful scenes.

Any additional comments?

Overall, this book is a good find and a terrific listen. The narration is clear, professional, and enjoyable. I received this book as a gift, thus, I am leaving an honest review.

suspensful ride

Would you listen to The Second Tree again? Why?

No, but it could lend itself to a second book. Although this was tagged as fantasy it's too violent to fall into that category. I would call it rather suspense thriller so that you know what you're getting.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ugandan characters and accents well portrayed.

What about Scott Thomas’s performance did you like?

Excellent narrator, does a great job with multiple accents. Good at portraying drama and making each character different.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Think of the Indiana Jones 'The Last Crusade' movie - knowledge man was not meant to have.

Any additional comments?

Very well written but I must say some scenes were rather gory and I found listening made me squeamish. I was gifted with this audiobook in exchange for a review.