An Exchange of Hostages

By: Susan R. Matthews

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's Summary

A promising young surgeon, Andrej Koscuikso has come, with great reluctance, to study at a military orientation center adrift in black space. Against his will, he will train here to serve as a "Ship's Inquisitor" - a vocation that runs counter to his deepest moral convictions.

©1997 Susan R. Matthews (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

I wish all science fiction was written this well.

I can't believe I've never heard Matthews before.I was absolutely hooked after the first, I listened to the entire set on audible in one week.

Word play combined with some crazy well crafted diction make the characters in this series shine. Point of view flies between almost every character your ever introduced to, you get to see conversations played through every participant. Trust me you'll get to a point where you can't wait to hear whats going on in the heads of the main characters.

The publish summary doesn't really let you know what you can expect. This series deals with torture, enslavement, genocide, and corruption on a galactic scale. There is a lot of scenes that may turn people off to the series. I guess steer clear if you've got a weak stomach for graphic detail.

Downside is the most recent in the series isn't on audible yet, and considering it's been 7 years since it came out I'm not sure you'll ever get a real conclusion to the series.

A well written foray into psycho-social boundaries

Ms. Matthews writes a compelling story that delves into an almost alien look at the concepts of crime and punishment and how they can be misused and abused. This book sets the pace and tone for the series and is a solid read/listen that I found exceedingly enjoyable both reading and listening to. The depth of character and the development of that depth is fascinating and organic and easily acceptable. You will find yourself alternately loving and hating the protagonist, and finally coming to see that he feels much the same. Highly recommend this series!!

Great story read by a great voice

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes

What was one of the most memorable moments of An Exchange of Hostages?

The explanation of how the governor works.

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

No.

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

Very enjoyable story.

Any additional comments?

Matthews is a brilliant writer; I knew the story from reading the book some years ago but it was a treat to hear this reading.

Minutiae

Just plain awful, boring, no story, no plot, poor writing, poor quality, poor everything, not a 4 star book, but 1 star and that's generous, the worst book in my 500 book library. hours and hours of talk about nothing, Augh!

couldn't finish

Zepe stars. It's that bad. I have to write at least 15 words for this review to publish. It's really bad

Very well written... but garbage sci-fi

This story was exceedingly well written for a novel that has no business in the sci-fi genre. There is little to no science in it beside possibly that of the science of torture. I like my protagonists good or grey but darker motivations are alright as long as the character is honest about it. Its actually really aggrivating to hear the main character justify is unforgivable acts.

Simply one of the worst books in a while

What disappointed you about An Exchange of Hostages?

Took forever to get anything accomplished. Gave up after wasting 4 hours of my life I will never get back again!

Takes a while to get going.

Ends in good enough state to spark some interest in subsequent books. Could have done with a bit more distinction in character voices.