Ex-Purgatory

By: Peter Clines

Narrated by: Jay Snyder

Length: 10 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

The fourth novel in Peter Clines' best-selling Ex series.

When he’s awake, George Bailey is just an ordinary man. Five days a week he coaxes his old Hyundai to life, curses the Los Angeles traffic, and clocks in at his job as a handyman at the local college. But when he sleeps, George dreams of something more. George dreams of flying. He dreams of fighting monsters. He dreams of a man made of pure lightning, an armored robot, a giant in an army uniform, a beautiful woman who moves like a ninja.

Then one day as he’s walking from one fix-it job to the next, a pale girl in a wheelchair tells George of another world, one in which civilization fell to a plague that animates the dead…and in which George is no longer a glorified janitor, but one of humanity’s last heroes. Her tale sounds like madness, of course. But as George’s dreams and his waking life begin bleeding together, he starts to wonder - which is the real world, and which is just fantasy?

©2014 Peter Clines (P)2013 Audible Inc.

Jumping into the Abyss without a net!

If you follow my reviews, it's no secret that I'm a Clines fan. Hands down, this author is the real deal when it comes to his genre, and he manages to take the series to new levels with each writing.

But does he do it again in "Ex-Purgatory?" Is he firing on all cylinders? Has he still got game?

You bet.

Look, if Clines stumbles in his writing, you'll hear from me first. Just look at my last two reviews on sub-par work from lesser authors. I'm not afraid of readers putting dislikes on my audiobook reviews. It's my review, and good or bad, the truth will out.

But, I'm happy to say, Clines is growing as an author. This time out, he's twisting both the storyline and perspective. It's got a prequel opening for a particular hero that I always felt was lost in in the backdrop at the beginning of the series. Now we have the opportunity to see this , and it spins into a LOST feel. Think flashbacks, twists, and a few reality shifts. Still, he manages to balance his dystopian superhero apocalypse in the listener's favor.

This is a departure from his typical writing. Authors, and especially their publishers, are apprehensive to change style and direction mid-stream in a series, because the old adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." becomes the rule of the day. However, if done right, such a departure can make a series better for the journey. Such a move can be dicey - It's a leap into the abyss without a net, and a halfway attempt can ruin a series just as easily as a strong effort can strengthen it.

Clines jumps into the abyss, and it looks like the net wasn't needed. He still offers solid characterization, good story lines, and an enjoyable journey. Now, is this his best in the series? No, I don't think so, and this is due to the changes. Also, the narrator is okay, but I wanted a bit more. This is a departure from the multiple host of narrators previously used in this series, which I particularly prefer. But should you miss out on this audiobook? Definitely not, dear Audible listener. It's still worth your cherished Audible credit.

Am I going to provide spoilers, or giveaway what happens? If you think so, then you DEFINITELY haven't read my reviews. And I KNOW my reviews gets dislikes because of this. Still, I have to go with my gut in favor of the author. Why spoil it for you?

So, just like Clines, leap out into the Abyss without a net. Acquire this good next audiobook in the series.

And like Clines, you won't need the net.

Didn't Expect This!!

If you here you know how these books usually start, there is a Then and Now through the book and you get to know one of the heroes' past. But here its different.

When you start this book you will be a bit confused, I certainly was, and I couldn't understand what was happening (which is great, its boring when you figure it out early in the book) and when i got to the point where all looked clear... well.. you still get shocked afterwards.

Ex-Purgatory was written in a different approach and actually that was one of its pros, its ending was good and twists are always there...

Cons: Narrator.. Jay Snyder is a good narrator, and he did a good job as always.... But where are the others?? I liked the combo of narrators as in the past books... it doesn't always work when you have different narrators for a single book, but in this series it works well... so ya guys, bring them back in the next book.

So go ahead, change is good, and you will like this addition!

Great change of pace!

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

I loved it! Yes I would recommend.

Any additional comments?

Only thing I missed was the additional voice actors. I missed hearing Captain Freedom and Stealth. Don't get me wrong Jay Snyder is good, but we were spoiled before with the othe audio presentations.

a little different - BUT I LOVED IT!

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

Based on the previous books, I don't really know where else Clines could have gone with the story and in typical fashion, there are assumptions you make early on that are .... assumptions! I would say stick with it, but if you are like me, Clines writing makes it impossible to do anything else.

This series has stalled out!

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

This book does not feel to be part of the series. The storyline wanders away from the zombie reality into a dream world.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I am ready to start a new series.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

This was read very nice. Probably better than the others.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Ex-Purgatory?

This story would have played out nicely in a hour long TV episode. But as a stand-along chapter of a greater series, this did not work. This should have been a short story, not a book.

Any additional comments?

Apparently, Mr Clines really enjoyed the last year of the television series Lost. This storyline IS the Sideways Universe. Well, I was let-down with that tactic then- as I am now.

A wonderful twist on a great series.

Would you consider the audio edition of Ex-Purgatory to be better than the print version?

I've never read the print version.

What did you like best about this story?

The unique nature of this chapter in the EX series. I really can't say much without spoiling the story, however Peter Clines has taken we readers for a new "ride".

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

Jay is one of the very best narrators, however this chapter in the series would have been better with the original cast of narrators. Please bring back the full cast for the next book.

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

It made me think, which is rare these days.

Any additional comments?

Thank you Mr. Clines for another brilliant chapter in your EX series. Can't wait for the next EX.

Voice Changes

Would you consider the audio edition of Ex-Purgatory to be better than the print version?

I have no idea

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

I liked that the main voice actor (Jay Snyder) was kept, but I missed the additional voice actors from the previous books. The multiple voice actors really made the series stand out, and I missed Khristine Hvam, and Mark Boyett. Voices really do make a huge difference.

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

no

Any additional comments?

I'd like audio books to keep all of the same cast if they can, it's very distracting when the voices are different from the previous book, and quite honestly I really loved the way the previous books had multiple voice actors.

Awesome story, but loss of voice actors jarring

This was a great addition to the Ex world. The story is top notch, and fits great into the series. My only complaint is the loss of the other voice actors. I really enjoyed the different actors in the previous 3 and so losing them was very disheartening. Jay Snyder does a good job, but I wish they kept the rest of the cast. Freedom and Stealth don't have the same feel without their original voice actors. Hopefully they return in the next iterations.

I've been spoiled!!!

I love the story...Peter Clines did it again...Take Heroes and Zombies and throw them into the Matrix? Go ahead and listen. Although I love Jay Snyder's narration and it would have gotten 5 stars if all the previous books would have just had him doing all the voices, but NOW I've been spoiled. Jay did good but I could tell which voices didn't match. AND...why am I just now realizing Barry is black four books in? Mind Blown...

The Never Reader

Just a chore to finish

What disappointed you about Ex-Purgatory?

The story is just long and boring, most of it was spent wishing that it would get better or end sooner. Nothing like wanting a zombie story and getting a boring slice of life narrative for half the book.

Would you ever listen to anything by Peter Clines again?

Yes I love the series and every author has a bad book, however if the next book is just as bad I am done.

Which character – as performed by Jay Snyder – was your favorite?

St. George.

What character would you cut from Ex-Purgatory?

The villain, I don't want to ruin it and spoil for any hopeful reader. They were boring and it was fairly predictable to spite the "twist" Clines tried.

Different,but good different

If you could sum up Ex-Purgatory in three words, what would they be?

St George centric

Who was your favorite character and why?

85% of this story involves St George, and thats no bad thing, but you do miss Zzzzaps witty, almost sidekick role. Although St George as a character easily carries the story along.

What aspect of Jay Snyder’s performance might you have changed?

Jay Snyder IS St George, I'd feel cheated if anyone else other than he took on this role

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

The first third was a little slow going, but after this it canters along at a fair pace

Any additional comments?

Jay Snyders narration is excellent, although id have liked to have the additional narrators of the first 3 books to have continued their roles, you just get used to certain voices for certain characters

Different

I like how a majority of the book is actually them trying to solve the problem, it is an interesting twist on the book.

A great series. Just not on par though!

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

The story line lacks action compared to the previous books in the series. Jay Snyder is an outstanding narrator and I would recommend most books he is featured in.

Would you ever listen to anything by Peter Clines again?

Yes I have listened to all of this series of books and they are great. I can recommend them all. This book is still worth a listen or read but it is just not quite as good as the others in the series.

What does Jay Snyder bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Jay Snyder is outstanding. My favourite narrator by far. The day by day Armageddon series is insane. He brings tension and the ability to immerse yourself in the story.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Unfortunately disappointment. It just didn't have enough action in it. Great idea but lacked something the other books had. I think the title gave it away to much.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend the rest of the series and any book by jay Snyder. The second book in the series is by far my favourite.

Not quite as action packed as previously

Where does Ex-Purgatory rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is good mind bending perspective with the whole agent Smith reveal. But felt like an infiller episode to me compared to the usual Heroes exploits. It has been my experience that female writers tend to hold onto characters long past there due date and are reluctant to kill them off. But with male writers they go out in a blaze of glory and their death has meaning or saves another with purpose. I would always expect any of these Heroes deaths to save many or protect another from certain DOOM.

Who was your favorite character and why?

ST George is the mighty Dragon. Who else rules the mount?

What does Jay Snyder bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Again, the voice of power and deep resonation that breaths life into these mighty characters.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Minds shifted, reality altered the heroes battle on.

Any additional comments?

Bring the robot back and give Captain Freedom more honor. Make the next installment more on the ground with plenty of worth to the corpse girl to.

Brilliant - Clines is a genius!

Another excellent book in this series. Twist after unexpected turn. The narrator is superb. I’m starting the next book straight away.

Cool story idea dragged out too far.

And I mean dragged out WAY too far. The cool idea would have been fine as an prologue or even as the beginning of a book. But it's almost the whole book, and pretty dull and repetitive at that, after the first "what's happening" novelty settles.

Jay Snyder's narration is great as always, but the book as a whole is a major disappointment. I realize that Peter Clines tried something different, and that's OK, but he overdid it and made the book unenjoyable. Too bad. I loved the first three books in the series.

Only one narrator :(

Sad that they didn't have all the narrators and changed the voice of some characters from the other books in the series, but other than that it was a great entry.

Different and brilliant for it.

What made the experience of listening to Ex-Purgatory the most enjoyable?

This is different from the others and just what the series needed. It had a great plot that you could kind of work out what was happening and it made it super enjoyable.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Stealth, you learn some stuff about her and get to meet her all over again.

What about Jay Snyder’s performance did you like?

Always brilliant.

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

Yes, I usually only listen when I drive but this one had me binge listening.

Any additional comments?

Don't stop writing this series please.

Bit Different To Rest Of Series

I absolutely enjoyed this book it is a bit different in narration style and story to the rest of the series.
I found myself taking the long way home so I could listen to what happened next!!

good narration story weakest so far

What did you like most about Ex-Purgatory?

Explored some more of the back stories and silk retained the same humour throughout

Who was your favorite character and why?

stealth and it was good to hear more about her background

Which scene did you most enjoy?

spoiler alert meeting stealhs dad

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

dadno particularly