Kings of Infinite Space

By: James Hynes

Narrated by: Adam Grupper

Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

James Hynes is the author of three New York Times Notable Books of the Year. That same publication praises Kings of Infinite Space as “unspeakably funny!” This offbeat novel satirizes an experience ubiquitous to modern times—office life. With a defeated sigh, ex-college professor Paul Trilby faces the downward spiral that is his existence. After his wife and three subsequent girlfriends dump him, and he loses just as many jobs, he’s sure he’s a pawn in some vast conspiracy. Worse still, he may be losing the only thing he has left—his mind.

©2004 James Hynes (P)2006 Recorded Books, LLC

90% heaven, 10% hell.

I had never heard of either this author or the narrator. I bought the book in the $5 sale, so my expectations were low. The book blew me away. Most of it is so well written that it is a shame that the ending sucks so badly. This is the story of Paul and Callie, and other people (and un-people) who work at TEXDOGS, the Texas Department of Governmental Services. There is plenty of fun to be had throughout the book, and the love story between Callie and Paul is incredibly sweet and tender. There are also a couple of really great sex scenes. The story descends into science fiction, which only bothered me a little until the end. There is waaaay too much hell at the end. I know, it is often very hard for a great book to have a great ending, but still. What you want is for these two lovers to walk hand in hand off into the Texas sunset. What happens, though, is what seems like days of the underworld and its nefarious doings. I must admit that I am not a fan of science fiction: it seems to me a genre in which authors can make up their own rules, which makes the books flabby and utterly impossible. If anything goes, then you can make up absolutely anything, and it has to be OK. Personal preference. In any case, you can get hours of wonderful pleasure from the book. The author can write like mad, and the narrator is fantastic.

21 of 24 people found this review helpful

Strange

Would you try another book from James Hynes and/or Adam Grupper?

Maybe, the narration was good, the writing wood but story...strange. I don't knw what I really expected but it wasn't this.

Would you recommend Kings of Infinite Space to your friends? Why or why not?

Uhm, maybe to my weird friends.

What about Adam Grupper’s performance did you like?

Good, he kept in character well letting the listener transition between characters well.

Do you think Kings of Infinite Space needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Not really. Wouldn't interest me.

Any additional comments?

I bought this book along with ninteen others during Audibles $5 sale. I'm glad I didn't pay full price for this particular one. Others I bought during the sale have been great and a real bargin. It all equals out I guess.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Office Space Meets Shaun of the Dead

What did you love best about Kings of Infinite Space?

The description of the daily grind of the office was great, the petty rivalries, different personality types, ridiculous policies, and so on.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The last part of the book was my least favorite as it is no longer satire but just wild . That part was too long.

Which character – as performed by Adam Grupper – was your favorite?

I liked Callie who is feisty and independent and is willing to try anything.

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

The office satires made me laugh because they were so close to the truth.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Not Expected

I picked up this book after listening to lecture on writing fiction by the author. It was, as I expected, creative and well written. A good book with an interesting plot.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Yes, it is a struggle to be human

Any additional comments?

The blurb calls this book oddball. I think it is actually an allegory and also a bit of a morality tale, warning us to be careful what we wish for.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

An Outstanding Novel

Would you listen to Kings of Infinite Space again? Why?

James Hynes is an amazing author. His descriptive narrative brings you right into the story and keeps you there, even through the most fantastical of settings. Adam Grupper does a masterful job of portraying the characters with their many and varied accents. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was fast paced, often very funny and never predictable.

I will listen to it again and purchase the hardcover for my library. A real treat!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Loved the surprise nuttiness

Just when I thought I knew the characters and knew where the story was going, it would take a hairpin turn--and it did that several times. I decided to just hold on for the ride and I really enjoyed it. Dig deep for your suspended disbelief for this one. It's a kick. It's a fun listen.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Couldn't get excited about this one

A whiny, self absorbed guy that gets caught with his pants down. Lots of excuses, and a life that doesn't live up to what he expects it should be. The narrator was good, just not a very good plot.

Hard to believe, but the ending is even worse than the character feeling sorry for himself.

Don't waste the time you could be listening to something so much better....

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Nothing like what I expected!

I usually love my audible choices...not this time. I actually went back and read the description of the book and trust me the book is nothing like the brief overview. I thought who wouldn't love a book about a washed up and paranoid professor? However, most of the book is taken up with a disgusting story line of pale men who chant something about men being in control and then sacrifice and eat women...really! The narrator was actually quite good I can't imagine why he signed up to read such a lame book.

An odd story but an interesting read

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

I would recommend this audiobook to anyone who works in an office/at a cubicle and is interested in dark fiction. It is difficult to empathize with the hero (anti-hero) of the story, but the scenario is relatable despite the supernatural overtones. The narrator - Adam Grupper - does a fantastic job bringing the characters to life.

Would you be willing to try another book from James Hynes? Why or why not?

I probably wouldn't read another James Hynes book, but that does not mean I regret taking a chance on Kings of Infinite Space. The book lies outside of my usual reading zone, but I enjoyed listening to the development of the main characters.