Pears and Perils

By: Drew Hayes

Narrated by: Matt Armstrong

Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's Summary

Most people would be overjoyed to win $50,000 and the chance to star in a nation-wide commercial, even if it was just for a fast food joint like Camelot Burger. Then again, Clint Tucker has never been like most people.

Ushered to the tropical paradise of Kenowai, he and the other winners undertake an island tradition for the cameras, one meant to free a local imprisoned deity. One with very specific requirements that have yet to be met. One that might just be a bit more authentic than any of them expected. One that will begin a journey fraught with danger, excitement, and more beer than is wise or healthy.

©2013 Andrew Hayes (P)2014 Andrew Hayes

Hard to classify, reminds me of Anansi's Boys

What did you love best about Pears and Perils?

Thunder PUNCH!!! I enjoyed the set up and the quirky characters. These are areas where Drew Hayes is strong.

I've also read the 'Fred Vampire Accountant' stuff and, while I prefer those, I thought this was pretty great as well. I thought the ending was a bit weak (the guy at the end suddenly seems to have skills that were never hinted at before), but by then I was pretty well hooked. If you enjoyed 'Fred Vampire Accountant' you'll like this stuff as well.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

From Eargasms Audiobook Reviews

This was a really interesting read. It is a little all over the place with the narrative. I love a mixed narrative, getting into many character's heads and POV. The problem here is that there are so many characters and the transitions are not always smooth. It makes things a little jumpy.

I did enjoy the story once it really began moving. The beginning is more of a slow build, which makes it a slow read. It is predictable, but not in a way that makes it unpleasant to read. I liked the characters and really enjoyed the whole group dynamic.

This book is a mix of island myth and modern reality tv, not so much a show but it has a reality show feel.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Matt Armstrong, who does a great job with all the voices. The voices of the island people are tricky, because their accents are tough to get at first. After listening for a bit your mind does get a feel for it and translation becomes easier. I really liked the tone of his voice and the energy he put into the read. His pace keeps the story moving, even when it is slow.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would be interested in reading more from this author. It wasn't a book I would rave about, but I would definitely recommend it as a good read.

Disclosure – I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts opinions and ratings are my own.

*** If you found this review at all helpful, please take a moment to let me know. I love reading and sharing my opinions with other readers. Thanks for taking the time to read my review! You can see more audiobook reviews on my blog ***

15 of 16 people found this review helpful

Read it for the author's snippet bio...

...stay for the really weird and cool story.

I'm so into this guy's writing, this is my third book he has written. I found him algorithmically by searching associations with ready player one, the Martian and the off to be the wizard trilogy- all of which are amazing. so if that is your jam, you should totally read this.

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

Drew Hayes is quickly becoming my favorite author!

Has the feeling of Christopher Moore's "Island of the Sequined Love Nun" without being a copy! Drew Hayes has a great sense of humor and this comes out with every book I read of his.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

😍 Thunder 😍

Any additional comments?

This story was pretty awesome! A little bit of mystery, action, laughs, a God cat name Sprinkles (lol), Gods behaving badly, and a diverse group of people who formed an unlikely friendship that made this fun adventurous tale worthwhile.

Thunder, of course, was my favorite character even though his total valley surfer guy talk hurt my ears.lol

The narrator was fabulous. His range with the Minnesota accent, to the total surfer dude was outstanding!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Feel good fantasy

This story was pleasant, a feel good story. It was a little slow moving and predictable, and yet I still wanted to know how it turned out. The characters were fun and quirky which helped the story along considerably. I wanted to know how it ended because I was invested in the characters more than the storyline. Character development does seem to be Drew Hayes's strength. The narrator was great. He had a wide range of different characters to voice and did well with it. Overall, I was pleased.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

light and fun

a good summer time relaxing listen. the characters were likeable though not memorable. the plot was interesting and didn't get too convoluted. very good narration

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Good early novel

I'm a huge fan of several series by this author so I picked this up too. You can tell this is an early work by a relatively inexperienced author. Sill though, there are great moments. Likewise, the narration was good with room for improvement.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Comedic and perilous at the same time.

Drew has has an offbeat extremely funny sense of humor and is fast becoming one of my favorite comedic authors. If you want a good laugh or infact just need a little break from the doldrums of his writings are literary prescription you need. Better yet his humor has gotten even better in his later works.Buy this book in Audible as well as Kindle.
the narration by Matt Armstrong was excellent. His voice characteraton excellent and unique for each character in the story. he was empathetic with each one making them come to life.
he was the perfect Narrator for this story.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A New Fan of Drew Hayes!

This is the 3rd book by Drew Hayes I've listened to, and I am now a total fan of his clever and imaginative writing. My book ratings are solely based on my enjoyment level, and this was 5 stars of enjoyment for me. I laughed throughout and found the characters and plot both fun and imaginative. A cat who is King of an Island - Magical Pears - an advertising contest that turns into the rescue of a long imprisoned god are all part of a rollicking adventure that is nothing but a good time. Hayes clearly doesn't take himself too seriously. This book is like a refreshing beach vacation with yummy drinks that have little umbrellas in them. I'm already looking for my next listen from Mr. Hayes!

I love Drew Hayes

Loved it yet another brilliant story from Drew Hayes I would recommend this along with his other titles