The Naming

The First Book of Pellinor

By: Alison Croggon

Narrated by: Eloise Oxer

Length: 19 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Maerad is a slave in a desperate and unforgiving settlement, taken there as a child when her family is destroyed in war. She doesn’t yet know she has inherited a powerful gift, one that marks her as a member of the noble School of Pellinor and enables her to see the world as no other can. It is only when she is discovered by Cadvan, one of the great Bards of Lirigon, that her true identity and extraordinary destiny unfold. Now, she and her mysterious teacher must embark on a treacherous, uncertain journey through a time and place where the forces of darkness wield an otherworldly terror.

©2010 Alison Croggon (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

absolutely enchanting

I fell in love with this story 7 years ago the first time I picked it up in print. I found the story enchanting but because I couldn't pronounce some of the words, found it difficult to finish. I never thought I'd be one for audio books but this narrator was perfect and her pronunciation enchanting. I am now on to the next book in the series.

Detailed story that holds your attention.

Would you listen to The Naming again? Why?

Not sure if I would reread this book. Maybe. Will know better once I read all the books in the series.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Naming?

Likely the rescue near the start of the heroine of the book.

Which scene was your favorite?

Not sure if it was a scene as much as the richness and depth of the story.

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

Again not really one moment.

Any additional comments?

If you like rich character and world development this is one of those books that draws you in. I enjoyed the book quite a bit and will read further.

Perfect introduction to an exciting magical world

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

The Naming ranks right up near the top of my list of favorites! The reader does a fabulous job of engaging the listener and the story captivates you from the very beginning.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Naming?

The most memorable moment for me is the first introduction to Cadvan in the milking barn where Maerad realizes she can see what others can not yet is nonplussed as to why. It really seems to mark the true beginning of the adventure.

Which character – as performed by Eloise Oxer – was your favorite?

Jeez please do NOT ask me to pick a favorite! Eloise Oxer is an amazing story teller and does such a wonderful job that you are simply invited into the world of Pellinor and you hardly realize you are not there yourself!

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

There are a series of moments that particularly moved me in this first story of Pellinor. The first was the first meeting with Maerad and Cadvan and their tacit connection from the start, then later when Maerad senses the need to go into the plains and finds Hem. Finally the moment of realization when she discovers that Hem is Cai, her long lost brother and age understands that deep feeling of connection she has felt from their first meeting. It is simply a beautiful connection that is portrayed seamlessly and wonderfully done by the writer Alison Croggon.

Any additional comments?

This is as simply as I can put it, a wonderful epic saga that will be worth the reading and it will enrich the reader for every second he or she spends lost in the wonderful world of Pellinor!

Ok story, Overly Dramatic reading

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would not recommend this book to friends because of its predictability. On the other hand, I would recommend this book to struggling readers as the text is predictable and could be challenging to a young adult who needs help reading.

Who was your favorite character and why?

None of the characters seemed to have distinct personalities. Maerad, who has been a slave and suffered horribly, throws tantrums as if she is a coddled lordling. Cadvan seems to have no personality at all. Terrible characters.

What didn’t you like about Eloise Oxer’s performance?

Eloise Oxer's performance is something out of a very bad soap opera. She is overly dramatic and could be a good bit of the problem with the characters.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I bet this would be a book where the movie, under a decent director, could be MUCH better than the book.

Any additional comments?

Although I have been disparaging about the book and characters, I do intend to finish the trilogy because I can't leave things hanging. It will not be one series that I buy extra credits to listen to though. There are many better reads out there and many other books more worth a listen such as books on early Victorian dancing or even books about how grass grows.

Enjoyable

I enjoyed the first book enough to venture getting all the other ones in advance. It was definitely interesting and I'm looking forward to seeing the story unfold. The narrator does a pretty good job. From my perspective at least, her narration doesn't take you out of the story. Definitely worth a try, if you like fantasy and have some extra credits to spend.

Promising story, but...

I have mixed feelings. As much promise as this book showed in many ways, in others, the writing either tried too hard or suffered from a lack of skilled editing. And I did become curious enough to think about continuing to read the series...but...here is the thing: some parts were uncomfortable to read just because I did not believe the dialogue coming out of the characters' mouths. For example, I hated all the dwelling on the main character's first menstrual cycle, and the male character's comically awkward reactions in that first scene were just not believable. He was just too too straight a character before that point. Other characters were hard to love or hate, but I did like the boy Hem (spelling?).

It was alright

It was simply fine. There are clear influences from other works, with some parts feeling particularly derivative. Some parts were unnecesarily wordy- here's a bit at the end that should really have been cut down- or at least rearranged- in the editing.

Overall I mostly enjoyed it, but I'm not rushing to the next book. Maybe I'll pick it up again some day.

The narrator was great except for the singing parts.

This is one of my favorite books!

This book is well written and the reader does a fabulous job! I can’t wait to listen to the rest of the series.

Good story lackluster performance

I read the book years ago and like it a lot. The story has lost no charm with the telling but at times the performance dialogue is way overdone. All the passages with singing are flatly terrible, hire a story teller who can carry a tune if there is singing involved.

Pleasantly Surprised!

I am not a huge fan of audiobooks. This book is a favorite of mine and I noticed that it was discounted because I own it on Kindle so I said "why not?". I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the book! The Narrarator does a great job. My only "complaint" is that it took me a little while to get used to Maerad's voice as I hoped she would sound closer to her age, but you can get past it easily. Well done!