Topic: Audio-books

[Jianna]

Bumped the thread.

Maybe someone could "sticky" it?

[Garrison Bain]

My fault, really.  I've been slacking on my posts here...

I've got about 15 books i've finished since my last post!   :oops:

I'll have something up soon, i think!  

-Garrison Bain-

[Geoff]

Okay, so playing a little catch-up here.  Recently finished...

American Gods by Neil Gaiman.
Honestly, I really wanted to like this one.  I'm a pseudo-fan of Gaiman, meaning that I really like the premises on which he bases his stories.  Trouble is that the delivery never lives up to the promise, and American Gods is no exception.  Though masterfully read by George Guidall, the story just seems to sit there.  It travels, and takes you from point A to point B, only to find out the that they're both the same point and the journey wasn't a particularly riveting one.  It took a long time for me to get into the story, and the ending was just a letdown.  Not the best.

and...

From the Corner of His Eye by Dean Koontz.  The thing about Koontz is that his stories are either absolutely brilliant or completely inane, and this particular book sadly fell into the latter of the two categories.  Stephen Lang was tenable as the reader of the story, though his line-readings and characterizations became a little tedious by the end of the book.  The biggest issue, though was the crow-bar ending that seemed completely disjointed from the rest of the story.  This book was 10 cassettes and was supposed to span 13 years.  The first 9.5 cassettes dealt with the first 3 years, with the subsequent decade crammed into one side of the last cassette in sort of a "shepherd's pie"  approach to novel writing.  Really disappointing, especially considering that the rest of the story wasn't all that good to begin with.

Now listening....Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice, read by Frank Muller.

[Garrison Bain]

Just finished:

-Beyond the Gap, by Harry Turtledove.
--Ok, well…to tell the truth it’s been well over a month since I finished this one.  And since it wasn’t that great of a book to start with…ummmm, I’m having a hard time remembering it.  Ok, ok…it really wasn’t a *bad* book…it was just too slow moving.  And it ended completely and totally unfinished with almost none of the mysterious questions being answered.  Alas, this story is meant to be an epic adventure with magic and sword fighting…but there is very little of that in this particular book.  It’s almost like the author wrote this one just to give us a background on the world and how things work…and, of course, introducing the main characters…before he really gets down to the good stuff in subsequent books.  

There was a LOT of talk about how tough and bad-ass the fighters were…but, in the end, there were just a few fights in the book.  And the magic users were powerful…but not a lot of magic was actually done once I think back on it.  It really was like Mr. Turtledove was just trying to build things up for a gigantic explosion of action and magic in his next book(s)!    

The book centers on a Man who has been tasked by his King to check out rumors that a Pass has opened up in a glacier north of their country.  He is to check out what lies beyond it and come back with information.  His travel companions are kinda fun and mysterious and, of course, there is a love interest that is way too predictable.

All in all, I can’t really recommend this book until I’ve read the next one (not written yet) to see if Trutledove redeems himself adequately.  

Next up, 'Area 7', by Matthew Reilly...

[Garrison Bain]

Just finished:

-Area 7, by Matthew Reilly,
*Satisfied* Ahhhhhhh

I loved this book!  I don’t know if it was just perfect timing or what, but I enjoyed this book from page one all the through to the end.  There really wasn’t even one part that I didn’t enjoy!  What a ride!

Ok, this book is for those of you that enjoy a breathtaking pace every now and again.  Once the action starts here (chapter 3, I think)…it doesn’t stop.  No, I’m serious.  It really doesn’t stop until the very end!  *smile* It’s awesome!!!  Marine special forces dude spends book running, jumping, shooting, killing, repelling, flying, boating, swimming, did I mention shooting, and basically avoiding certain death in miraculous ways…all while protecting the President of the US.  Oh, and there’s a nuclear bomb…a lot of them actually!  …sweet!  *laughs*

The book centers around a special Marine, Shane Schofield (call-sign: SCARECROW), who is assigned to protect the President of the US as he flies a routine inspection flight aboard Marine One.  Well, they are inspecting a secret military base called Area 7 today…and it becomes everything *except* routine!  Freaking awesome!  *smile*  So, you get the idea, bad things happen and this Scarecrow fella’s got to save the President…somehow.  

The book if so full of incredible action that I caught myself breathing hard and holding my breath more than just a few times.  Granted, there are many close calls and scenarios that seem unrealistic…but, if you go into this just for the pure entertainment of it…you will *not* be disappointed!  Buckle up and enjoy the ride…

There is a book written before this one, titled “Ice Station” that has this same character in it…along with a couple of the supporting cast characters.  I haven’t read that one yet…and while it might add to the background and history of this particular book…it’s definitely not necessary to read the Ice Station first.

I recommend this book to anyone!  I think you would become numb to the intensity of this type of writing if you read this type of book very often…but…if it’s been awhile since you’ve taken an all action ride, then you need this book!  *s*

Next up, 'Harry Potter books 1 thru 7', by some English chick *L*...

[Genia]

Okay, I have got to say this...

Maybe something is lost in the voice delivery; maybe there's some nuance in hearing your own, private voice in the narrative, but both I and Dylan found American Gods to be an absolutely brilliant book, and Gaiman a wordsmith second only to few.

I'll grant you, the book is not perfect. It seems occasionally to dance from theme to theme, rather than sticking to a single theme which it drives hhome through the narrative. It puts a little more stress upon the characters and locations than is customary in Sci-Fi - whether that is bad or good is arguable; I always thought it good - and it certainly doesnt lack for weirdness.

Gaiman is a fan of the gritty margins in which some people live. His magic and mystery is the mystery of the holes and the cracks in the pavement. His books sometimes lack the epos we RJ fans sometimes take for granted. His characters are sometimes, often, cranky old men, annoying businessmen, ex-cons... his stories don't fly; they sort of hedge along in these same cracks and holes that his characters occupy. But, and this is my opinion, they have wings, even if reality tries repeatedly to cut these wings off.

Which is part of the point, I suppose.

[Geoff]

It's funny, but I see it from entirely the other side.  For me, the only thing that made the story enjoyable was the narrator, George Guidall.  He's one of the absolute best out there when it comes to audiobooks, and I've loved his performances on a many a book, Dante's Inferno, Homer's Iliad and Grisham's Pelican Brief just to name a few.  Had it been an inferior narrator on American Gods, I probably would have stopped listening to it and just moved on to something else.  I just....well, I just didn't get it.

[Geoff]

Just finished:

Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice.  I've read this book three or four times already over the course of the last 30 (gasp!) years, and the richness, detail and unbridled sensuousness of the story still amazes me all these years later.   With this novel, Anne Rice started something, a microcosm of characters and settings so detailed and enticing, that it has yet to be equalled.  The characters live, breathe and jump off the page (or in this case, tape) with such a vibrancy that it is almost impossible not to want to experience the darkly beautiful world that they inhabit.

Masterfully, beautifully told by the great Frank Muller, this book is an absolute "must listen" for afficianados and newbies alike.  The only downfall of this production is the mispronunciation of the main character's name.  Throughout the recording, he is referred to as Louis (as in Lewis) rather than the French Louis (Louie) that I had always believed the character to be called.

That aside, this audiobook production will receive the highest honor I know how to bestow; it will remain in my permanent collection rather than being auctioned back off on eBay.  I want to be sure I have the ability to listen again to Muller's remarkably evocative voice bringing Monsieur du Pont du Lac alive for me whenever I have need.

Next up:  Stephen King's "The Drawing of the Three".

[Garrison Bain]

Ok, I know I'm WAY behind in my postings here...I'll be catching up soon (i promise!).  But I wanted to post this...just becuase...

I'm listening to 'The Great Hunt' by Robert Jordan (smile).  Man!  I had forgotten how good this one is!  Fast pace and everything! Plus, it has a character by the name of Hurin who I am particularly fond of (he's the 'sniffer' for those of you who are scratching your head)!  

I think it's been like 12 or 13 years since I read it.  hahaha...

ok, back to listening!

-Garrison Bain-

[Todd]

The Great Hunt is still one of my favs.

[Archelous]

Okay, I have got to say this...

Maybe something is lost in the voice delivery; maybe there's some nuance in hearing your own, private voice in the narrative, but both I and Dylan found American Gods to be an absolutely brilliant book, and Gaiman a wordsmith second only to few.

I'll grant you, the book is not perfect. It seems occasionally to dance from theme to theme, rather than sticking to a single theme which it drives hhome through the narrative. It puts a little more stress upon the characters and locations than is customary in Sci-Fi - whether that is bad or good is arguable; I always thought it good - and it certainly doesnt lack for weirdness.

Gaiman is a fan of the gritty margins in which some people live. His magic and mystery is the mystery of the holes and the cracks in the pavement. His books sometimes lack the epos we RJ fans sometimes take for granted. His characters are sometimes, often, cranky old men, annoying businessmen, ex-cons... his stories don't fly; they sort of hedge along in these same cracks and holes that his characters occupy. But, and this is my opinion, they have wings, even if reality tries repeatedly to cut these wings off.

Which is part of the point, I suppose.

I agree wholeheartedly. I first read it in Sophomore year of highschool, and it's an amazing book to this day, the twists and turns kept me hooked for awhile. Love the book, not sure on the audio-book of it though.

[Garrison Bain]

Just finished:

-Harry Potter books 1 thru 7
Author: J.K. Rowling
Read by: Jim Dale.

Harry Potter and the Scorcer’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Ok, so…let me start by saying that I watched movies one through five before I started listening to the books.  This effectively ruined the endings of the books for me…but, that was counter balanced by allowing me to visualize characters and places to a vivid degree.  Fortunately, the movie makers have done such a good job that I never really rejected the idea that Harry Potter looks like Daniel Radcliffe…or that Professor Snape looks exactly like Alan Rickman.  I liked being able to visualize those characters according to the movies and making them move around in my head.  Still, I have to say (as is usual with movies made from books)…there is no comparison between the movies and the books.  The books kick the movie’s ass…no question!  *smile*

Another very important aspect to mention now is that, Jim Dale, the reader has catapulted himself into audiobook elite with this performance.  He was Frank Muller-ish in his reading, inflection, voices, and vocal acting.  It was really incredible!  I think the books were written well anyway…and Jim Dale’s performance made this production absolutely riveting.  I drove to work today…and actually missed his voice over the speakers!  

So, right off the bat, there are a few really big things going for this audiobook series.

Alright, so…let’s start.  The world that Rowling has created is linked to our current world very closely.  Basically, there is an invisible magical (or wizard) world that coexists with our non-magical one.  Peeps from the wizard world stay away from us non-magical types and use their magic to remain hidden.  Almost all non-magical people are unaware of this secret magical world in their midst.   The way things are set up in this world I’m really surprised that Rowling has elected to stop writing about it.  It’s open to SO much…even past the Harry Potter stories the world is still mysterious and extremely interesting.  But, I guess only time will tell if more is written about it.

The first book is really good.  It explains Harry Potter’s current predicament, his introduction to the magical world (from our non-magical one), his acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wiziardry, the meeting of his most valued friends, and, of course, his (unknown to him) legendary status as the boy who killed the evil wizard Voldemort.  
I really liked the ‘feel’ of this book.  Everything introduced here was magical and mysterious and fun and seemingly innocent.  Strong bonds between friends are created and some really clever and purposeful characters are introduced.  I left this book feeling like I was part of the school and part of that unique group of friends that Harry met.  

Book two was my least favorite of the seven.  However, that’s not really a bad dig since I thought the entire series was incredible.  Book two was very good…just not as good as the other six.  In this one things are still pretty innocent and the nasty events occurring around the school don’t seem too ‘evil’ or dark (which basically means that no one is dying *smile*).  Harry finds out that the ‘Chamber of Secrets’ is going to be opened and bad stuff will happen if it does.  A hideously annoying professor is introduced as well as nemisis Draco Malfoy’s father.  House Elf, Dobbie, is also introduced here…and becomes that cute loveable creature you just learn to like.  

Book three is one of my favorites!  In this one we learn a little about Harry’s Father and the friends he grew up with.  A very dangerous criminal, Serious Black, has escaped Azkaban prison and is apparently coming after Harry.  Of course, there’s a lot more to it…but you’ll have to read it to find out.  Harry starts to learn some really advanced magic here as he is harassed by the Dementors of Azkaban.  I liked this one a ton because of the things Harry and Co. learn and how everything ends up coming together at the end.  Great read!
Book four…well, if you’ve made it this far you’re obviously attached to the series and the characters.  This one starts out a little bit differently and we get to witness the first professional Quittich match played outside the School of Wizardery and Witchcraft.  It takes quite a bit to get the characters back to the school.  Anyway, the main theme in this book is a competition called the Tri-wizard cup…and, even though there are only supposed to be three wizards competing, Harry somehow becomes a forth contestant.  The addition of a new Dark Arts professor, Mad Eye Moody, is very interesting.  The students learn a lot from him…and that’s all I’ve got to say about that.  *wink*

Book five is a true test for Harry and his companions.  Voldemort is back, and even though there are signs and clues and evidence…no one wants to believe it.  Harry is almost a lone voice telling his truth.  Fortunately, there is a secret order of good guys who have vowed to fight the return of Voldemort, the Order of the Pheonix, and they take Harry under their protective wing.  Unfortunately, the Ministry of Magic is now interfering in Hogwart’s school business…and the results are horribly counterproductive and distressing.  Voldemort is gaining power right under their noses…and it seems like only Harry and Co. are standing in his way!

As I read book six I was fairly disappointed…it was like the author wanted to pump us with a bunch of background information and other details before the last and final book.  There just didn’t seem to be enough action…or as much suspense.  There were a few spots where things got a little fun.  But the majority of the book just seemed to be the learning of the back story and filling in the holes left in the previous books.  Well, I’m happy to say that once the book was done, I actually rewound the tape and listened to the last section again!  It ended in a spectacular way!  Important people die…but man!  Totally worth it! Hahaha

Ok, so now we come to book seven…the last installment.  Let me just say…wow!  I don’t know how it happened, but I became emotionally attached to all the good characters.  Some of the characters die throughout this book…and I was really sad as I listened.  But, of course, most live and the end result was so sweet!  So, basically Voldemort and his followers are taking control of things…they’ve laid traps to snatch Harry…and we even start the book with a confrontation between Harry and Voldemort.  The main portion of this book is how Harry and Co. survive being hunted and how they figure out what to do next.  The Deathly Hallows (powerful magical artifacts) are introduced…and they provide a possible answer to dealing with Voldemort.  However, Harry is torn between pursuing the Hallows or continuing his quest to destroy Voldemort’s Haucrux’s  (explained in book 6…don’t want to spoil that).   Anyway, the book ends with a masterfully written (and read!) battle in Hogwart’s grounds!  The battle is huge, destructive, and…of course…laced with magic we’ve never seen before.  It’s fun to see how Hogwart’s defends itself! *wink*  The final few chapters are so entertaining that, again, I listened to them multiple times!  Some people are killed, some are redeemed, and some are forever lost.  But it all happens in a blaze of action and glory that I’ll never forget.  Excellent book…with a satisfying ending!  

Ok…so, this post is like 15 pages long!  Sorry!  *grin*  I recommend this book to anyone even remotely interested in fantasy.  Heck, my wife was so into them that she waited in line (at midnight) of opening day to get the last two books!  And she’s not into fantasy at all!  Hahaha  So, read up on these books!  They’re incredible!

Next up, 'Enders Game', by Orsen Scott Card...

[Garrison Bain]

Just finished:

-Enders Game
Author: Orsen Scott Card
Read by: Scott Brick.

I’ve actually listened to this particular book twice now.  I had just briefly heard of it before and for some reason it never peaked my curiosity.  But, I was poking around some of the previous Hugo Award winners…looking for something decent to read and ran across this title again.  Apparently, this one won both the Hugo…and…the Nebula Awards back when it came out (1985).  So, I thought, Cool…it’s gotta be at least decent, right?  Oh yeah!

The reader, Scott Brick, is one of the elite readers now-a-days.  He’s got a young voice…but, that actually helps the story because almost every character in this book has yet to hit puberty.  There are a couple of additional readers that are used for the older characters…and even the author himself makes a cameo as a reader.  All in all, the production is very well done!

The story is about a very young boy, Andrew Wiggen, who has been nick-named ‘Ender’ by his sister.  At the start of the book, Ender, is 6 years old…and, because of his genius mind, thinks more like a very smart college student.  Because of his abilities he is recruited into an elite military school system called Battle School.  This school is actually located in a secret space station close to Earth.  Here he is just one of many young geniuses being trained to command the spaceships of Earth as they attempt to fight off an Alien invasion.  The invaders…or Buggers…have (luckily) been beaten back once, but everyone knows it’s just a matter of time before they return to finish the job.  The boys and girls in Battle school are training to command the fleets for this next invasion.  Even though Ender is one of many brainy students…he is quickly set apart from the others…there is *something* special about him…even more special than usual.

This is a great story of trial by fire, friendship, coming of age, war games, enemies, manipulation, and ethical conflict.  And the best part…it’s set in a great science fiction setting!  It’s fun to stand by Ender as he is introduced into this Battle School.  And you come to know him as he makes his way into the groups and excels…turning everything upside down almost from his first day.  He’s the kind of kid you can really appreciate…too smart for his own good…and yet, humble and kind hearted.    

Next up, 'Enders Shadow', by Orsen Scott Card...

[Garrison Bain]

Just finished:

-Enders Shadow
Author: Orsen Scott Card
Read by: Scott Brick.

As with ‘Enders Game’ the reader, Scott Brick, does a superb job.  He’s got a young voice…but, that actually helps the story because almost every character in this book has yet to hit puberty.  There are a couple of additional readers that are used for the older characters…and even the author himself makes a cameo as a reader.  All in all, the production is very well done!

In ‘Enders Game’…about at the halfway point we are introduced to a special character named simply, Bean.  He’s a very young, yet extremely gifted (overly smart) boy, and Ender sees a lot of himself in the young boy.  Subsequently, Ender takes little Bean under his wing and grooms him just as he was groomed…the entire time fighting an internal battle on if this is the ‘right’ thing to do.

Well, this book, Enders Shadow, is the story of little Bean.  How he came to be a student in The Battle School, and his subsequent training and helping of Ender and his ‘Game’.  This book was written purposefully to occur in the same timeframe as the first book Enders Game.  It’s really cool to see how Mr. Card weaves in Bean’s story almost perfectly into Enders.

We learn that Ender isn’t really the last hope of humanity.  He had a backup…a contingency…and that backups name was…Bean.  But along the way Bean figures almost everything out…because he’s too smart for the leaders of Battle School.   Bean realizes they’re making mistakes with Ender…and, as such, he has to take matters into his own hands to make sure Ender is prepared as he possibly can be!  

The author says that you don’t have to read Enders Game first…but…trust me, to fully appreciate this book you need to read Enders Game first!  The way this book parallels Ender’s Game is really neat and fun!  The entire time Bean has his own problems and situations to deal with…while at the same time…trying to help the already popular Ender become the hero we all know he must.  

Bean’s back-story is absolutely *nothing* like Ender’s…and a good portion of this book is dedicated to developing that back-story.  Not only for what happens later in this book…but also for subsequent books involving Bean!  There’s nothing like making a life long arch-nemesis when you’re 4 years old!  hahaha

Ok, so if you like Ender’s Game…you’ll Love this book!  Bean is one of those characters you’ll Love from the very beginning.  And he’s SO smart…he figures things out way before a normal person would.  And yet, he’s so young and innocent that nobody gives him the credit he deserves!  Very fun!!!!

Next up, 'Split Second', by David Baldacci...

[Geoff]

Just finished -

Jackdaws - by Ken Follett

Really enjoyed this one, which surprised me because (potentially hazardous sexist moment here) it was the first book I have listened to that was read by a woman and I wasn't sure if I would like it.  It did take a little getting used to, but once the characters established themselves and I got used to the slightly higher register of the narrator's voice, the story really took over.

The book is set in France during WWII and is about an all-girl OES (British counter-intelligence) team that is sent in to blow up a vital German telephone exchange just days before D-Day.  The story is well-written, fast-paced and more importantly completely plausible.  Kate Reading does a wonderful job of bringing the vast array of characters to life, and handles the switch from American to English to German and back with grace.  I'd definitely recommend this one.

Next up - Act of Treason, by Vince Flynn.