The fold is another great science fiction/horror by Peter Clines. It is a stand alone novel but if you have read his previous novel "14" you will be pThe fold is another great science fiction/horror by Peter Clines. It is a stand alone novel but if you have read his previous novel "14" you will be pleasantly surprised by some merging stories and characters.
Mike Erikson likes to think of himself as a normal guy... Your average high school teacher. However he has a special ability, a eidetic memory. He is able to remember everything he has ever seen or heard, replaying it exactly like it just happened. His old friend Reggie convinces him to come and work for him, assessing a top secret project. A group of scientists and computer experts have created a doorway that "folds" time and space. Those who walk through the doorway are teleported to a matching doorway somewhere else. However, the doorway isn't quite what it seems... I have read some reviews of this book who loved it up until the last third or so of the book, saying that it takes a strange turn and becomes unrecoverable. In some ways I tend to agree. However I suppose because I read 14 (which does the EXACT same thing) I was expecting the specific twists and turns. However I admit I preferred 14.
I enjoyed all the characters in The Fold, however they are quite a similar bunch to the characters in 14. The male main character Mike in The Fold bared some striking similarities in personality to Nate in 14, and the same for the female leading character Jamie, who was very similar to Veek. Arthur was similar to Tim, and the other secondary characters also bared similarities to their counterparts in 14. This wouldn't be so bad, except for the fact that 14's characters and storyline were superior. The endings of both were extremely similar and I just wish there was a bit more.
I loved the monsters and creatures in The Fold. They were a bit more detailed and gruesome than they were in 14 and I enjoyed that.
The romance in The Fold was a bit of a let down. I think it was just too similar to 14 because the characters were so alike... It just didn't do it for me.
Overall I enjoyed the story. The story itself I give 3.5 Stars..
However
What jacked this review up to 4 Stars?? THE NARRATOR!!! Oh my GOSH Ray Porter is a FANTASTIC narrator!!! I am so amazed how good he is! Seriously, there is a reason why he won best narrator for 2015 in the audible awards! When you listen to him, its like you are listening to 12 different people. He is so amazingly talented! I want to go out now and get everything he has ever narrated and listen to it! I am going to miss his voice now I have listened to over 20 hours of him total!
Would I recommend it?
The story? Yes it was a good read, even if it takes you in places most people didn't want to go towards the end. However the audio version was FANTASTIC despite the story, and I would recommend listening to it to anyone! I think especially those who are new to audio books and get annoyed with monotone narrators, because Ray Porter is NOT ONE!
Well, what an unexpected gem 14 was! Loved the audiobook! What an amazing performance by Ray Porter! I honestly thought at times that I was listening Well, what an unexpected gem 14 was! Loved the audiobook! What an amazing performance by Ray Porter! I honestly thought at times that I was listening to ten totally different voices! Extremely impressive! Got LOST in it!
Nate has just moved into a new and dirt cheap apartment, and something isn’t quite right. With all the rooms of the building in fact… And the basement… And who is across the street in the car monitoring the building 24/7? What are the property managers hiding? And what on earth is in room 14? Its up to Nate and the other residents of the Kavach building to find out what is going on.
Wow! What an AMAZING bunch of characters. The characters in the Kavach building, were probably one of the most fun groups of people I have ever read about! What a diverse and entertaining group of people! Nate, the main character is probably the most dull of the lot, yet he was still extremely enjoyable to read about! “Only a publisher” Tim across the hall, sun baking artist Xela, the subtle as a sledgehammer computer geek Veek, not to mention the rest… Their interactions were witty and clever, making me laugh out loud on numerous occasions.
I loved the blossoming romance, and Veek was by far my favourite character! I loved her blunt attitude.
It took me in a direction I wasn’t expecting it to go to be honest. I had no idea what I was in for when I started listening to it. Not at all disappointed! I would class it as a cross between a horror/mystery/adventure/sci-fi/thriller.
I found the premise to be extremely clever. Really original. I’m looking forward to reading “The Fold” and the “Ex Heroes” series, also by Peter Clines.
I am a bit mixed about the ending. On one hand I really enjoyed it, but on the other, I feel it didn’t really answer all my questions as much as it could have. Ultimately though it was still a satisfying conclusion. It just could have been more I think. That’s the main reason for my 4 and not 5 star rating.
Would I recommend 14?
Yup! Especially the audio version! Great performance, was kinda sad when it was over! And it really made me want to invite all my friends over for a beer on the roof!
“A ladder’s a flag pole with delusions of grandeur.”
I really should read more sci-fi. I really enjoy it! And this book... HOLY MACARONI!!! What a FANTASTIC book! WARNING - ENTHUSIASTIC RANT AHEAD!
Meet DI really should read more sci-fi. I really enjoy it! And this book... HOLY MACARONI!!! What a FANTASTIC book! WARNING - ENTHUSIASTIC RANT AHEAD!
Meet Devi! Our smart, strong and BUTT KICKING heroine. Devi is an armoured soldier and leaves her prestigious position to take a security job on the Glorious Fool, a trade ship. For some reason security personnel that serve on this ship tend to do well for themselves, and she is determined to be a devastator - an elite type of armed guard that protect the king himself . The highest position that an armoured guard can get to. And Devi is ambitious. On the Glorious Fool the people she encounters are not what they seem. The Captain is something more than a trader, his daughter is more than a little girl, and the cook is more than a cook. But she has no idea what their secrets are. And she is going to find out and use the information to become a devastator. If she doesn't die first.
This book was fantastic! My synopsis doesn't do it justice! Think Firefly, crossed with Battlestar Galactica. It was AMAZING! Mystery, violence, sexual tension, thrills, comedy, aliens, space travel... And this is just the first book!
And the audio book! WOW! Think I have a new favourite. I couldn't stop listening! I loved every minute of it! Emily Durante did such a fantastic job as the sarcastic mercenary!
Devi is an awesome character. Yes it has a little clichéd powerful Buffy/Alien type thing going on, but I love reading about the awesome strong female character. The dialogue was so entertaining, as was the fact that she drunk way too much and made mistakes and wasn't perfect. She is the best female lead character I have read about in a long time!
The romance was fabulous! I have read a few reviews complaining about the large romantic aspect of this novel, but I think it absolutely made it! It still would have been interesting without it, but added an extra dimension that I loved. Plus, I love a good dose of romance and sex in a book!
Another star of the book was Devi's armoured suit "Lady". It was almost a character itself. I thought it was so clever and I loved that it was like an extension of her body.
Oh I just loved this book! I'm already listening to the second!
Would I recommend it?
Yes! For any science fiction fan, and also for sci-fi newbies! Those who want a good, easy to read, fabulous story! And I absolutely recommend the audio version, which is the best one I have listened to so far!
"But fair warning, being drunk doesn't slow down my head shots."
What a pleasant surprise! When I purchased this little "gem" (see what I did there?) for less than 5 bucks off audible I didn't really have my hopes uWhat a pleasant surprise! When I purchased this little "gem" (see what I did there?) for less than 5 bucks off audible I didn't really have my hopes up. However, I wanted a new audio book, and the premise sounded entertaining and it had good reviews, so here we are...
So Island is a young woman who comes home early one day to find gun for hire English James Bond type March in her living room, sorting through her things... And cleaning them. He has a pretty bad case of OCD... He wants a diamond that her late mother stole ten years ago and doesn't really buy her "I have no idea what the hell you are talking about" pleading (even though she actually doesn't know what he is talking about). So there begins Island's adventure around the world with March in an attempt to not only find the diamond, but discover who her mother actually was, and what exactly does March have to do with any of this... Whilst also trying to figure out what is going on with this spark between her and the hunky Englishman.
Spotless was a great to listen to for a bit of escapism. The first half of the book was setting up the scene and the characters, it was enjoyable, but it wasn't till the second half that I really started enjoying it. There were a few violent scenes which were pretty tame (by my standards - Me being a pretty big blood and gore fan). And some killer romantic tension happening, especially in the last half of the book.
There were a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and I always love that, because I'm normally not easily surprised...
I loved the characters, especially March. Island and her constant rambling annoyed me on occasion but not enough for me to dislike her character. I enjoyed the secondary characters in Spotless. They all had surprising depth.
The audio version was pretty good. Amy McFadden did a great job, especially in the little snippets before each chapter. However the one thing that I didn't like was her rendition of March. For some reason with the English accent she pulled I could not for the life of me picture a sexy man! I couldn't take it seriously. It didn't go so far as to ruin the story for me, but for me it was a small downer in an otherwise entertaining performance.
Would I recommend Spotless?
Yes absolutely for anyone who loves a bit of entertaining romantic tension and suspense, a very odd "bad" guy, and someone who doesn't mind getting caught off guard by a funny part of the story and snorting out some of their drink... Twice!
4.5 stars! What an exciting, original and FUN story!
To sum Ready Player One up briefly, it's the year 2044 and the internet has transformed into the OA4.5 stars! What an exciting, original and FUN story!
To sum Ready Player One up briefly, it's the year 2044 and the internet has transformed into the OASIS, a virtual reality world where anything is possible. Much of humanity work and play in this virtual universe. The mega rich, uber 80's nerd James Halliday, creator of the OASIS, has passed away. As he had no living relatives, he created a complex game inside the OASIS - and the winner gets all of his fortune. In his video will, he stated that he has hidden his fortune somewhere in the OASIS, and that to decipher all the clues, one must be extremely well versed in 1980's pop culture! Suddenly the majority of people want to find the fortune, but the clues are difficult to interpret. When high school student Wade almost stumbles across the answer to the first clue, this virtual game becomes very real, when his life and the life of his friends, are put in danger in the real world.
I don't even know where to begin to talk about this story! It was just so different to anything I have ever read (or listened to) before. What a blast from the past! I can't believe how the author brought the 80's back to life so easily! The games, the movies, the music! Even though I wasn't a teenager in the 80's, I still remember a lot of the things that are referenced. Even the parts I was not familiar with I still enjoyed! I loved how the whole world went 80's crazy after Halliday died. The young kids were studying all things 80's and leg warmers were back in fashion!!
I just LOVED the OASIS! Its not so far fetched really, to imagine that soon we will all wake up, go to the bathroom, eat breakfast and then log on to the net. There we will be able to sit in a virtual classroom and not have to leave our house, or work in a virtual office... That aspect of it is quite believable. The rest is total science fiction, but still SO MUCH FUN! I just thought the whole thing was so cleverly done. It was exciting, interesting, and you almost felt like you were in a computer game just listening to it!
I found myself totally engaged in Wade's journey! I loved how the story progressed and the characters developed and virtual romance blossomed. The characters were all total nerds and I really enjoyed the dialogue between them and their "avatars". There were so many twists and turns in the book too! Thought everything was just so darn clever! enjoyed the big corporation vs a handful of 80's nerdy teenagers aspect to the story too.
The audio version: Will Wheaton! What can I say? I admit I had a bit of a crush on his voice in this one. What a fantastic performance! I cannot think of ANYONE who would have done this better! It sounded like he had SO MUCH FUN doing it too! There were so many times that I was laughing out loud!
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely! Ready Player One is not just for 80's nerds, its for anyone who loves a good story and wants to escape for a while. I doubt I will read anything like this again anytime soon! If ever! Fantastic!
2.5 Stars There is something about a good romantic suspense. The thrills and danger puts you in a certain frame of mind, so that when the romance hits,2.5 Stars There is something about a good romantic suspense. The thrills and danger puts you in a certain frame of mind, so that when the romance hits, when it is done well, it’s breathtaking… I had to give these short stories a go after I saw the cover.. But the cover was a bit deceiving, I would read ANYTHING Sandra Brown writes, but she only edited it and did a brief sentence or two to introduce you to all the stories. I guess they did the cover for suckers like me who see Sandra Brown and go “OK IM READING IT!”. Having said that though, some of the stories were really good, however others were not so good.
I’m not going to go through all the stories as there were WAY too many of them to review one at a time. So I will mention the stand outs. I really enjoyed “Hot Note” even though it was more a paranormal story. Last Shot was another stand out about a very special scanning machine. Again more paranormal, but it was a great story! I also enjoyed Without Mercy, far from a romance I thought, but a great story… I guess the better ones for me were actually the ones with a better story and less romance. I felt a bit let down by the quality of the stories to be honest.
I can see how it is difficult to develop romantic suspense in a short story. After all it takes tension to get a good romantic build up. Therefore the majority of the stories involved two people who already know each other, and have been apart for a while, only to come back together. This is fine and lovely, but it got old after a while. The only story I feel that got a good new romance blossoming with an original story was the first one, Diamond Drop. I felt this was extremely clever compared to the others. Otherwise the story was about a couple who were already an item and something else happens to bring them closer together. These stories got old fast too.
I just didn’t love it enough to rate it higher. The good stories did not outweigh the average ones in my opinion, and for a compilation of romantic suspense stories, I felt a lot of suspense, but was totally let down in the romance department!
And that last story?? WTF was that Lee Child?? That was the first Lee Child writing I have ever read and its not making me want to pick up any Jack Reacher books any time soon!
The narration however, was superb! How fantastic were Christopher Lane and Shannon McManus! They totally salvaged this book for me! I am so glad I had listened to the narration rather than read it, because I don’t know if I would have made it through otherwise!
Would I recommend it?
As I said, a few of the stories were good, however mostly It was a bit of a let down. If you are interested, the audio version was really well done and made it much more enjoyable.
I LOVE THIS SERIES! Mr Beck I salute you! What an exciting ride!
Alex Hunter is back in the 4th instalment of the Alex Hunt/Arcadian series. After sur I LOVE THIS SERIES! Mr Beck I salute you! What an exciting ride!
Alex Hunter is back in the 4th instalment of the Alex Hunt/Arcadian series. After surviving the horrible virus he contracted at the end of This Green Hell, Alex awakens in Israel with no memory of who he is or how he got there. Meanwhile back in the USA at Black Mountain, there has been an earthquake and the movement of the mountain has opened a doorway to an ancient cave, where a monster is released from its prison.
OH MY GOODNESS! What a FABULOUS read! Think Matthew Riley on steroids! Absolutely action packed and FANTASTIC!
This is only the second book I have read written by Greig Beck, and it is going to be the second of many I predict! This Green Hell was extremely impressive, and Black Mountain was even better!
Non stop action, thrills, blood, guts, gore, a bit of romance and angst, violence, monsters.
WOW!
Loved the characters! I have a bit of a book crush on Alex Hunter, I just think he is fantastic! But where was Aimee??? I hope she comes back into the story in subsequent books! But it was nice to have a different focus I guess.
Really enjoyed all the different plot lines throughout the story and one of the things I really like about Black Mountain, and find really refreshing, is that it doesn't exactly have the happy ending vibe that a lot of books have. People you don't want to die, die... Gruesome and grizzly, HORRIBLE deaths.
I don't know what else to say! Black Mountain is just great! If you are a fan of action books absolutely check this series out. I started at the third one and haven't read the first two yet so you don't HAVE to start at the first one - Enough of the story is set up throughout the novel so you are not lost at all. However the beginning is always a great place to start.
The audio version?? FANTASTIC!!! Sean Mangan is SO GREAT narrating this series! One of my favourite narrators ever!
Would I recommend it?
YES YES YES!!! Remember where I said non stop action? Thrills? Blood and guts? Gore? Romance and MONSTERS?? If you like that you will love this series!
I enjoyed the audio version of The Lesson Plan, a debut by G J Prager.
Robert Klayton is a substitute high school teacher by day and a trainee private I enjoyed the audio version of The Lesson Plan, a debut by G J Prager.
Robert Klayton is a substitute high school teacher by day and a trainee private detective by night. When he meets Sheila, a fellow substitute teacher who is in need of a private eye, he gets excited at the prospect of having enough money to actually pay his rent. However getting involved with Sheila inevitably gets him into trouble... A LOT of trouble. He has to try and find a killer while keeping a bunch of bad guys and the cops off his tail.
Overall I found it to be quite well written, the story was engaging and it held my interest quite well.
However, the characters were a bit of a let down for me. In particular Robert, the main character. I just had a hard time reading (or listening in this case) about a character who made such absolutely stupid decisions at every point and had such minimal personal growth. Just when I thought I was gaining a little bit of respect for him, off he goes again and does something even more stupid and It frustrated me a lot. I understand that this was the way he was supposed to be, it was his personality, he isn't a typical "good guy". But it just didn't work for me. I didn't find his character very likeable. The female characters that Robert was associated with were all pretty shady also. As were his interactions with them. I hope that substitute teachers are not all like that!
I felt the plot opened with a bang, and then moved quite slowly until about half way when it picked up again. There was a lot of intricate description of non significant aspects of the story, which was not necessarily a bad thing, but I felt at times it was slightly overdone. I loved the old school 'Rockford files' type vibe going on. It was engaging and I wanted to know how the story developed and what happened to Robert and if he ever sorted himself out.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the places in the novel. Las Vegas, the desert, Los Angeles... All places I have never been but were well described in the novel.
Audio Version: The author narrated the book himself and I love that! Who better than to emphasise key points and phrases than the person who wrote it originally. I wish more authors would narrate their own books! G J Prager has a lovely accent and I really enjoyed listening to him narrate as Robert. However, at times I got a little confused about who was who and who was saying what because it was hard to differentiate between characters. Every character sounded the same, even the females. I think more of an emphasised change of key or roughness to his voice would have made a world of difference to the listener. However it was by no means a bad narration, I quite enjoyed it.
Overall thoughts:
It was a good mystery, and I enjoyed the audio version. I would be interested to read other books by this author.
Thanks to the author via Word Slinger Publicity for a copy of this audio book in exchange for my honest review.
Silly Me didn't quite realise when I borrowed this audio book from the library that it was originally written in 1984. It's almost as old as I am! I wSilly Me didn't quite realise when I borrowed this audio book from the library that it was originally written in 1984. It's almost as old as I am! I was wondering why nobody was using mobile phones and why the police and investigators were not exactly using the most advanced technology, when it suddenly hit me. DUR MEL! Anyway it was still a really great book. I was expecting more a horror story, instead it was an action packed suspenseful thriller!
Single mum Christine is living a quiet existence with her son Joey, until one day they are confronted by a ragged old woman in the car park of a shopping centre. Appearing harmless at first, the old woman makes small talk with the boy, and then things suddenly change when the hag becomes aggressive and announces that Joey has "GOT TO DIE!". Unfortunately for Christine and Joey, this batty old woman is the head of a cult who now believes that her son is the Antichrist and will bring about the end of the world. And most of the members of the cult are shady characters with lots of murderous skills and are all absolutely OBSESSED with killing him. Suddenly they find themselves running for their lives. Like a cat and mouse! Christine enlists the help of Charlie, a private detective, as they attempt to escape death. And Joey couldn't possibly be the Antichrist... Could he??
Talk about ACTION PACKED!!! After the scene is set, BOOM!! Its action scene after action scene, dodging bullets, running for their lives. Never a dull moment! Fabulous!
Loved the characters. Christine, Charlie and Joey were all written really well and I loved all the dialogue between them, especially 6 year old Joey. I even loved the dogs and the bad guys! Especially Grace.
I wasn't expecting there to be much romance in this book so I LOVED that aspect of it, and one of the scenes was quite raunchy. I like that he managed to squeeze the romance in amongst all the thrills, and I always find the best romances (in books obviously, I doubt in real life) are the ones that spawn from a bit of action and suspense.
I probably would have rated this book higher if it wasn't for the ending. I was really disappointed with the ending. I can't really go into it more or I will spoil the story. It also dragged on a bit in the middle. I think the audio version made it a bit more exciting than if I had read it.
However, it was still a fabulous book to listen to! I loved the 80's feel (once I realised what it was) and the action and suspense was all very exciting!
The audio version: Ok the ladies voice annoyed me a lot at first. A little too animated at times, and I really didn't like her portrayal of the male characters. However, as for all other audio books, I soon became used to her voice and didn't have a problem with it by the end.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely! I think most thriller fans will enjoy this one!
I saw this audiobook on the shelf in my local library a few times over the last month or so. I looked it up on GoodReads and saw that it was the thirdI saw this audiobook on the shelf in my local library a few times over the last month or so. I looked it up on GoodReads and saw that it was the third in a series so didn't borrow it. Usually I like to start at the first in a series, so I kept my distance. Then last week I saw it again and curiosity got the better of me. WOW So glad I gave it a go! What a ride!
Its like "Matthew Reilly meets Stephen King" in this adventure/horror/thriller/romance/action/sci-fi full throttle novel. Alex Hunter is back (or in my case I was introduced to him) in This Green Hell. Set deep in the rainforest in Paraguay, a group of scientists led by Amiee Weir, dig into the ground to find tiny micro-organisms that will hopefully be the key to unlimited energy. However what they find in the ground and in the rainforest is terrifying and may spell the end to all of mankind! Cue Alex Hunter, Aimee's old flame (that she never really got over), to come and save the day with kick action scenes, excitement, romance, and a heap of darn fun! You have to know going into this, its totally unrealistic. Even though the science is based around fact, and the science knowledge is quite impressive, at the end of the day this is an action book, its not supposed to be a literary masterpiece. There are parts that are totally unbelievable, but if you love the unbelievable such as I do, this is your type of book! There is something special about a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat like this one.
Why only four stars you ask? Because there was just something unresolved and missing about the Paraguay part of the story for me. It just sort of ended without really explaining much. It was totally going 5 stars for me throughout the whole thing and then it just lost momentum. There was a climax and then nothing, onto the next part of the story... That was the only thing I didn't like about this book. And it wasn't a big deal really, it was still exciting and worth it!
The characters were awesome! The storyline was awesome! Even the totally corny bits were AWESOME
The audio version read by Sean Mangan was fabulous! Loved Mangans performance! I literally didn't want to get out of my car when I was listening to it. Several times I hung around and extra 20 minutes just to listen to the next chapter! I even put an extra load of washing once just so I could keep listening while I was doing something!
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely for anyone who loves the above genres! And doesn't mind some blood and gore!
I am super excited to read the first two novels in the Alex Hunter series. I have a feeling I am going to LOVE them.
Who can write about blood sucking vampires, a terrifying deadly, contagious-as-hell virus and an imminent nuclear bomb ALL AT THE SAME TIME?? Greig Beck can! Hats off to you Mr Beck! A CRACKING read!
4.5 Stars Well... That was an epic book! Perhaps not the smartest book to listen to on audio just because it was MAMMOTH, and it took me a good few wee4.5 Stars Well... That was an epic book! Perhaps not the smartest book to listen to on audio just because it was MAMMOTH, and it took me a good few weeks to listen to it, with a bit of solid listening every day. I love a good fantasy book and Rothfuss has written the first of what is already an extremely popular trilogy (or eventual trilogy as only the first 2 books and a novella have been released so far, and the next one is over a year away according to goodreads).
There is no way to sum this book up briefly, but I will give a quick run down... It is the story of the life of Kvothe, who is a legendary fighter and magician of sorts. An older man now, Kvothe tells his story to a writer to record. His story begins when he was a young boy performing in a travelling troop with his parents. When they are killed by a mysterious evil known as the Chandrian, Kvothe makes it his lifes mission to get revenge. And thats all I will really give away about this book or I will be going on and on and on.
I don't feel that I am an audiobook novice anymore. The audiobook version of this novel is over 28 hours long! But I can't complain. Nick Podehl was extremely enjoyable to listen to. I seem to have a problem at the start with all audiobooks. Because I am so used to the previous book I listened to, any change in narration leaves me a little weirded out. I find it difficult at least for the first half an hour to get used to the new voice. Their tone and energy. I wonder if any of my audiobook junkie friends would agree that this is a common problem? And I'm not sure if the audible version I listened to was recorded differently than other audiobooks I have listened to, but the narrator's voice seemed almost a bit far away. However I did get used to it fairly quickly and once I did. I settled in for the 27+ hours ahead...
The story... I think it would be pretty hard not to like this book. It is extremely well written and Rothfuss is a great storyteller. I'm not sure if it was the "absolutely best fantasy book I've ever read" as I have seen other passionate reviewers say it was... But I absolutely enjoyed it a lot.
I loved most of the characters in The Name of the Wind, and there were a lot of them. However one big problem is that I really didn't like the young Kvothe. He was reckless and arrogant, and I just didn't like him. Although I didn't mind the older version of him at all so I am imagining that his character transforms and grows throughout the next two books and I am very much looking forward to that. Denna... What a pain in the bum! Didn't like her character AT ALL. I didn't like the way she was written and I really didn't like the way the narrator portrayed her voice for some reason. But having said that, you cant love every character you read about, and she is pivotal to the story as much as she annoys me. I am wondering what she has done that is so bad to betray him in the next few books. I LOVED the hate match with Kvothe and Ambrose. Fabulous!
I absolutely recommend the audio version. There were some parts that I know I wouldn't have enjoyed so much if I hadn't listened to it. Especially the part with the man travelling with the pigs and the accent. I laughed all the way home from work listening to that part in the car!
I don't know what else to say really, I think it would be hard NOT to at least enjoy this book. The ratings alone speak for how loved this book is. Of course epic fantasy isn't for everyone... But if you don't mind dabbling in a bit of it - I would ABSOLUTELY recommend this book!
On his blog Rothfuss mentioned that there may be a movie or TV deal in discussions, and that would be really great! Not sure if it will be better off staying just in my memory though, and not a screen.
And for my audiobook junkie friends... Should I go straight for number 2 now that I am used to the narrator? Or should I give my brain a break from the 42 hour long sequel??
This is the first instalment in the extensive Harry Bosch series, and also happens to be the first one that I have read (or heard in this case). I reaThis is the first instalment in the extensive Harry Bosch series, and also happens to be the first one that I have read (or heard in this case). I really enjoyed it.
Harry Bosch is a detective in the LAPD homicide division in Hollywood. While investigating a body found in an old tunnel, he recognises it as a fellow ex marine Meadows who served with him in the Vietnamese war. They were both “tunnel rats” who fought below Vietnam in the extensive tunnels. After recognising him, and realising it wasn’t a simple drug overdose that it looked like, Harry gets pulled into a bigger investigation. His bosses want him out of the force at any cost, and his enemies want him dead. The hunt is on for the killer before he finds himself the next victim.
This book pretty much had everything I enjoy in a novel. Bit of violence, a mystery, romance, sex, and lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed the audio version narrated by Dick Hill. He played Harry really well and I got totally wrapped up in it. However his female voices left a lot to be desired (not his fault, he is a man after all) and I struggled to listen to his impersonation of women. Especially the lead female character Eleanor.
Harry is an awesome character. I will be very interested to see how he develops in the later novels, when I get there. I also enjoyed that it was written in the early 90’s. No smart phones or internet… Everything took much longer, and the characters were constantly having to find payphones to contact other people. Not sure how we all survived back then!
I enjoyed the different storylines within the novel. Loved how everyone was out to get poor Harry, even though he was totally innocent. Sure, he didn’t go exactly by the book but he wasn’t crooked. Loved the tension and romance between him and Eleanor. Loved his ex partner. Thought all the characters were great in their own right. Even Lewis and Clarke!
The only thing I didn’t like about The Black Echo was the TOTALLY PREDICTABLE twist at the end. I must have figured it out about a quarter of the way into the book and it frustrated me that Bosch didn’t pick it up until the end. I think this was the main reason why I dropped a star.
I have the second in the series “The Black Ice”, also narrated by Dick Hill, ready to go on my iPhone. Looking forward to it.
I had a vivid dream a week or so ago. I was at the top of a giant tower. For some reason I had been there all day and I desperately wanted to go home I had a vivid dream a week or so ago. I was at the top of a giant tower. For some reason I had been there all day and I desperately wanted to go home as I was incredibly tired. I crowded into the lift with a handful of other people, none of whom I knew, and we began to make our descent to the ground floor. I remember the dream vividly. Suddenly the elevator jolted and we began to plummet to the ground. As the force of the fall flung me to the roof of the small enclosure, I KNEW I only had mere seconds to live. I immediately thought of my husband and my son, and the reality that I would never see my son grow up came into my mind. I knew I only had seconds left. We were falling, falling down, like on some tremendous rollercoaster. I made peace at that moment, quickly reflected on my life and I pictured my smiling son's face in my mind and knew that this would be my last moment on earth. We hit bottom. I awoke with a start, sweat pouring down my face, and I could hear my son laughing in the other room with his dad. I cant even begin to describe the relief that poured into me then. The dream had been so real.
I only write about my experience last week because when I began to listen to the audio version of Burial Rites it reminded me of my dream. The darkness that Agnes endures, was like my seconds in the elevator, but drawn out so, so much longer. What an incredible book. The dark haunting atmosphere of this book will no doubt stay with me for a long time to come, and I imagine will always remind me of that brief instant in a dream elevator where my life was ending.
Loosely based on a true story, Burial Rites is the story of Agnes, the last person in Iceland to be put to death for murder. She is sent to a family at a farmhouse to serve the remainder of her sentence before her execution, much to the family's discontent. There, she receives spiritual guidance from Toti, a priest in training. Slowly she begins to open up to Toti, and the family about her history, her life, and what happened that fateful night that she was accused of killing two men in cold blood. Slowly the truth begins to unravel, and the family begins to realise that Agnes might not be the cold hearted murderess that everyone thinks she is.
I don't even know how to describe this novel. I saw it in my local library audio book section and remembered seeing it on GoodReads and thinking that for a historical fiction book (not my forte), that it sounded good. It had great reviews and was written by an Australian author and was soon to be made into a movie. So I thought "Why not?". Surprisingly it was read by Morven Christie, who had narrated my favourite character in "Code Name Verity" which I read recently, so it didn't take me long to get used to her hauntingly beautiful voice.
It is set in Iceland which is another reason this book appealed to me. It is on my bucket list and I was interested in what it was like back then in the 1800's, in such a cold, desolate, yet beautiful place. And I'm not going to lie. It's pretty depressing. The way of life is hard and dangerous, as it was in most places back then. Children died in infancy, women in childbirth and the cold bred nasty infections for everyone. The way Kent describes everyday life in such exquisite, depressing detail is so profound. I am new to audiobooks, and can't remember ever before being captured by beautiful prose like I was while listening to this book. My favourite moment of the book, even though it was in a depressing part of the book, was when Agnus was young and her foster father took her out into the cold to watch the northern lights. Their description sent shivers down my spine. I could see them in my mind's eye so clearly.
Even before I listened to the authors' notes I knew the research that went into this novel was obviously a HUGE undertaking. Thoroughly impressive! Kent's love for the country is obvious, and it made me want to go and visit Iceland even more!
Would I recommend it? Absolutely!!!! I HIGHLY recommend the audio version. Just don't listen to it if you are in the mood for a feel good book! But my gosh! - Its marvellous!
I thought I was going to like this audio memoir a little bit more than I actually did, so I was a touch disappointed. However it was still enjoyable.
TI thought I was going to like this audio memoir a little bit more than I actually did, so I was a touch disappointed. However it was still enjoyable.
Tina Fey, American comedian and writer, tells of her life from awkward child and teenager, to successful producer and star of the hit show 30 Rock.
I like Tina Fey. I like 30 Rock (although have not watched many episodes) and I had heard this audio book was AMAZINGLY funny. But I'm not sure if it was just because of the American humour, but I just didn't LOVE it. I enjoyed that Tina Fey narrated it herself. I don't think anyone else would have been appropriate anyway. However I felt that some of it was quite dry. Especially at the beginning.
Don't get me wrong, there were some extremely funny, laugh out loud moments. I especially liked towards the end when she was talking about being a mother and toying with the idea of having another baby at 40. I suppose I could relate to that stuff a bit more than the rest (Not that I'm quite 40, but I am a mother of one so far...). And it was certainly an interesting glimpse into comedy writing and the difficulty of putting together a TV show. However a lot of it, not being too familiar with the different people involved in the show or Saturday Night Live which we don't even get on TV over here (unless you download or pay for it) just went in one ear and out the other. Also a lot of the political stuff went over my head too because it just didn't interest me.
I thought the chapters were put together well, each one was like a different funny story. And I loved her sarcasm. I really enjoyed it, I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't like it more to be honest.
Would I recommend it? Yes certainly worth reading or in my case listening to. It had some extremely funny moments and overall was very interesting. Recommend the audio version, great for the car :-)
I took a bit of a risk I think, my very first audio book AND Historical fiction... My most detested of all genres... But I enjoyed it! Just didn't LOVI took a bit of a risk I think, my very first audio book AND Historical fiction... My most detested of all genres... But I enjoyed it! Just didn't LOVE it like so many others seem to have done.
The story is written (or told in this case) by two best friends set in World War 2. The first part of the novel is written by Queenie who is a prisoner of war, caught in France by the gestapo. She is made to write an account of why she is in German occupied France, and of her friendship with Maddie, who was flying the plane that brought her into France. The second part of the book is Maddie's version of events. The first part of the novel written by Queenie is obviously written under duress, and although entertaining, it is not till the second part that it all comes together and the whole truth is revealed.
It was a good book. Extremely well written. The characters were written flawlessly and the research that must have gone into this, especially the planes and navigation parts, was amazingly thorough!
The audio version itself was impressive. The beautiful Scottish accent of the first narrator was wonderful. I really enjoyed the audio version. I don't think if i read the written version of this book, i would have enjoyed it quite so much. I enjoyed the audio version because I could do other things. Unfortunately I am yet to master housework and reading at the same time so this allows me to do just that. Its funny, when I read a book I can't remember much about where I was when I read it. With this audio version I can remember the EXACT moment of the most pivotal shocking moment of the book - I was unloading the dishwasher and nearly dropped a plate!
I really enjoyed how the story came together with the second narrator. Everything started to make more sense and it was extremely interesting. Overall though there were quite a few slower parts but then something really interesting would happen to peak my interest again.
It took me a while to get used to listening to a book being read for me. I haven't been read to since I was a child so it was a bit difficult for me to stick with it at first. But as the story started to flow I was all in.
I would have liked a little bit of romance. I saw potential there, just to throw a bit in, but nothing really happened. I understand though it was hardly a romantic setting!
Overall I really enjoyed it. However I as I said, I didn't LOVE it. But that's not the books fault! Its all me! Its still the highest rating I've ever given a historical fiction before.
This is my first Tess Gerritsen book. I know right? I'm a crime and thriller fan, AND a nurse... I should have read all the Rizzole and Isles by now!?This is my first Tess Gerritsen book. I know right? I'm a crime and thriller fan, AND a nurse... I should have read all the Rizzole and Isles by now!?? Well I never intended to, but having read this one I am inclined to give all of her books a go!
To quickly summarise it, some bizarre virus is killing off the crew of the international space station. Where did it come from?? How are they going to stop it? Doctor on board Emma must try to keep everyone alive whilst her husband back on earth goes on a mission to discover the origins of the pathogen.
Great read! Extremely suspenseful and exciting! Loved the whole thing! Yes, it was pretty corny... But it was supposed to be! I thought it was fantastic!
The characters were great! Soon to be ex husband and wife Emma and Jack are a great team.
The audio version was fantastic. The narrator was wonderfully talented and probably the best narrator of any audio book I have listened to so far. Even his portrayal of the female characters was fantastic and he really captured the emotion of all the characters.
There was quite a bit of blood and gore in this book and I really enjoyed it! Because most of the gory scenes happen in space it added an extra grossness... Floating blood etc. Thought it was really well done.
Some of the medical scenes were totally over the top, but Dr Gerritsen obviously knows her stuff as everything was quite accurate. I guess that is what makes her one of the top medical thriller authors.
Would I recommend it?
Yes it was great fun! Really enjoyed it. Any thriller and fan of a little space blood and guts will love Gravity! I've already started putting her other books on my TBR list!
I am totally addicted to audiobooks now! I absolutely LOVE being able to do other things while I listen to a book! I listen when I'm doing the housewoI am totally addicted to audiobooks now! I absolutely LOVE being able to do other things while I listen to a book! I listen when I'm doing the housework, driving my car, folding the washing... Even have it on speaker when I'm in the shower! Feels like I am accomplishing something when I am doing menial tasks! Love it! And I LOVED this Tami Hoag thriller! This is the first book I have ever "read" of Hoag's, but it absolutely wont be the last!
The year is 1985 and while running through the woods, children find the body of a woman buried in the ground. Her eyes had been glued together, the ear drums destroyed and the mouth glued shut. It is soon apparent that they have a serial killer on their hands in the town of Oak Knoll, as two other bodies have been found this way in the last two years. Investigator Mendez calls out FBI agent Vince Leone t0 help with the case. Vince is an expert at the controversial new skill called "profiling" (controversial back in 1985 that is...), and he uses his talents to find the killer. The story also delves into the lives of the children who found the body, and mainly focuses on their teacher Anne Navarre, who finds herself at risk of becoming the next victim.
Deeper Than The Dead was a great story! Although I was a bit disappointed with the ending and the "twist" that was not really a twist at all, I was still thoroughly entertained by this wonderful book.
The audio version worried me at first, as Kirsten Potters American accent is quite heavy, and I cringed at having to listen to it for 10 hours. However she did a really great job at the narration. I enjoyed her performance and after a little while the accent didn't distract me at all. I especially enjoyed her portrayal of Chicago's Vince.
The characters were all really detailed and enjoyable. The children were written really well , I really enjoyed how all the characters interacted and intertwined within the story. Loved the 1985 setting. I can barely remember when mobile phones weren't the norm, and fingerprinting was done by a fingerprinting expert and not a computer system. Really makes you thankful for the technology that we take for granted today. DNA evidence was unheard of, and even police reports had to be sent or faxed over. No email here folks!
Loved the romance, even though it was EXTREMELY corny. I want to marry you after knowing you for 3 days and going through an extremely traumatic ordeal... Yeah right... But still, I found myself getting swept up in it. I love a bit of romance with my thrillers!
My favourite character was Vince by far! Fabulous! Bullet in the head Vince. I hope he is in the future novels set in Oak Knoll, yes this is the first in a series apparently.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely! Thought it was a great read! Looking forward to future ones, hope the audio versions are done with the same narrator!
Loading...
