David Haynes

A Decidedly Average Thriller

Revisado: 12-20-20

This novel contains strong language and some dialogue.

Written by Steven Saville, One Man’s War is an action-packed thriller that’s heavy on thrills but light on substance. The work follows Guerro, a mercenary who’s willing to take on the most dangerous jobs. When his team is ambushed and he’s nearly killed, he embarks on a journey of revenge. His mission is marred by lackluster dialogue and light character development. The work is passable thanks to the narrative skill of R.C. Bray. Fans of the Saville or Bray will find something to enjoy here, but everyone else should look elsewhere.

The ruthless team of aptly named “bleeders'' are willing to sacrifice themselves for a job. These mercenaries hold a ruthless determination and drive that’s unmatched. Their successes have brought them increasingly daring and dangerous missions. Their leader and the protagonist of this work, Guerro, is a brash, callous, brute with a one track mind. When his team is blindsided and slaughtered by a mysterious aggressor, he can think of nothing beyond avenging the deaths of his closest companions. He sets out to build a new team and craft an intricate plan of revenge. His work culminates in a satisfying and unpredictable conclusion.

Saville lies the groundwork for an engaging premise and intricate plot. He writes thrilling action scenes with high stakes and unrelenting progression. Environments are described in intricate detail and set pieces are engaging. Character development is where the novel severely falters. Despite being the star of the work, Guerro is a flat character with few motivations. His backstory is thin and uninteresting. His rude personality, merciless actions and perverse proclivities all contribute to a character who is wholly unlikable. One positive aspect of Guerro’s character is his ability to elicit a reaction in the reader, even if it is a negative one. The side characters and primary villain, on the other hand, are so dull and without clear motivation that it’s difficult to recall their names. They feel like devices for plot progression as opposed to fully-fledged human personas. The overall pacing is adequate across the five hour and four minute duration, but the simple dialogue is decidedly average.

R.C. Bray elevates this novel to a bearable state. He is a legend in the narrative space, and he delivers some of his best work here. His accents are realistic and fitting for each role. His emotional progression is excellent, as he expertly matches scenes with the appropriate tone and inflection. His contributions cannot fix dull characters, but he still brings excitement and passion to every scene.

One Man’s War has more issues than its intense action backdrops can fix. Guerro is an unpleasant individual that’s nearly impossible to root for. Side characters are boring and lack depth. R.C. elevates the novel with convincing, heartfelt narration. However, there are much better works available that match his skill with equally engaging characters and dialogue. Fans of action novels and thrillers should elsewhere for their next fix.

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An Inconsistent Thriller with Solid Narration

Revisado: 11-29-20

Legacy of Lies contains some strong language and dialogue.

Robert Bailey writes Legacy of Lies: A Legal Thriller, which is book one in the Bocephus Haynes series. Helen Lewis is a proud and legendary lawyer who's feared in the courtroom. But when a prominent figure in her life is gunned down, Helen must face embarrassing revelations, conspiracies and a murder charge. She picks the best lawyer she knows to defend her: Bocephus Haynes. Bo must search for clues, chase down leads and watch his back in this unique and unpredictable thriller. Eric G. Dove provides engaging narration with his unique accents and consistent flow. Despite a meandering plot, some erratic pacing and shallow characters, this is an entertaining tale that will be enjoyed by the appropriate audience.

Helen Lewis is the District Attorney in Pulaski, Tennessee. Addressed as the "General" in the courtroom and around town, Helen is a known as a ruthless lawyer who never backs down from a fight. She is in the midst of prosecuting a prominent figure in the community when her ex-husband threatens to blackmail her. When he's beaten and shot to death in his home later that night, Helen is the number one suspect. She approaches her estranged friend and lawyer, Bocephus Haynes, for help. After losing his wife and letting his life spiral out of control, Bo hasn't taken a case for many years. But Helen's request is exactly what he needs to reenter the game and find purpose in his life. As he digs into the case and unravels the mystery, he faces danger, suspicion and mounting uncertainty.

Legacy of Lies starts strong, but it has inconsistent pacing through its 78 chapters. Bailey uses some chapters to set up the backstory of the primary characters in the work, and these long, expositional sections seem out of place and tedious. He jumps between individuals frequently in the remaining chapters, and it's difficult to get a firm grasp on the timing and progression of important events. There are strong chapters here, and they mainly involve characters interacting with each other and reacting to plot developments. The dialogue is consistent and believable. Helen and Bo are certainly the most fleshed-out characters. Their stories are interesting, and it's easy to invest in their successes or failures. The side-characters are less interesting and somewhat one-dimensional. Their motivations aren't always clear or predictable. The overarching plot is unique and well-developed, although it doesn't contain many twists until the conclusion. Some listeners will find the ending to be divisive and unsatisfying. Bailey certainty made bold choices in his conclusion, and it's relieving to listen to a work that deviates from thriller tropes.

Even though some sections of this novel are difficult to endure, Eric G. Dove brings a strong level of engagement with his veteran narrative skill. He provides unique voices for each character and gender; his accents are fitting for every persona presented. His flow is soothing and consistent. He provides clear enunciation and never trips over words or phrases. Every action scene or traumatic circumstance matches well with his passion and emotional contributions. He improves this work greatly.

Legacy of Lies is an average thriller bolstered by solid narration. Bailey presents two strong characters in Bo and Helen, but the various side-characters are difficult to engage with. The plot has intense, thrilling moments, but it's surrounded by tedious exposition and meandering plot lines. The concluding chapters will seem inharmonious to many, which will lesson any desire to continue with the series. Thankfully, Dove improves this work through his passionate and convincing narration. This novel is difficult to recommend to fans of fiction, but diehard thriller aficionados will find some aspects to admire in Bailey's work.

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A Fun Adventure

Revisado: 11-21-20

Written by Katherine Applegate, The One and Only Bob is book two in The One and Only Ivan Series. This children's novel follows Bob the dog as he reminisces on life, visits his friends at the Zoo and fights to survive a dangerous hurricane. Applegate touches on themes of courage, family, belonging, relationships and inner-strength. Danny Devito, the legendary actor, provides excellent narration. Although there are some pacing issues, this is an entertaining work for the right audience.

Bob sets out on an adventure to visit his friends Ivan the gorilla and Ruby the elephant, who were introduced in Applegate's The One and Only Ivan, at the local zoo. Bob is living with a family of humans, and he's wrestling with his desire for freedom and his need to belong. As Bob reminisces on his life, his past and his future, he struggles with feelings of inadequacy, fear and cowardice. But when Bob ends up at the zoo, caught in the middle of a violent hurricane, he must find the courage to press on and rescue his friends.

The One and Only Bob consists of 140 chapters spanning its three hour and 50 minute duration. This is an interesting stylistic choice that mirrors the presumably fleeting and erratic nature of the canine mind. It also matches the fast-paced, instant gratification focused characteristics of modern media. Unfortunately, some of the shortest chapters, which clock in at under 10 seconds, are fairly pointless and out of place. The longest chapters are nearly four minutes, and they help to increase the pacing and provide plot progression. Despite the shortcomings, each chapter is entertaining. This is due to the charming and likeable aspects of Bob and the supporting characters. Every character is worth rooting for, and it's entertaining to see how they interact and work through each situation. Applegate nicely balances humor and seriousness as she covers topics of love, loss, freedom, duty, regret and connection.

Surprisingly, this novel is narrated by Danny Devito. His current acting decisions certainly don't allude to his talent in children's media. Nonetheless, he does an excellent job here. He provides unique and endearing voices for every dog, gorilla, elephant, wolf, aardvark and human that's featured. He knows when to ramp up the emotion for intense circumstances, while also understanding when to dial it back. He maintains a strong flow throughout, and his voice is always a pleasure to hear. Devito is the perfect choice for this audiobook, and he adds a level of charm and complexity to the work that would be missing in paper form.

The One and Only Bob is a fun and engaging work that will entertain, surprise and delight children and adults alike. It includes some unnecessary filler that causes the plot to drag, but it's filled with adorable characters and unique set pieces. Danny Devito elevates the work with his outstanding narrative skill. He brings the characters and environments to life in unique and exciting ways. This book is perfect for fans of The One and Only Ivan or children's novels.

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Classic Tales Uniquely Delivered

Revisado: 11-08-20

The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic is a six-story anthology written by Leigh Bardugo. Each tale opens with a predictable tone that reminds listeners of German, Russian and Irish fairy tales of old. However, Bardugo's writing style quickly shines through as she weaves intriguing, distinct narratives which expertly blend intricate plotlines with believable character development. Lauren Fortgang narrates each tale in a spirited, heart-felt manner that distinctly matches each story. This anthology is difficult to pause and easy to recommend.

In The Language of Thorns' opening story, a young peasant girl tries to appease a beast with a story that won't bore him. Towards the end of her tale, the beast snarls, "Let me guess…," and he shares the way he thinks the predictable tale unfolds (Bardugo 00:34:03-22). "'What nonsense!' said Ayama, hoping the trembling of her voice did not betray her. 'Of course that's not how the story ends!'" (Bardugo 00:34:33-24). She then fabricates an unpredictable and unique conclusion that the beast never expects. Thus defines the five classically composed but entirely unconventional fairy tales in The Language of Thorns. The environments, settings, character types and plotlines hearken back to Russian and German fairytales, but the elements weave into intricate narratives that consistently circumvent expectations.

There are six stories contained within this anthology:

Ayama and the Thorn Wood
The Too-Clever Fox
The Witch of Duva
Little Knife
The Soldier Prince
When Water Sang Fire

Each story is well-paced and exciting. The characters consistently enter dangerous, unforeseeable situations, and their actions and motivations weave together seamlessly. Oftentimes, the lines between villain and hero are blurred, and it can be difficult to decide who to root for. In this manner, each story has dark undertones. The stories conclude in ways that are rarely positive for the protagonists, although the conclusions are almost always satisfying. Each of the six entries have unique elements that are easy to appreciate, even if the first four works are stronger than the final two. The Soldier Prince has a somewhat confusing ending with some characters breaking away from their established motivations. When Water Sang Fire is by far the longest of the six works, making up 31% of the six hour and 30 minute duration. It moves at a slower pace than the others, and the characters are fairly unlikeable. Despite these minor shortcomings, every story shares an undeniable charm and mysteriousness that demands exploration.

Lauren Fortgang bolsters the atmosphere, mood and allure of each piece with her excellent narration. Each character has a unique voice that weaves neatly with their personas. Dialogue is delivered in a natural manner that's never forced. The stakes of each situation and encounter is matched with an appropriate display of passion and emotion. She maintains a smooth, comforting flow that makes the minutes fly by.

In The Language of Thorns, Bardugo delivers an excellent modern take on ancient folklore. Each story is wholly unique, but they firmly fit within the mold of classic German, Irish or Russian fairy tales. Bardugo largely outpaces classic authors by masterfully incorporating mystery and suspense within each work. Her solid pacing maintains a strong level of engagement. Fortgang expounds on the works with genuine, convincing narration. Despite a few minor shortcomings in the final two stories, this is a superb anthology that is worth exploring for fans of fiction, fantasy and fairytales.

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Ripped from the Headlines

Revisado: 10-31-20

I received this audiobook for free as part of my Audible membership.

The Cuckoo's Cry stars Don Barlow, an elderly man living alone in the midst of a global health emergency. A mysterious girl arrives at his door requesting help, and he reluctantly offers shelter. As the young ladies' past is revealed, Don fights to separate truth from fiction. Caroline Overington writes an interesting but predictable narrative, and Aimee Horne elevates it with her solid narrative skill.

Don lives in Bondi Beach, Australia. Everyday, the country enacts new lockdown procedures to quell the spread of the worldwide pandemic. Don takes steps to minimize contact with friends and neighbors. But when Morgan arrives at his home and shares her heartbreaking connection with Don, he quickly chooses her wellbeing over his safety. The two form a quick friendship, despite growing concerns from Don's family. As Morgan's past is slowly revealed, Don wrestles between his desire to help and his growing suspicions. The escalating tensions culminate in a dramatic and exciting conclusion.

Overington's tale is straightforward thriller that's light on mystery. The plot moves at a moderate pace that does not stagnate, although this is primarily due to its short four hour and 43 minute duration. Each plot development is expected, as Overington includes clear foreshadowing in each chapter. Conversations are simple but believable, and the protagonist's intentions and motivations are clearly conveyed. The side-characters are regrettably one-dimensional and fairly unlikeable. The overtly average narrative is bolstered by Horne's soothing, persuasive narration. Each character has a unique voice that never grows tiresome, and every circumstance is presented in an emotionally effective manner.

With The Cuckoo's Cry, Overington delivers a unique narrative in an accessible fashion. The characters are simple, each conversation is plausible and the plot is formulaic. The protagonists would have benefited from deeper backstories, and the side-characters could have been conveyed in an agreeable way. Fortunately, Horne makes up for many shortcomings and keeps the plot progressing with her consistent, sincere narration. Fans of fiction will likely find a worthwhile distraction here, although thriller enthusiasts should look elsewhere.

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A Charming Read with Some Issues

Revisado: 10-25-20

Catherine Ryan Hyde writes Have You Seen Luis Velez, a heartfelt novel that follows 16-year-old Raymond Jaffe. Raymond feels lonely and aimless when he meets Mildred Gutermann, an elderly women who lives in his apartment complex. Mildred is searching for Luis Velez, and Raymond makes it his mission to find him. Along the way, he unravels a mystery and finds value in his life. Michael Crouch supplies convincing, relaxed narration. Due to a few pacing issues, Have You Seen Luis Velez is not Hyde's best work, but it's an entertaining piece of coming-of-age fiction.

Raymond is struggling with life. His only friend is leaving for another part of the city, and he's splitting his time between living with his mother, step-father and step-sister and living with his father and step-mother. He feels estranged and forsaken when he meets Mildred, his blind 92-year-old neighbor. He finds Mildred in an anxious, distressful position after her caregiver, Luis, suddenly stops visiting. Raymond kindly takes it upon himself to aid Mildred in whatever she needs. All the while, he makes it his mission to unravel the mystery of the missing assistant. It is through this determination where he learns the value of family, sacrifice and the powerful impact he can have on the people he encounters.

Raymond and Mildred are undoubtedly the most fleshed-out and convincing characters in this book. They have depth in their emotional developments, motivations and characterizations, and these aspects coalesce into supportable characters who promote continued investment. Side-characters are somewhat one-dimensional, as their motivations and expectations are not clearly evident. Despite this, the interactions are practical, with each character offering simple and convincing dialogue. The plot is interesting and somewhat unpredictable. Luis' disappearance in especially engaging. Unfortunately, the plot jumps between places and topics, and it can take an extended period of time to get back to each point. This causes the pacing to drag during the 11 hour and 30 minute duration. However, Crouch's narration helps keep the listeners attention during the slower chapters. He has a smooth cadence and steady flow that matches the tone of Raymond's passive, introverted demeanor. The accents and inflections he uses for each individual are practical and fitting, although his minimal style can make it difficult to differentiate between some minor characters. Even still, his narration is a welcome addition that never becomes monotonous.

Have You Seen Luis Velez is a charming novel that highlights the best aspects of life. Hyde prompts the reader to imagine a world where everyone treats each other like Raymond and Mildred do. It is this uplifting nature that makes her works so compelling and sincere. It's unfortunate that side-characters don't have more depth and that some chapters hinder plot development. Crouch's consistent and fitting narrative skill helps alleviate these concerns. Fans of Katherine Ryan Hyde should listen to this book. However, new comers to her work will likely have a better experience with some of her other novels, such as Stay or Take Me With You.

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Too Close to Home

Revisado: 10-18-20

I received this work for free as part of my Audible Plus membership.

Dervla McTiernan writes The Roommate, a short thriller in The Cormac Reilly Series. When Niamh Turley learns that there's been an incident in her apartment complex, she quickly realizes that she's a prime suspect. The young teacher must grapple with accusations and strange circumstances while she attempts to put the mysterious pieces together. McTiernan provides an interesting plot, an engaging protagonist and a predictable narrative. Aoife McMahon gives clear, convincing narration in a heavy, Irish accent. The Roommate is a unique thriller that's worth its brief investment.

Niamh Turley is a 22-year-old school teacher. Her work life is in turmoil thanks to a difficult principal, and her social-life is nearly non-existent. One morning, she's woken by Detective Cormac Reilly. He's investigating a murder in her apartment complex and he has questions for her. As events unfold, she befriends a new roommate to help her cope with the unraveling situation, and circumstances continue to shed suspicion on Niamh. She grapples between her desire to distance herself from the situation and a growing affection for the handsome detective.

The Roommate is a compelling, well-paced novel. Niamh is propelled from one circumstance to the next, which bestows on the listener the feelings of panic and confusion that she's facing. She is a strong character with clear motivations and relatable feelings. Although the side characters are fairly one-dimensional, every character delivers simple, believable dialogue. McTiernan includes some clever twists, but the overarching plot is predictable. The Roommate manages to remain engaging for its two hour and 23 minute duration largely due to McMahon's excellent narration. She delivers every line with a thick Irish accent that is both soothing and convincing. Her pronunciations are clear, and every character has unique inflections which make them easy to distinguish from each other. Her narrative skill is a fitting addition to this work.

The Roommate is a unique thriller with a solid protagonist and a well-paced narrative. It could have benefited from more subtlety in its title and subtext, but McTiernan's twisting plot developments and persuasive dialogue keep the listener engaged. McMahon's narration does an excellent job matching the tension and emotional development of each character, and her perfect Irish accent brings the characters and environments to life. This work is worth a listen for fans of mysteries, thrillers and contemporary fiction.

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An Unpredictable and Engaging Thriller

Revisado: 10-17-20

Written by New York Times best selling author Harlan Coben, The Boy from the Woods is a thriller set in New Jersey. Coben proves his narrative prowess by developing engaging characters, unique and intricate plot lines, unpredictable twists and a satisfying conclusion. Steven Weber provides compelling narration that skillfully matches Coben's narrative. Fans of contemporary-fiction will not be disappointed with this work.

The Boy from the Woods follows Wilde, a feral child turned elusive adult, and Hester Crimstein, a famous attorney and investigator. The protagonists share a history of family and tragedy. They must unite to search for a missing girl, while learning to reconcile their pasts and brave an uncertain future. This work is best experienced blind, as Coben masterfully guides the listener down an unpredictable yet satisfying narrative. The protagonists are likeable and charismatic, and they have remarkable depth. The minor characters all maintain enough depth to remain interesting and engaging. Coben's pacing is excellent and each chapter is more compelling than the last. Despite very minor plot-holes, he masterfully closes the detailed plot with a satisfying conclusion.

Steven Weber fleshes out each character's personality with his passionate, heartfelt narration. His accents and enunciation help each character feel unique and highly convincing. He maintains a smooth, consistent flow that never falters or stumbles. He keeps his emotions in check, so circumstances and events do not feel forced or mushy. He adds elements of suspense and engagement to the work that would have been lost in paper form. His contribution makes the 10 hour and eight minute duration fly by.

The Boy from the Woods is an exceptional piece of fiction. Coben crafts fascinating, attractive characters with complex histories that beg to be explored. He keeps the listener engaged with unique plot developments and surprises. His expertise is interwoven with Weber's skilled narration, which produces a work that feels ripped from the headlines. Fans of fiction, thrillers and mysteries should look no further than The Boy in the Woods for your next escape.

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Overcoming Unimaginable Adversity

Revisado: 10-17-20

I received this work for free as part of the Audible Plus Catalog.

Measure of a Man: From Auschwitz Survivor to Presidents' Tailor is an autobiography and a biography written by Martin Greenfield and Wynton Hall respectively. Martin Greenfield is a man who persevered through the most horrible circumstances imaginable and went on to live a prosperous, bountiful life. Stefan Rudnicki provides fitting and effective narration. This is a profound work that should be experienced.

Measure of a Man opens with 15-years-old Martin (formerly Maximillian) absorbing the terrible sights and sounds of Auschwitz, which was a German concentration camp that operated during WWII. Martin and his family were torn from their home in Pavlova, Czechoslovakia, where he was born and raised. The family was separated into various camps. Martin's resourcefulness and propensity for hard work helped him survive the worst circumstances imaginable. His camp was liberated by the Americans in 1945. Although the new-found freedom was daunting, Martin was determined to live a full, fruitful life, despite the emotional wounds that assailed him. He moved to America, where he pursued a career in tailoring. This led to his interaction with some of the world's premier actors, politicians and businessmen. Circumstances do not define the course of your life, and Martin's success proves that.

Martin Greenfield and Wynton Hall write an emotionally impactful work that sheds light on the human ability to adapt and overcome. Portions of the work that are set during WWII do not present an overwhelmingly depressing tone. Rather, events are shared in a matter-of-fact way that shows Martin's emotional detachment from the unfolding atrocities, which was likely a necessary mindset for survival. The pacing in these chapters is slow, which reflects that endless nature of imprisonment that was likely felt by the prisoners. In subsequent chapters, it is clear that Martin felt blessed to overcome such adversity, and the pacing is quickened. The writers do a great job conveying his physical, emotional and societal escalation from an overwhelming nightmare to the peak of success. At its core, this is an encouraging work that teaches the value of perseverance, fortitude and diligence.

Stefan Rudnicki's narrative skill expertly matches the emotional highs and lows felt throughout the work. His accents and inflections coincide with the atmosphere and tone that the writers deliver. He provides clear pronunciation and a smooth flow that extends throughout the short, six hour and five minute duration. His contributions add a level of believability to the work that's lost in paper form.

At its heart, Measure of a Man is the story of an individual who looked past his circumstances and dreamed of a better life. Martin was willing to fight for his freedom and work hard to achieve his dreams. His story is encouraging and uplifting, and the writers do a great job delivering that empowerment to the reader. Rudnicki's superb narration helps elevate the immersion and emotional impactfulness even further. This book should be heard by anyone interested in biographies, historical works and self-development books.

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Worth a Listen

Revisado: 10-12-20

Nothing More Dangerous is an engaging historical work of fiction written by Allen Eskens. The work follows Boady Sanden as he deals with heavy issues and adolescent struggles. Kevin Stillwell provides excellent, convincing narration that matches Esken's style. This is a solid work that shouldn't be overlooked.

Fifeteen-year-old Boady Sanden navigates life in the Caucasian-dominate town of Jessup, Missouri. After a transfer to a Catholic school, he doesn't have friends, so he spends his free-time exploring the woods near his home. Jessup is rife with talk of Ida Poe, an African-American woman who's gone missing. Racial tensions flare in the town when an African-American family move into a house across from the Sanden's. The father, Charles Eligin, is hired to take over management of a manufacturing plant that's the largest employer in town. Charles' son, Thomas, quickly befriends Boady. The boys embark on adventures, uncover clues and reveal the mystery of Ida Poe.

Nothing More Dangerous is a coming-of-age novel with light crime and mystery elements. Although the two latter descriptors are weaved throughout the narrative, Esken primarily focuses on the boy's experiences with racial injustice, bullying, romance and moral obligation. The characters interact with these intricate topics in plausible ways, and the simple yet clever dialogue reflects that. This makes protagonists and antagonists easy to like or disdain, depending on their moral persuasion. All these aspects combine to produce a novel that's easy to read and difficult to put-down.

A contributing factor to the work's engaging nature is Kevin Stillwell's experienced narration, which fits perfectly with Eskin's tone. Stillwell's voice lends to the notion that Boady is a middle-aged man reminiscing on his youth. He maintains a smooth flow and clear enunciation that carries throughout the 10 hour and 27 minute duration. His narration never irritates or degrades. Rather, he adds an important level of realism to the book.

Nothing More Dangerous is a clean, concise work of historical fiction that covers heavy topics in a matter-of-fact manner. Eskins does an excellent job creating agreeable characters that are worth rooting for. He wraps up the work's moderate length with a satisfying conclusion. Stillwell contributes solid narration, and he reinforces the value of the audiobook format. Listeners shouldn't miss this work if you're a fan of fiction, mysteries or coming-of-age novels.

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