Chris

A fun listen

Revisado: 04-07-07

Anyone who enjoys Native American legends and folklore will like this production. It offers a nice overview of several regions and tribes, and comes across as very authentic. People who are not accustomed to this style of story telling may be put off at first, as the narrator does follow the traditional style, but it is fitting for this style of storytelling.

A great listen for both adults and children.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Not quite his usual standard

Revisado: 04-07-07

I am a huge fan of Terry Pratchett’s discworld and other novels, but this novel, unfortunately, isn’t up to his usual standard. It is fascinating to listen to, as it clearly shows the origin of the discworld within Pratchett’s mind, but much of the dry wit usually associated with his work is lacking. Much of the narration simply plods along, with a plot that never quite lives up to its potential. The characters felt cardboard and I never really developed an empathy for them. Most unusual for a Pratchett novel, I was glad when this one finished.

I would recommend this novel only to those interested in the evolution of Discword within an author’s mind, or those who are curious about how the Discworld would have fared in a Sci-Fi setting instead of fantasy.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

The Young Wizards are growing up

Revisado: 04-07-07

I ‘ve been a fan of Diane Duane for many years, and was thrilled when Audible finally offered the latest of the Young Wizards series. The trend over the last few books has been to move away from the innocence and joy of first discovering magic, to a more gritty reality where their powers are needed to fight and defend all their homes.

The action and pace are consistent throughout, and I was sucked in form the very beginning. The Lone Power sets a plan in motion that, if it succeeds, will greatly increase the rate of entropy (death of the universe). Nita, Kit and the rest of the gang are put through a series of challenges that normally would only fall on the senior wizards. We also learn more about the history of Ponch and the dogs, and many of the other more minor characters.

I would recommend reading the other book in the Young Wizard series first, as many old characters are reintroduced here, as is the classic situation with the battle against The Lone Power. Something which always amuses me is the incredible leaps of technology from the perspective if the story’s timelines. The first novel is now almost twenty years old, and yet only about three years have passed subjectively, so all the new computers are a bit amusing.

I’d recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a different take on magic; far different than Harry Potter, yet with the same sense of wonder. As with all good YA novels, this easily appeals to both children and adults.

Oh, and yeah, I too want a WizPod.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 7 personas

Classic David Weber

Revisado: 04-07-07

If you are familiar with Honor Harrington and David Weber’s other writings, you’ll likely enjoy this novel. In an unusual future-history, Weber exchanges his classic deep space battles for 17th century navel battles, but the level of detail remains.

I quite enjoyed his take on how humankind would intentionally abandon technology and revert to a theology. But as could be predicted, after time, the people didn’t all react as the ‘angels’ had wanted. The level of political intrigue and plotting felt very though out, and contrived to a rich new world. My only complaint would be the lack of action toward the middle of the book slowed it down some – something the several of Weber’s books suffer from, and I would have given it four and a half stars if I could. Overall though, it was a good read.

People expecting a book full of space ships and aliens will be disappointed, but if you’re looking for a different twist on future history, consider ‘Off Armageddon Reef.’

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Not bad, not great

Revisado: 04-06-06

This book is a classic, which I loved from my childhood, and I do recommend it as a wonderful children’s story. The land of Narnia is a fantastic place all children should explore. This production, however, is not perfect. I was greatly looking forward to listening to the audible version, as I am also a fan of Michael York, and love his voice. Unfortunately, Mr York’s pacing was quite slow and flat, and combined with the style of writing sounded rather condescending toward the listener. Children will still love this presentation, but as an adult I was somewhat disappointed. Perhaps the other narrators will do better.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas