Zreea

Politically pointed, but decent

Revisado: 10-18-21

The story itself is a fairly well written cozy mystery if you just want a comfortable book to listen too (though not all parts are safe for young ears). What disturbs me, or at least strikes me, is that slowly this series is becoming more and more steeped in an undercurrent or loathing and distrust of people who are well educated or in positions of authority. There is this idea of people with a good education or in a position of authority being inherently off, wrong, or even straight up evil. And it’s getting worse as the series goes on. Since this is reflected in our popular culture these days I cannot say it is altogether surprising, but I find it disturbing just the same. Other than that, the characters are normal and like-able if they are not the bad guy. Even bad guys can be likable in the series.

I am giving the story and performance four stars because if you are just looking or a well performed book that is easy to listen to but not all that deep... this serves that function very well. Unfortunately the way the book looks down it’s nose at education and promotes the idea that people who are not educated at an advanced level are inherently more honorable, good, and knowledgeable than anyone who is an expert is disturbing enough I am not sure if I can continue to support the series.

It’s not merely an amateur detective outdoing the police chief — that is to be 110% expected. It’s all the rest.

The doctor who is described as being one of the Ivy League types who never listens and looks down on others. The otherwise good professor who is unable to listen to facts or reason and is part of the “mud pile” of academic types with a strong hint that academics are piles of poo. The city council that is evil/hypocritical for introducing a carbon tax but then using a lodge with fireplaces and flying to seminars. It goes on and on and feels both heavy handed and grimy.

When the book is not vilifying anyone who is either well educated or in a position of power, it is quite good.

Once again. Definitely a product of the times and I probably should not be surprised. But it still gives a pretty yucky overall feeling like I’ve just stepped in dog poo whenever it comes up.

I would not have this reaction if there were characters who were educated and/or in positions of main authority (either through education or position) who were not either evil, looking down their nose at other people in the story, or otherwise being made out to be bad precisely because of their education or authority. But it’s literally all of them. Even the ones that are meant to be part of the good guys.

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Absolutely fantastic audio

Revisado: 02-19-21

Probably not the best for kids (very explicit at times), but oh my goodness! This audiobook is a full immersive experience. The sound atmosphere is top notch. I hope I can find more stories with this level of detail into the audio “scenery.” I am about 40 minutes from the end and I have to say it’s a pretty interesting story. It started a bit... how to say... harsh? Rubbing the cat the wrong way? But that’s because I sometimes have a bit of a stick up my bum about how people treat each other and language use.... but I adapted. :-)

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Turns out monks are great at training dogs.

Revisado: 12-14-18

Excellent primer. The only thing I do not personally agree with is the suggestion for crate training for sleep... this is mostly due to the possibility for the method to be misused or overused and the dog to then end up in confinement for very long periods. I have a similar idea of setup for my dog however... a small area of the house that is just for them with their bed in one part of a small room and their food and water in another. It is a safe space for them to get away from interaction, etc. Back to the book... it emphasizes in the beginning the importance of thinking through your reasoning and decision to get a puppy, and then goes into very usable and simple methods to first see to your dogs temperament, then to simple commands, then more complex commands and methods. Overall it is a very sound set of rules that are based on an even keeled reasoning that is supportive for both the dog, and the owner.

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A surprisingly deep new world

Revisado: 02-11-16

I didn't buy this book because I thought it was fantasy (actually, I thought it wasn't... though I quite like fantasy). I bought it because it was a book about a thief and the description intrigued me.

I read a lot of books this way. Sometimes they turn out to be good, sometimes not. But it is rare that I find a new world I would consider great.

I consider The Name of the Wind to be a great new world. Same with the Monster Blood Tattoo series. And now this one.

At first I merely was interested, then I was reminded of Oliver Twist. Well done, but not that original I thought. Then I realized that there were a few interesting things about the world everything was taking place in. Then, slowly, I realized I had landed in a very intricately woven world that did not feel the need to push all the facts on me, but very clearly has layers upon layers of logic and history behind it.

The characters are well written, and the sub-plots keep you engaged while moving the story forward.

It's been a while since my last "discovery." I'm glad I found this one.

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Strangely annoying

Revisado: 01-15-15

Don't get me wrong. I love Brandon Sanderson's work as a whole -- in fact, this is probably the only book of his I am really struggling to like. It just... Annoyed me. Perhaps it would be a better book if I had read it instead of listened to it, or if someone else had narrated it. But the whole thing had a slightly whiny tone to it. Most of the self imposed humor was jarring and, as the author repeatedly notes, annoying.

Putting my annoyance aside, the writing isn't absolutely terrible. It is very purposefully the type of book it is. It is possible that if you like Terry Pratchett you would like this story. It tries to be very tongue in cheek, intentionally annoying (once again, a fact stated multiple times by the "author" of the story), and witty in its comparisons to other "unnamed" works. It just wasn't for me.

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D.M. Cornish....A New Star?

Revisado: 05-01-12

This review is a long time in coming. I first purchased this audio book on a whim back in 2007. Probably close to the time it first came out. At that time I had no idea who D.M. Cornish was, and had very little idea of what the book was about. I certainly didn't expect the rich and wonderfully detailed world that I found within. Not that I can say I regret it in the least. :-)

The Monster Blood Tattoo trilogy/series (In the US: The Foundling's Tale), is a classic adventure in many ways. There is an Orphaned boy. He goes on an adventure. Mysterious things happen. His prior views of the world are brought into question. The character grows... But the texture and detail of the world that it takes place in takes a fairly basic (though enjoyable) tale and turns it into something much more. This story has stood the test of time with me. I do not listen to it constantly, but it is a story that I come back to again and again. The trilogy is over, but I cannot wait for this man to write another book.

As for this particular book in the series, it is a gentle start. It reads as though it was written with children in mind, but for kids that are able to stomach a bit of fighting here and there and even the occasional scary moment. Nothing too horribly graphic in this story, but if you have a sensitive or very young child I suggest listening to it once first.

The reader has a very pleasant voice. Not too deep, not to high and his accent adds an extra sense of mystique to the story.

In short, this is a fantastic series that should be on every fantasy and adventure lovers shelf. If you happen to be a child, that's fantastic and I hope your imagination adds even more depth to this already fabulous world, but if you are an adult don't let that scare you away. If you like fantastical tales, adventures, and stories where the main character goes on a quest to ultimately find themselves at the end of it, then this is a good story for you.

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esto le resultó útil a 8 personas

Magical Mystery at it's Best!

Revisado: 11-07-11

Mr. Quin is like no other Detective you have met...in fact, one could say that he really is not the detective of these stories--but what a wonderful character and mystique he adds to them! Agatha Christie may be famous for Poirot and Ms. Marple, but in my opinion the short stories of Mr. Quin take the cake.

In this series of short stories you can expect to meet a mysterious dark man, an older gentleman that loves to watch--and participate--in human drama as it unfolds, and a wide variety of mysteries to slake your thirst. Some of these mysteries are more of the standard affair: A dinner where the diners try to solve the mystery of a suicide, a Murder Mystery, or a disappearance. Other stories however focus on a mystery that is only a mystery as the story unfolds. What the mystery is must be slowly discovered like the fragrances of a delicate chocolate slowly melting on the tongue. Then, at the end, a delightful solution.

If you enjoy mystery and that feeling of magic in the air with a touch of detection, this is the series of short stories for you!

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Micro and Macro Universes

Revisado: 06-19-08

If you loved A Wrinkle in Time, you will certainly enjoy this revisit to Earth with the classic characters of Meg, Calvin, and Charlie--plus there are a few new favorites to add!

Whereas A Wrinkle in Time explored the Universe and the concepts of time and distance--not to mention an all power evil--A Wind in the Door brings Meg and the rest of the gang back together in an exhilarating ride to save Charlie's life.

If you have ever wondered if there might be an entire universe within your own body, perhaps a solar system expanding within every cell, than this book is for you!

Quirky and spontaneous, logical, and yet completely not, Madeleine L'Engle is one of the must-read children's authors of our time (yes, even for adults!).

I have loved these books for as long as I can remember, and now--as an adult revisiting them--I can truly say that she has put together a masterpiece.

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Many years of enjoyment

Revisado: 01-12-08

I was very surprised by some of the reviews I saw for this audio book. I have the entire series and have loved them since I was seven or so years old (now 22). My dad used to play them for me when I was going to sleep at night--I would be carried off into the land of hobbits within seconds of starting the story, and soon I would be sound asleep. It was also good for keeping out the monsters under the bed...the the ring wraiths are rather scary.

I can see why some of the voices might annoy some first time listeners, but for children or those still light at heart and willing to really give it a chance, I think it is a wonderful way to enjoy the book when you don't have that much time.

If you don't like the American accents , think they sound too much like cartoon characters, or just want the unabridged version, I suggest the CD set read by "Rob Inglis." He does a wonderful job of reading the story, and should satisfy those of you who are not looking for what is offered here.

As a final note, Gandolf's voice is probably one of the deepest, so if you can't stand the first bit, you probably won't like the rest of it.

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