Glenda M.

I Ended Up Walking Away

Revisado: 09-30-20

SPOILERS AHEAD
I think the story was fine for the most part but I kept waiting for more to happen. Perhaps the story develops more in the other books of the series, but the amount of exposition and background completely dulled the experience.

I'm no prude - I didn't mind that Pentandra was basically a sex mage. It was different, I guess. However, the MC's sexual exploits fell into uncomfortable territory when he shared his bedding adventures while he was a local teen celebrity. Cringe. I decided to push through and see where the story was headed and there were some genuinely interesting magical encounters that I enjoyed. We read of more of his sexual exploits from his military flashbacks and my eyes nearly dislodged from the amount of eye-rolling I did.

I nearly finished the story until the main conflict began to reach it's climax (pun intended). The MC is the only person in that entire group who can bone the sex mage in order to make enough magical power to open the portal and save the day? Oh, and his girlfriend has to be OK with this? Spoiler: she's OK with this. It's for the greater good. But he promises he won't enjoy it. *vomit*

I don't know how the story ends but I lost interest after that insulting development. Sure, there were plenty of sexual exploits earlier in the story, but having one be a crucial plot event was the last straw. I can only suspend my disbelief so much. The author is talented and the narrator was excellent, but I need to shower and I plan to avoid future novels in this series like a sexually-transmitted disease (which the MC most assuredly has had).

P.S. Male reader on wife's account.

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Incredibly Detailed Debut w/ First-Class Narration

Revisado: 11-01-19

I received this title as a giveaway and I am glad I got the opportunity to experience this debut by Joshua Smith. I am amazed at the level of detail he fits into his world and it's hard to imagine he isn't a seasoned writer with dozens of books under his belt - simply amazing work.

The story simply wasn't my cup of tea. The magic system didn't sit well with me but that's personal preference. I am a simple creature and I found my brain working too hard to understand the fabric and the essences. There was a heavy dose of exposition and over-explanation early in the book but things begin to pick up and there is some fantastic action throughout.

Tim does a flawless job narrating and he was a great choice for this novel. I hope others have the chance to listen to this story as I am sure many will find it outstanding.

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esto le resultó útil a 6 personas

I'll skip book 2

Revisado: 07-14-17

Voices weren't distinct enough. "Princess is in another castle" syndrome. Motivation for helping was absent.

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Solid Narration - Story Lost Me

Revisado: 07-22-16

What did you like best about The Mortuary Arts? What did you like least?

Kirsten Parisi's narrating voice is superb. I also felt a deep connection to Kate. I didn't care for the dialogue of the inner voice. It was too abstract and toxic for my taste.

What was most disappointing about John Gregory Hancock’s story?

The fate of the twins was disappointing. I know the focus was on Kate but to have them eventually pass of old age didn't work for me.

What does Kristen Parisi bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her voice really fit the era of the book and it seemed very authentic. Her voice has a soothing quality that sounds great even at 1.25x speed.

Could you see The Mortuary Arts being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I don't picture this as a movie or a TV series. The content becomes a bit too abstract and macabre for a mainstream audience.

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Great Concept, Pretentious Dialogue and Narration

Revisado: 04-01-15

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I am torn. I liked the idea of this series but found it hard to make it through the dialogue and some of the characters. I am glad I listened but I have no desire to continue the series.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The rich detail of a post-Earth civilization is fascinating. The author uses a very heavy hand when his characters recite poetry almost incessantly.

What three words best describe the narrators’s performance?

Pretentious. Overacted. Disharmonious.

Did Hyperion inspire you to do anything?

Not particularly.

Any additional comments?

Again, great concept. However, I feel like the author let his literary influences play too heavy a hand, especially in regards to the poetic sections. While I enjoyed most of the voice acting, I found it hard to listen to the poet and the private detective. Worst of all was the private detective. Her voice lacked any emotion and it was clear she was reading a script, rather than trying to emulate a character.

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