Bruce

'The sight' works beautifully adapted history

Revisado: 03-06-18

What made the experience of listening to The Lady of the Rivers the most enjoyable?

While I think the reader is excellent, I think Gregory's use of tarot and 'the sight' (glimpsing aspects of the future) is brilliant. While one can always write fiction where 'predictions' come true (hey, you're the author), for me doing this in the context of a history-guided story makes it feel more real and interesting--the 'predictions' in the story really DO come true! And it provides a fascinating look at how such capabilities might work out if they were part of life.

I'm not sufficiently informed on the Wars of the Roses to comment on the history represented in the books, but I'm really interested to learn now... and I think that's a great compliment to the book.

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Witty, insightful classic lovingly rendered

Revisado: 12-18-17

Would you consider the audio edition of Pride and Prejudice to be better than the print version?

I would say they are on par. The essence of the text is the delightful characterization of human foibles, the twists and turns of romance, and the joy of mocking the foolishness of others.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It's hard not to fall in love with the lead, but Mr. Collins is such a delight of pomp and self-importance that I always delight in his appearances, speeches and writing.

Any additional comments?

It seems to me that Ms. Pike's voices and rhythms are modeled after the BBC series, which made this all the more delightful for me since I've accidentally memorized much of that production. In any event, her characters are distinctive and she does a wonderful job of handling both male and female characters.

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Deep, broad, fascinating

Revisado: 12-18-17

Would you consider the audio edition of The Big Picture to be better than the print version?

Having only engaged the audio version, I'll give it a big yes since I listen while commuting. Also, since it's narrated by the author, he always speaks in the appropriate tone and cadence, something I might've gotten wrong from time to time in reading to myself.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Big Picture?

I think it's a testament to the quality of the book that I enjoyed vast swaths of it. It's full of ideas soundly and interestingly argued. Including some I'd never considered.

Any additional comments?

The author would benefit from a pronunciation coach for some biological terms (that's my area, so the rare error jumped out) but as presented, it was perfectly clear what he was talking about. I generally don't favor authors reading their own works, as I believe these to be separate skills, but I believe Sean Carroll is strong in both areas (also, presumably, the Physics that's his day job!).

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Some interest, constant, often underage sex

Revisado: 12-18-17

What would have made Spellmonger better?

If the author had left about maybe 80% of the character's constant thinking about and engaging in uninteresting sex. I gave up when it involved "the innkeeper's 13 and 15 year old daughters" (I may be off by a year but you get it).

Would you be willing to try another book from Terry Mancour? Why or why not?

Unlikely. Reviews I have seen of book 2 seem to feature folks giving up the series for the same reason I abandoned this book.

What about John Lee’s performance did you like?

Overall, I found him to be solid narrator, never got on my nerves. I regret he picked the material he did.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Spellmonger?

See above. Also, the character's constant self-aggrandizement gets old, as does the fact that he never really struggles; just goes back to the fact that he's more knowledgeable/skilled than everybody else, and so they get to die.

Any additional comments?

I regret this purchase.

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Engaging, unique world & writing; AMAZING reader

Revisado: 11-09-16

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes... if you like Vance's prose (I love it). I think 'florid' and 'turgid' have to do; definitely a specific taste, but I love it and it sets a mood like no other.

What about Arthur Morey’s performance did you like?

Morey's range on character voices is astounding. I've never had a book where I 'liked' all the characterizations and could follow them so easily. He transitions seamlessly from one to another, and each 'voice' is appropriate and distinctive.

Any additional comments?

I loved this as a written book; it's a delight as an audiobook thanks to Morey.

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