Guy Generic

Fun, Quick Short Stories

Revisado: 10-12-21

Like another reviewer mentioned, these are great stories to listen to with a drink in hand late at night or one story per night before bed, etc.
Most of the stories are on the short side (25 min or less). However, there is one toward the end that is seven chapters long (this is by far the best story in the collection). I usually find 30 min to 1 hour per story best (or if the stories all build on one another, like in the same universe, etc.)

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Nothing Like Infinite

Revisado: 07-20-21

I have a feeling people will either love Infinite 2 or dislike it within the first hour.

The first three chapters are a wasted mess of three short stories that you have no idea why you are hearing them. There is no need for it to be drawn out that long. This theme repeats itself later in the novel (chapters/themes repeating for no real good reason).

The rest of the book is filled with a bad love triangle and fanatical "I can do anything I want in the SIM" situations. It's hard to believe something like this would be the follow-up to Infinite 1 (which, didn't really need a sequel). Honestly, it gets like Ready Player 1 all the way to Walking Dead over the course of this novel. With a few hours left I found it hard to really care about the resolution or the characters.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Disappointing Story and Narration

Revisado: 01-20-21

First, I do like Ray Porter, he does a wonderful job in other books. This just didn't fit. The story doesn't do him any favors but I just kept feeling like he was over the top in a few too many situations. What makes Ray Porter so good is that he sounds just like how'd you or I talk (like you're talking to a friend). Sometimes that type of lingo and narration just doesn't fit a book.

The back of the book doesn't lend itself to really telling you enough about the story - yet there are like 85K ratings! So, like many you'll probably try this book anyways. At 10 hours it has to be fast paced and it starts quickly (which is probably ideal). The main character comes off as way to condescending and all knowing (yes, he's an A.I. and really does know it all but you hate to see it in action). How many times does he need to hang up on the people from Earth because he's upset at them?

After a few hours I was disappointed with the story attempting many avenues but not fulfilling any of them (problems on Earth, other countries launching into space at the same time, alien life forms, helping a group of people on a random planet, cavemen listening to an android - I mean, this is a stretch). Plus, the Bobs can never truly die because they just keep "backing themselves up." Lastly, an A.I. creating a VR physical world for himself just didn't add up. It seemed like a lazy way for the author to continue to write about a character that was there in the flesh (i.e. drinking coffee, looking at someone, etc.)

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Not What I Expected - New King Listener

Revisado: 07-21-20

This was my first Stephen King novel. Like many, I've heard and seen his works all over media, etc. So, I wasn't totally sure what to expect.
Narration: The narration is actually very good. The small example Audible gives doesn't do much justice. You will come to like Ron's voice and it's not so "game show host" style compared to the 5 minute example.

Story: This was interesting. Not gripping at the edge of my seat or extremely scary but still interesting none the less. I wanted to finish the book and it's not a short listen so that's a plus. It's also semi believable to a degree which adds to the appeal. This isn't saving the world or a hero novel. Average guy, average town, average outcomes.

Considerations: There is some child abuse in the book which I found very off putting (both with a baby and small children). It's not super over the top but it's enough and it's there more than a few times. Slightly different listening to something like this vs turning physical pages - just be aware.

I also finally see what people are talking about with King's oversharing of every single thing that is happening with everyone. You'll hear bits and pieces from characters that have no role in the overall story. Get a back story on someone who is only around for a few minutes. While it adds to the overall book it does feel like this story could have been 11 hours instead of 17.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Excellent Narration for an Okay Story

Revisado: 07-21-20

The example five minute snippet doesn't do Ron Donachie justice. The setting and characters really lend themselves to Ron's style.
The story was just okay. An excellent build up by five to seven hours in you'll realize the story is going nowhere. It hits the apex and then drags in the back half very poorly. You'll see a quick trend much akin to domestic abuse... the same character keeps going back (three times) to their abuser - which gets old quickly. While I appreciate the parallels it doesn't make for good reading/listening.
Overall, I enjoyed the listen but would have preferred the story taken a different approach for the second half.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Good But Not Great

Revisado: 01-10-20

Tough shoes to fill after the first one. The Andromeda Evolution is serviceable in many parts and great in a few. It tries to capture the fever of AS but gets completely off the rails by the end (we go from hard science fiction to absolutely ridiculous - without spoiling anything). Overall, a recommendation to anyone who really liked the first one.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Yep - Not Very Good

Revisado: 01-10-20

Like many, you'll either be pulled in or pushed away fairly quickly. There was just too much about the setting, characters, and design that are not explained up front and it wasn't worth it to stick along for the ride.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 45 personas

Non-Stop Action

Revisado: 01-10-20

This was a fairly decent intro story to the series. A little too many ancillary characters needed Orphan X to assist with his fists. Like, not everyone you know has a problem that you can solve by punching someone. Otherwise, the story stays pretty close to the vest and is easy to follow.
Scott Brick does an excellent job as usual.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Sci-Fi Done Right!

Revisado: 08-14-17

What did you love best about Snow Crash?

The environment and setting. Excellent world building. Reminded me of Dan Simmons in Empyron.

What did you like best about this story?

The story was out there for sure. But, it just seemed to work with how well the world was built. I like the multiverse.

Which character – as performed by Jonathan Davis – was your favorite?

Hero. Very likable guy.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Snowcrash. Best name ever. Simply begs for inquiry.

Any additional comments?

It can be confusing at first with all the characters and world... but stick with it. Really great.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Different Novel at the End

Revisado: 08-14-17

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I would change the last third of the story. Really, great stuff and mystery until things start to unravel.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Not a good ending. The ending - ending is fine. But, the later part of the book as the end is in sight... just plain abysmal. It was like listening to a different book/genre.

Which scene was your favorite?

Recalling memories. It happens a few times but never gets old.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No way. Literally, the whole "how does this machine work" was never answered. And the explanation for it was even worse. It's a book, you could make up any scenario why and how this technology came to be... instead you go with a lame excuse.

Any additional comments?

It's just such a hard sell. Got to be in the whole "not human" character vibe.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña