James

Marcinko’s Legacy….his pain, their gain.

Revisado: 11-10-11

Chuck Pfarrer delivers a great story. For the detailed version of SEAL Team 6 origins see: Cdr. Richard Marcinko’s Rogue Warrior (I recommend the hard copy, great photos and more detail than abridged audiobook…if you can find it…the Audible copy might still be downloading one of Marcinko’s Spec-Op novels).

The bad. This is the second modern SEAL Team 6 book read to date. I am very disappointed that both Pfarrer and Wasdin (SEAL Team 6) seem to hold disrespect, a younger sibling like jealousy regarding the unbelievably difficult feat Cdr. Marcinko accomplished as founder and first commander of Mob-6. Marcinko, 2 tour Viet Nam War veteran, almost singlehandedly, battled many a dead weight, “Annapolis Navy” brass to create… from the ground up…what Pfarrer celebrates as the best Spec-Op unit in the U.S. military. Today, writers like Pfarrer, give us the impression that our modern Spec-Op warriors evolved as a product of some greater Academy group think. Wrong. The Academy military wants image, control and subservience. They fought tooth and nail to stall and or control both Delta and Mob-6…amazing we still have them. Warriors like Marcinko just want to do what they do best. Marcinko’s story is simply incredible (as with Col. Beckwith, Delta).

The good. Pfarrer’s recap of Spec-Op warfare, in particular the work of the SEAL’s is informative and interesting considering the ground he covers. The action sequence of battle is well done and delivers. The Bin Laden mission is given a fair amount of detail considering the necessity to protect our soldiers and tactics. The military history fan will enjoy this. Erik Bergmann’s narration is top notch. Recommended.

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Libra por Libra...Pound for Pound best Vamp Story

Revisado: 10-30-11

There is horror, and then there is horror. Some authors write in the genera, and the reader is motivated to “turn the page” like a hunger. In the end, good story, gore and ghouls…basic suspense…everybody is happy…no one gets hurt. Meaning, the reader wades through miles of character development, detailed gore etc…but the “scare” is equivalent to cutting the grass in the dark. Then there are authors who have what I call “The Stephen King Factor”. A gift for making a story real “horror”. I have always considered King’s “Night Flyer” the standard by which Vamp stories are judged…even though King”s story was a novella, it delivered the “scare” in words that “Aliens” delivered on screen. Del Toro and Hogan have this gift. Del Toro and Hogan give you the scare, reasonably spare the reader the piles of “chick flick” drama, and take you into a story that is original and broad in scope. And, Oreskes narration...perfect. The Strain Trilogy simply gets a resounding…Boo-Yah!

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All Star Cast

Revisado: 10-29-11

For the reader who is thinking of buying this audio book. It’s worth the listen! Simmons is no doubt a very good writer. Hyperion is a continuation of the legacy of epic writers like Asimov and Herbert…sci-fi with a lot of detailed character stories and complex plot. The narration is excellent…a dream team of narrators that makes the story even better. Longer book, so might not be for the weak…but, the writing and ideas keep the book entertaining through out. The sci-fi fan will enjoy the experience.

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Knight of Wit and Doctor of Sarcasm…!

Revisado: 09-19-11

Words can’t describe the mental ecstasy, basking in the ebb and flow, waves rippling with sarcasm few can put to ink and paper! Bourdain is simply a Doctor of Verbal Conflagrations! It has been a long time since my brain has fed on such high quality banter, and ears caressed by such a beautiful combination of profanity…a masterpiece! I am not a cook, nor do I watch the “Food Network”, have no concept of commercial restauranting….Bourdain’s book transcends his trade, and eloquently portrays a “working American” epic. If your sense of humor longs to be slaked by British style wit, tempered with a surgical use of East Coast vernacular….Bourdain’s book is a must read! Ahh yes, the authors reading can only be described as perfect. Thank you Dr. Bourdain for articulating what us mortals can only think in fragments!

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Well traveled genera.…New twists!

Revisado: 09-19-11

I have just finished the 3rd book. Correia put together a good tale, some well traveled monster material, some new ideas…a good mix. A bit longer than some, but enjoyed the detail. Wyman was a perfect fit for narration. Good mix of horror and military kept on the lighter side. Corriea loves his weapons! Thank you Audible for narration review...I think they can make or break a good story.

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Lance Revisited!

Revisado: 07-22-11

The combination of Lance Armstrong and Johan Bruyneel might have produced the greatest winning streak in all of sport. Bruyneel’s book is great in two ways. First, having his unique recounting of the Lance years was special. Second, his book covered key events in and out of the Tour. The book doesn’t follow a chronological path in the strict sense, but well done…highly recommended!
I must agree with the reviewer above…the narration was weak at best. Imagine…Billy Bob, fresh from the trailer park…and three years of home schooling, completed before 24 yrs old….very proud of that…reading life achievements of Luciano Pavarotti…well, maybe not quite that bad…but you get the idea.
Audible should have a separate review drop box for the narrator…like they do the books themselves.

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Thrilling……and it Really happened!

Revisado: 06-26-11

MacPherson delivers an amazing, detailed, and painfully revealing telling of battle on Takur Ghar. His book focuses on a 17hr mission and subsequent rescue during Operation Anaconda…and quite the white knuckle ride!

The only addition to the other 5 star reviews would be stressing MacPhersons great ability to keep the story from being personal or politicized. Any fan of Mark Bowden (Blackhawk Down) will appreciate his writing style…clear, detailed, and enough back story to give the characters personality.

Lastly, it’s interesting to see the low ratings from those who can’t believe events like this do happen in todays military. Sadly, not much has changed since the failed 1980 Operation Eagle Claw…smart…but power hungry "Academy" graduates running JSOC….treating it as a career building exercise…definitely NOT the people who should direct our best warriors on the ground...!!

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A pleasant…slap in the face!!

Revisado: 06-19-11

The only thing to add to the reviews here…Bryce cuts right to the chase. I usually can tell when the author puts his or her “unbiased” spin on material…but I have to give it to Bryce…I think he made genuine efforts to remain neutral, and provide real world solutions.

I have built many a “green” building…so much brown, black, and gray went into the construction…not to mention the exuberant costs!!...the only “green” on the job…went into the pockets of the engineers!! “Green” is now just propaganda…well intentioned…but we don’t have the technology to build “green” and cost effective.

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Too many reviews…but what the he**!

Revisado: 06-19-11

I have done the first 5 books. I ran out of gas at that point…but I must say, the narrator, James Marsters makes the books! I think Jim Butcher realizes this…and about book 2 or 3 he gives a prologue giving James due credit…well done! Nothing new to add to reviews…but would say Marsters keeps you coming back!

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Thanks Dr. Shermer….going UNABRIDGED!!

Revisado: 06-11-11

For those unfamiliar with Dr. Shermer, his work regarding the science behind skepticism…this book would be a perfect emersion into the world of “belief”. For his fans, as mentioned in the prologue, a culmination of some 30 years of study in this area…to be honest, I am getting a hard copy to reference…not to discourage, the audio book is great!

This book hits close to home. Once, a blithering member of a militant “Jim Jones” like Christian cult (control, fear, money hording pastor…but no Kool-Aid)…highly recommended as sound therapy. “What was that all about?”…you will learn here. But…the reader doesn’t have to be stained by religious fundamentalism, conspiracies, or other highly emotional dogma…to benefit from Dr. Shermers work. The human belief system is complex, and drives our lives, sometimes against all reason. The Believing Brain sheds light on a difficult subject…very accessible to the layperson…interesting, detailed, and enjoyable!!.....By the way, his narration was great! Works of nonfiction…history, and science…I have always enjoyed the author reading his or her own material. Would love to see other Dr. Shermer books recorded unabridged.

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