Jason

Kevin Hearne is a Boss!

Revisado: 03-29-22

If you're here, you already know we're not in the Iron Druid Cronicles anymore. It took me several Chapters to get into A Plague of Giants; but after I got adjusted to this new side of Kevin Hearne I began to appreciate this new world he's crafted for us. The tone of the series is much more somber than his previous works - Xe Sands sets the tone perfectly, and Luke is one of my favorite Narrators so the narration is expertly done. I'd have preferred just one of them to narrate - either, instead of both - but it works well enough and becuase they take turns through character perspective I was rarely confused by the character voice difference. If you enjoyed the first, I imagine you'll enjoy how things evolve in A Blight of Blackwings. I did!

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An Epic Conclusion to a Fantastical Series

Revisado: 07-04-21

I can see how the Iron Druid Chronicles may not be everyone's cup of ImmortaliTea. For me, it was absolutely brilliant and I know I will revisit these novels many times. The audiobook performance was superb: character voices were delightful and well-rounded. Slomo, the sloth introduced in this book was particularly delightful and had dialogue in this book that had me laughing until I was in tears! Oberon [the dog] is probably my favorite character throughout the series, and I enjoy how well the Author depicts relatable and believable insight into the thoughts of a dog. A perfectly crafted mixing of Gods from practically every faith and pantheon, really cultivated an appreciation of the research Kevin Hearne must have undertaken to provide such a convincing fantasy where they can all exist, interact and compliment each other - as well as reward my own research with recognizable figures and philosophy. Though a work of fantasy, there is plenty to reflect upon regarding our own personal growth and the world in which we live. An underlying message of human responsibility to the earth on which we live. And that even though we may not be able to wield magical powers, there is plenty of "magic" in the sheer magnitude of the diversity of life growing, evolving and seeking "harmony" in existence. Even after completing these stories and returning to a real world and life, the echos of the fantasy help provide fresh perspective that we can, as humanity, do better. Each individual can do their part to make this world a little better; a little more kind and compassionate; a little cleaner and less cluttered with material possessions; a little more nuturing of the people [and animals] that make life worth living. Our very existence and connection to the Earth we inhabit is it's own "magic". And the words of Kevin Hearne echo in my thoughts. "The world needs more Druids." 😉

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Good story. Great Performance.

Revisado: 04-13-21

I enjoy pretty much every Sanderson book. He's a great author, great person and has natural ability to create mind-blowing plot twists. Being one of his earlier novels, I wouldn't consider it to be his best work but that doesn't mean you should ignore it. Definitely recommend. If you enjoy this work, you'll enjoy them all [I believe]. One thing I need to note: Alyssa Bresnahan was an incredible narrator! First time hearing her and she really turned this story to gold with her performance! Well done, all around.

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Wow! Just Wow

Revisado: 12-04-20

What a ride. This story is amazing. Much better than I thought it would be. Sanderson learned a lot from finishing Jordan's work (WoT) when it come to character development. Even though I might be hunted down with pitchforks and torches for stating my opinion that Sanderson does it better, I'll hold to that statement 100%. Life before death. Journey before destination. *Bridge 4 salute*

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Home Run!!

Revisado: 11-18-20

I've been on a Steven Brust kick lately and this collaboration with Skyler White exceeded my expectations. Very witty and artistically constructed writing that's not at all hard to follow but provides layers of depth to keep you engaged and puzzling things out throughout both of these novels, "The Incremmentalists" and "The Skill of our Hands". The story follows a rag-tag group of Immortal Influencers and plot twists aplenty. Do you really need any more information than that?

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Great Story. Ok Performance.

Revisado: 10-30-20

Brust is an incredible writer. I've read the majority of his work. The best in Aubile performance is his Vlad Taltos series, where the narrator nails the characters and mood better than I did reading the book.
This didn't capture the characters and moods that you'll likely get reading the physical copy at all. It's not terrible by any means, it just seems to miss and it takes away from the incredible story. The story jumps around a lot and, in audiobook form, it can be hard to follow. If you know you're getting into that, it's really a fantastic story, and maybe you'll be inspired to read it yourself to get the experience this story deserves.
Worth getting to support Brust's works, and listen to the story when you don't have time to read.

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And Emotional Conclusion

Revisado: 07-10-20

This was the most engaging of the series, for sure. Everything comes together in an emotional rollercoaster of a ride. If you've read Brust's work, you may have just bought it by the title [not judging, I wouldn't fault anyone for it. Lol]. You would be rewarded, however, if you first read all the previous books of these 'histories'.

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A delightful work of windbagery!

Revisado: 06-07-20

This book is not for everyone. If, however, you are like myself and will read anything pertaining to the universe Brust gifted us within his brilliant Vlad Taltos series this will add much more history and layers to those stories taking place far in the future from this series.
If you have read and enjoyed Tiassa then you will enjoy this as well. Again, Brust entertains with his wit and ability to take things juuust far enough to keep you laughing and smiling even as it threatens become too much - Brust finds a way to get to the point in expert timing and keep you along for the journey.
I really wish that Bernard Setaro Clarke was the narrator for this series. As it is, this is an extremely challenging narrative. I believe Kevin was an excellent choice, and did a fine job, but I must be honest in that I was disappointed that Bernard wasn't available for this series. I appreciate Kevin for bringing them to my ears, though, so I won't say anything more on the matter.

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I'm a bit biased now, so...

Revisado: 04-23-20

Don't know why you would even be reading this, if you read the rest of the series.
Because of this series:
-Steven Brust is in my top 5 favorite Authors
-Bernard Setaro Clark is my favorite narrator. I even hear his voice as Vlad when reading a physical copy now

It's about as good as it gets.

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Another Brust novel, another surprise

Revisado: 01-23-20

If you're new to the Vlad Taltos series - don't start here. If you're looking here for validation on purchasing the next in the series -- Well, let's be honest -- you're not real person. You're a hypothetical entity that only exsists to fill the checks and balances of a mathematical equation. You're a number that doesn't matter in any practical sense.
To all my friends who, like me, just found this series in 2019-- I, too, hold a unreasonable grudge against the fantasy and science fiction circles that failed to tell me about this Verra be d@mmed series earlier!! I mean, it's been out for around 40 years!
Brust has quickly become one of my authors. I very highly recommend anyone new to the series, pick up Jhereg (Book 1) and bring a friend so you can talk about it.
As an audiobook, Bernard Setaro Clark is the absolute PERFECT person to put a voice to this series. I listened to the audiobook first and found that when I read the physical copies (of course I've had to buy a couple of my Favorites), I find myself reading in his voice.
This is another time, I didn't think it could get any better but Brust continues to build and surprise, even as he jumps around the timeline. Take my 5 stars -- Take all the stars! I've given some more reserved criticism in previous books, but I'm done with that nonsense. Brust is too overlooked and underrated in my opinion to not give him and Bernard proper respect and remove the BS cynicism. I loved this book. I loved them all. I can't imagine that's going to change in the books ahead. So there you have it.

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