LDJG

They tried hard, but 3 stars is quite generous

Revisado: 02-25-25

I wanted badly to enjoy this book and this performance. I have read, and listened to, almost the entirety of Rex Stout's books, and I had high hopes that a continuation of Nero Wolfe could be satisfying. I knew it wouldn't be the same and I was prepared to grade on a curve. However, this is so far from the original feel and direction that I just couldn't do it.

The writer clearly tried and the narrator seems to have put in maximum effort. Unfortunately, both miss the mark by quite a distance. The writing isn't bad, but it just has zero Nero Wolfe feeling. The dialogue and the descriptions just bear no relation to anything from the original stories. I expected the author to put his own spin on things, but the character's names and occupations are the only real resemblance to the original stories. This seems like a problem, considering the only reason to continue a series, and bring back another author's characters, is to remain faithful to the originals. Especially as far as character traits and habits. The storyline was reasonably interesting, but poorly executed and presented in a very different frame than I would have hoped. Everybody "barks" or "rasps" everything and an occasional word like "libation" or slang like "mug" are jammed awkwardly in with the distractingly long dialogue sequences. At one point, Archie and Lon have a conversation that may be longer than all of the dialogue passing between the two in the entirety of the Stout books. Longer than any conversation between any two Stout characters, I imagine. It just felt forced and unfun to me.

The performance was an issue for me. I think he is talented and I imagine that for some books he may be great. For these characters, this style of story, and this amount of dialogue... He just felt wrong for the job. I feel bad because I am sure he was doing his best, but he was not set up for success in this endeavor.

After finally giving up on finishing, about 3/4 of the way through the book, I did some research. I was curious that the Stout estate had apparently sanctioned or approved these stories. I felt like they must have been asleep at the switch, but I also respected that Stout or his wife made a choice. Turns out they didn't. Stout didn't want someone to continue with his characters and his wife also respected that. Stout died first and it wasn't until after his wife died that the estate approved someone picking up the characters and continuing. I suspect that they were more interested in trying to generate income than in finding a natural successor to the stories. I don't expect perfection, but I bet there is someone out there writing fan-fiction who is hitting closer to the mark than these stories do.

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5 stars across the board

Revisado: 03-05-23

Intriguing story and well paced. The performance is absolutely perfect. I highly recommend it for anyone.

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Just genuinely great

Revisado: 02-26-22

The short version: Science Fiction and Adventure novel. I have had this audiobook for a while now and I have listened to it more than once. What does that tell you about the quality and value of this book?

Longer version: I am a Wil Wheaton fan, so I may be a little biased, but I feel like he is perfect for these characters and this style of story. The story itself is well written and super engaging, but Wheaton really gives it that extra something. There are a million ways to tell someone that you enjoyed a story, but the one that feels right for this story is this: If I could magically erase this book from my mind so that I could re-experience it for the first time again, I totally would.

Listening to the book again is still engaging and fun, and I have now listened to it three times, but that joy of discovering something fun and new is a very wonderful feeling. The times I have listened I also picked up different themes and details that I had missed the first time. It kept me entertained and also kept making me think. That is impressive for what is essentially a science fiction adventure novel.

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I really really enjoyed the zaniness

Revisado: 02-26-22

This book is fun, creative, zany, and bonkers. It is certainly worth a listen. It mixes nerdy tech with History and fantasy. It is unlike anything else I have read or listened to. There are times where the voice performance can feel a little over the top, but it works for this book. The characters are goofy, fun, and real. They also fit with the overall zaniness and shenanigans of the story. I think anyone could enjoy this story.

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Pretty much perfect performance of Gatsby

Revisado: 02-26-22

I have read Gatsby before and I enjoyed it, but I was never a super-fan or anything. It is an interesting story and it is worth reading (or listening to), if only because it has become a classic. This audiobook has made me enjoy the story quite a bit more. I felt that Jake Gyllenhaal was perfect for this style and delivery. He brings Nick (Main character/Narrator) to life in a way my imagination never did. I found myself really caring about what was happening and what choices Nick was making along the way. When I read it in the past, I just don't think the characters became as real to me.

I would certainly recommend this audiobook, especially if you have to read this for school. Save yourself some trouble and listen to the audiobook instead. You will be glad you did.

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Much better than some reviews might suggest

Revisado: 02-26-22

First thing first: The narration is absolutely top-notch. I don't just blindly like all of Ray Porter's audiobook work, so believe me when I say He absolutely crushes it in this one.

I have enjoyed Andy Weir's other books, but I try not to compare titles to one another. I look at books from authors I have enjoyed, but I don't expect them to stay in whatever box the previous work came out of.

In many ways, this book is similar: Space setting, one character's ingenuity being the focal point, adventure, and scientific/science-Fiction descriptions. Many of the reviews I read complain about the science and the fictional science. I am not super sure why though, because to me it all fits. There are explanations of the science that feel very high school, but the main character is a teacher, so what exactly could be more fitting?

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The characters were fun and engaging, the science was interesting and worked in well, and there were many moments of humor to tie it all together and make you care.

I would recommend this audiobook to anyone who likes space, adventure, science, and getting completely submerged within a story.

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Still wonderful years later

Revisado: 08-06-19

This is a shockingly good book and the narrator is perfect for it. I have always really enjoyed Stephen King and I think he is one of the best writers out there. That doesn’t mean that everyone will like what he chooses to write about, but his prose is top notch. Some of his books are a little much for me, but this book hit the mark in so many ways. It is sort of an alternative version of a zombie outbreak with some straight up horror mixed in with a dash of survival.
I read it on a whim originally because the description sounded like I would not be a fan. I am so glad I tried it because it is now among my favorite King books. I have actually read the book a few times, because it is so good, but that can be worrisome when you look to get the audiobook. When reading, we tend to think of the way a character speaks and looks (Whatever we fill in that the author cannot or does not specify) and giving that person a voice that doesn’t match our minds can be detrimental. I find it distracting at best and at worst it puts me off the story.
This audiobook steers clear of that trap. The narrator does not sound the way I imagined the character, but he fits that character so well that you forget that part quickly. I found myself submerged deep within the story and the world around me melted away. It was a perfect listening experience. I would recommend it to absolutely anyone.

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This book will draw you in

Revisado: 08-06-19

This story got me completely off guard. It is not the type I usually listen to and I am not sure what drew me to it. I requested and received a reviewer’s copy, free of charge, from the author. This was with the idea that any review I might write would be honest and voluntary. Maybe that is what made me try something further from my usual, but I think the description just clinched it for me.
I like a little of everything when it comes to stories, but I tend to shy away from the creepy and the potentially frightening. To be fair, there are a few horrendously frightening books among my very favorites, but I get too wigged out. The narrator, Hannibal Hills, really amplifies that feeling. He is perfect for this story and he keeps you in the moment. If anything, he makes things just a little more spooky. He keeps things interesting and his voices are distinct.
I don’t know what drew me, but I am happy it did. I was surprised and entertained by this book. I found it quite easy to get lost in the story while also getting invested with a few of the characters. There are times when the story can get a little confusing, but I think it is because of the overall format (Main story that dips into other stories along the way) and once you get used to it, things are clearer.
This story is kind of a mix of adventure fantasy with some Grimm’s Fairy Tales thrown in. Really all sort of blended. I found that this made the story interesting and also creeped me out big time… Which is probably what the author was going for, so: Mission accomplished.
I think this book really builds things well and establishes some general rules of the road for this realm outside of our own. It builds them for this story, but it artfully lays the groundwork for future stories in the same world.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to try something a little different, but with recognizable connections to the world of fantasy/Fairy tales. I think that anyone could enjoy it, but if you are a fan of the creepy, then all the better for you.

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Two of the best

Revisado: 08-05-19

The classic awesomeness of Jules Verne combined with the greatness of Tim Curry. It is impossible that you won't win in that scenario.
The story is obviously old, but just try to view it as a bit of a period -piece and you will not have problems. It gives you little insights into the past, but also helps transport you to a time when less was known about our planet. Whole sections had been barely explored and it felt like much more might be possible.

Tim Curry is just the best. He takes a story that some might find hard to follow because of pronunciation or antiquated language and he makes it accessible. Much is smoothed out and easier to get from context when it is read to you. This is especially true with a great performer like Tim Curry.

You will not be sad you tried this.

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Another good one from Andy Weir

Revisado: 08-05-19

This is an extremely good story and Rosario Dawson narrates perfectly. I figured I would probably enjoy the story: Space, adventure, realistic science fiction... What is there not to like? But I also had some trepidation over the narrator. I have seen her on tv and in movies, but she is not always my favorite. She is a good actress, but it is something about her delivery. That may be a shortcoming of her directors rather than her as a person, but I am not sure. In any case, I am glad I tried this book out because the story is gripping and Rosario fits the role. The main character is someone you occasionally want to strangle, so she fits right in.
Overall this is the perfect combination and I would recommend it to anyone. Especially Sci-Fi fans, but it can appeal to a much wider audience than that, so really anyone. The story moves along nicely and it is not all one way. You get some action, some science, some personal interaction, some shitheadedness, some personal growth, and some murder. It all works together for maximum enjoyment.

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