Nikia

30 hours of self centered whining

Revisado: 03-27-25

I’ve loved all of Tana French’s books but this one was a struggle to get through. It was about 30 hours of self centered whining and maybe 1 of actual plot. There were quite a few times I almost gave up on it, but I forced myself to carry on because I just never do that with a book. Usually, I can find something redeeming but not with this book.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A lot of whining.

Revisado: 11-20-24

While I can listen to almost anything, I have a really hard time with books that have weak female leads. At multiple times, I almost stopped listening to this book because the lead character was so unsympathetic. She spent most of the book whining and letting everyone push her around. And just when the book started to get good, it failed on the storyline. Even if I wasn’t an attorney, the “search” and later “arrest” scenes were too terrible to believe. The idea of the story was excellent, but the execution was lacking.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Tedious

Revisado: 06-09-24

This was one of the few books I’ve ever had to force myself to finish. It was unbelievably tedious. The reader was great though

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Slow story saved by good narration.

Revisado: 05-12-24

I’m in the minority by saying I found the book tedious. It was also a bit hard to always tell the transition between present time and memories when I wasn’t paying attention closely and it was hard to do that since, again, the book was tedious. The narration was amazing though and saved the story.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Wow!

Revisado: 05-11-24

Great story! I listened to it twice through and couldn’t put it down! Narration is excellent.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Even Zara Ramm Can't Save This Series

Revisado: 09-26-23

I really tried to like this series, but they were a chore to get through. I love Zara Ramm but even she couldn't make them better. The premise of the story is interesting, albeit a near copy of Marie Brennan's Lady Trent Memoirs, which is one of my favorite series. The execution here though is trite and tedious. Its a story of weak characters who won't stand up for themselves, make obviously bad decisions at every opportunity, and are cowed by the merest threats. Weirdly book two started to speak to the reader like it was a memoir, which didn't happen in the first series and also seems to be copied from the Lady Trent series. I don't know if there are plans for a book 3, but it will be a hard pass for me.

Do yourself a favor - skip this series and go straight to Marie Brennan's Lady Trent Memoirs.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Funny!

Revisado: 03-27-23

A very engaging story brought to life by an outstanding performance by Marin Ireland. She may be one of my favorite readers now. I only wished the story went on longer...

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Engaging but could be triggering for some.

Revisado: 03-27-23

I really enjoyed this book but readers should be warned that it is set in the early days of COVID, which could be triggering for some. I wasn't sure if I was ready to listen to a book set in that time - and it did bring me back to the fear and trauma of those early days. I enjoyed the story though. It was engaging and wonderfully read by Marin Ireland.

For those who feel it was too "political" or "liberal" - move on and read a different book. Trump was mentioned once as - you know - he was the president at the time and it was rather neutral in tone. And there is a *gasp* gay person in the story. Its not a political or liberal story by any means - its a story of that time and what front line medical workers endured in particular.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Excellent narration, good story...but...

Revisado: 03-22-23

I'm going to be a bit vague in my critique in order not to spoil the book for others. Tom Hanks was an outstanding narrator. This book was good but...I found the mother to be a truly repugnant to a point I struggled with the ending of the book. I'm an avid listener and normally someone who listens to books twice through. I just couldn't with this one. The idea that being a "saint" excuses continued manipulative behavior and a lack accountability so long as one engages in "penance" truly off putting. It may just be me and my own personal issues, but I found myself upset by the story long after I finished listening to it.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Truly Excellent!

Revisado: 01-21-23

I rarely laugh out loud at stories but this one has me busting up. It was real, it was funny, and the reader was excellent. It’s not a deep book, but it’s well worth listening to.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona