Alison

A Delicious Entrée to Gaslamp Fantasy

Revisado: 06-17-16

Any additional comments?

According to Amazon, Gaslamp fantasy is "historical fantasy set in a magical version of the Nineteenth Century." While its first cousin Steampunk emphasizes mechanics, science and steam power, Gaslamp plays with magical possibilities.

This anthology includes spinoffs of Dickens and references to real people of the Victorian era. Queen Vicki herself gets a cameo in at least two stories. One of her prime ministers, Benjamin Disraeli, stars in The Jewel in the Toad Queen's Crown while William Morris, textile designer, poet, translator and social activist, takes the stage in the story For the Briar Rose. This is definitely one of those books that whets your thirst for more information. I have a brand new fascination with both Morris and Disraeli and can't wait to see where these rabbit holes lead me!

I listened to the audio version of this book. It's one I wish I had read instead. Three of the stories are epistolary, which sometimes doesn't lend itself to audio. The performance by narrator Kelly Lintz was fine, but it's a book to dip into again and again. I will probably end up buying a physical copy for my shelves.

The list below includes what I felt were the standout stories:
Queen Victoria's Book of Spells by Delia Sherman (Epistolary - entries in a young Victoria's diaries as she learns magic)
Phosphorous by Veronica Schanoes (Some very interesting social history here.)
The Vital Importance of the Superficial by Ellen Kushner and Caroline Stervener (Epistolary, and superbly done.)
A Few Twigs He Left Behind by Gregory Maguire (A fascinating epilogue of Scrooge)

Maguire's offering in particular left me hankering for more of his writing (which surprised me because Wicked (the book) was not a big winner with me). I will also seek out works by Delia Sherman and Ellen Kushner. Book one of the Tremontaine series (Kushner) has been ordered…

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A Masterpiece

Revisado: 04-20-16

I was a Dickens fan before, but now I am completely besotted. David Copperfield is a masterpiece of storytelling.

Richard Armitage's performance blew me away. I have a new favourite male narrator. What talent!

Do yourself a favour: listen to this. Yes, it's long, but it is worth every minute.

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Geeky Goodness

Revisado: 12-15-13

If you could sum up Ready Player One in three words, what would they be?

So much fun

What did you like best about this story?

This story was action packed.

Which scene was your favorite?

It's hard to pick a favourite; the conflict builds and the climax is so much geeky retro fun. No spoilers here though!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

I probably don't qualify as a certified geek, but I still enjoyed this book. It's a perfect selection for gamers and people who love Japanese monster movies and anime.

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Atmospheric With Enough Spookiness

Revisado: 09-23-13

Would you listen to Moonrise again? Why?

I'd reread Moonrise, but I don't think I'd listen to it again. This is the first time I haven't been bowled over by the talent of the narrators. (I usually gush. See my review of Colin Firth's reading of The End of the Affair and how I raved about the Amelia Peabody mysteries.) I have tremendous admiration for artists who can pull off multiple regional accents and characters of both genders--without sounding like a parody.

What did you like best about this story?

This book tips its hat to the Gothic classic, Rebecca, by Daphne Du Maurier. While not in the same league as Rebecca, Moonrise didn't disappoint. Setting is all important in a Gothic novel, and the eponymous historic Victorian house nestled in Highlands, North Carolina provided the perfect spooky backdrop for a mystery. The nocturnal gardens in particular added a bit of eeriness to the story.

Would you listen to another book narrated by the narrators?

I enjoyed listening to Letters from Skye, narrated by Elle Newlands, the actor who performed Willa McPhee in Moonrise. She has a very pleasant accent (Scottish, I assume) and a lot of talent. I had a hard time understanding what she was doing in a southern story, though. If the locals of Highlands have a brogue, why didn't Duff, Willa's beau?

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I enjoyed the descriptions of the place. Of course all the people and their tangled webs of deceit and intrigue were interesting, but I hold that setting is what makes Gothic gothic.

Any additional comments?

The other trait of the Gothic genre is a fiery ending. This finale was spectacular, but it wasn't quite in keeping with my idea of the genre.

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Mind Blowing

Revisado: 05-13-13

What made the experience of listening to The Sparrow the most enjoyable?

The characters were wonderful. Mary Doria Russell created multi-dimensional people and made me not only care for them, but also wish they were in my life.

What other book might you compare The Sparrow to and why?

This is my first tentative foray into speculative fiction so I don't have much to compare it to. I NEVER imagined I would enjoy science fiction so much. The characters' depth was similar to those in The Prince of Tides--these are people I who will stay with me.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were so many poignant scenes. The best was probably the moment of contact, when Father Emilio was overwhelmed with the sense that his whole life had led to that moment , and he finally experienced God.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed, I cried, I gasped. I will need at least a week to recover from the horrific events that unfold in the final chapters. And I am already pining for my "friends."

Any additional comments?

If you steer away from science fiction because it's "not your thing," I encourage you to try this one. The writing is beautiful and smart--there's plenty to stimulate almost any reader. Physics, chemistry, astronomy, anatomy, medicine, linguistics, anthropology, Latin, psychology, faith...all wrapped up in some very clever storytelling. Honestly--don't skip over this one just because it looks like it's about aliens and other worlds.

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Memorable Story, Tough Material

Revisado: 03-04-13

Would you consider the audio edition of The Fault in Our Stars to be better than the print version?

Yes. Kate Rudd did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. The verbal mannerisms of the young characters were spot-on. On the other hand, the characters discuss big ideas--philosophy and religion and the meaning of life, and a physical copy of the book would allow for easier study. For example, several poems were referenced, and I'd love to look them up. A print version would be more convenient in that instance.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well, I'm guessing Gus is everyone's favourite. He is, as he puts it, "charismatic."

Have you listened to any of Kate Rudd’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first experience with Kate Rudd, but I will be watching out for her.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Well, that's a silly question given the book deals with dying teenagers and star-crossed love. "Moving" is to be expected. "Surprising" --that is what is interesting about this book--the surprising bits, but I can't comment on the many gasp-worthy moments or I would risk spoiling it for you...

Any additional comments?

Yes, yes: it's a tear jerker. I'd advise you not to avoid it because of the sad topic. There is so much to think about and celebrate in this beautiful book.

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An Excellent Collection of Short Stories

Revisado: 03-04-13

Would you consider the audio edition of Birds of a Lesser Paradise to be better than the print version?

The audio was fantastic, but this is the kind of book I'd like to take a highlighter to and underscore a few of Bergman's wonderful turns of phrase.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked the disfigured vet in the story "Saving Face."

Which character – as performed by Cassandra Campbell – was your favorite?

None stands out. They were all stellar.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Because it is short stories, it is suited to listening in small installments.

Any additional comments?

If you think you don't like short stories, try this book. It may just change your mind.

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Life's Too Short

Revisado: 03-04-13

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I had high hopes for the book--so many of my favourite themes were promised; few, however, were delivered. The book's greatest lack was forward momentum. Lagging behind that was succinctness.

Would you ever listen to anything by Lucinda Riley again?

Her style is not to my liking, so no.

Would you be willing to try another one of Beth Chalmers’s performances?

Beth Chalmers has a talent for bringing characters to life. Her skill at regional accents and her dramatisation made it easy to picture the people. Unfortunately, some of her characters were grating. The sister of the protagonist, in particular, set my teeth on edge. I turned down the volume whenever her particular character was talking.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Time and time again, the motives behind even simple actions were stated and explained, giving the impression the author had little respect for her readers' intelligence. When I found myself involuntarily rolling my eyes and groaning aloud, I realised it was time to call it quits. On the positive side, I came away with a deeper appreciation of what critics and writing coaches mean when they use the descriptor "overwritten."

Any additional comments?

I had to give up on this one after several hours of listening, and it came down to a simple matter of trust. I lost all faith in the author's ability to get to the point.

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For Those Who Enjoy Playing with Fairytales

Revisado: 01-06-13

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is one of those books that appeal to a specific listener. If I know my friend has a fondness of fairytales and enjoys rather warped retellings, I'd suggest this book.

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

The ending was satisfying in its resolution, but it was perhaps a little too "tidy" for a book that was "out there."

What does Steven Crossely bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His agility with regional accents from the UK is admirable.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

David's delicate state after his mother's death was heartbreaking and disturbing. John Connolly did a great job engendering pity for the boy's plight, particularly in the scene at the psychiatrist's office when David has a meltdown.

Any additional comments?

The Crooked Man stands out as a particularly menacing bad guy. Towards the end of the story, the author pushed a little too hard with an overabundance of gory details and sickening anecdotes about the character's misdeeds. My finger hovered over the fast-forward button because the gratuitous detail became irritating. We already got it: he's a really bad dude.

The Book of Lost Things portrays the healing power of stories and books.

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An Education and a Delight

Revisado: 12-04-12

What did you love best about The Blood of Flowers?

Learning about carpet design and getting a detailed peek into a world I knew nothing of was a privilege. The descriptions of the food, the customs, and clothing were fascinating.

What did you like best about this story?

The author, Anita Amirrezvani, artfully spins a plot that sucks the reader in. The conflict is gripping as the protagonist's fate unfolds. Adding to the pleasure of the story are the sumptuous details about the era. The bathing rituals of women. the banquets, the intricate patterns of rugs, the silk finery of the rich and powerful colour in a culture and time that is faint in the minds of many western readers.

Which character – as performed by Shohreh Aghdashloo – was your favorite?

The main character, an unnamed girl, was brought to life. Shohreh Aghdashloo's husky voice is compelling, and once I adjusted to her lush accent, I was totally entranced by her reading. I believe she must be a native speaker of Farsi, so it was a treat to hear the proper pronunciation of words and places. In particular, the exclamations of surprise and delight--"Voy!" stuck with me.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I am surprised that none of the reviews I read prior to reading the book mentioned that a solid portion of the book was about the main character's sexual awakening. Discussing this in too much detail would spoil the plot, which is probably the reason for this oversight. Indeed, I squirmed as I read about the initial sexual situation she found herself in. To my western mindset and sensibilities, it smacked of child abuse--she was a 15-year-old and the man was older. Her lack of power--the total inability to dissent--troubled me. That she wasn't repelled by what was happening to her was hard for me to accept. I don't, however, see this as a problem with the writing; it was more of a "TILT" due to cultural constructs.

Any additional comments?

The Blood of Flowers is as rich with detail as it is thick with tension. A satisfying resolution makes it an enjoyable and educational experience.

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