K. Horn

Historical details beautifully woven in

Revisado: 12-13-24

Picked up this title because I'm a fan of Vaughn's work overall and was delighted to discover this one includes my favorite historical topic: polar exploration. Characters are realistically drawn and struggle with the constraints of the era in a way that's poignant and relatable. (All the historical details ring perfectly true and the fantasy element is so unique, it's a wonderful pairing.) Really enjoyed this and am very happy to see it's first in a series.

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Worst thing I’ve ever read

Revisado: 07-12-24

It was tedious in the extreme. It was (understandably) ridiculous as adventure tales of the era tended to be. But it was also incredibly racist (even considering when it was written). Even for readers who can stomach the outrageous degree of absurdity, the out-of-nowhere ending is simply idiotic. (I have read extensively. I have read a regrettable number of bad books. But this was hands down the very worst.)

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Outstanding performance

Revisado: 12-29-23

Loved the story itself but was especially delighted by the cast and overall production. Definitely will listen to more than once, and hope there will be a sequel!

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Excellent & Different

Revisado: 11-06-23

This was absolutely delightful. While Carriger's other works focus more on fantasy world-building (Parasol Protectorate) or intrigue (Finishing School) the San Andreas series really does put romance front and center. In addition to romance though, there's also a focus on the characters' self-discovery and finding the place where they belong. (There are still fantasy and mystery elements, but relationships are in the spotlight here.) The narration is first-rate, Kirt Graves does an excellent job bringing variety to the different character voices.

Besides the romance being so well done, the interactions of all the characters ring true - the connections and shared pasts between friends and co-workers feel solid. There's a sense of each person having a strong backstory which I really enjoyed.

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Couldn’t stop listening

Revisado: 02-13-23

Gave this one a try out of curiosity but once I got started, I just couldn’t pause! Excellent performances and engaging story. I hope there will be more, this was my favorite full-cast audio production since Moriarty.

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Best audio drama ever!

Revisado: 07-09-22

I’ve enjoyed a lot of audio dramas over the years, many quite excellent, but this was the best of the best. Highly recommend for anyone who loves Sherlock Holmes stories. Especially enjoyed the rapport between Moriarty and Moran, the casting of Monaghan and Boyd, respectively, really made that relationship come alive. Freshest new take on Holmes storytelling I’ve yet seen. Bravo!

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One of my favorite 2020 listens

Revisado: 12-23-20

You can't go wrong with the combination of story-and-narrator here. Angele Masters does a beautiful job bringing out individual character voices in this piece, and Vaughn faithfully brings to life the courage and loyalty that readers expect from a Robin Hood story. This was a delightful respite in a tumultuous year, and I look forward to listening to again. (And, probably, again.)

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Rich setting, great cast of characters

Revisado: 09-03-20

I really enjoyed this one, from the world-building to the plot to the mix of characters, everything came together to provide a fast-paced and intriguing story. The major characters are involved in very different struggles that all pertain to the same core problem and it was interesting to see that main idea from various angles, through various points of view. My favorite aspect of this novel is that it combines a wholly imagined world and culture with the very real issue of class differences. It's an adventure and an escape, as good fiction should be, but underneath there's a bedrock of serious and important ideas. (Which, also, is how good fiction should be.) I loved it, and can't wait for the next one.

The narrator does a superb job. She really invests in each character's voice, making the dialogue come to life. This was a treat to listen to.

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Delightful!

Revisado: 01-06-20

The Parasol Protectorate is one of my all-time favorite novel series. I was so glad to see a prequel story that allowed me to revisit such an excellent setting. Alexia and Lord Maccon are wonderfully portrayed here, staying true to the characters that I first met in Soulless. The narrator does a wonderful job, as well. Her performance is perfect (pacing, voices, inflections) to the piece.

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A delightful adventure!

Revisado: 09-18-18

This novel's unusual setting (Victorian-era space travel with colonies on Mars) drew me in from the start, but it was dauntless Arabella that I loved most. With a resourceful main character, murder plans to thwart, interplanetary travel, and a native uprising, this story was one I raced through, I couldn't stop listening. The narrator does an excellent job (I can't imagine anyone else reading it).

If you like Gail Carriger's novels, this is kind of similar - with a plucky heroine and clockwork technology (just as delightful, though, no werewolves). It's got a bit of a seafaring-adventure sense to it, too. It's a little bit Victorian-era-sci-fi, a little bit steampunk, and a little bit historical-reimagining. I haven't enjoyed a book quite so much in ages.

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