JR Odyssey

Short Story With A Twist

Revisado: 04-24-25

For a short story I thought the story was well crafted. The author even slipped in a couple of twists which is often hard to do in a quick read. There was one situation that I originally thought was unreasonable, but it was explained later in the story making it more believable. The ending was a little flat. If I was the protagonist, I would be worried about my future longevity from two different state players.

Overall 4.5 stars, but I rounded up because I think it was well woven story in a short period of time. Plus, I like math and Kindansky numbers.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Can't Wait For Book 5

Revisado: 04-24-25

A&W know how to write action and suspense to keep a reader glued to the story. Even though I'm more into special op thrillers and not paranormal or religious stories, these two writers successfully blend all 3 genres into this series.

The title is perfect for this story. The "dark" characters are well written, and their evilness comes through in MacLeod's narration. Both Ben and David seem to struggle in this book but in somewhat different ways. Ben seems tired and not in the game and David continues to struggle with his jealousy. I still find Rachel somewhat weak as a character, and I don't think she adds much to the story in her current team role.

Overall, 4.5 stars but I rounded up because I couldn't put it down and it was well narrated. 5+ stars for MacLeod Andrews. This may be my favorite book in this series so far. I'm looking forward to book 5 and hoping there is more about Ben's son.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Glad It Was Free

Revisado: 04-05-25

I can understand having a main character that is unlikeable but the main character in this story was impulsive, annoying, and injudicious. Her actions were illogical and unbelievable. She continued to do stupid things again and again. The last plot twist was interesting, but not enough to save this book. I also didn’t like the airplane disaster especially after the incidents in DC and Toronto.

Story is somewhere between 2 and 3 stars. I rounded up because of the last plot twist.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Quick Peek Into Some of Usher's Music

Revisado: 04-05-25

This is short audiobook with Usher talking about his music and career. I am not a R&B music person and haven't listened to much of his music. That said, I found the story to be interesting and I'm glad I listened to it. I liked how he talked about "you either evolve or evaporate." I enjoyed the snippets of his music and appreciated hearing his perspective on his music. If you like Usher, you will like this short peek into his story.

His narration was excellent; his voice was soothing.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Action Packed Gray Man Novel

Revisado: 04-04-25

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Tied for the best book I've read this year (and I have already read 86 books).

I never thought I would see the Gray Man let someone get close to him much less care so much for someone. When The Chaos Agent ended, I knew the next book would be interesting because he was on a personal mission to get Zoya back. What seems to be an impossible task becomes a 6 month endeavor for the Gray Man. Greaney has a gift for pulling a reader into the story.

I liked the ending because it is leading to more "off the books" ops with Gentry, Hightower, and Hanley. Can't wait for book 15!

Love the voice of Jay Snyder as the Gray Man. Definitely worth the wait for an extra few days for audiobook.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

My First Slaton Book

Revisado: 03-27-25

I haven’t read any of Larsen’s Slaton books. I will check them out because I liked this character. I found Tru interesting at first, but then he seemed too reckless. Both he and Kai were frustrating because of their insistence on being daring instead of taking a more rational approach. There were times the story flew by and other times it dragged a little. Overall, a good plot and well written 4.5 / 5 stars. I rounded up because I liked how it ended. I will definitely read the sequel.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Sound Effects Were Disruptive

Revisado: 03-19-25

The story had potential. There were a couple of twists (which is why I gave the story 3 stars), but the way the story was told was awkward. The timeline in the story was confusing in several places. Sometimes it was hard to tell if the story was in present time or if they were listening to the tape recorder or having flashbacks. I also thought the ending was a copout.

I’m not a fan of multiple narrators and even more so in this story because it was hard to distinguish the voices of the male characters. I couldn't always tell which character was talking. After listening to several dramatized books, I now know I prefer to have a story read than dramatized. The sound effects (zippers opening, doorbells, eating food) were disruptive to the story. Sometimes it was hard to hear the people who were supposed to be some distance away from the character who was talking.

Overall, 2.5 stars. I rounded up because there were some twists and turns.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Lots of Suspense and Twists

Revisado: 03-04-25

I thought this book was quite suspenseful. At times I would have to stop the audio because it was too intense for me. I did think Beck made some poor choices at times. So did his wife. The premise may be a little far-fetched, but it was still believable enough even if somewhat convoluted. Hoyt was the least believable of all the characters. Always like it when Hester makes an appearance even though she's not a realistic character.

Overall, 4.5 stars but I rounded up because there were several unexpected twists and lots of suspense.

I thought the narrator gave multiple characters unique voices and performed well.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Unexpected Twist At The End

Revisado: 02-28-25

The story was a quick read with some suspenseful moments and a couple of twists. The main character was not all that likeable. I didn’t hate her, but I didn’t like her either. The story has a lot of characters, but the writing made it easy to keep them straight. The main problem with so many characters is that most were not well developed, especially Shane. It was hard to get a fix on him and his relationship with Maya and her family.

I thought the ending was a stretch, but overall I enjoyed the book. It was definitely worth 1 credit.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Too Much Inner Dialogue

Revisado: 02-22-25

I thought the book started well but then started to change around Chapter 10. The book could have easily been 75-100 pages shorter if the internal ramblings of the main characters had been reduced. The author spent too many pages on X’s and Joey’s inner dialogue. Sometimes I would just zone out. Chapter 34 was too descriptive about nothing. Not even sure what the point of that chapter was. I wish the author had spent more time detailing the events in Chapter 72 which could have been action packed instead of writing the filler about the bar in Chapter 34. Also be warned, some people may be put off by the racism and prejudice in the story.

Action doesn’t really drive this story. I liked the buildup around the 4 Dark Horseman but then when the confrontation arrived it was less exciting than anticipated. The assault on Janus’ estate could have been action packed but it more or less just described the results of his incursion. There wasn’t any real action.

If Evan and Tommy had communicated initially in a forthright manner, the story could have had more action and maybe a better outcome with less angst. I was a little disappointed in the ending. There’s not a complete resolution with Janus and things didn’t go as I had hoped with Tommy.

I do like the voice that the narrator gives to Tommy. It’s exactly how I’d expect Tommy to sound.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña