HLNewton

MUCH BETTER NARRATION THAN BOOK 1

Revisado: 01-13-25

Possible Spoilers. You’ve been warned. I found myself listening to this book more frequently. Even over turning on my tv for streaming faves. This narrator was 100x better than the first book’s. Enjoyed the beginning stories of characters that I can only imagine will continue throughout the series. At first I was concerned this was going to be about people completely unrelated to characters from the first book. I didn’t wanna learn about characters that had nothing to do with all those I was invested in from book one. I was pleased to hear new stories and characters but was relieved and even excited to learn the connections to those I knew already. I’m excited for the next book. Will it be a look back on our original characters and what happened next for them? Will it be about new characters still out there with connections to be revealed? Will it show us a coming together or share what’s next from both books 1 and 2? I don’t know but i am excited to find out.

So there is a part of this storyline that disturbs me and it’s that there are no supernatural, unstoppable zombie making virus or other unrealistic cause that leads us to the places in these books. I suppose as homesteaders, that’s some of the point behind these books. I’ve honestly not paid any attention to when exactly these books were written but I’m assuming back during Obama’s time as President, maybe even George W’s time. This was likely a potential future yet still an imagined one at that time. So given what has taken place during Biden’s term as POTUS, these scenarios leading to this so called post apocalyptic world seems VERY realistic. Even moreso with our open boarders and the coalition of Russia China North Korea & Iran. Scary for me as I’m a full time caregiver to my 26yro son who is vent dependent, has severe spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, many complex medical needs, can’t communicate and is completely dependent on others for absolutely everything. Breathing, suctioning, incontinent, cannot regulate his body temp so his average temp is 96 degrees farenheight. Yes that’s hypothermic for the general public. The amount of meds he’s on alone if missed for anything more than a couple doses would be catastrophic for him. Homesteading seems like a brilliant idea but it’s painfully obvious that it’s impossible for me to do. Literally there aren’t enough hours in a day let alone strength and energy in my body and mind to do it. That’s a little too much realism for me. So I will continue listening to the series but am gonna have to come to terms with not ever being prepared for our country’s enemies to bring the fight to our doorstep. It is pretty arrogant to think there’s not enough hate for what we represent that at least one of our enemies will attack us. We’re still just a baby when it comes to being a nation. Nobody gets things right the first time and we’re at about the equivalent of early grade schoolers against college graduates. So I pray we can get our crap together as a nation and start moving the right direction. We’re headed that way as of November 2024.

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Horrible Narration - Realistic Story Getting More Realistic Everyday

Revisado: 01-09-25

I’ve been awaiting the movie and series, Homestead, for over a year now. Many fans have reported that this book series, on which the Angel Studios movie/series are based, is phenomenal. I initially downloaded it with the intent to read it right away but the narration was so bad, I just couldn’t get into it. I’m used to listening to very dynamic narrations so this one was like listening to a robot. However the movie and first 2 eps of the series came out around Christmas. So my being able to picture the actors from those during my listening greatly enhanced my ability to push through. I’d also conversed with a variety of people that highly encouraged me to stick it out because the narrators change and improve after the first book. I must admit I wasn’t expecting so much cursing and some of the content having discovered the series via Angel Studios, Homestead the movie, series and the Homestead reality series. I definitely prefer the fact that they steered away from a lot of that language and that faith and religion play a larger roll in the Angel Studios productions. I was not expecting there to be so much of the Mormon beliefs in the book. It makes sense I guess given where most of the main story takes place, SLC UT. I also expected the movie to be essentially the film version of the first book. It was a nice surprise to hear potential content foreshadowed in the first 2 episodes of the series. There are a lot of places, storylines that could be based for multiple seasons and that’s just within this first book. Of course, I’ve no idea if they’re going to keep to the storyline of the book or take it as a starting point for new content. I liked that there are micro stories within the one overall storyline but I’m attached to the “Homestead” focus, location and characters. I didn’t mind the micro stories introducing new characters because they all tie back into the characters of Jason, Ross and their homestead. I’m a bit nervous about starting the second book and it being an entirely different storyline and characters. We’ll see how that goes I guess. Hopefully the change in narrator for the second book improves the listening experience. If not for the Angel Studios productions creating an investment in me for what happens next, I never would’ve finished this book. I’ve listened to post apocalyptic books before, so this isn’t something out of my genre. It’s just not something I would’ve stuck out. Glad I did and will give the second book a go. Just gonna have to see how it goes from there. I admit that it’s NOT a book that has me scrambling to create time to listen or on the edge of my seat or searching for the next book to begin immediately after finishing it. There are a lot of characters and storylines though. So i’m hoping it’s just that I’ve not had enough time with “main characters” to become fully invested like happens with other books I’ve read. But my favorite series is Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander where each book is 20+ hrs and depth of character is significant. Different kind of genre as well. So i just need to adjust my brain to the different writing style. That’s all just part of the fun though, isn’t it?

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Loved It

Revisado: 10-23-24

Was overjoyed to find this book in the continuing series. Admittedly a bit sad at the ending of Time’s Convert, I wanted to know what lay in store for Matthew Diana & the twins. Hoping now the next book in the series has been written and that I don’t have to wait for what happens next.

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Was Not Disappointed

Revisado: 12-09-23

Enjoyed this 3rd book very much. I only just discovered the series after getting the Angel Guild membership. For the record I’m a 47yro mother of 2 adult children. My eldest has severe disabilities and multiple complex medical needs. He relies on others for absolutely every need he has and cannot communicate outside of facial expressions and soundless crying (he’s vent dependent so cannot make sounds). He loves books and being read to. He also loves tv, movies, music and people. I must admit I’ve been solely using Audible for 6yrs now because every time I pick up a book, a magazine, email etc I find myself falling asleep within a few pages. The exhaustion of being a single mom and main caregiver20hrs a day has made actual reading impossible. However listening via Audible can happen anywhere, anyplace, anytime and allows me to do other tasks simultaneously. It has been such a blessing. I plan to begin playing it for my son very soon. All that being said I absolutely discovered this as an adult enjoying it on my own. Great story & narration.

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Greed, Power & Self Love Triumph

Revisado: 11-21-23

I liked that I kept forgetting who Coreo really is. Then I was disgusted that I kept falling for it. I really enjoyed how this book and his only love (or rather only love other than his love of himself), tied in various elements of the Trilogy. At first I kept wondering what it would be, exactly what details would play out turning him into the President Snow we all love to hate. I thought it was clever though, just when I would think maybe there was some huge catalyst that turns him to the evil, despicable, President, the author gave us glimpses of the evil he had within all along. Maybe it was the death of his parents or how he was raised but writing this character’s journey as a good guy gone bad, scorned by a jilted lover was not how this played out. I’m glad it was more complicated and how you start to think maybe he was good once. Then his inner thoughts or feelings would subtly, as if by instinct turn to action. He naturally acted on greed, power and selfishness without conscious thought. Yet the things that come naturally to most people like affection, love and kindness was alway a well thought out conscious action on his part. I most certainly could see why Katniss and her defiance in every way, decades later, gave him an added disdain and need to ruin her in every way possible. I enjoyed it. Will likely see the movie when it’s available for streaming.

Now, is this going to be another trilogy? Is there already a next book out or in the works? There are certainly MANY strings left untied and I can see a lot of possibilities for seamlessly weaving this “origin story” with the Trilogy. Is Katniss a L.G. descendant? The song, what L..G used as an excuse tieing to K..E’s name seems too much coincidence. Does she live, go on to find REAL love and happiness without him? Even worse, in a district? Anyway, I’d read another.

Narration note: I found the narration to be just fine. He’s a selfish, greedy, power hungry, narcissistic teenager. Are people expecting a 100+ yro, wise Gandolph the Gray? The only time I was annoyed was when it came to the singing. It should’ve been sung in his voice. The ridiculous staccato like speaking of them was worse than if he had just sang them. After all, he was singing them to us in his mind and literally with the anthem Coreo sang. Even if it was bad, that’d only added more weight to how he dislikes it primarily because it’s something he doesn’t excel at doing. Just my thoughts. Don’t think it ruined the story at all. I have heard much much worse.

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esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

Enjoyed This 1st Book

Revisado: 10-20-23

Decided to check this series out after reading about the animation series on Angel Studios. It was entertaining and easy to listen to. Also provided examples of courage, honor, truth, loyalty, forgiveness, empathy and a love of family. I did have “it” figured out before the reveal but that’s to be expected given the target audience. I wish I’d known about it when it was newer. My kiddos would’ve loved it. My son still would but my daughter’s taste has traveled elsewhere. I plan to continue with the series.

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Definitely recommend

Revisado: 10-09-23

I really like this book. It was a little bit of everything. Historical, exciting, horrifying, funny, smart, emotional and thought provoking on some serious issues that aren’t solely about the Holocaust, surviving it and the German side of it. I appreciate grappling with forgiveness on more than one level. I think my only issue with it all is the constant need for the main character to tell people she’s an atheist. Our beliefs of what’s right and what’s wrong and the morality of it all I feel is linked to a higher power, God. Otherwise we’re to believe that there is somehow a perfect human that held some kind of higher power over the rest of us making him/her capable of deciding what’s right/wrong, moral, immoral. There is no human immune to the effects of power, greed, pride, lust, hate, murder etc. This book refers a lot to Evils in the world and without a God, religion, faith and inherent love and goodness, there’d be no evil. Where evil exists there good, God, must also. One cannot exist without the other. I thought the main character could’ve been more complex having not been an atheist. The things she grapples with would’ve held much more complex, emotion driven and contained much more inner struggle. Thus making her character more complex. I thoroughly enjoyed the intricate weaving of the story between the past and present. It’s written well and transitions smoothly. The element of “what happens next” keeps you wanting more. I’d say a “page turner” but this is Audible making “a real ear turner” sound ridiculous. As I was listening to this I kept recognizing Jennifer Ikeda from The Discovery of Witches. She did a fantastic job.

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Easy Listen & Great Examples Of God’s Work

Revisado: 09-22-23

Really enjoyed listening to Kayleigh. Learned a lot of political and real life events. Learned even more about how God has been at work during those events and still today. I definitely recommend this book. Lots of things that a Christian American can learn from and apply in their everyday lives. Additionally for applying it to their political beliefs and in deciding for whom they’ll cast their ballots.

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A Great Listen & Reminder That God Has A Plan

Revisado: 08-27-23

First off I’d like to say I’m glad to hear Rebecca’s voice speaking her story to me. It wasn’t at all like she was reading it either. It was as others stated, like we were hanging out. She was just telling me some of the stories of her life that she’s learned and grown from. I laughed in parts, as I felt as though I wasn’t alone in some of the things I’ve gone through. It was a compelling and encouraging listen that made me think of things I need to do bette. I can relate greatly to being the all hustle all the time extreme and the swing to the no hustle at all extreme. Our situations are VERY different and I struggle with chronic depression, chronic sleep deprivation and a high stress lifestyle that I have to take one day at a time. I took away a lot of tips and even more faith revelations that I can put into play in my life. It is an easy listen but thought provoking. Although it took me a while to finish (due to lack of time on my end not the content). I’m so glad I did and proud to say I have a few Better Life Bags that I absolutely love. I think perhaps there can be another Better Life Book from a new season down the road. God most certainly has great plans for you and your family.

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All Souls Trilogy

Revisado: 02-22-19

I was introduced to this series after watching Discovery of Witches on SundanceNOW. I absolutely loved the first season and therefore went in search of the book series. It was everything I was hoping it’d be. Jennifer Ikeda did a fantastic job. I’m always astounded at the narrators ability to change their voice from character to character, accent to accent, and doing so consistently. The ability to remember/recall the various voices consistently is just crazy to think about. Maybe they do each character separately, I honestly am clueless how it’s done. If it is done in parts the seamless construction of the story, the maintenance of emotions, interactions I’m just astounded. No matter how it’s physically done, the end result was perfection.

I confess I’ve not listened to many authors using this app but I do know not all narrations are equally done. I’m a huge Dean Koontz fan and I’ve tried a couple of his titles on cd and was just horrified. The narrator might as well have been reading the dictionary. I last listened to the Outlander series and a couple of the novellas accompanying it. Outlander is excellent. Wonderful narration and like this narration allowed me to close my eyes and see it all play out like a movie in my mind. So GREAT JOB ALL!!

The stories of the All Souls series I love. I couldn’t wait to hear what happened next. My dvr is bursting with shows due to my complete focus on these books. I like that some of the “traditional” vampire lore/rules were abandoned. Not following rules set in place by the Twilight, Vampire Diaries and so forth. I would like to know the werewolf secret that was alluded to a couple times. Made me laugh each time though. The books definitely got better from one to the next. There were no down times where I was wishing it’d get to a more exciting part etc. To be honest I always hate a beloved series when it ends. This definitely left plenty of “ribbons” that could be taken into another story.

I was excited to see the Time Convert and had initial interest in it. Then I read the reviews. It’s said when a good story is destroyed by the narrator. The seemingly unending poor reviews is keeping me away. Maybe it’ll be redone by a better narrator.

Hope this is helpful and of interest to somebody. I’ll definitely be watching to see if the story of Matthew & Diana continues at some point. Until then......

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