J. Graybill

Frustrating

Revisado: 03-19-20

A lot of potential, I was very interested in the description and beginning. Fell apart slowly as things went from novel to cringe-inducing.

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“Shiny Star”

Revisado: 11-12-19

Loved the book, and absolutely top tier narration job. Great volume balance!

I truly enjoyed the song at the end, about as much as the songs at the end of the portal games. A masterpiece.

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Enjoyable

Revisado: 11-02-19

I was certainly caught by the cover, wanting to know what it may be about. While it isn't long I find myself satisfied. Just remember to pay the dollar amount instead of using a credit, if you are worried about value.

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Oof!

Revisado: 11-01-19

Wow, that end is a hell of a storm, though I suppose the whole book often was. It is strange how real so many of the moments felt, since the entire world is very much larger than life. I'm not complaining though, even if I'm left rather spun up and ready for more. I'm very much looking forward to what is to come, and especially enjoyed the unexpected friendship between "Uncle" and Runner.

Great book, next please!

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Came for Tess

Revisado: 10-25-19

I picked this up when checking if Tess Irondale had narrated anything recently. She's a favorite and I'm glad I gave this a shot. I'm interested to see where this goes, it has compelling characters.

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esto le resultó útil a 9 personas

Surprising.

Revisado: 10-03-19

Much more than I expected based on the title and cover. Yes, it does get adult, but there is much more here too. I've been very satisfied by both Randi Darren and Andrea Parsneau in the past, so this was a guaranteed purchase for me. However, I did not have particularly high expectations for the story overall. I knew it'd be fun, but not that I'd truly develop an interest in the characters and their futures. Now, there is plenty of what you'd expect in a book about an Incubus, but it honestly makes light of itself, and the concept of this sort of story, about as much as it leans into it. Each encounter either adds to the character's depths or brings something new into the story. It is not only well done, but I am both pleasantly surprised and looking forward to more.

P.S.
There are hints of other stories the author has written, but nothing that a new reader would miss out on if they have yet to experience Randi's other books. Something to look forward to, if you do end up enjoying this one. Also William D. Arand books, which also contain relationships, but don't go into the details that Randi Darren books do.

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esto le resultó útil a 31 personas

Interesting continuation.

Revisado: 09-23-19

Still fun, with plenty interesting new elements. I'm glad to see the 5th book has come out, and noticed how few reviews this one had. I certainly recommend continuing, particularly if I haven't edited this review to say otherwise after finishing the next book.

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Not Yet Sasisfied

Revisado: 08-17-19

I honestly was interested for much of this book. Plenty of familiar themes, and the unique aspects absolutely intrigued me. I began to feel differently when sudden detailed descriptions of a certain female character foreshadowed her possible fate. The main character already had better motivations for his path, it felt almost distracting when it came to pass. By the conclusion of that line of plot I did appreciate what the author had done with it, but still felt it was more of a detraction from the story as a whole. It did leave him in an interesting position to move forward, but also introduced negative conditions immediately. I guess life can be like that, it’s one reason I get lost in stories, but it took something away from the experience for me personally.

In general the focus is on certain themes. Everybody loses on some level. Like a darker version of actions having consequences or that there is always someone above you. It isn’t repeatedly acknowledged, but always comes as an eventuality. So far it feels like this is the way this world is, the ridiculous size is often referenced and occasionally even expanded.

A coming reckoning is often proclaimed, but even that is alluded to lead to self destruction. Common enough, but there is room left for a unique spin on it. I do love that the main character doesn’t just want vengeance, but also to be able to repay kindness.

So, the main character suffers, then there are flashes of unimaginable good fortune. His loses are never final, but even his victories have drawbacks. I can live with all that, if in a satisfying story. Some were great and felt appropriate or deserved, some pulled me out of the story a bit.

I enjoy a character who can fight through pain and overcome, but when it is usually the justification for progress, it loses some meaning. His personality also seemed somewhat fluid. Even at the end I have no solidified sense of him, couldn’t really guess what he’d ever do. I’d only be able to generally categorize him and list a few unique traits. He had a couple dominant aspects at any given point, as people often do, yet I wasn’t often sure why he went any given direction, or chose a response. It was just up to the author, which is of course always the case, it just ended up noticeable. Not all the time mind you, but often enough that it left an impression.

Now, there were many interesting elements, and I’ll probably optimistically pick up the sequel. I go through enough audio books to warrant patience for anything with potential. I was just personally left unsatisfied from most of the second half, enough to mention it.

I really enjoyed the review about the first six hours not being filler. Reviews are so important, especially the top one, because that is what potential readers first see. I often edit my reviews to make sure I’m giving works a good chance. I’d prefer every book, even those that miss the mark for me, receive a favorable top review. So, I came back to make sure this book gets a fair shake and saw that other review. Maybe a little praise heavy, but I’m glad someone did get to enjoy this. It is art and the author no doubt worked hard to create it. You might love it too. I certainly won’t be refunding it, and will likely try the sequel.

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esto le resultó útil a 15 personas

More To Come

Revisado: 06-27-19

First off, it has to be acknowledged that a LOT is going on in the story, and universe at large at this point. It is almost required that you've listened to the Wild Wastes Trilogy by Randi Darren to fully enjoy this book. I have, and love them, so I really like this one too. I only take away one star because of where we are left at the end, but I very much look forward to the next story that contains these characters.

If you like this writing style and/or these characters I recommend the rest of the books by William D. Arand and Randi Darren. I don't think its much of a spoiler to say that the stories are connected and slowly overlapping.

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Wonderful

Revisado: 05-24-19

I absolutely adored the exploration of different game-like mechanics. I also greatly appreciated that they didn’t feel tacked on, or eventually forgotten, as I’ve occasionally seen happen in similar stories.

Further, I was pleasantly surprised when these mechanics were used, or dare I say exploited, in clever ways. The gamer in me was giddy each time something new was hinted at or accomplished.

Rants about “Shitty Steve” were also very enjoyable, and a surprisingly fun way to unravel both the past, and what we may see in the future.

All in all - well worth the credit, and I look forward to more!

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