Craig Schorling

A Great Companion Piece

Revisado: 09-09-17

After watching the documentary "Dear Zachary" I immediately added this to my wish list. It took me a while to will myself to listen to it as I knew that it would be a difficult read and would evoke strong emotions in me. After completion, I am still saddened by the details of the story and how the justice system seems to have so blatantly failed to do what it is intended to do. This book served as a wonderful companion piece to the documentary. The film contained all the essential facts and details but I loved being able to go deeper. I cannot even imagine what it was like for the Bagby's in dealing with the woman that with most certainty murdered their son for the betterment of their grandchild. I do not know if I would been able to maintain my composure like they did. They have my utmost respect.

At first, the narration seemed odd but after about 45 minutes it felt as if it was David, himself speaking. Mr. Edwards nailed the tones, emotions, and little details and it truly felt like listening to David Bagby giving the details of the events.

This is a story that is tragic and brutal but also shows the beauty that is in people as well. The Bagby's are tremendous people and have endured what everyone wishes to avoid. They have used the events to lead a charge against a system that has apparent flaws and give new purpose to their lives.

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Great Setup for Book 3

Revisado: 09-02-17

Volume 2 in The Legends of the First Empire kept the "light" aspect that the first book had but introduced many new characters, locations, and developments. It started and ended with a bang. The middle was slower but I enjoyed all of the character interactions and buildup along the way. None of it felt like "fluff" or forced. This series continues to be my go to when I want well written high fantasy that is not as heavy as other series. A terrific blend of elements make this an engrossing listen.

Tim Gerard Reynolds does a spectacular job with the characters and voices. He is rising the ranks of my favorite narrators. This book feels like the calm before the storm and I am very excited for book 3 and the ensuing carnage that I am sure is to follow.

Overall: 4.25/5

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Great Setup for Book 3

Revisado: 09-02-17

Volume 2 in The Legends of the First Empire kept the "light" aspect that the first book had but introduced many new characters, locations, and developments. It started and ended with a bang. The middle was slower but I enjoyed all of the character interactions and buildup along the way. None of it felt like "fluff" or forced. This series continues to be my go to when I want well written high fantasy that is not as heavy as other series. A terrific blend of elements make this an engrossing listen.

Tim Gerard Reynolds does a spectacular job with the characters and voices. He is rising the ranks of my favorite narrators. This book feels like the calm before the storm and I am very excited for book 3 and the ensuing carnage that I am sure is to follow.

Overall: 4.25/5

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"Try to Sit for 60 Seconds Without a Thought"

Revisado: 08-26-17

This book captured my interest from the very beginning. The author presented the main points of the book very well and clearly. There were some parts in the middle of the book that felt a bit dragged out and repetitive though. What I will truly take away from this book are the discussion points that it brings out. I have had several great discussions with family and friends around the themes of this book. The author is very clear that these are just possible scenarios and not his personal predictions. That leaves the content open to interpretation and debate. The segments about algorithms and data were my favorite and the most thought provoking.

Derek Perkins does a fine job with the narration and he adds a layer of sophistication to the reading. If you want a book that leads to discussion, reflection, and requires you to reevaluate the world around you then this book will satisfy.

Overall 4.5/5

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Satisfying End to a Fun Series

Revisado: 08-20-17

It took a while for this one to get going for me but by the end of it I felt completely satisfied. Taylor wraps up all the loose ends and gives fitting endings to all of the characters. In keeping with the other 2 books, this one kept the balance of humor, pop culture references, heartfelt moments, and action. Ray Porter continues to show why he is one of the best in the business. I look forward to his future works.

I hope that this is the ending. Not because I'm glad it is over but rather I would hate to see it be brought back and have the conclusion tainted. The subjective nature of the ending is something that my friends and I are continuing to discuss and that is what makes a great story.

Overall: 4.75/5

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Not What I Was Expecting

Revisado: 08-12-17

This book was not what I was expecting. I came into this thinking it would be an over the top action packed ride with the empire coming back at the rebels. Instead, what I got was a slow burn. A story that focused on the lives of double agents and the tolls that it takes on all those involved. The character building was solid and I found myself growing more and more attached to the characters as the story went on. The pacing was well done and moments of action were spread out which allowed them to make more of an impact.

This book was very dark and I really liked that. It was not what I was expecting but in a good way. I enjoyed the SWU going down a different path with this story. Janina Gavankar did a fine job with the narration and I would listen to more by her.

At the end of the day, this was a welcome addition to the new canon and did a much better job creating characters and a story than the upcoming video game will do I am sure.

Overall: 4.5/5

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Short Piece of Classic Literature

Revisado: 08-09-17

There is something about classic literature that reminds you why words are so powerful. I found myself constantly referring to a dictionary during this one and that is not a bad thing. I typically tend to enjoy stories such as these in print form but this was a daily deal and the price was length was short. I have always enjoyed stories about the sea and this one delivered. While this is not up to the caliber of Moby Dick it is well told and employs a terrific use of language to create the world.

William Roberts was the perfect voice for this story and gave an authentic sound to this tale. If you enjoy classics, give this short story a listen. It did not disappoint.

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A Fitting Sendoff

Revisado: 08-01-17

As with the other two books in this trilogy, the story is self-contained and alludes to previous events and characters. I found this story to be more enjoyable than the second one and just a tad bit less entertaining than the first. The characters were very well developed and varied. I loved the interactions between them and the building relationships throughout.

The action was top notch in this one and the last 2 hours was a roller coaster of a ride. The lore building was well balanced and continued to add new details to the world. I really enjoy that after 70 something hours invested in this trilogy there was always something or someone knew that I was learning about.

Scott Brick does a fantastic job, as always and he has climbed into my list of favorite narrators. He reads at a pace that goes at just the right speed and his voices, while subtle at times at depth to narration.

All in all I greatly enjoy Terry Brooks and the way that he tells and builds a story. I will continue to listen to his works and continue this journey through the world of Shannara.

Overall: 4.75/5

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Slower Than the First But Still Good

Revisado: 07-22-17

This book did not have the same pacing as the first. It did a good job building the main characters through fun and witty interactions. The lore is just as fascinating and well presented in this book as it was in the first. I love that there were new details about the world presented in this book.

Although this book is the second in the series it has the ability to be a standalone novel. It does reference events and characters from the first book but the main characters and story are not a continuation from the first book. Brooks continues to make his world and characters fun and entertaining and I find his writing style very enjoyable to read. With that said I did feel like this book dragged on a little bit in parts as compared to the first and the characters were not quite as memorable as those from the first. That is not to say that there were not good characters in this story but some felt like throwaways.

Scott Brick does a fantastic job telling the story and I would be happy to continue listening to him bring this world and its inhabitants to life. He reads with the perfect blend of pacing and dramatic elements.

This book, although not as good as the first, is still is an enjoyable adventure and continues to make this series and world a true pleasure. I am excited to dive deeper and start book three.

Overall: 4.5/5

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Similar to LOTR But Also It's Own Thing

Revisado: 07-13-17

The first negative thing I usually read about this book is how similar to Lord of the Rings it is. There is no denying the similarities between the stories but that doesn't break the book for me. It is hard to find any work that is devoid or some type of hommage or similarities to monumental works. While Sword of Shannara shares aspects of LOTR, it is also it's own book and should be judged by its own merits.

The book tells a great fantasy story in a concise and straightforward manner. Brooks goes into the right amount of description and detail and then changes the pace with action. I never found myself wanting to move ahead during the 26 hours I was listening to this book. All of the characters are interesting and have a purpose in the story. The lore is interesting and I found myself genuinely caring about the world and it's inhabitants.

Scott Brick did a fine job narrating this story. He is clear and easy to understand. He does not do too many voices but for me, that is not a big deal. He had enough variety to keep the listening enjoyable. I would listen to more of his works without a doubt.

This book took everything I enjoy about fantasy and encapsulated it into a thrill ride that immediately left me wanting more. Fortunately there are some 30+ books in the series so that will not be an issue. If you can get past the LOTR comparisons there is a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy story within The Sword of Shannara.

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