Rob Liao

Disappointing

Revisado: 01-18-11

I had heard some good things about this book. I was disappointed with the sophomoric writing style. The awkward subtitle is the first clue to the bad writing. Everything has to be larger-than-life. As the book was being read, it sounded like every sentence ended with an exclamation point. I was hoping for a thoughtful science-based analysis of the merits of barefoot running. Instead, 2/3 of the book is spent describing, in hyperbolic fashion, the crazy personalities involved in the field. When the book finally gets to more hard science, the author pushes theories as if they were established fact (such as the basis for accelerated cerebral growth in modern humans).

The reading was mediocre, but obviously limited by the source material.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Narration limits enjoyment of the story

Revisado: 08-16-10

I'd have to agree with the other reviewers. The voice acting is over-the-top. Please don't make all the Russian voices sound like Pavel Chekov from the original Star Trek. I really wish narrators would just stop it with the ethnic voices. The alien voices are just terrible. I realize that narrator had his hands tied when it came to pronouncing the alien names, but simpering, lisping alien voices are distracting. Just read the damn story.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 7 personas

Pedestrian writing. Terrible narration.

Revisado: 06-29-10

The central character just isn't particularly likable. It's not just that he's an "anti-hero," but he quite self-centered and short-sighted. I would disagree with reviewer Steve --- I don't think the characters are as fleshed out as Wilson's Spin.

The character voicing is terrible. Asian voices are done in a sickly "Charlie Chan" style. Stupid and insulting. It was like listening to a kid's Saturday morning cartoon.

Plot doesn't warm up until the final 1/4 of the book.

Some of the ideas espoused in the book are quite interesting and original, but the book as a whole is a little disappointing.

I recommend Revelation Space if you want a real space opera.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A solid read but not really sci-fi

Revisado: 05-21-10

If you like sci-fi and love chick lit, you'll really enjoy this book. This is a well-written story with excellent character development and dialog. The sci-fi elements are, well, pretty weak medicine. If you only like hard sci-fi, look elswhere. The plot elements could have easily been set in a western or modern-day thriller. Also, it's a little bit short (I'm a big fan of epic space operas). The narrator is a great reader.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 6 personas

Solid space opera

Revisado: 01-15-10

I very much enjoyed this novel, though it was a bit of a slow start. I think that most space opera fans will basically enjoy this novel. I liked the readers with the notable exception of Allyson Johnson. She wasn't technically bad, but poorly cast for the character of Brawne Lamia.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Poor production values

Revisado: 04-16-09

After listening for 3 hours of this reading, I just couldn't take it. The production crew and reader didn't do their homework. Todd McLaren does a much better job reading the first two books.

I've bought the print version instead.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 4 personas