TRH

Great start to a great series

Revisado: 11-08-19

That this series was adapted for TV is a sure sign that it is popular. This first book is every bit as good as any of the later volumes in the story. Given the original publication date it naturally can feel a little dated, since it is. But it holds up well, like an old Humphry Bogart movie. (Not quit that dated, but still..) I think this series is best when read in order of publication, and this is a great start.

Connelly is great with the details, avoiding plot holes, and wrapping everything up in a satisfactory way. Detective stories and mysteries are notorious for loose ends and inconsistencies, but you won’t find a lot in this series.

Great job by Dick Hill with the audio production. I enjoyed his work here, and in numerous other audiobooks.

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Bloodsucking taken less seriously

Revisado: 11-08-19

I love Christopher Moore books. I say that up front because I know that they are not for everyone. They will never be confused with classic literature. They almost always contain bad puns, literary slapstick, and some PG-13 bathroom jokes.

But they are also seriously entertaining. Laugh out loud fun. Books that are not afraid to make jokes about anything. (See “Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal”) I don’t read them for enlightenment, or to study classic prose. I read them because they are fun and they make me feel better.

Vampires in San Francisco provide Moore with this opportunity to gift us with hours of laughs. If you can take bloodsucking less seriously for a little while, and don’t need some moral or social lesson to make a book worthwhile, you should listen to this audiobook and then the next two in the trilogy.

And hats off to Susan Bennett for her excellent narration.

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One of my most frequent gifts to fantasy lovers

Revisado: 11-08-19

I have completely lost count of how many times I have recommended this book, or given it as a gift. Since the first time I read it probably every single time there has been a conversation about great fantasy. A truly great book, and unique fantasy.

A lot of books have characters who are supposed to be cleaver and smart. They frequently do things to fool their enemies and competitors. They generally always win based on their intelligence and incredible crafty trickery. The difference in this book is that they tell you how it is done.

Another fantasy series, and world, NOT built off of the Tolkein universe. It is unique, and detailed. It is not always about who is smartest, strongest, or richest. It is about who plays the game best – accomplished most easily before others realize the game has started.

This is one of my favorite books of any genre.

An excellent production by Michael Page brings this story to life in audiobook.

There are more book in this series, and they are good books, worth the time to read or listen. But, this one is the best and worth the time even if you never go on to the others.

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One of my favorite fantasy series

Revisado: 11-08-19

The Mistborn series is one of my favorites in fantasy, and Brandon Sanderson is one of my favorite authors. A series that does not rely on the worlds of Tolkein, it is completely unique and interesting for reasons all its own.

I like the comment posted by another reviewer – kind of a cross between Oceans 11 and Pygmalion in a fantasy setting. But, make no mistake it is fantasy with a whole new world and rules of magic. If you are looking for dragons, trolls, dwarves, elves and the like you will not find them here. If you want fantasy that does not rely on the world building of Tolkein this is a great choice.

This is a great series, and I believe that if you listen to book one you will want to continue. But this book also stands on its own, so don’t worry if that is a concern.

Plus an excellent audio production from Michael Kramer, so good that you forget he is there at times.

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Just call me Bob

Revisado: 11-08-19

What a really unique concept within the framework of the normal spaceship and stars sci-fi genre. Social and moral questions, plenty of introspection, space drama, and humor. Very, very entertaining.

Plus an excellent job throughout by Ray Porter in narration. There are numerous challenges in producing this book for audio and they were all handled so well that you almost don’t notice.

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Don’t be deterred

Revisado: 11-08-19

I mostly write this review because I have seen a lot of comments that really criticize the narration. As a book that I read many years ago and enjoyed it was one of the first I ever looked for on Audible. I didn’t get a copy because of these reviews.

Years later I did get a copy, just to give it a try for myself. Granted, I understand why some people have been critical of the narration. It is a little inconsistent, the pace isn’t always appropriate, and there are times when the word emphasized seems completely out of place. I get it. But, it wasn’t THAT bad. It did not prevent me from enjoying the story. You could argue that it could have been better. Sure. Still, the vast majority of the book was just fine and what wasn’t perfect didn’t detract from the story, in my opinion.

It has always seemed to me that Dragonlance books had a reputation as second rate fantasy, and somewhat juvenile. But I find those by Weis and Hickman to be well written, in a fairly intricate world that is interesting, often suspenseful, surprising, and sometimes even funny. I think the books only get better as you read through the series.

If you like stories with dragons, dwarves, elves, magic, and wizards, along with a little humor you should give this a try. Don’t let the narration comments stop you. Just know that it isn’t perfect and enjoy the story.

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Add me to the list

Revisado: 11-08-19

With more than 77,000 ratings already posted I’m not sure what new information I can add. Still, I wanted to add my name to the list of those who include this as one of their favorite books in any genre. We can only hope that Patrick Rothfuss will someday complete the trilogy. If not I will be sad, but still happy to have read the first two installments.

If ever there was a story described by the phrase “a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma” this would be the one. I eagerly await some of the answers in book three.

Nick Podehl is simply amazing. He has a subtle way of bringing the story and characters alive without making himself a part of the audiobook. A great story, well written, and a pleasant listen as well.

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Maybe My Favorite Ludlum

Revisado: 11-08-19

Robert Ludlum was clearly a formula writer. However, I always enjoy his formula. While some of his other titles have sold more, and\or been made into feature films, this one may be my favorite. This story pulled me in more than most other Ludlum works, and surprised me at several turns. If you like the Ludlum formula, or like mystery and espionage novels in general, you should give this one a listen.

I’m not sure this was the right voice for this audiobook. But, it is well executed. You might wish it had been a different voice, but you couldn’t ask this voice to perform it any better.

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Fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Revisado: 11-07-19

Look, if you want fantasy that includes world building in the spirit of JRR Tolkien this may not be for you. This series does not take itself that seriously, and much of the action actually takes place in our 21st century. But, if you want some fantasy that allows you to just have fun you should give this book, and series a listen.

Ever wondered what it would be like to communicate with your dog? Anyone would want to fly like a bird, or hunt like a wolf. Have you considered the problems associated with making the change? How would you avoid boredom if you outlived everyone that you knew, over and over? Just how long would you have to live before you really made some God angry? This series brings you vampires, werewolves, witches, druids (of course), Nordic gods, fairies, elementals, demons, Jesus and Satan, magical swords, and much more. All you have to do is hang on for the ride and have fun.

An excellent job by Luke Daniels in narration throughout the series. Every character is distinct and memorable. The tone, pace, and characters are all consistent from one book to another. Really outstanding work that required an incredibly versatile skill set.

Like most series it all starts to get a little old as the series moves along. Some people will think it is somewhat juvenile. I just think it is fun, and some listening that doesn’t require me to concentrate on every tiny detail, every minute of every chapter. It is relaxing, enjoyable, and there is enough new even later in the series to keep me wanting more.

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Just listen!

Revisado: 11-07-19

George Guidall is absolutely one of my favorite narrators. He storytelling voice seems so natural and is delivered so well that I often forget that I am listening to an audiobook. He makes what I know is a very difficult job seem easy, and I find myself so drawn into the story that it feels real. It also helps that his voice is simply perfect for the Walt Longmire series.

If you only know of Walt Longmire from the TV series you should begin by forgetting everything you saw. I don’t dislike the TV series, and it is based on the books. But, this book series is very different. It has a sense of humor that is lacking in the TV show. The insight into the thoughts of Walt Longmire add depth and perception that is not possible in film. And, the visual image you will have of the characters is also significantly different.

There are plenty of reviews here to tell you about the story and plot lines. I’m just here to say that you should listen. You do not need to be a fan of westerns, or mysteries, or criminal justice stories. These are all of that, but mostly they are about people. The people feel real, the cold feels real, and you will feel like you are there.

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