Carrie Lorensen
- 26
- opiniones
- 13
- votos útiles
- 31
- calificaciones
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Across the Nightingale Floor
- Tales of the Otori, Book One
- De: Lian Hearn
- Narrado por: Kevin Gray, Aiko Nakasone
- Duración: 8 h y 25 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
A tour-de-force novel set in ancient Japan filled with passion, fantasy, and feuding warlords. The first volume in the highly anticipated Tales of the Otori trilogy.
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Wonderful epic story
- De Jody R. Nathan en 10-04-03
- Across the Nightingale Floor
- Tales of the Otori, Book One
- De: Lian Hearn
- Narrado por: Kevin Gray, Aiko Nakasone
Moves fast, enjoyable story
Revisado: 10-15-24
I read the Tales of the Otori series when it was originally published more than 20 years ago (yikes). I remember loving them, but honestly didn’t remember that much about the plot. I’ve been making my way through re-reading a lot of my book collection and thought trying this series on audio book would be a good way to get into them again.
Overall I really enjoyed revisiting this story. It moves very quickly, so much so that at times I do wish the author had spent a little more time on some of the details. I feel like a lot of the story is filled in with quick explanations or summaries of things that happen “off camera” so to speak. There were some major events I would have liked to “see” rather than just be told about after the fact.
The narration was pretty good, not great. I liked the alternating narrators more than I thought I would. I wasn’t a fan of some of the Japanese pronunciations. I studied and lived in Japan for some time and the way the names were pronounced was often very exaggerated. They also spoke with a kind of stilted pseudo-Japanese cadence/accent that I found unnecessary and distracting.
All in all, this is an enjoyable way to revisit this story and these characters.
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Ravensong
- A Green Creek Novel
- De: TJ Klune
- Narrado por: Kirt Graves
- Duración: 20 h y 18 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
Gordo Livingstone never forgot the lessons carved into his skin. Hardened by the betrayal of a pack who left him behind, he sought solace in the garage in his tiny mountain town, vowing never again to involve himself in the affairs of wolves. It should have been enough. And it was, until the wolves came back, and with them, Mark Bennett. In the end, they faced the beast together as a pack… and won.
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Always an emotional roller coaster with TJ Klune
- De khloe en 02-13-23
- Ravensong
- A Green Creek Novel
- De: TJ Klune
- Narrado por: Kirt Graves
Not as good as the first book, but I’ll probably continue the series
Revisado: 05-04-24
I loved the first book in this series “Wolfsong.” I did not love “Ravensong.” I think the first problem was the switch to a different character as first person narrator. I, personally, really didn’t have much attachment to or interest in Gordo from his characterization in book 1. So having a whole book told from his perspective wasn’t engaging for me. I wasn’t invested in his and Mark’s romance either.
The book was also way longer than I think it needed to be. Like I didn’t need the last third of the first book re-hashed from Gordo’s perspective. There were also a lot of repetitive descriptions and explanations and phrases used and a LOT of bad guy monologue exposition.
I just felt like this book maybe needed a more hands on editor. It just wasn’t as tight or well written or engaging (for me) as the first book. It felt looooong and by the end I was groaning through the final few chapters when they were supposed to be the climax of the story.
If you’re invested in the world and story overall from book 1, definitely read “Ravensong.” I’m planning to continue with the series and hope that book 3 (from Robbie’s perspective) is better. It’s at least about 5 hours shorter.
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Wolfsong
- A Green Creek Novel
- De: TJ Klune
- Narrado por: Kirt Graves
- Duración: 18 h y 41 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
Oxnard Matheson was twelve when his father taught him a lesson: Ox wasn’t worth anything and people would never understand him. Then his father left. Ox was sixteen when the energetic Bennett family moved in next door, harboring a secret that would change him forever. The Bennetts are shapeshifters. They can transform into wolves at will. Drawn to their magic, loyalty, and enduring friendships, Ox feels a gulf between this extraordinary new world and the quiet life he’s known, but he finds an ally in Joe, the youngest Bennett boy.
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I don’t understand all the love…
- De Shauna Gallo en 06-06-24
- Wolfsong
- A Green Creek Novel
- De: TJ Klune
- Narrado por: Kirt Graves
So much more than I expected
Revisado: 04-11-24
I hadn’t read anything by TJ Klune before, but his works kept coming up in my suggestions based on other reads. After reading the synopsis of “Wolfsong” it sounded intriguing enough, so I spent a credit and gave it a whirl.
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting too much. The author has a lot of titles under his belt, so I was expecting his works wouldn’t be particularly hard hitting or complex, but more in the vein of pithy, but amusing fantasy romance that’s easily churned out. Not bad, per we, but just book candy.
I was so wrong. Not only is the world building complex and the characters interesting and multidimensional, the overall themes of the story are so much more than just a romp with sexy werewolves. There are tough subjects explored in this story: abuse, loss, grief, abandonment, belonging, family, leadership, and of course, love. Many different types of love.
The werewolf stuff itself can be a little campy at times, but it never feels cringe. And the overt references characters make to other supernatural romances one might be tempered to make comparisons to *coughTwilightcough* make it feel self aware.
The writing is excellent, and at times laugh out loud funny. The performance was great, though I did sometimes wonder why in this town in Oregon people sometimes had southern accents. That aside, the narrator was great, creating distinctive voices for all of the characters.
I think the author has written some other stuff that is for more of a YA audience, so I will say one thing: this is definitely an ADULT book. There aren’t a lot of sex scenes, but there are a couple and they are quite explicit and descriptive. For me, that was great, I loved it. But just know this is not a cute werewolf romance for your 13 year old who’s team Jacob.
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The Historian
- De: Elizabeth Kostova
- Narrado por: Justine Eyre, Paul Michael
- Duración: 26 h y 5 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
Late one night, exploring her father's library, a young woman finds an ancient book and a cache of yellowing letters. The letters are all addressed to "My dear and unfortunate successor", and they plunge her into a world she never dreamed of - a labyrinth where the secrets of her father's past and her mother's mysterious fate connect to an inconceivable evil hidden in the depths of history.
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Great buildup to nowhere
- De Nifty Hokie15 en 04-03-18
- The Historian
- De: Elizabeth Kostova
- Narrado por: Justine Eyre, Paul Michael
Wonderful listen for any history lover
Revisado: 03-25-24
I first read this book many years ago when it was first published. It was one of my favorite books at the time, I was completely riveted. I’ve been re-reading and re-listening to a number of books recently, revisiting stories I know I love but don’t always fully remember, and this was one of them. For a story that is largely told through the reading of letters and historical documents it really keeps you captivated. A mixture of era-jumping historical fiction and supernatural thriller.
I will say that it’s probably not for everyone, though. If you don’t enjoy history or historical research, you might find yourself bored. This is a LOT of history, both jumping between various eras of the 20th century and a lot of medieval exposition. If you also like vampire stories of the generally more “sexy” vampire genre, then you may be disappointed. The vampires in this story are truly the undead, described as grotesque, inhuman, and corrupting (in a non-sexy way). So, buyer beware.
I wasn’t sure at first how I would like having two different narrators, but in the end I really enjoyed the performance of both. Recommend this listen even if you’ve read it before.
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
- De: Benjamin Alire Saenz
- Narrado por: Lin-Manuel Miranda
- Duración: 7 h y 29 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship - the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.
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One of the best novels I've listened to in years.
- De Nyx en 10-27-13
Very enjoyable. Ending a little abrupt.
Revisado: 03-18-24
Overall this was a very well written and moving coming of age story. The characters were all distinct and likable, and Ari’s struggles with being a teenager were relatable to anyone who currently is one or who was one once upon a time. The ending and the overall relationship between the boys did feel a little abrupt at the end. I feel like some more could have been done to highlight Ari’s developing feelings along the way. But it was still sweet and satisfying.
The narration performance overall was good, and well acted with distinct voices for the different characters. The only thing I didn’t like was really more of a sound editing issue than a performance issue. And that is that there were a lot of “mouth sounds.” Like wet smacking and tongue clicking type noises between words or sentences. Usually I don’t hear these kinds of sounds in the narration of audio books, and I assume they are probably edited out in post-production. But for whatever reason they left them in for this narration and I found it really distracting and kind of… unprofessional? Not something against Lin Manuel Miranda, but just kind distracting for me.
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Call Me by Your Name
- A Novel
- De: André Aciman
- Narrado por: Armie Hammer
- Duración: 7 h y 48 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
Call Me by Your Name first swept across the world in 2007. It is the story of a sudden and powerful romance that blossoms between an adolescent boy and a summer guest at his parents' cliffside mansion on the Italian Riviera. During the restless summer weeks, unrelenting but buried currents of obsession, fascination, and desire intensify their passion as they test the charged ground between them and verge toward the one thing both already fear they may never truly find again: total intimacy.
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Amazing.
- De Nico L. en 10-07-17
- Call Me by Your Name
- A Novel
- De: André Aciman
- Narrado por: Armie Hammer
Beautiful and heartbreaking
Revisado: 03-16-24
Overall this book was a beautiful love story, very well written, and with a unique voice. A wonderful exploration of young love, queer love, and self-discovery. But it was also heartbreaking. It takes a bit to get going and it was difficult for me to listen to in long stretches, because it is quite fraught and emotionally intense.
I think anyone who had had an intense first love that didn’t last, but also never fully left them, will relate to this story - queer or otherwise.
Regarding the narration - and putting aside any personal feelings on Armie Hammer and the SA allegations against him that came out after this was released - I would have preferred for it to have been read by a professional voice actor or audio book narrator. There wasn’t a lot of difference between characters when they were speaking other than the occasional Italian accent or higher pitch for a woman, which sometimes made it difficult in dialogue to know who was talking, especially between Elio or Oliver. Overall the performance was fine but nothing amazing.
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So This Is Ever After
- De: F.T. Lukens
- Narrado por: Kevin R. Free
- Duración: 9 h y 33 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
Arek hadn’t thought much about what would happen after he completed the prophecy that said he was destined to save the Kingdom of Ere from its evil ruler. So now that he’s finally managed to (somewhat clumsily) behead the evil king (turns out magical swords yanked from bogs don’t come pre-sharpened), he and his rag-tag group of quest companions are at a bit of a loss for what to do next. As a temporary safeguard, Arek’s best friend and mage, Matt, convinces him to assume the throne until the true heir can be rescued from her tower. Except that she’s dead.
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We Love the Mutual Pining Trope
- De moistkite en 03-30-22
- So This Is Ever After
- De: F.T. Lukens
- Narrado por: Kevin R. Free
Cute, but not a lot of substance
Revisado: 02-26-24
This is definitely a LIGHT read. It was cute and fluffy and very tongue in cheek, but didn’t have a whole lot of depth and substance. The conflict between the two main characters/love interests was entirely one of just poor communication, and the main character being stubborn and dumb, which is - a least for me - a frustrating and bland plot device.
The writing overall is good, though. It wasn’t sloggy or difficult to sit through. The pacing was good and the characters were likable.
The performance of the narrator was OK. I didn’t like his choice of “voice” for several of the characters, but did like how expressive he was as the main character. But why were both Matt’s and Sionna’s voices so awkwardly deep? Why did one of the characters randomly have a Southern twang? I especially didn’t like Matt’s voice. It was just very deep and husky for a character who is supposed to be a 17 year old stringy book nerd. I know it was probably a choice so that the two main love interests would have very distinguishable voices, but it took me out of it. So wasn’t my favorite narration performance.
Overall I enjoyed listening to it. Would recommend if you are looking for a light read and like Queer fiction and fluffy romance. Great for listening to while doing chores or maybe traveling.
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Kings Rising
- De: C. S. Pacat
- Narrado por: Stephen Bel Davies
- Duración: 8 h y 50 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
His identity now revealed, Damen must face his master, Prince Laurent, as Damianos of Akielos, the man Laurent has sworn to kill. On the brink of a momentous battle, the future of both their countries hangs in the balance. In the south, Kastor's forces are massing. In the north, the Regent's armies are mobilizing for war. Damen's only hope of reclaiming his throne is to fight together with Laurent against their usurpers.
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A brilliant ending to a brilliant story.
- De SGT SALKO, ANNA en 12-04-19
- Kings Rising
- De: C. S. Pacat
- Narrado por: Stephen Bel Davies
Overall, a satisfying conclusion
Revisado: 02-07-24
The story and universe continue to expand quickly. Again the pacing is fast and the story moves along at a good clip. I listened to all three books in the span of like 3 or 4 days. I just could not stop listening.
I didn’t love the backsliding in Laurent and Demen’s relationship and wish some more time had been taken to focus on them and the development of and working through their relationship. There were some great and tender scenes with them, but I’m greedy. I wanted more of just the two of them.
Overall the series was amazing. I think the second book (Prince’s Gambit) was the strongest all around. This one fell just a little short with some of the plot, especially with how some conflict or troubles get wrapped up a little too easily and cleanly. Laurent’s charisma feels like a bit of a god-mod level cheat sometimes. And the final resolution and ending also felt a bit too neat and easy to me. Even a bit rushed. I kept looking at the time left on the book and thinking “how is there only XX minutes left of this story..?”
Not to say that the ending wasn’t good or that I wasn’t satisfied overall. It just felt like when we finally get to have THE BIG CONFRONTATION between our heroes and their evil family member usurpers, it all wraps up pretty quick. Could have used another few chapters to even out the pace at the end.
Narrator’s performance remained excellent and won me over from my initial feelings of his performance on book 1, which wasn’t as positive.
There are 4 additional short stories that are available on Kindle and I am super excited to get a little bit more of this wonderful world.
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Prince's Gambit
- De: C. S. Pacat
- Narrado por: Stephen Bel Davies
- Duración: 9 h y 55 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
With their countries on the brink of war, Damen and his new master, Prince Laurent, must exchange the intrigues of the palace for the sweeping might of the battlefield as they travel to the border to avert a lethal plot. Forced to hide his identity, Damen finds himself increasingly drawn to the dangerous, charismatic Laurent. But as the fledgling trust between the two men deepens, the truth of secrets from both their pasts is poised to deal them the crowning death blow.
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Not as great as I was hoping it to be
- De Amazon Customer en 01-02-23
- Prince's Gambit
- De: C. S. Pacat
- Narrado por: Stephen Bel Davies
You won’t regret continuing the story
Revisado: 02-07-24
This book was better than the first and we finally get some heart wrenching romantic (and erotic) payoff between the two main characters.
Similar to the first book, the pacing is very good and the story moves along quickly with very little superfluous material. The layers and layers of political intrigue are well thought out and constructed and at times you feel just as confused as poor, straight forward Demen caught up in all the Veretian plotting.
The cast of characters expands as the story moves outside of the palace. They are all pretty well developed and give you stakes beyond just the two princes.
The narrator also grew on me a lot more in this second installment. Maybe because there was more dialogue throughout the story than in book one, or maybe he was just more familiar with the characters and style of the writing. It felt less stiff and methodical and more emotive. So my opinion of the narrator’s performance improved quite a bit between book 1 and book 2.
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Captive Prince
- De: C. S. Pacat
- Narrado por: Stephen Bel Davies
- Duración: 6 h y 48 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
Damen is a warrior hero to his people and the rightful heir to the throne of Akielos, but when his half brother seizes power, Damen is captured, stripped of his identity, and sent to serve the prince of an enemy nation as a pleasure slave. Beautiful, manipulative and deadly, his new master, Prince Laurent, epitomizes the worst of the court at Vere. But in the lethal political web of the Veretian court, nothing is as it seems, and when Damen finds himself caught up in a play for the throne, he must work together with Laurent.
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Excellent piece, just be cautious
- De Amazon Customer en 07-10-17
- Captive Prince
- De: C. S. Pacat
- Narrado por: Stephen Bel Davies
Fast paced, but light on the romance
Revisado: 02-05-24
Overall the plot and political intrigues were interesting and engaging. The plot moves along quickly and the writing style is descriptive without being overly purple. The narrative perspective is limited to only one of the main characters, and I would have loved to get some things from the other POV, but alas. It’s well written and and enjoyable read for the plot alone.
That said, for a book that’s only genre tag is “Romance” this book is pretty light on the romance. I can see where it’s going slow-burn style, but if you’re picking this up for the main character m/m romance you’re not going to get a payoff in book 1.
There is plenty of queer sensuality throughout the story and woven into the world building, though. Along with that, there are some potentially triggering subjects including rape, grooming, pederasty, master/slave dynamics, etc. This wasn’t an issue for me, but I think it’s worth doing your due diligence if you are bothered by these topics.
The narrator was OK. Not that he was bad, per se, but I felt like he was kind of just an odd choice for this book. He had kind of an older sounding voice and a tone that I more expected to be reading “War and Peace” or “Lonesome Dove” or something like that. Maybe it just felt a bit dry? I’ve listened to some great queer fiction with great narrator performances like “Song of Achilles,” the Simon Snow Books, and the Tarot Sequence. Would have preferred a narrator/performance more along those lines.
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