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The Story Connecting Those E3 Trailers

Revisado: 07-05-21

Another excellent audiobook production set in the Star Wars universe. I was amused at the idea that a Sith could form a romantic connection with another, even if it was a servant. Unlike the Revan novel, this one doesn't have quite the emotional resonance, but that's not to say you won't form an attachment to these characters. Xerod (zerod? not sure on spelling) in particular is the unsung hero in this story. I heartily recommend.

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Charming Selection of Short Stories

Revisado: 06-29-21

This collection of short stories is perfect for children, and even adults will be entertained. "Roverandom" was a tad too long for me, but the other stories are worth it.

I had been to a lecture on "Leaf by Niggle" and was intrigued enough to check it out. "Farmer Giles" was funny, as well as Tom Bombadil (would you expect anything less from him?). "Smith of Wooten Manor" was a surprise delight. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

Definitely recommend to read to the young'uns.

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Visceral at first, but ends beautifully

Revisado: 06-23-21

My first statement about Laurus may sound like a criticism, but it is really a warning to readers. The first part of the book ends with a pregnancy that goes HORRIBLY wrong, and is described in more detail than I would need.

HOWEVER, if you can stomach past that traumatic part, you will find a fascinating story about a man (herbalist, doctor, healer) who goes on a life journey of repentance. The novel takes place in the late 1400's, and at times reads like historical fiction, but that would be too narrow a category. Trust me when I say the story takes off after part one, and ends beautifully (but not without some bittersweet moments).

I had read that if you like the Brothers Karamazov, you would like this, and I agree. Just go in forewarned of the visceral ending to the first part.

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A Wistful, Yet Fantastic Send-off

Revisado: 06-06-21

This audiobook brought back fond memories from my childhood, when the Knights of the Old Republic games were first released. While it is not strictly necessary to play those games to enjoy this adventure, listeners who did will have an emotional connection to Revan and the Exile (I was surprised the Exile was in this!) that just wouldn't be possible if not for the dozens of hours spent before with these characters.

Like other Star Wars audiobooks, this isn't just a story, it's a full production. Sound effects, soundtracks, and other details really do set apart the Star Wars audiobooks from the rest. I look forward to finishing other similar stories set in this far, far away galaxy.

As a last note, if this story was an advertisement to encourage playing The Old Republic, it's a great one, because now I want to look I into it.

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Philosophical, Poignant, even Mystical

Revisado: 06-02-21

Dostoevsky's last major novel is also arguably his most mystical and philosophical. At the start, we are introduced to the monastery, where the Elder Zosima is living out his last days, sharing his wisdom with the younger monks as he can. His chapters are the highlight of the first third of the novel.

Much has been made of Ivan Karamazov's "The Grand Inquisitor" and that chapter certainly exceeds expectations. His interaction with the Devil (is it the Devil? a hallucination? both?) and his inexorable slide into instability prove tragic for what is probably the most intelligent character in the novel.

And no one should forget about Alyosha, the youngest Karamazov. Alyosha reminds me of Prince Myshkin from "The Idiot", my personal favorite of Dostoevsky's novels. Were that even a tenth of people were like him, the world would indeed be a better place. Come for Zosima, stay for Alyosha.

Listeners, this is a long novel, but it well worth worth your time. A worthy swan song for one of the best novelists (it is only too sad that Dostoevsky never finished the sequel he planned).

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An Important, Prescient Novel (but slow to start)

Revisado: 02-13-21

Listening to The Devils, I am impressed that Dostoevsky was able to predict, not exactly the events, but the mindset that leads people to rebellion. Of course, the characters involved are all reprehensible in their particular ways. It does leave me troubled as to where our current political climate may lead, but that just shows that Dostoevsky is a master of identifying political and philosophical trends that shape a society's trajectory.

My only criticism is that the novel's best sections are in the second half. Whereas Crime and Punishment and The Idiot set off just 2 or 3 hours in (or just a few chapters in if you're reading), The Devils main plot does not come into focus until the second half of part 2, when the band of revolutionaries meet for the first time (14 hours in). Make no mistake, once you get to this point, it becomes a rollercoaster ride, but you will have to trudge through the first half to get to the good stuff.

Having already gone through Crime and Punishment and The Idiot (my personal favorite so far), I look forward to finishing his last novel, the magnum opus that is The Brothers Karamazov. I have heard that one has a slow start too, so I will be patient as I listen to it.

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The Perfect Prequel to the Lord of The Rings

Revisado: 11-08-20

In many ways, J. R. R. Tolkien's "The Silmarillion" feels like the perfect distillation of classical myths and adventures. From Norse myth, Greek tragedy, and even the King James Bible, the history of Middle-Earth is fascinating and well-worth listening too. One reviewer mentioned that this is "high mythic," and I concur. If you grew up reading the King James Bible, you shouldn't have too many difficulties with the phrasing and language.

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Endearing, Insightful, and Saddening

Revisado: 10-04-20

What if you met someone who was truly without guile?

This question must have occurred to Dostoevsky, who wrote a whole novel about such a character. Prince Myshkin is an endearing, and at times enigmatic, protagonist, an ideal more than a person (though perhaps one day I shall be blessed to converse with such a one).

As with Crime and Punishment, Dostoevsky is masterful in setting up coversations between multiple characters. There are some that I will continue to ponder, long after the book is finished.

Peter Batchelor voices Prince Myshkin and Rogozhin excellently, though I did find Ippolit and Lizaveta a bit shrill for my liking.

I eagerly look forward to Dostoevsky's next novel.

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Endearing, Insightful, and Saddening

Revisado: 10-04-20

What if you met someone who was truly without guile?

This question must have occurred to Dostoevsky, who wrote a whole novel about such a character. Prince Myshkin is an endearing, and at times enigmatic, protagonist, an ideal more than a person (though perhaps one day I shall be blessed to converse with such a one).

As with Crime and Punishment, Dostoevsky is masterful in setting up coversations between multiple characters. There are some that I will continue to ponder, long after the book is finished.

Peter Batchelor voices Prince Myshkin and Rogozhin excellently, though I did find Ippolit and Lizaveta a bit shrill for my liking.

I eagerly look forward to Dostoevsky's next novel.

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Dark, Multilayered, Unforgettable

Revisado: 09-16-20

I must say, before I continue my review, that this is no novel meant for children. This story follows the mind of a troubled young man, who commits a horrendous crime within the first few chapters of the book. But there are so many moments, so many conversations, that will stay with my mind and soul, for what feels like the rest of my life.

Special attention must be paid to the masterful narration by George Guidall. I first heard his voice while listening to An Army At Dawn, and I did not realize the breadth and subtlety of his ability to narrate. It was a truly a great performance.

I should not forget about Dostoevsky, though. This was my first novel from him, and I eagerly look forward to the rest of his work.

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