Penny

Soooo Very Doctor Who!

Revisado: 02-07-14

I love this book and have listened to it a number of times! I am an avid fan of Doctor Who and know stories outside of the watchful eye of the TV writers can miss the mark, but this has not left me wanting - except for more.

Jacqueline Rayner really knows her topic and her characters. I could easily be watching this as a television episode of Doctor Who.

David Tennant nails the characters - obviously his own rendition of the Dr is easy but he switches so effortlessly between Rose, her mum, Micky and a bunch of new characters, intermingled with his own Scottish narration. He is great at keeping a consistent voice for each which makes it so easy to keep track of the story.

There is also a bonus interview at the end with Jacqueline Rayner which is insightful, though the quality of the audio is a little "can-like".

It's only a few hours so is great for a lengthy drive in the car (or a really bad traffic jam). It will make the time pass quickly.

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A Hero's Tale with Oodles of Action

Revisado: 02-07-14

What did you love best about How to Steal a Dragon's Sword?

Cressida Cowell is so witty. So many little clever moments that made me laugh out loud. Even the chapter headings make you giggle. I know this is "kids" book but who isn't a kid really? The names of characters make me chuckle just to think of them (Stoic the Vast, Snot Loud, Old Wrinkly, Fish Legs, Madguts). I can't imagine how she came up with them. The different types of dragons too are creative in name and menace. The various tribal names are special too.

What was one of the most memorable moments of How to Steal a Dragon's Sword?

Laugh, giggle and a few "Oh no!" moments throughout. Flashburn "You may cheer now" - the ultimate hero and so full of himself - makes me laugh. Tennant's choice for the witch's voice is great - spooky but makes me laugh at the same time "Doom has come to the Archipelago!" Great moments throughout.

What does David Tennant bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love David Tennant's narration and it was his name that brought me to this book. I had seen the "How to Train Your Dragon" movie but had not read any of the books but thought I would give this a go because of him. David doesn't let you down. He holds his characterisation. His Scottish accent is great for narrating this tale though one time I went "what was that" and realised it was just a "broad accent" moment. He is great at pace and tone - no mono-tone reading from this chap. If you don't get pulled in by his reading you should probably give-up... or at least try one more time. I have a great imagination David's narration adds so much that my head does not!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I could I would. I loved the narration and there is so much going on with the story I want to hear it all but also go back and hear the bits that may have wooshed by. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III's story is a grand one and continues to build.

Any additional comments?

This is a great story and if you haven't read any of the other books (like me) you should be fine listening to this. Cressida likes to add the odd explanation throughout and points you to other novels if you want more info, but you should have not problem enjoying this story. There is a website dedicated to this topic so there is more info there too. Statement of obvious - dragons are little and big - don't bring images of "other" dragons to this tale but listen to descriptions and picture that. Musical lead-in as each chapter begins is nice and not cheesy as some musical moments in audio productions can be. The only let-down is there is still more to go for this hero and his tale, so we will need to purchase those when they are ready.

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Couldn't stop listening - so engaging

Revisado: 09-14-13

What did you love best about The Help?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was educational, entertaining, engaging and caught at the emotions. Presented by some amazing talent I kept looking for moments to listen. I even cleaned the silverware (a task I am sure the "Help" were happy to let me look after) and kept listening. I was sad when it came to the end. I felt I was leaving some friends behind, but excited about the world that was ahead for them.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Help?

I did enjoy listening to the relationship build between the tough, willing-to-say-it-like-it-is maid and her ditzy mistress. When the "naked man" appears out in the yard it's hilarious and terrifying at the same time. What are they going to do? Will they be killed? Will they do the killing? Will there be repercussions? The author's descriptions of all parties and the narration of that piece is quite memorable. It made me chuckle, fear and go "ouch" all in a matter minutes.

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

I loved the multiple voices. All the performers were so easy to listen to. Their interpretations of each other were spot on. The different narration propelled you through the story and gave you natural pause points - should you need them. They were emotive and real. You felt you were really meeting and getting to know each of the ladies involved.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

So many moments. So much hardship. So many triumphs. It's hard to mention specifics here without needing to give a "spoiler" alert. I did love the reaction of the African American church to the young white author who had put so much on the line to attempt to publish the stories of these women. She had become isolated from her own community, but they welcomed her into their circle not only for the moment but always.

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Geek Speak a-plenty but an ending that is wanting

Revisado: 09-14-13

Would you try another book from Robert J. Sawyer and/or Mark Deakins?

Not particularly. I liked the idea but the scientific theory did not get me engaged. I love my Sci-fi and a good "time travel" idea but this did leave me disappointed.

What could Robert J. Sawyer have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

The scientific explanations should be dialled back. Some is helpful, but I felt there was too much in this novel and it became frustrating. With an audio book you listen to every word. You don't skip past in case there is some important information key to the storyline so you slog through.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The narrator did a great job with some amazingly complicated terms, names and foreign languages.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

It was a TV show and that is why I purchased the book. I didn't get a chance to see it all and wondered how it all worked out. The production people really did only extract some key concepts from the novel and took it elsewhere. I think I preferred what I saw of the show.

Any additional comments?

I got to the and went, "Really, that's it?" It had some good moments, interesting concepts, and left you thinking about many things, but I did feel let down by the ending.

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Dear Amanda - Poor Woman

Revisado: 09-14-13

Where does Your First Listen rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was a quick listen that I found enjoyable. It is up there for great narration!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Your First Listen?

I was waiting for the sirens to come and take him away. At any moment I was sure it would be the police, Amanda coming for personal intervention or perhaps her latin chum. It brought a smile to my face and I am tempted to listen to some more as this was just an extract.

Which character – as performed by the narrator – was your favorite?

I loved the narrator. He was easy to listen to and he sounded so "genuine".

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Loved this little story. Very witty. I did laugh and I was waiting for the other shoe to drop.

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