Sarah

It’s a whole new book to read as an adult

Reviewed: 01-26-21

First, Card presents the reader with a thorough self-review at the end of the book. Unfortunately, it’s nothing less than a severe self-aggrandizement accomplished through intentionally slamming others while lifting himself higher on the throne— a biblical level, godly throne.

I read Wyrms repeatedly in my late teens and re-approached it this time as a mid-forty-something. Knowing Card is a strict Mormon, wed to his very public faith, and having taken extensive courses in religion, truly highlighted the faults of this tale. Card makes every attempt to ensure the reader understands his religious biases and apparent distaste for women, potential homosexual leaning, and the need for women to be subservient or desiring children so badly it drives them to fornication.

This particular tale is straightforward, leaves little to the imagination, and goes exactly where you think it will. The characters are moderately developed (truly, you aren’t meant to truly attach to any of them) and the world is shallowly described. Still, the jarred heads are/were inventive and interesting and the story moves along at an acceptable pace. If you’re looking for an easy listen that requires just enough attention, this book might be what you’re looking for. Overall, I think this work by Card has aged poorly.

While my view of Card (as an author and person) has diminished markedly as I’ve grown older and more experienced in life, I can still appreciate some of his other works, including another “old” book, Songmaster and Enders Game. But, buyer beware: your consumption of any of his works also means a firm dunking into the tenets of his personal religion.

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7 people found this helpful

Narration monotone-desolation

Reviewed: 12-20-18

I'm returning it. I'm 7 chapters in and can't tell the difference between characters. One voice turns into another in the middle of sentences and you can't tell one character from another since they all end up mixed amongst each other. Females, despite their narrative and words, are worrisome, weak characters when there should be strength, pain, power. Men's voices match. I'll read this book rather than listen to another word. Don't waste your credit or money on this monotone, bleak narration

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An easy listen

Reviewed: 01-16-18

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

This was a worthwhile read and time well-spent. It was definitely a book I could set aside and pick back up and would have been a good book for a car trip. The characters are motivated, the plot is *just* deep enough, the writing simple. If you're looking for deep plot, better science, excellent character building, you may be disappointed with this book.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The end is instantaneous and unexpected. Cliffhangers are fine, but they need to be set up in a way that sets you, the reader, into urgent need... to pick up the next book, pre-ordering the next one and wondering what happens next! This isn't it. It wasn't until I looked again and remembered this was supposed to be a trilogy that I was a bit dumbfounded by the ill-conceived end. Don't want a trilogy? No problem, this book can be read as a standalone without worrying about missing the next release date.

Have you listened to any of R.C. Bray’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

As usual, R.C. Bray was fantastic as an narrator. I found this book by looking through his narrator page.

Did Commune inspire you to do anything?

Given the trajectory of our planet's geopolitical shenanigans, time to buy seeds, beans, rice.

Any additional comments?

Put it in your wishlist and hope it comes up in one of those audible 2 for 1 deals. Or, if you need an easy listen that doesn't demand your complete attention.

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The story is compelling, narration is poor

Reviewed: 06-30-16

The story has a start to some good literature, but needs significant finessing. I started reading this on kindle and it drew me in, but I lacked reading time and purchased the audible version.

Unfortunately, the narration is awful. It's tonally dull and monochromatic; characters are indistinguishable; accents are poorly done and inconsistent.

If I had simply chosen to wait and found time to read the book, I think I would have found the story more compelling.

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Great story, terrible performance

Reviewed: 04-26-16

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Read this book instead of listening. It's a good story, good characters and actual development of plot. I'd definitely read some of his other works-- but never listen to this narrator again.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Zachary Liebenstein?

Almost anyone who doesn't speak in monotone, who has some character development attributes and some perceived love of the actually story and investment in characters.

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Good Story, difficult narration

Reviewed: 01-08-15

What did you like best about Elfkind? What did you like least?

Cruzan weaves a good story. The characters aren't terribly in-depth, but realistically a listener/reader can understand their intentions. Undoubtedly the story would have gotten much higher marks from me if the narration wasn't so monotone, bland and unenthusiastic. I nearly quit listening to this book over and over, but persuaded by the storyline, I continued.

Would you be willing to try another one of Andrea Emmes’s performances?

Unfortunately, no.

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1 person found this helpful