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rmreynol

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Great plot, choice of reader exacerbates writing flaws

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 08-27-23

I’ve struggled with whether I love, or am annoyed by, this series. Here’s why sometimes I think I love the books: The overall plot lines are great. The author Kate McAllister seems to be aiming for the tone of Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden, but with a female in the leading role. I love that concept. Both Harry Dresden and Aisling Grey are written as being in their early 30s, and being somewhat… rogue members of the supernatural world who are trying to keep the balance of reality tipped more to the side of good than evil. Both are often tricked into an action that complicates their paths. While Harry knows about most of his powers, and Aisling starts out completely unaware of the existence of powers, both Harry and Aisling are constantly learning about their powers & learning to do new things. Both are constantly learning new things about how the supernatural world and its denizens work. McAllister’s choice to throw Aisling into the supernatural world without expertise in that world is one of the things that makes the series more than just a Dresden clone, and that’s great. Like in Butcher’s series, the main character of Aisling is meant to be quirky & lovable. However, despite being in her early 30s, she displays the maturity of a 16 year old. She’s whiny, emotionally naive, and hopelessly self-centered. The only reason the romantic relationship she develops is believable is because it is fated, so her mate really has no choice but to want her, despite her potentially annoying actions & words. This would be an issue regardless of whether I was reading this on my own or listening. However, it is exacerbated by a narrator who is clearly not young, and honestly sounds a lot like an aged Kathleen Turner. The sound & tempo of the reader’s voice is perfectly fine for the other characters but is jarringly inappropriate for Aisling and reminds the listener of the weaknesses in writing surrounding the character.

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The end of the world

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-04-23

The finding of a soul, and the growing of a heart. A transformation in so many ways. Oddly (and wonderfully) paced.

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A cute exploration of the meaning of life

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-26-22

Monk & Robot are just genuinely kind and set on the task of making meaning in their lives. A light read, and a small hug for the tattered portions of our hearts.

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Satisfying in so many ways

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-22-22

This was a great wrap-up to the Age Of series! I loved the way the stories matured.

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Best book I’ve read in a long time

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-12-22

What a fantastic adventure!!! Such a great plot. And as always he captures the *feeling* of being a scientist so, so well. The curiosity, the love/hate relationship with challenge, the frustration, excitement, crushing defeats, and overwhelming victories… and in this book, he perfectly captures the joy of geeking out over cool science & teaching others.

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Highly recommended

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-08-15

Human happiness, sorrow, humor, cruelty and kindness are all related to the reader as only a true storyteller can do.

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