Mike

Twisted ending to a great series

Reviewed: 02-22-22

I loved this series…right up to the last two chapters. The plot twisted…a lot, and it didn’t settle well with me. I’ll leave it at that.

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A great “listen”…

Reviewed: 09-13-21

A fun listen. Great character development, however I’m not fond of the narrator’s breathy southern belle voice for a black, female vocalist. It did not work for me. Problem solved in the next book I’m sure. Highly recommend the series.

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Tedious, predictable

Reviewed: 02-24-21

This book should have been a short story. The author seems like he was writing for quantity and not quality.

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The start of a great series...

Reviewed: 10-18-18

I’ve listened to the first seven books of this series NUMEROUS times. I’m starting at the beginning again because I’m going to add to my library. I want to hear more about this great family! I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good romance series. It’s fun to watch the family evolve.

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The canal, the funeral and the treasure~

Reviewed: 01-03-15

Would you listen to Hornblower and the "Atropos" again? Why?

Yes...because it's part of the series. This is a rather disjointed effort; three short stories rolled into a novel. Each part is quite interesting, but the transitions are lacking.

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

While the canal in the Cotswolds is an interesting part, I think the book would be stronger without it. If the story had started with Hornblower organising the funeral the story line would have been stronger. He could have then gone to sea to salvage the shipwreck in Turkey. The story line and development of that segment was well done.

Which character – as performed by Nicolas Coster – was your favorite?

None of them stands out. Nicolas Coster has a metre that hardly changes and it's not speedy by any stretch. If you want to relax your way through a rolling broadside, this is your narrator.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The same as my headline I suppose..."The canal, the funeral and the treasure~"

Any additional comments?

It is so difficult when a series makes a change in narrators. Patrick O'Brien's Master and Commander series is awesome. That series changes narrators and survives my scrutiny, as does the Amelia Peobody Series by Elizabeth Peters. Susan O'Mally and Barbara Rosenblat are both excellent narrators.

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The canal, the funeral and the treasure~

Reviewed: 01-03-15

Would you listen to Hornblower and the "Atropos" again? Why?

Yes...because it's part of the series. This is a rather disjointed effort; three short stories rolled into a novel. Each part is quite interesting, but the transitions are lacking.

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

While the canal in the Cotswolds is an interesting part, I think the book would be stronger without it. If the story had started with Hornblower organising the funeral the story line would have been stronger. He could have then gone to sea to salvage the shipwreck in Turkey. The story line and development of that segment was well done.

Which character – as performed by Nicolas Coster – was your favorite?

None of them stands out. Nicolas Coster has a metre that hardly changes and it's not speedy by any stretch. If you want to relax your way through a rolling broadside, this is your narrator.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The same as my headline I suppose..."The canal, the funeral and the treasure~"

Any additional comments?

It is so difficult when a series makes a change in narrators. Patrick O'Brien's Master and Commander series is awesome. That series changes narrators and survives my scrutiny, as does the Amelia Peobody Series by Elizabeth Peters. Susan O'Mally and Barbara Rosenblat are both excellent narrators.

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Hornblower takes a bride~

Reviewed: 01-03-15

Would you consider the audio edition of Hornblower and the Hotspur to be better than the print version?

I did not read the book...and wouldn't have. My husband listened to the series and I got hooked!

Who was your favorite character and why?

H Hornblower is my favorite character. Forester made him so humble. I follow right along with the wide range of emotions he goes through.

What about Christian Rodska’s performance did you like?

He has a strong voice and can convey the emotions of the character straight to the listener.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I can't come up with anything catchy, but I was so impressed by the intracacies of the blockade at the Gould.

Any additional comments?

The surprise awaiting the happy couple after their wedding is very nice.

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My favorite so far~

Reviewed: 01-03-15

If you could sum up Hornblower and the Crisis in three words, what would they be?

It is a work of ingenuity, teamwork and triumph!

What did you like best about this story?

Hornblower back from the courts martial finds himself aboard a water hoy as a transport back to Whitehall along with First Leftenant Bush and the new captain of Hornblower's "late" ship. When the French attack the water hoy, men from different stations and all walks of life band together and fight the French. Their ability to rub along well under fire and carry the day is very uplifting!

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

C.S. Forester is wonderful at character development. Christian Rodska takes that a step further and brings these people to life.

If you could rename Hornblower and the Crisis, what would you call it?

Hornblower and the Emperor's Signature

Any additional comments?

"Hornblower and the Crisis" delves into the intricacies of all that might have happened behind the scenes during the Napoleonic wars.

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Well done Lieutenant Hornblower!

Reviewed: 12-29-14

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

Yes! It's already shaping up to be a great series!

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the way Hornblower triumphed on the island. His keen ability to think on the fly carries the day!

What about Christian Rodska’s performance did you like?

He holds your attention with his ability to "carry" so many characters!

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

Yes! I'm tried to stretch it out, but was not successful!

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Disheartening start, she picks up speed take heart

Reviewed: 12-27-14

What did you love best about Mr. Midshipman Hornblower?

The fantastic character development.

What did you like best about this story?

Midshipman Hornblower has a tough start. It's a brilliant tactic by the author. Just when you're about to despair along with Hornblower, the Midshipman gains his "sea legs" and hits his "stride". Very well done!

Have you listened to any of Christian Rodska’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. As great as always.

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

I was very sad for Hornblower at the start. There are moments that I laughed as well. War, especially at sea is rough business though.

Any additional comments?

The POB series Master and Commander has long been a favorite. I think this series will be just as epic.

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