Anonymous

Narrator captured the annoying protagonist perfectly

Reviewed: 09-27-24

This one wasn’t for me. I didn’t enjoy the story line, the heroine’s melancholy and self-deprecation felt forced (I’ve never rolled my eyes so many times when listening to a book!), and the woven story with tidy resolutions for some of the plot lines had a “check box” feel to it. I did appreciate the world build and all the different courts mentioned. Sets it up nicely for those that will continue the series.

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Took me a couple of chapters but I was drawn in

Reviewed: 02-08-24

There’s something about the prose and the dialogue that I initially found off putting; however, the story was very interesting and narration was excellent… before very long, I was surprised to find I had warned up to the exchanges between characters and was genuinely curious and invested in finding out more. I wish the “necroverse” setting had been further explained but perhaps that’s for the next few books (which I will certainly read).
Overall I enjoyed this read.

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Another galactic home run

Reviewed: 12-11-23

I’m vested in the characters, I love the “growth” of each faction, replicant, and relationships. I adore meeting new “friends” along the way. To boot, there always themes that are good for thought and Mr Taylor’s philosophy (I’m assuming some of his personal philosophy is reflected) is beautiful and has had an impact on my very outlook of life. The golden rule has forever changed in my mind. In regards to the narration… words fail me. Ray Porter = *chef’s kiss”. He IS “The Bawbes”.

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Simply captivating

Reviewed: 08-27-23

The concept of the story leaves you want to more! It’s the kind of tale that captures the imagination and has you feeling in blanks and extrapolating your own stories, and potential plots before you know it. I wish it would up as a whole book.

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An average experience all around.

Reviewed: 04-18-15

I listened to the book over the course of 3 weeks for my book club. The story was entertaining enough, but it wasn't tantalizing. It's a weird mix of "who done it", mystery, Sherlock, magic-something. It's not one of those tales that keeps you in your car after you park because you simply MUST know what happens next and you are stuck staring into space for a minute or two with your hand on the ignition. Also, you don't get a lot of explanation about the craft; you are dropped into this world without much background and the twists this story takes don't make much sense or give you a sense of "A-HA!" because you weren't aware that The Craft could do that. It has potential though. Lastly, I couldn't tell if this world was supposed to be some sort of parallel to our known world. The language was "of this earth", and so were the drinks (whiskey, gin and tonic?!). It almost gave me a sense of an alternate earth universe or something.
The narrator was ok... Aside from the two main characters, the voices weren't really distinct. But unlike some other reviewers, I didn't think she was terrible.

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7 people found this helpful

Fantastic Narration for a FUN FUN story

Reviewed: 01-27-15

Would you listen to Midnight Riot again? Why?

Actually~ yes. Not only is the narrator very pleasing to the ear, but the story is absolutely fun.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Midnight Riot?

Anytime Molly is mentioned. I am SO curious as what her back-story might be.

Have you listened to any of Kobna Holdbrook-Smith’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't, but I promise you I will listen to more!

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

I was often chuckling throughout the story. It's right-down quirky!

Any additional comments?

It's one of those tales that, going in, you're not really expecting much. Then you get rolling, and simply MUST know what happens next. Thank goodness for the mobile phone app so I could continue listening to this book throughout my day.

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Top Notch for Geeks and 80's lovers alike

Reviewed: 01-27-15

And even if you DON'T love the 80s (which I don't), you can't help but relate to the themes and references if you were born anytime before 1989. The narration by good ole Wil is fantastic, and the story... OH THE STORY. The fantastic weaving of the metaverse vs real life. The nemesis is built slowly as you discover it along with the protagonists. The small twists and yes, even the undercurrent romance is enjoyable. WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN MADE INTO A MOVIE? Wil Wheaton must be in it, obviously. hahaha.

Anyway, if you're a fan of sci-fi and matrix/VRverses this is a MUST read.

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Well read, but story doesn't lend itself to audio

Reviewed: 03-18-13

This book is well performed, and overall, I found the book interesting; however, I don't know that the story really lends itself to an audio performance. I found myself wanting to pick up the book myself, and to actually read it (there's interesting tidbits that you almost want to re-read a page or two back and/or flip back through as you encounter more information).

All in all, it was time well spent, and it kept me interested, but perhaps for this book, and for my personality, I needed to actually hold it and read it to enjoy it.

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2 people found this helpful

As Thom Merrilin would say: Exquisite

Reviewed: 02-04-13

What did you love best about A Memory of Light?

The amazing way which everything was neatly tied together. All the complex threads and stories and lives that were entwined raveled and unraveled beautifully. You are left extremely satisfied after two decades of waiting for the final chapter.

What other book might you compare A Memory of Light to and why?

As far as an epic story and adventures NOTHING compares. I'm sorry~ nothing. I am left with a small depression... a bitter sweet goodbye of a world that I will miss. My heart aches knowing that I will not be part of he fourth age. I will miss the struggle between the Seanchan and the Aes Sedai. I will not see the Black Tower grow in its rightful place. I will not be privy to the new and beautiful bond between men & women that can channel. I am left in agony over never knowing how the Aiel take their place in the world. I have SO much regret that the stories are over... I've never felt a sense of loss so keenly from a book or a series. I know there are no beginnings or endings to the turning of the wheel... but this is "an" ending. RIP Robert Jordan. And Thank you Brandon Sanderson for taking up the flag. Love you both.

Which scene was your favorite?

As always~ Egwene's battles and fights enthrall me. Without spoilers I can say that any of the scenes where she faces off against her enemies make my heart beat faster. As her emotion and indignance at the shadow grows, her power climaxes. It's simply exhilarating

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

Gosh~ I don't know if words could convey... perhaps something simple: There are no beginnings or endings to the turning of the wheel of time.

Any additional comments?

NARRATION: Top notch. Michael Kramer and Kate Reading make this story come alive. I will miss their voices floating in my apartment living room.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I will once again repeat my horrible sense of loss. I can't believe it's over. Like a petulant, greedy child, I want more. I do not want to lose this world I've come to know so well. How does one let go of something so precious?

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10 people found this helpful

Simply Delightful~

Reviewed: 11-26-12

What did you love best about The Help?

The flow of the story was seamless... the transition between the women kept the story moving fluidly. The story is compelling and it touches on a very serious and not-so-far-removed history. It's bold and it's one of those books that help you grow as a person.

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

The accents!! Simply fantastic... the narrators brought these women to life in a way that I could not have done myself! A+ to the cast.

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