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catgirl29

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Creative and derivative at the same time

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

Reviewed: 01-21-25

Say it with me now - Why-vern, why-vern.

Down, down, down. Toes curling. Wash and repeat.

I feel like Sarah J. Mass is derivative of herself the longer these books and series go on. There are a few surprising elements but the books do get tedious and a gold star for Elizabeth Evans, who must think she’s read this all before.

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Scalzi Has a Vivid Imagination

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

Reviewed: 12-25-24

Mr. Scalzi has a vivid imagination and knows how to tell a story. I always wish that his shorter ones are a bit longer. In this case, and as he often does, he mixes in good writing with a sense of humor. Listening to this is a good use of a couple of hours of your time.

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Engaging characters, captivating story

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

Reviewed: 10-10-24

Philippa Gregory rarely disappoints. I enjoyed every character and the storyline carries on nicely from the previous book, which I recommend.

The narrator has a somewhat weak voice until she gets to the Italian characters. All the sudden, I feel like she’s acting - and acting well. I wish she was strong throughout.

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Very, very long…still interesting

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

Reviewed: 08-06-24

For all of the correspondence that was censored or lost, there was still enough source material to make for an all too-long book. This is not historical fiction but what seems to be a faithful telling of Georgiana’s life. For me, it took some of her own fortitude to get through it.

The major themes in her life - odd relationships, politics and a pathological need to lose absurd sums of money gambling were certainly repetitive. The Duke and Duchess seem to have deserved each other. It does seem as if she was well-loved by her family and friends. Thank goodness. Many would have thrown her out on her ear.

Wanda McCadden is a fine narrator. She does amazing child-like voices at times. I’ve noticed this in other books. I’m also assuming she speaks French - or at least she makes me believe she does.

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Well written and engaging

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

Reviewed: 05-28-24

When I am reading the historical fiction that Philippa Gregory is generally known for, I know that she has taken liberties (hence the fiction of the genre).

In this story, the characters are very believable and I was pleasantly surprised to find this modern thriller. Most of the characters are both likable and deplorable at once. It challenges one to consider what “good” and “bad” look like in the context of the story.

I recommend it if you like Gregory’s work but have had your fill of royal drama.

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Beautiful as usual

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

Reviewed: 05-25-24

Madeline Miller’s writing is so beautiful. The words just flow so well and her audiobooks have been narrated by wonderful voices.

The story was interesting and engaging and tragic. It was also entirely too short.

I hope that Ms. Miller is feeling well enough to continue writing and giving us her gorgeous work for a long time into the future.

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Masterful Stoytelling

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

Reviewed: 05-04-24

This story was fascinating throughout. Few authors build interesting worlds and situations as well as Adrian Tchaikovsky. The characters were unique and their backstories were always a surprise.

The narrator was amazing - so versatile. He brought every character to life.

Highly recommend.

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Not the best wizarding school tale - not the worst

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

Reviewed: 04-16-24

I don’t know what I expected when I chose this book. It’s an ok story with an ok narrator but it doesn’t have the same finesse as Spinning Silver, which was my first introduction to the author.

The story is not derivative of “those books” so that’s good - but it was a bit hard to follow and to imagine the world.

I’m debating on whether this is a series on which o want to spend my credits.

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Lovely narration and story

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

Reviewed: 04-06-24

This short, ancillary book was my first introduction to this author and narrator. It was a pleasure to listen to all around and I look forward to exploring more.

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Engaging Story

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

Reviewed: 04-04-24

I really almost gave up on this book. I really did. The first chapter or two are just hard to listen to and I don’t think actually reading them would be any easier. Since one has no context, it’s hard to understand why two people would be bantering back-and-forth about the subject matter. However, as the book went on, I came to genuinely like the characters and the character development. The world building is very good. One never knows what planet these people live on, although one can guess.

After those first couple of chapters, this became very binge worthy and I listened to it constantly to the end. I thought the narrator did an excellent job and that the story was concluded in a satisfactory way. The whole book made me perform a sort of mental gymnastics, but I think you can pay as much attention (or not) as you want.

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