Twists and turns

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

Yes, held your attention throughout

What other book might you compare Tears of Glass to and why?

I hate this question.

Which character – as performed by Fred Filbrich – was your favorite?

Sarah was caring, mysterious, brave with a great sense of purpose

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I loved the songs. The voice was haunting.

Any additional comments?

"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."

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Tears of Glass

Tears of Glass
: David Lake

This is a unique approach to an audiobook, adding an original soundtrack was amazing. The storyline kept me wanting to know what's going to happen next.


The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed by Fred Filbrich.



"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."

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1 person found this helpful

Different, interesting and worth my time

Any additional comments?

I thought this was very interesting listen but very confusing at times. I really enjoyed the twists and turns that at times is rather shocking. There were a few times my mouth fell open and I thought oh my. I never really got a handle on this audio beside the high government wants Morgan dead because they thought he knows something he should not. I never worked out what was so important about the tape from what I could tell the only important it has is that Morgan loved it and it fit his feelings. I do use music myself to go with the mood I am in. Some songs tell my story or part of it and pull me in. I just thought playing each song all the way through gave it more important than it needed. I think part of each song would have been better. I did enjoy how the narrator pointed out things about Morgan or what he was doing throughout the music. Since I listened to this I wonder how the songs were dealt with in the book it’s self.

Mr. Filbrich did a really good job of narration, there was a little issue at the beginning where you could hear him swallow but over time that went away. He has improved in this area from other audios of his I have listened to. He has a very lovely voice that is very pleasant to listen to. I loved his British accent I thought it was wonderful. I thought the narrator bought the story to life but needs to work on giving more emotion to his characters. I found them to be a little flat at times not enough excitement when they are in danger or when they are working on their relationship. They just didn’t connect as a couple no passion. I just didn’t feel the excitement or rush from gets into a fight or near death. I thought his male and female voices were lovely. I had no trouble knowing who was talking. There are no background noises, no volume changes, if any breaks were taken I could not tell. Over all I thought he did a really good job and look forward to listening to more of his work.

When the author went into the science part of the bomb I was totally lost and went way over my head as things were pointed out which made it a little hard to understand and was confusing. At times I found my mind wondering. I am unsure if too much information was given or not enough. It was a good ending but confusing. I found the part about what the government has for defense very interesting. I am unsure of what happened to the bomb that were made since the whole book was built around it I would have liked more information at the end. It does seem that the author has set this up for a series since the ending was unclear. It will be interesting to see where he takes this story.

Bottom line I enjoyed it, I thought it was worth my time but was confusing. The twists are outstanding and some shocking. The surprises keep you on your toes. Not everything is as it seems. I do feel that some of the songs takes away from what the author really wanted us to see. For a debut story it was good.

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2 people found this helpful

Great Concept, Fast Paced

This story centers around a washed-up man named Morgan in the afterthrows of a divorce. When he discovers a friend murdered, he finds himself on the run from the killers, who are now targeting him, and he has no idea why. With the help of his accomplices Sera and Paul, he travels to London, only to find he's hunted there too, becoming entangled in a massive plot involving govenment, intel, and threats of destruction.

The narrative is interspersed with recorded songs by the character Paul, and music that echo the current situation and compliment the story. This concept is what initially drew me to review this book. As a musician myself, I loved the idea of music being incorporated. However, the music itself did not connect with me, but that may be because I'm not much of a Blues fan.

It was a little hard to get into at first, but I think that was partly because the scene shifts around a lot, and the scenes are short, so I wasn't sure who was the main character, but once I got used to that I enjoyed it more. The description is vivid and well-written. There are a lot of twists and unexpected turns which kept me guessing what would happen next. I really appreciate a story that's not too predictable; I like a good balance. That said, there is one particular twist near the end that really made me angry as a listener who is emotionally invested in the story, and I nearly stopped listening right then, but I'm very glad I stayed to the end. The story has many subplots and plenty of action, but some parts just seem to ramble on and my attention waned.

Production quality is mostly good. The narrator's voice is soft and calm, his pace is good and he has good expression and timing. However, except for a hint of accent, or slight pitch, there is hardly any change in his voice between the different characters, which to me is extremely important, as I sometimes lost track of who was speaking, until a tag came up. It would also really help if there was a little pause between the scenes to queue the listener, instead of seamlessly sailing into the next one, and the listener has to catch up. This made the story confusing at times, at least until I got used to it. Additionally, there is some distinct noise in the earlier chapters which is very distracting, sounds like a combination of mouth noise and breathing. Eventually it either stopped, or I stopped noticing. Overall I enjoyed the book; I just had to take it in small chunks rather than extended listening.

I was given this audiobook for a review, but that did not influence my review.

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1 person found this helpful

Gritty, raw, and like something out of an old Holl

As this book was originally written in the early 90s, it has an interesting air to it. It's age is noticeable, but with the story setting, fits very well. The classic music references make the author's love of music obvious, and is contagious. The nostalgia mixed with adrenaline and the darker side of life make a smashing mix.

If this was a movie, it would be darker, deep, and an instant cult classic. As it is, we now have an entertaining audiobook to wrap us in the story, complete with music played in spots throughout the book, making it all feel much more real. Even if you're not a fan of music in general, or the genres of music in the book, any reader will appreciate the incorporation and importance to the story, and the creative mix the author presents.

I loved the fact the story included and revolved around real events in history. As a minor history fanatic, I was quickly wrapped up in the conspiracy and danger the characters found themselves dealing with. I could easily imagine the events actually happening, which is the mark of any good story.

The writing is, obviously, styled quite 90's era, but isn't unpleasant. The whole experience simply felt nostalgic, and I'm pleased that the republishing of this novel was done so well. It feels polished and smooth as the story unfolds, and the talented narration keeps it flowing well.

I would recommend this book and audiobook to anyone who finds the synopsis interesting - you won't be disappointed.

*I was given a complimentary audiobook copy of this novel, from the author via Audiobookworm Promotions, to listen to in exchange for an honest review.

Parents guide: this story is not for younger audiences, as there is drug use, language and mature themes.

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Vlad the Inhaler and some Good Music

What made the experience of listening to Tears of Glass the most enjoyable?

The humor is subtle, the original music is appropriate and performed very well. The story is just outside of reality but that's what makes it entertaining.

Fred Filbrich expresses the humor well. An easy to listen to, clear voice with a sense of reasonable drama. Not over the top. His few bars of "Paint it Black" reminds listeners of an early ... Mick Jagger... Yeah! That's it! lol

What did you like best about this story?

The plot is adventurous, a thriller, a run for their lives situation. There are sexy parts, funny parts galore, governmental conspiracy. And there is the very listenable original music. Not a distraction to me, it made me pay attention when it came up. Well done!! Unique.

What about Fred Filbrich’s performance did you like?

Mr Filbrich was perfect for this audio book edition. I mentioned his great performance in an earlier response. His work added to my enjoyment listening. The writing did the heavy lifting. He interpretation seemed unobtrusive and effortless, which usually means a narrator has done his homework preparing.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It worked to keep me entertained. Not sure how else to answer.

Any additional comments?

If you haven't caught on by my review, this was an entertaining work. Clever. I thought the "soundtrack" was unique. And well done!

My suggestion is to add Tears of Glass to your Audible library. Enjoy!

Thanks for the opportunity to review it!

This review copy audiobook was provided by the author at no cost. Which I can only assume was voluntary on their part. I am happy to give my honest review of it. I think I'm suppose to mention how reviewing this was voluntary on my part too.

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1 person found this helpful

Loved the Music!

Any additional comments?

Overall I thought the story was interesting. I thought the music brought life to the words and worked very well within the story. I enjoyed listening to this! This is a super crazy mystery/thriller mixed with science fiction book that I think many would enjoy. I thought the narrator for the story was great. I was able to get into the characters listening to his voice. This is definitely one of my favorite audiobooks I've listened to this year!

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author. The review is my own.

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unique and well done

Tears of Glass by David Lake is an unusual listen with its unique production of the written word and weaving it successfully with a sound track of music representing the late 60’s-80’s time period.   The music connects with the listener reminding them of a time long gone and yet hooks the listener with its beat and lyrics.

Morgan is a man who finds himself a failure at everything he has done from his jobs to his career in songwriting to relationships.  Now he finds that his friendship circle is growing increasingly smaller due to weird accidents. Accidentally, he becomes involved with government secrets, nuclear war, international espionage and more all because of his passion for 60’s-80’s blues music and a rejected demo tape from a blues artist.  Not overly aware at first, he finds himself on the run – confused and having to deal with things larger than ever.  Given his penchant for failure, will this be yet one more or will he manage to live a long life?

It is sometimes hard to keep up with all the conspiracies and characters.  Lake is a masterful wordsmith describing vividly his characters and the plight they find themselves.  The plot and music are cohesive and enhance one another brilliantly.   The characters are well-developed and are clearly flawed but real.  Lake’s skillful writing and the music choice takes the listener and dumps them smack in the middle of the action.   Mixed with dark humor and action, one cannot help but become part of the story.

The audiobook was very well written and performed by Fred Filbrich.  Filbrich is a talented narrator who spoke clearly and concisely but also became the characters.  I thought he kept a steady pace with his reading.  His voice was steady and calming, delivering the dark humored responses appropriately and well.

The book, in my opinion was unique and well done.  With that being said and my passion for classic rock, I found the music distracting at first.  But after listening carefully to the words and recognizing how they interconnected with the story, I was fine with it.  Could it have been done without the music?  Yes, but it might not have been as powerful.

The audio production of this book was good except for hearing Fred Filbrich swallow all too often.  I suspect the mike was too close.  Other than this, the production was high quality.

Audiobook was provided for review by the author.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog

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4 people found this helpful

It has it all!

This audiobook has references to classic rock, a blues soundtrack embedded in the content, espionage, conspiracies, love, deceit, murder, mystery and romance. It is not a "light" easy listening selection but one that will take you for an exciting ride and make you glad you hung on.

Morgan is a washed up athlete that continued to surprise me as his character developed. As he played just a single track that seemed to mesh with his current circumstances, I wanted to hear more from the smooth Joe Cocker like singer. When those close to him are murdered, he runs but there is trouble around every corner.

The narrator Fred Filbrich did a splendid job of making the book come to life.

I kept thinking the songs were going to solve an even bigger mystery and struggled in the beginning getting hooked.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author. The review is my own.

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1 person found this helpful

Mind Bending

There is so much going on in this book. It reminded me of the Jason Bourne series. When former football star, now an architect, John Morgan's drinking becomes out of control, he hooks up with a debutante of sorts. Suddenly, people around Morgan are dying all sorts of bizarre and violent deaths. Why is he being singled out and where can he turn to stop the bloodshed?

From the Queen's own secret branch of thugs to the CIA and Russians there is something going on in Morgan's life and he has to figure it out quick or he is going to be dead. When he meets a perpetual student on the road and the singer/songwriter that keeps his sanity in place, Morgan slowly begins to piece together why all of these shadowy people are after him.

The soundtrack that goes with this listen is great. I enjoyed every song and the unique nuances of 'Paul's' voice. The way the soundtrack and Paul are woven into the story is intriguing, though I never quite got his role in the whole affair. The story draws you in from the very beginning and keeps you waiting for the whole thing to unravel at the end. I really, really enjoyed David Lake's writing style and will be on the lookout for more from him. If you are looking for something different and unique, give this audiobook a try, you won't be disappointed!

Fred Filbrich's narration was spot on and I enjoyed every voice he did, including the narrative bits. He made this listen go from great to fantastic and I don't know if I would have gotten as much out of it if he had not been the narrator.

I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.

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