Tag Archives: narration

May 9 2017

AudioBook Review – Cthulhu Armageddon

Had the terrifying experience of CT Phipps this last week. 🙂 awesome book and great narrator!

 

Cthulhu Armageddon | [C. T. Phipps]
Cthulhu Armageddon
UNABRIDGED
Reviewed: 5/1/17

“Western/Horror/Humour”

I have to admit, that following Jeffery Kafer around brought me to this book. I kept looking at it, reading the synopsis and then not picking it up, but I did still keep on coming back to it. A friend kept pushing me to give it a go, and I’m glad that I did. I’m not very familiar with Cthulhu as a story, but because it seemed to be myth/law, I did a little digging and found many references to it. Nice job on creating this amazing world around something so diverse in its creation.

C.T. Phipps has an extraordinary imagination, both for the setting and the characters. It starts off really quick and the action just doesn’t let up. The humour, both dark, and gripping kept me listening even with the horrible creatures and destruction of our world.

Booth’s mission with his team turns bad and he loses them all or so he thinks, he’s not only any clue how he eventually escapes but he’s left with a strange handprint on his shoulder. As things unfold Booth’s adventure grows in intensity, he’s to take the blame for his team’s death, resulting in a public execution, that the ‘torturer’ Mercury fakes because she wants him as a guide in the wastelands. It seems her life is on a short leash as well. So booth agrees to help her reluctantly.

The friendships that develop and the journey that Booth sets out on is fraught with monsters, danger, and death.

The monsters are horrible. I didn’t think that anything he could continue to see and witness would scare him more than the previous encounter, and in one sense, I think that being terrified all the time did get a little repetitive. I believe that more you’re exposed to these kinds of things the more that you get accustomed to them, or at least a little immune, the horrors of war and life in the wastelands would be more and more like normal life, but the fact was that Booth seemed to just keep on finding things so horrible and sickening that it kind of detracted it for me.

The narration was, of course, pretty spot on, there were great characterisations from Jeffery especially with Booth, I enjoyed the performance and the ladies, even if they all did seem to fawn over the MC. The only one who gave as much as she was dealt with, without an emotional attachment was Jackie, and she was a kid, everyone else seemed to ‘want’ to be with or had been with Booth, and that got a little old, more so thinking that he actually might want to be with the woman who tortured people…. Booth seemed to just do the opposite of what I thought he might when there was a pretty body near him.

Overall I was impressed both with the story and the narration, so I picked up book 2 and am almost finished with it 🙂 Thank you for the entertainment, really enjoyed the journey and the ending was really exciting! solid 4.5 stars from me all round.

Apr 23 2017

AudioBook Review – Seaswept

Great to have listened to the second book in this series, looking out for the third now 🙂

 

  • Seaswept: Seabound Chronicles, Book 2 | [Jordan Rivet]
    Seaswept: Seabound Chronicles, Book 2
    UNABRIDGED
    Reviewed: 19/04/17

    “Good sequel”

    Man, I really did get behind on my reviews.

    This was great to be back with Esther and her crew, following from the first book this one could almost stand alone. I believe there was enough in here to remind us the things that went on that we didn’t need to re-read or in fact have read the first one at all (it was a while that I got to this after the first) So the writer here did a great job in moving this book forward without too much backstory in it.

    What I really enjoyed about this book was the new characters, and situations that came about, I think it put the MC and her friends in the sometimes worst possible place they could be, but then again it was also something worth getting out of.

    Esther was and still is I guess a young woman at heart, there was no torrid love affair, but the relationships were handled with great tact for this novel and their situation. Having had to grow up fairly fast and within the confines they have I think they behave in exactly the way they should, with a little naivety and lack of confidence. It was handled very well by the writer, and of course by Ray with his narrating.

    What I did enjoy of course is the performance, there are some narrators who you know aren’t going to let you down. Their voices, attention to tone and story telling are great, you can put the book on and know you’re getting the right everything for your money.

    I do wonder about a few things at the end of this book, there were some hints to questions I have, I do hope there’s a third on the cards, and that it wraps up this adventure in good ways. The emotion involved and the highs and lows in this book are extremely real, it makes you feel at the right times, and keeps you there, waiting and hoping things turn out okay.

    I’m interested in some more from both these guys. Hopefully, there will be some to buy today.

    🙂 Thanks for the entertainment.

    PS the third book is out so I can actually listen to that this next week too!

Jan 2 2017

#favreads2016 for Kanundra

So this post has taken me all morning to start to put together, but I think it’s been worth it.

I’ve had the great pleasure of being involved in 2016 with my own audiobooks. That alone immersed me into the world of many authors who I didn’t know or had known but had no real time for reading anymore.

For that, and to listen2abook I am very grateful.  🙂

Everyone remembers their first time right? Well let me know what your first audiobook was and what you loved about it….

For me, I’d personally had my audio account for over 8 mths, and never used it. I got books each month because I had credits to burn but they like my ebook collection was just growing.

When searching for my own narrator, I actually was passed what I now class as my first time, and I think this as an audiobook will still always be one of my very favourite.

Black Dog Blues: The Kai Gracen Series, Book 1 | [Rhys Ford]
Black Dog Blues: The Kai Gracen Series, Book 1

I am going to try and keep this list short…. honest.

2016 All time fav Sci Fi in 2016!

I can’t stress enough about the amazing writers and books I’ve listened to this year, this is my fav category. And knocking this down to One Book was the hardest thing I’ve had to do. 169 amazing books from all genres!

But after being asked to listen to a duel narration and being introduced to Jeffery Kafer, I saw this advertised and picked the first book up.

Quarter Share: A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 1 | [Nathan Lowell]
Quarter Share: A Trader’s Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 1
Reviewed: 16/05/16

“Different, but amazing.”

When I like someone, I kinda follow them, so when I saw that Jeffrey Kafer posted about a new sci fi. I was like, Oh, yes please!

I did learn that it wasn’t the usual kinda sci fi I read or have started to listen to, but that didn’t mean I did not enjoy this.

Best Female Narrator and Writer Combo –

Broken Skies: Book 1 | [Theresa Kay]

Broken Skies: Book 1
Reviewed: 20/04/16

“Very cool!”

For the most part this story kept me on edge and I wanted to know what happened. I can’t believe the Author hasn’t had the narrator back to do the second book, I’m just gutted, so much so I had to buy the book, and I don’t often do that. I don’t have the time to read a real book. So I do hope that the author will have this on the cards next.

Top book read of the year is her second book in the series. (not available as audio shame)

Best Male Narrator and Writer Combo –

Man of War: Rebellion, Book 1 | [M. R. Forbes]
Man of War: Rebellion, Book 1
Reviewed: 7/7/16

“Excellent listen!”

 

I think when you start to listen to AudioBooks in the way I have, you do become fans of people. Jeff’s books were some of the first I had the pleasure of listening to, even within a genre I wasn’t a lover of, and I am a fan of his.

Add in the sci fi element and well I’m sold before I even know the premise. 🙂 Some things you know are just going to be a good listen. The fact that a story can be written so many ways just excites me.

Best Fantasy –

Heart of Gold: Clans of Shadow, Book 1 | [J. A. Cipriano, J. B. Garner]
Heart of Gold: Clans of Shadow, Book 1
UNABRIDGED
Reviewed: 12/26/16

“Loved this story.”

This was defo a little more fantasy than I’m used to, with wizards and magic, and all that jazz. But, with Joe narrating, from horror to fantasy I know it’s pretty much got to be a good listen, it didn’t disappoint.

 
Best Horror – Sorry, but again this one goes to Joe Hemple (Fantastic all round Narrator)

Year's Best Hardcore Horror, Volume 1 | [Randy Chandler, Cheryl Mullenax, Jeff Strand, Adam Cesare, Monica J. O'Rourke, David James Keaton, Robert Essig, Clare de Lune, Jack Bantry, Adam Howe, Kristopher Triana]
Year’s Best Hardcore Horror, Volume 1
Reviewed: 8/18/16

“Horrific! but so good.”

This was a fantastically horrific and just gross out collection of horror stories. But they were so so good, and in bite sized chunks that were great for listening at work. There was a couple of them I really wished were much longer and this was the only reason I marked it down a bit. We only just got a good feel for the characters and what was going on around them that when it ended it was too soon.

 

Weirdest (yet strangely satisfying)

The Atomic Sea: Omnibus of Volumes One and Two | [Jack Conner]
The Atomic Sea: Omnibus of Volumes One and Two
Reviewed: 25/03/16

“Dark, mysterious and action packed!”

Would you listen to The Atomic Sea: Omnibus of Volumes One and Two again? Why?

I would listen to both of these books again, because there was so much to the world and story, I felt it was a lot to take in and digest as an audiobook.


 
Longest Series I listened to –
 

Genesis: Arisen, Book 0.5 | [Michael Stephen Fuchs]
Genesis: Arisen, Book 0.5
Reviewed: 23/11/16

“Great Intro listen to at anytime.”

As I said above, this is a great addition, and you can really listen to it at anytime. I got through all the 12 books and then had the worst hangover, so this was a nice addition to the series. The two Seals with the guys in here, are fab characters, both fought till their last breath, as said in the main series, but going through it with them is hard on the emotions.

 

And Finally some Honourable mentions.

Sci Fi Fun and the most Unique world building –

 

We Are Legion (We Are Bob): Bobiverse, Book 1 | [Dennis E. Taylor]
We Are Legion (We Are Bob): Bobiverse, Book 1
Reviewed: 27/09/16

“Exciting new sci fi!”

Full disclosure. I had the wonderful opportunity to read some of this in one of my author crit groups, but I was super excited to then learn of it as an audiobook! Especially read by Ray Porter, who I enjoyed for some of his other works. So I had to go and buy this. 🙂

Dennis’s Bobiverse was a little strange at first. But, you’re soon taken in by the wonderful humour of Bob and the weird circumstances he’s got himself into and has to keep himself sane from…. I admit there’s a lot going on, and there are some ‘Bob’s I like more than others. But that’s to be expected. They are all so different…. and of course as a trecky fan I love Ryker. And Homer 🙂

Most Emotional and Raw.

Captive: A New Life, Book 1 | [Samantha Jacobey]
Captive: A New Life, Book 1
UNABRIDGED
Reviewed: 09/09/16

“no words….”

This literally was one of the hardest books I’ve listened to, but not in a bad way at all. I mean it’s just so raw, so emotional and just makes you shiver with what happens. It’s one that really will tear your heart out, make you think and then again still shatter your beliefs in the world.

—————————-

So there you have it, these are 2016’s best books in my eyes. 🙂 Roll on this year. I’ve got an amazing line-up already and I can’t wait.

~ Dawn

 

 

Dec 26 2016

AudioBook Review – Heart of Gold

Nice to be back with Joe after the AI series. More fantasy than I’m used to, but this was a great listen. I did wish it were longer, but overall, very entertaining.
Heart of Gold: Clans of Shadow, Book 1 | [J. A. Cipriano, J. B. Garner]
Heart of Gold: Clans of Shadow, Book 1
UNABRIDGED
Reviewed: 12/26/16

“Loved this story.”

This was defo a little more fantasy than I’m used to, with wizards and magic, and all that jazz. But, with Joe narrating, from horror to fantasy I know it’s pretty much got to be a good listen, it didn’t disappoint.

Right from the get go Frank Butchers’ personality and snarky way of life pulls you in, he’s a young hip lad with life the way he likes it, and then everything is literally blown up around him and in trying to do the right thing he’s thrown into a world that he knows nothing about. I did think that the Doctor, was a little easy a story plot point for him, he’s pretty set in his ways, but at the mention of a kid then he goes all out for someone he doesn’t know. If there’s been a little more rapport with the Doc, I might have fallen for it a little more. But that’s my only real caveat. After all Franks first thoughts are to his mum and that does show some integrity to his family values, I just can’t attach that to the woman doctor who he only knows as a client for delivery parcels.

This story is pretty action packed, and what I do like about it is that although Frank does come off as a bit of a young jerk, we get to know all his reasons, his why’s and we then also get to see his character arc develop into that much more. The guy we kinda like turns into someone who we are routeing for and want to win. No matter the odd he’s facing.

Some great story telling, couple it with Joe’s fantastic narration and acting, and this one’s a winner. I’m very interested in seeing where else this series goes. 🙂

Dec 9 2016

AudioBook Review – Silicon World

I had the great opportunity to finish this trio off. And I was very happy with the twists, and characters, although not tied together unless you count just AI’s and super twisting plots.

Review as follows, if you’ve something to spare, and want a good few hours worth of story telling, this is a bargain!

Silicon World: Man vs. Machine: 3 Book Bundle | [William Massa]
Silicon World: Man vs. Machine: 3 Book Bundle
UNABRIDGED
Reviewed: 12/9/16

I was excited to get the last in the series on this, and it didn’t disappoint. It was great to re-listen to these amazing stories.

Silicon Dawn

The whole story didn’t linger, it started off fast paced and didn’t let up. I am not a ‘drawn’ out person and it held my attention from start to finish and it held my attention throughout. It wasn’t something I wanted to put down, although, during my day, I have to. I get to listen in 30 min sections.
What I enjoyed the most, was the fact that even though there are many AI stories, and some are very similar in nature. This didn’t follow the ‘plan’ I first envisioned. I’m an avid reader, of both scripts and stories, and listening to this was great.
There were quite a few to be fair. And Adam’s realisation’s came with great consequences, the fact that he could and would have jumped into the crusher to save his partner, and the fact that Tera basically had been lied to and abused all her life. There were huge decisions going on as Adam processed all these.
I think everyone will be glad when Adam isn’t dead. We all think Tera’s killed him off. It was both written well and narrated well. Just enough emotion, sadness and then joy when we switch chapters and into Adam’s POV inside the police computer.
Considering I’m not a ‘cop’ kinda girl and thriller stories really aren’t my thing either, this was well executed. I would defo listen to more from both the writer and narrator.
I did buy this the other day and hadn’t expected to get through it so quick. I kinda wished it had been longer, because I’d only just started to get into it, and then it was over.
Although the story itself didn’t warrant being any longer, perhaps I just hoped there was more for the pair, then I went to look and I guess there is, as this is book 1. So now I’m happy.
Thanks for the ride, I’ll be back! lol

Silicon Man –

Thoughts as follows and some SPOILERS

I was interested to follow this series and see what happens next. Or with whom I’m kinda glad that we got new characters to enjoy. Though it was a little predictive, (hence the mark down) I still enjoyed the performance from Joe and got involved with all the characters.

Cole Marcellus, is a cop with a terrible past, he’s dedicated to his cause and wants to stop all AI from hurting others, or running away.

There are some very interesting facts given very early on in this story. The Alsatian. The procedure for the upload… (which I have to say had me cringe over anyway, I mean uploading to a mechanical body… if this were possible… and it got out, how many ‘people’ would want to do just that. Doesn’t bare thinking on. However it does seed doubt in your mind from the get go.

So when AI cole is out and on his mission he gets to see some really awful ways that humans abuse the AI’s, and it’s kinda sad. The AI that rescues the cat is great, cause I am sure Cole was going to do it otherwise. But I do agree with him Cole should have let the enforcer zap him, he got in a whole lot of trouble. haha but saying that he wouldn’t have got to the underground as quick otherwise.

In regards to the whole underground and getting Solace. I honestly thought this whole section of the story was way to quick. Really stupid, no QT period or checks, or well it was just that, too quick and stupid on their part. And for me listening to it, I was shaking my head all the way through.

I did love Kira, and her background with Ron, that was well interspersed. When the Tak Team came in and they broke the underground up again another thing that was a little too predictive was the fact that Cole was still human and AI cole was never going to get back to his body.

The realisation for him though was well played. Even down to Zora putting in a safety memory wipe.

Solace was also one that was never going to get out of AI tak’s grips. I think for me what let me down here wasn’t the fact that I knew it was coming, but if there had been that little bit more build up with Cole and him (not just that one conversation) then it might have felt harsher in my ears, I might have gotten to know him and care for him. When they find him as a blank, I’m pretty indifferent to his story. Even if he’s been this huge hero for everyone, he kinda wasn’t for me.

The ending was pretty awesome, Joe added a depth to the excitement with the tone and pitch of his voice. Human against machine, brilliant and so so glad that Human Cole went back to see to Janson.

So much scope for this world, and the series. I’m still a fan, but sometimes slower is better with the story 🙂

Waiting on the next instalment!

Crossing the Darkness.

This was a shorter piece, and not really interactive with the others, but it held the same ideas and style of characters. This I enjoyed, along with William Massa’s usual traits, it was well written and very thought provoking. I could imagine the characters, and I was really routeing for Faith, she wanted everything to be so much better. She never imagined what she would wake up to. As a wide read and listened reviewer I found all of these stories very refreshing, thought engaging, and real. They make you think on so many different levels, that sometimes it really hurt.

Joe’s narration sets all these stories off to an amazing start, from the get fo there’s feeling, inflection, and character traits that you learn to love through each story. What Joe puts into each person is something second to none. And I have him very high on my narrators to follow list. I don’t think anyone would be disappointed in these tales.

I think really my only quibble was the length of the last story, of course, it sets of the set, but I thought and felt there could have been more from the writer on this. That it just didn’t quite satisfy me in as much as I got to know the characters, the story unfolded with a few twists, and it left me satisfied, but still like I needed more.

Overall this is a set I’d highly recommend, because of the content throughout and the narrator. I look forward to more from these two, I know they are a great pair.

🙂