I enjoyed listening to this very much. I have never read anything by John Scalzi, but I am definitely willing to take the time and read more. I like that things are not completely spelled out and some things are left a bit ambiguous. The characters themselves are very well developed, both major and minor. The story flows and is coherent from start to finish, making it very easy to follow.
In the near future, it becomes almost impossible to murder anyone. Those who are murdered or killed intentionally come back 999 times out of a thousand. No one knows why or how this happened, and it changes everything about the way the world operates.
Tony Valdez is a Dispatcher, a professional and licensed assassin who is sent out when someone is known to be about to have their life taken. This means that they monitor places like hospitals where people die at the hands of others, even though it is not intentional. When Tony’s friend is kidnapped, he is drafted by the detective on the case to help find him before anything happens to him.
I remember Zachary Quinto on Heroes and was not thrilled with his character, and when he was cast as Spock in the Star Trek reboot, I was likewise less than thrilled. The thing is, I have become a fan and think he did a great job here in his characterizations of the people populating this story. A really big recommendation!
This marks my first encounter with the author A.R. Wise, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed with this debut. Wise expertly crafts a gripping narrative filled with intense zombie scenes and resilient characters navigating this tumultuous world. From the very first pages, where we are introduced to the protagonist, David, I found myself immersed in the story, right up to the poignant conclusion that reveals his wife’s unexpected strength and determination.
The setting is a classic portrayal of a sprawling urban landscape, surrounded by water and filled with the remnants of civilization. The city’s infrastructure has crumbled, leaving cars as unreliable modes of transportation, which adds another layer of tension to an already perilous situation.
David’s harrowing journey unfolds as he finds himself trapped in his office when the zombie outbreak erupts without warning. Meanwhile, his wife and daughters are stranded atop their home, anxiously waiting for his return, hoping against hope that he will reach them before it’s too late. The narrative follows David as he traverses the chaos-stricken city, battling not only the relentless hordes of zombies but also the sinister individuals who exploit the apocalypse for their gain.
Brian Sutherland deserves commendation for his skillful character development, bringing to life a diverse cast of individuals, both male and female. Each character is vividly portrayed, adding depth to the story and eliciting empathy from the reader. This thrilling tale is sure to resonate with a wide audience, offering a captivating mix of suspense, emotion, and human resilience. It’s a journey worth experiencing, and I believe many readers will find it deeply enjoyable.
This book caught me completely off guard, not just in terms of its content but also in how much I genuinely enjoyed it. I typically don’t read much in the way of humor, and I had never considered exploring a humorous work by Stephen King before. However, it turns out he has a real talent for this genre. The main character is a fascinating archetype, one that feels all too familiar; you can probably recall meeting someone just like him at least once in your life.
Set against the backdrop of Maine, the story immerses us in a world full of quirky locals and the summer tourists who arrive each year, bringing with them their own unique brand of eccentricity.
The central figure, Alden, lives with his mother, a widow since the passing of his father. Their lives were expected to become a struggle following his father’s death, as they had always existed on the financial precipice. Surprisingly, however, he had invested wisely in a thorough insurance policy, which left them in a comfortable position. Just when things seem like they couldn’t get better, Alden’s mother finds herself winning the lottery—a stroke of luck that catapults them into a new realm of affluence.
This unexpected wealth allows them to enjoy a life of indulgence, particularly during the summer months, where they engage in a rather ridiculous feud with their neighbors. Yet, in true storytelling fashion, this newfound wealth and leisure lead to unexpected complications, sending their lives into a spiral of chaos.
The narrative is voiced by Tim Sample, who excels at bringing the character of the laid-back Alden to life with his unique storytelling style. He balances this with a compelling rendition of Alden’s mother, Mrs. McCausland, along with the diverse cast of side characters who flit in and out of their lives, enriching the tapestry of this humorous and unpredictable tale.
I’ve been meaning to dive into this book for quite some time now, as it’s been sitting in my Audible TBR (to-be-read) list for a while. I also have a copy of it on my Kindle, waiting for the day I finally get around to reading it. Although that moment may still be a bit further down the road, I can’t help but feel a wave of excitement as I contemplate starting this journey. The initial glimpses I’ve had into this world have really piqued my interest, offering a captivating mix of political maneuvering, scientific advancements, and a compelling sense of intrigue that promises to make it a worthwhile read.
So far, I’ve already developed a fondness for some of the characters introduced in the early chapters. Their dynamics and backgrounds seem rich with potential, and I genuinely hope they play significant roles in the larger narrative as I progress through the series.
One character that stands out is Oldtimer, who, before adopting that moniker, was known as Craig Emilson. His backstory as a young doctor thrust into military service at the onset of World War III adds a profound layer to the narrative. The combination of medical expertise and the harsh realities of war sets the stage for a fascinating exploration of his character and the choices he must navigate in these tumultuous times. Overall, I can’t wait to immerse myself further into the intricacies of this story.
This delightful novel serves as a prequel to the Royal Spyness mysteries, introducing readers to the charming yet precarious life of Lady Georgiana Rannoch. At twenty-one, she finds herself the thirty-fourth in line to the British throne and the most impoverished heiress in England, a position that creates a unique blend of privilege and struggle.
After enduring a disappointing debut season in high society, during which she failed to capture the attention of any suitably wealthy suitors, Lady Georgiana has nearly resigned herself to a life of spinsterhood. However, fate intervenes when she receives an unexpected invitation to a masked Halloween ball at the illustrious Broxley Manor. The invitation leaves her puzzled—why would such a glamorous gathering include her, a seemingly overlooked young woman?
As events unfold, Georgiana uncovers that the royal family has orchestrated this invitation with a rather urgent agenda: they intend to marry her off to a foreign prince rumored to be quite mad. The prospect fills her with dread and excitement, setting the stage for a whirlwind of intrigue that mirrors both her personal stakes and the larger tapestry of the time.
The narrative richly interweaves historical details, providing readers with a glimpse into the societal norms and expectations of early 20th-century Britain. The appearance of the Prince of Wales—David, known for his controversial choices—and Wallis Simpson, often vilified in history, adds layers of complexity and historical context to the story. Through Georgie’s eyes, the contrasting portrayals of Americans as boisterous and uncultured, against the backdrop of the poised and reserved British society, illustrate the era’s class dynamics and perceptions.
While the tale is peppered with humor and light-heartedness, it also presents a subtle critique of British self-importance, a sentiment that resonates in today’s cultural dialogues. Readers are invited to enjoy this whimsical foray into history, setting the stage for what promises to be a series that is both engaging and entertaining, filled with spirited adventures and delightful escapades.
This is the first time I have immersed myself in the work of this author, despite having heard quite a bit about her talent and reputation. The characters in the story are captivating, though there’s an underlying juvenile quality to them that lingers even as they transition into adulthood. The adults in the narrative often come across as vindictive, which adds a layer of complexity but can be frustrating at times. While the plot itself is engaging and constructed well, there are moments when it feels like crucial backstory and deeper character insights are missing. Personally, I’ve never been a fan of short chapters; they tend to disrupt the flow of the story for me, making it feel like I’m flipping through many more pages than necessary.
The narrative begins with Tim Robertson as a child, showcasing a poignant moment from his youth. Along with his best friend, Damien, Tim embarks on a small yet ambitious venture selling cookies in their neighborhood to raise funds for an upcoming field trip. One fateful day, after a rather underwhelming sales effort, the boys decide to approach one final house before an impending storm rolls in. This house, directly across the street from Tim’s own home, belongs to two elderly ladies who are known in the neighborhood for their distinctive blue 1957 Cadillac parked prominently out front. When Damien volunteers to go inside the house to collect payment for the cookies, he mysteriously never reappears. As Tim stands outside, feeling a growing sense of unease, the unexpected strikes: he is hit by lightning for the first time.
Fast forward twenty years, and Tim still grapples with the trauma and unanswered questions surrounding his friend’s disappearance. Now a married man with a son whom he has named after Damien, Tim finds it hard to shake off the shadows of his past. Life takes another twist when the house across the street is sold, and the new residents eerily resemble the same elderly ladies from his childhood. As Tim’s life begins to unravel, he seeks someone to blame, fixating on these women from the past. However, he learns that the cycles of blame and the thirst for vengeance can have unforeseen and devastating consequences.
While I had the impression that this story aimed to evoke fear, perhaps I’ve become too jaded or desensitized to be easily frightened. I do hope that as I delve deeper into more works by this author, the intensity and scariness increase. I suspect others might experience this narrative on a more visceral level, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to explore it. Enjoy the read, and brace yourself for what comes next…
My rating: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
“He couldn’t escape that eerie feeling in the bottom of his stomach. It had been there for a long time now. Since the day he pulled that triathlete out of the river. It was like he was just waiting for something terrible to happen, like his entire life was on a direct course for disaster. What was it his grandmother always called it? Oh, yeah—it felt like it was all going to Hell in a Handbasket.”
I recently delved into a captivating anthology that presents an impressive collection of stories, each showcasing the diverse talents of various narrators. While I found the overall experience enjoyable, I hesitated to assign it a perfect rating of 5 stars. After careful consideration and evaluation of each story on its own merits, my average rating settled around 3.7 stars. However, in keeping with the practice of rounding up, I ultimately decided on a final score that reflects my appreciation for the anthology as a whole.
The anthology is thoughtfully divided into three distinct volumes, and the first volume neatly contains eight stories of varying lengths. Each narrative offers its own unique flavor, aided by a talented ensemble of narrators who breathe life into the tales with their distinctive vocal skills. One of my personal joys while listening was attempting to guess the identity of each narrator based solely on their signature voices—a delightful challenge that added another layer to my listening experience.
Among the standout stories in this volume is “Suffer the Little Children,” masterfully narrated by the esteemed Whoopi Goldberg. This chilling tale centers on Mrs. Sidley, a long-serving teacher who begins to notice unsettling changes in her classroom, particularly in her students’ behaviors. Her initial attempts to maintain control spiral into a desperate struggle as she attempts to confront these disturbing developments, leading to a narrative that is as gripping as it is unsettling. I rated this story a respectable 3 stars, appreciating Goldberg’s ability to impart a sense of dread and urgency to the narrative.
Another noteworthy piece is “Crouch End,” brought to life by the iconic Tim Curry. In this story, we are introduced to an unassuming small town that conceals a menacing secret beneath its surface. As unsuspecting visitors wander through its streets, they are blissfully unaware that the town harbors dangers from which not all can escape. Curry’s compelling narration enhances the eerie atmosphere, skillfully drawing listeners into the tension of the unfolding plot. I was thoroughly impressed, giving this tale a solid rating of 4 stars.
Then there’s “Rainy Season,” narrated by the talented Yeardley Smith, which transports listeners to a quaint Maine town where the locals are acutely aware of the perils associated with a once-in-seven-year rain. Tourists, however, often dismiss the ominous warnings and venture out, leading to terrifying consequences as the dread of the coming rainy season looms ever closer. The sheer intensity and build-up of this chilling thriller deserved every bit of its 5-star rating, and I found myself completely engrossed in the impending doom.
“Dolan’s Cadillac,” narrated by the charismatic Rob Lowe, presents a riveting tale of revenge steeped in tension and dark undertones. Following the brutal murder of a man’s wife—who planned to testify against a ruthless mobster—the protagonist embarks on an elaborate, meticulous scheme to avenge her death. As the plot unfolds, the tension escalates remarkably, particularly as Dolan continues to navigate a life of anonymity, ostensibly evading the repercussions of his heinous actions. This powerful narrative struck a chord with me, earning a notable rating of 4.5 stars for its compelling storytelling and depth of emotion.
In “The House on Maple Street,” narrated by the accomplished Tabitha King, readers follow the Bradbury children as they return home after an extended summer abroad, only to discover something unsettling lurking within their family abode. As they grapple with this eerie and unexpected development, they craft a plan to use this strange phenomenon to confront the emotional turmoil that has taken root in their lives. This intriguing story resonated with me, leading to a thoughtful rating of 3.5 stars as I appreciated its blend of suspense and familial dynamics.
“Umney’s Last Case,” read by the renowned Robert B. Parker, draws listeners into a noir-inspired world where Clyde Umney, a hard-boiled detective, finds his reality shifting in ways that defy his understanding. His encounter with a character named Sam Landry, who shares a poignant reflection on life and the complexities of existence, propels Umney into an existential journey that explores the boundaries of fiction and reality. This complex narrative was engaging, and I awarded it a rating of 4 stars for its deep thematic exploration.
Stephen King also contributes a piece titled “Head Down,” which departs from the traditional short story format and instead presents an essay that delves into the nuances of Little League Baseball. As someone who has never held a particular fondness for baseball, I found this essay to be somewhat lengthy and tedious, leading to a rating of 2.5 stars. It simply did not resonate with me as much as the other narratives.
Lastly, we encounter “Brooklyn August,” which is presented as a poem exploring the theme of baseball. While it offers a unique perspective, it ultimately received a rating of 2.5 stars due to its specialized nature, which might not appeal to all readers or listeners.
In summary, this anthology delivers a rich tapestry of compelling narratives that cater to a variety of tastes. Most of the stories are engaging, and as a long-time admirer of Stephen King’s work, I found this collection to be a rewarding listening experience. I would strongly encourage fans of the genre to consider exploring this anthology, as it has something to offer for many, ranging from eerie thrillers to contemplative explorations of life.
Based on an average of my rating it comes to 3.4 stars for the entire book.
I’ve revisited some familiar stories recently, and I’ve found that listening to audiobooks adds a unique dimension to the experience. The nuanced performances by various narrators bring elements of the tales to life in unexpected ways. Each narrator infuses their own style, which can significantly alter the listener’s perception of the story. The variety of genres—ranging from fantasy to science fiction, and even horror—makes each listen an adventure in itself.
**4.5 stars: ‘The Langoliers’ narrated by Willem Dafoe.** This story remains one of my top favorites, a gripping staple that never fails to entertain me. Dafoe’s vocal delivery is fantastic; he possesses a remarkable ability to build tension, which is crucial as the passengers begin to unravel the mystery of their predicament. The narrative follows a routine flight that unexpectedly descends into terror as the characters grapple with their bizarre situation: they’ve become lost in an unsettling limbo, with no clue as to the fate of the other passengers. The ensemble cast portrays a diverse array of personalities, each contributing to the overall tension and suspense as they navigate their harrowing circumstances.
**2.5 stars: ‘Secret Window, Secret Garden’ narrated by James Woods.** Unfortunately, this story has never resonated with me, and my feelings haven’t changed in this audio format. Despite my appreciation for the source material, Woods’ narration falls a bit flat—it lacks the engaging energy I hoped for. The plot centers on a tense standoff between a writer and an enigmatic figure who claims that the story has been stolen from him, leading to dangerous consequences. While this concept draws parallels to other King tales I’ve enjoyed, it ultimately fails to stand out, leaving me wanting more depth and excitement.
**4.0 stars: ‘The Library Policeman’ narrated by Ken Howard.** Upon starting this narration, I couldn’t initially place Ken Howard, but once I recognized his distinctive voice, I became completely immersed. His performance was a joy to listen to, effectively bringing the characters and their eerie world to life. This slowly unfolding tale lingers with an unsettling sense of dread. The local library, typically a sanctuary for readers, is depicted as a place harboring dark secrets and lurking dangers. Howard expertly balances the mundane and the sinister, making for a vampire story that surprises with an ingeniously hidden twist. The characters are intricately developed, each contributing peculiarities that enhance the overall chilling narrative.
**2.5 stars: ‘The Sun Dog’ narrated by Tim Sample.** While I couldn’t recognize Tim Sample’s face, his narration is solid; he delivers the story well, even if it didn’t particularly captivate my attention. The pacing here is slow, evoking a sense of anticipation as it connects to other stories within the King universe, which I find intriguing. The plot revolves around a boy who receives a seemingly perfect camera as a birthday gift, but like many King stories, it hints at underlying ominous themes. As the boy interacts with the camera, he begins to unravel a potentially malevolent tale that he wishes to leave unfinished. Although I appreciated the connections to other narratives, the story didn’t quite hold my attention as much as I had hoped.
Listening to these stories, especially if you’ve read them before, is likely to evoke similar feelings and nostalgia. Stephen King has consistently offered me gripping tales throughout the years, and I keep returning to his work because of the satisfaction it brings. If you haven’t yet explored his audiobooks, I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive in—you’ll likely find as much to enjoy in the spoken word as you have in the written page!
I had yet to delve into the works of this author until now, but I was completely captivated by this story. While the premise may echo themes we’ve encountered before, it’s the execution that truly matters, and this tale is masterfully crafted. From the very first page, I was pulled into the narrative and found myself unable to set it down until the final word. I quickly developed a genuine affection for the characters, who were incredibly well-developed considering the brevity of their introductions. Although the world-building is solid, I felt there’s still room for more exploration, particularly regarding the planet’s unique flora and fauna.
At the center of the story is Georgie Carruthers, a pragmatic woman who has never put stock in the idea of extraterrestrial life. However, her beliefs face a dramatic upheaval when she and several other women are abruptly abducted from Earth in the dead of night and transported aboard a mysterious spacecraft destined for an unknown location. When the ship encounters mechanical issues, the captors make the decision to jettison their human cargo, leaving the women stranded on a desolate ice planet, with plans to come back for them later.
However, the women refuse to accept a fate of waiting to be reclaimed. Electing Georgie as their unexpected leader, she bravely takes on the critical task of seeking assistance and a way out of their bleak predicament. Enter Vektal, a striking native of the icy world who possesses both the desire and the means to help her.
The narrative shifts seamlessly between the perspectives of Georgie and Vektal, offering a rich, multidimensional experience that immerses the reader deeply in their journey. The story is infused with a tantalizing spice that enhances the romantic tension without crossing into the realm of the overly sensational. I eagerly anticipate the continuation of this saga; that level of excitement is a true testament to the author’s skill.
Although I found some enjoyment in this book, I struggled to stay engaged with the story. There were moments when the plot felt overly dramatic, and the overall length made it a bit of a slog to get through. The characters, however, were still thoughtfully crafted and relatable, making them easy to root for despite the pacing issues. Unfortunately, there were times when I set the book aside for several days simply because it failed to capture my interest. I may be a little too generous in giving it 3 stars, but I acknowledge that the underlying story has merit, even if it wasn’t entirely captivating.
"I have enough time to rest, but I don't have a minute to waste". Come and catch me with your wise words and we will have some fun with our words of wisdom.
Bookgirl 