Jul 11 2012

DUNE by Frank Herbert

Category: Science Fiction,Science Fiction and Fantasy audiobook reviews — Seer @ 4:34 PM

 

Rating: ★★★★★

 Synopsis

House Atreides is given governance of the desert planet Arrakis, an unforgiving planet with critical water shortages, however the only source of the extremely valuable spice melange. Whoever controls Arrakis controls the spice, and the previous custodians, House Harkonnen, plot against the new incumbents. Arrakis is a tough home and assignment for the Atreides family, perhaps most of all for young Paul Atreides, of whom great things are expected.

The Story

At the higher level, the story revolves around the escalating feud between Atreides and Harkonnen. The feud is made all the more interesting with a number of powerful factions involved, each with their own motive.

At the lower level, the story is about Paul Atreides putting his extensive training to use in finding and fulfilling his destiny.

The story has fantastical elements but it is so well written that they feel real. It is as if you’ve been transported to Arrakis and into the world of House Atreides.

There is a lot to this story and the way it is all brought together is a wonder to behold.

The Characters

A large array of key characters make up this novel and they are all remarkable. Easy and early favourites are the Atreides family members including Duke Leto, the perfect lord and father, his wife Lady Jessica of the exclusive Bene Gesserit sisterhood (where she learned particular powers), and their son Paul. There are also numerous members of the Atreides household including guards and advisers, conflicted and uncertain Arrakins who now work for House Atreides, and the native people of Arrakis – the Fremen. There are a number of stand-outs among these, resulting in a superb supporting cast.

The Audio/Reading

This is a full-cast recording performed by Scott Brick, Simon Vance, Orlagh Cassidy and Euan Morton and it is AMAZING. The quality of the reading not only matched the quality of the writing but enhanced it, certainly contributing to the world and events feeling real.

Themes/Issues/Historical Parallels/Historical References

Environmental sustainability, social inequality, loyalty and betrayal.

Where To Find It

If Dune read by Scott Brick, Simon Vance, Orlagh Cassidy and Euan Morton forms part of your future, here is a link to it at Audible.com.

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Jan 22 2012

BEST SERVED COLD by Joe Abercrombie

Category: Fantasy,Science Fiction and Fantasy audiobook reviews — Seer @ 3:43 PM

 

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Synopsis

After years of war in the employ of Grand Duke Orso, famous mercenary Monzcarro (Monza) Murcatto is betrayed, thrown down a mountain, and left for dead. As the title indicates, she seeks revenge on the seven men who ruined her. Employing a motley band of similarly washed-up “experts” to assist her in gaining access to her high profile seven, Monza carries out her retribution with unabashed ruthlessness.

The Story

This is a story of single-minded revenge and diverts from this only in small bits and pieces. The story is made interesting by the elaborate methods of vengeance, things going wrong at the worst times, and the colourful supporting characters.

While based on a neat and interesting premise, and working very well for the first half, it is a very long story and the whole revenge thing gets a little old. Perhaps seven targets are too many? Thankfully, in compensation for the weakening story, the characters become increasingly amusing.

The Characters

Some characters of old re-appear however they were either minor in The First Law trilogy, or mentioned only in passing in Best Served Cold. There is no requirement whatsoever to have read The First Law – the few familiar characters are in new and unrelated chapters of their lives.

The fierce Monza Murcatto, Snake of Talins, Butcher of Caprile, is the main character and worthy centre for the story. She is tough and fierce, but highly flawed in her frightening callousness and blinkered pursuit of revenge.

Other main characters include a barbarian from the North, Caul Shivers (from The First Law), who is a fish out of water in the cities of Styria, mercenary Nicomo Cosca (also from The First Law) who is an hilarious and endearing drunkard, Friendly, an obsessive-compulsive counter and murderer, and Morveer, the arrogant master poisoner. It is this group, in their unique interactions with Monza and with each other, that make the story.

The Audio/Reading

The reading by Steven Pacey at first seemed overly dramatised and pompous however it soon became clear that this is the blustering style and cadence of the story. While perhaps less fitting for Monza and Shivers, Pacey’s style is perfect for Cosca, Friendly and Morveer. Once into the story, Pacey’s style greatly accentuates the humour in the dialogue.

Themes/Issues/Historical Parallels/Historical References

The usual accompaniments of a revenge story.

Where To Find It

If Best Served Cold read by Steven Pacey forms part of your future, here is a link to it at Audible.com.

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Oct 10 2011

WAY STATION by Clifford D. Simak – IN SHORT

Category: Science Fiction,Science Fiction and Fantasy audiobook reviews — Seer @ 8:40 AM

 

Rating: ★★★½☆

Enoch Wallace operates the only way station on Earth, providing aliens with a stop-over on their travels throughout the galaxy. He operates the station from a farm in a small town, unbeknownst to the rest of human kind. That is, until the fact that he hasn’t aged in 100 years draws attention beyond that of the townsfolk.

This is a short, original and interesting listen.

Summerer’s reading suited both Enoch’s isolated contemplations, as well as his interactions with local townsfolk and travelling aliens.

If Way Station read by Eric Michael Summerer forms part of your future, here is a link to it at Audible.com.

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Oct 03 2011

THE PRESTIGE by Christopher Priest

Category: Fantasy,Science Fiction and Fantasy audiobook reviews — Seer @ 6:57 PM

 

Rating: ★★½☆☆

Synopsis

A modern-day young man and young women find the diaries of their great grandfathers. The diaries tell them of nineteenth century England, where two stage magicians compete for fame and fortune. More than friendly rivalry, the magicians form an early enmity, setting out to find the secrets of each other’s tricks and spoil them publicly. When one produces a trick the other cannot find the secret of, their feud escalates dangerously.

The Story

The heart of the story is the magicians’ feud. The modern-day young man and women are a boring and unnecessary element. Indeed, in the 2006 film, this element of the novel is completely excluded. While based on an exciting premise, the way the story is told is long-winded, full of fluff, and uninteresting. This is largely due to the diary format where we are read excerpts which, in order to be realistic, include mundane detail of little relevance.

The resolution of the story seemed heavy-handed and did not make a lot of sense.

In contrast, the film based on this novel is absolutely superb. It has none of the extraneous boring bits, significantly improved on key plot elements, and is, unlike the novel, perfectly and brilliantly resolved. If you have seen the film, this novel will disappoint you. The film reaches the true potential of the novel.

The Characters

The magicians – Angier and Borden – are the key characters of this story. Each has their own ambitions, motives, and secrets, all of which we are privy to from their diaries. Their feud brings out the worst in them however it is largely based on misunderstanding, and they are both decent men with whom the reader can identify. The novel cleverly engages the reader in each of their causes, even though it is clear that they cannot both succeed.

Here again, the film is far superior. Unlike the novel in which both magicians are a little bland, the film gives each of them appropriate darkness.

The Audio/Reading

Simon Vance’s reading somewhat made up for the slowness of this novel. His varying English accents (including Angier’s prissy tones and Borden’s comparatively lower-class grumbles) enhanced the sense of living in nineteenth century England, attending stage magic shows.

Themes/Issues/Historical Parallels/Historical References

Sacrifice, deceit, one-upmanship, revenge.

Where To Find It

If The Prestige read by Simon Vance forms part of your future, here is a link to it at Audible.com.

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Jun 24 2011

THE WINDUP GIRL by Paolo Bacigalupi

Category: Science Fiction,Science Fiction and Fantasy audiobook reviews — Seer @ 10:06 PM

 

Rating: ★★★½☆

Synopsis

The world has reached a state where, due to global warming, food production is controlled by companies that genetically modify seeds. These “calorie companies” engage in unethical means to monopolise their market. Deadly diseases run rampant in the gene-hacked foods, the most prominent being blister rust. Strict trade laws are enforced by largely corrupt Environment Ministry officials.

The Story

Set in Thailand, the story focuses on the conflict between the Trade Ministry and the Environment Ministry, following several characters with stakes in one side or the other. Each character has their own motives, ranging from escaping the Thai prostitution scene to locating the Thai seedbank.

The Characters

This novel contains a diverse cast of characters. Anderson is an American calorie man under cover as a kink-spring factory owner, whose actual mission is to locate the Thai seedbank. His Chinese factory assistant, Hock Seng, steals from Anderson to look out for himself and his own kind. Jaidee is a famous muay thai champion who is now an Environment Ministry official above corruption. Emiko is a Japanese windup (genetically engineered being) who has been discarded by her owner and is now forced into prostitution. Each character is sympathetic, even though some of them are in conflict with each other, making for an interesting listen.

The Audio/Reading

Jonathan Davis’s reading was clear and expressive, and his narration was a pleasure to listen to. His dramatisation of dialogue was very good, including the smatterings of Thai language throughout. Of particular note were Emiko’s Japanese accent and verbal mannerisms, which would not come through in the printed version of this novel.

Themes/Issues/Historical Parallels/Historical References

The audiobook contains a preface read by the author, describing his inspiration for the novel – the SARS epidemic which erupted while he was travelling in Southeast Asia.

This novel provides commentary on global warming, discrimination, disease, government corruption, corporate ethics, and genetic engineering.

Where To Find It

If The Windup Girl read by Jonathan Davis forms part of your future, here is a link to it at Audible.com.

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Apr 17 2011

THE LAST UNICORN by Peter S. Beagle – IN SHORT

Category: Fantasy,Science Fiction and Fantasy audiobook reviews — Seer @ 3:52 PM

 

Rating: ★½☆☆☆

This is an intentionally cliché fairytale for a younger audience. The story follows a unicorn and a struggling wizard on a journey that involves a demon bull, an evil ruler, and a prince. It has darkness to it but is still quite simplistic. The story is quite boring overall, although it does improve a little in the second half.

There is much love for this story online, perhaps because people first read it when they were young. As a latecomer, I unfortunately found it to be bland, conventional fantasy.

Despite being read by the author himself, the reading was not particularly enjoyable. Beagle sounded like he had a cold, and simply was not as good as the voice actors we’ve become spoiled by.

There was fantastic music (classical guitar) between chapters which was a pleasantly surprising feature, and the best part of the listen. The short bursts of music were the highlights of this story, however were unfortunately not enough to redeem it.

Perhaps it would be better to check this out in its other formats (e.g. comic, film), however if The Last Unicorn read by Peter S. Beagle forms part of your future, here is a link to it at Audible.com.

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Mar 20 2011

GALAPAGOS by Kurt Vonnegut

Category: Science Fiction,Science Fiction and Fantasy audiobook reviews — Seer @ 2:21 PM

 

Rating: ★★★★☆

Synopsis

An assortment of passengers including a widowed teacher, a tycoon, a swindler, and a computer genius, embark on a nature cruise of the Galapagos Islands. Also on board is Mandarax – a hand-held computer with the ability to translate almost any language, produce relevant quotations from literature on cue, and even provide instructional lessons on various subjects. The narrator tells the story of how this cruise was a crucial point in the evolution of humanity as it stands one million years later.

The Story

Narrated by a ghost one million years from the events he describes, Galapagos is a highly original and unpredictable story. It starts slowly however continues to gain momentum the whole way through. The use of flashbacks adds variety by providing settings other than the cruise ship.

If you take your brain too seriously, you will not enjoy the way this story mocks humanity.

An interest in Darwin’s theory of evolution will increase your enjoyment of this story.

The Characters

You will not like these characters. They are greedy, dishonest, sweaty, stupid, and diseased. Much like real people. No doubt the largely despicable nature of the characters was intentional, and essential in demonstrating the theme of the story. These characters were difficult to sympathise with however credit is due to the author for their gritty realism.

The Audio/Reading

Jonathan Davis does a brilliant characterisation of the narrator; depicting the ghost’s scornful opinions and dryly conveying the humorous parts of the story. The solemnity with which Davis delivers this story is so convincing that at times you will forget that they are fictional events he is recalling.

The only thing you miss in the audio version of this novel, which you eventually discover when listening anyway, is the presence of asterisks with an unknown (until later) meaning next to the names of various characters.

Themes/Issues/Historical Parallels/Historical References

This novel provides commentary on evolution, and in particular, the ways in which the human brain has actually evolved to be ill-adapted.

Galapagos is an alternative history likely inspired by real-world events occurring at the time it was written which you can read about here and here.

Where To Find It

TAKE HEED! At 34.95USD or 24.46USD for Audible.com members, you do not want to buy this as a one-off. Galapagos is good value if you instead use an Audible.com credit.

If Galapagos read by Jonathan Davis forms part of your future, here is a link to it at Audible.com.

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Mar 14 2011

THE LAST KINGDOM by Bernard Cornwell

Category: Fantasy,Science Fiction and Fantasy audiobook reviews — Seer @ 1:17 PM

 

Rating: ★★★★★

Note: This novel is not fantasy (it is historical fiction), however encompasses many of the elements of fantasy (battles, nobility, political intrigue) and is so good that I feel obliged to tell you about it.

Synopsis

The Danes invade England and Uhtred, a 10-year-old English aristocrat, is taken captive and taught Viking ways. Great battles are waged between the Danes and Saxons while Uhtred fights his own battles of smaller scale. Surrounded by enemies, Uhtred faces both Dane and Saxon, as well as his own internal conflicts about which side is right in war. Despite his uncertainty, one thing is never in question; he is Ealdorman Uhtred, and he will take back what is his.

The Story

The story is fast-moving and full of vigour. It is a ride of a tale packed with blood, sex and betrayal. It is the story of a boldly bantering, rabidly fighting, confident set of warriors invading the lands of a comparatively meek and pious set of Englishmen. If you enjoyed Wolfskin by Juliet Marillier, you will enjoy this.

The Characters

It was very enjoyable to follow Uhtred throughout this tale. Being party to his thoughts and reactions to the Danes at first, then later to the events of the invasion, was a riveting experience.

The happy-go-lucky, funny, and charming Danish characters were particularly amusing.

The Audio/Reading

You would swear that the narrator, Tom Sellwood, is Uhtred himself. Sellwood is completely convincing in the intonations and characteristics of Uhtred, making this story of a quality higher than one would get off the page. Sellwood also portrays the clipped sentences of English lords, and has the relaxed charm and vulgar humor of the Danes absolutely down pat.

Themes/Issues/Historical Parallels/Historical References

This is the first book in a historical fiction series about the wars between the Saxons and the Danes in the time of King Alfred The Great. The novel contrasts the cultures (particularly the religions) of the two sides.

Where To Find It

TAKE HEED! This is the first book in a series (The Saxon Stories) and not all of them are available in unabridged audio format.

If The Last Kingdom read by Tom Sellwood forms part of your future, here is a link to it at Audible.com.

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Feb 12 2011

REVELATION SPACE by Alastair Reynolds – IN SHORT

Category: Science Fiction,Science Fiction and Fantasy audiobook reviews — Seer @ 5:41 PM

 

Rating: ★★★☆☆

An archaeologist/scientist from an eminent family discovers an artefact that can provide invaluable information about an ancient civilization that was mysteriously wiped out.

Unbeknownst to him, while he attempts to uncover the mysteries of the civilization, he is chased through space by pursuers who need his skills to heal their captain. Unbeknownst to the pursuers, they have been infiltrated by an assassin. Unbeknownst to the assassin, her employer has undisclosed motives. Unbeknownst to everyone, sinister technology is out to get them all!

The characters are good, the main character (Sylveste) is fantastic, and the story is intricate, original and gripping.

BUT TAKE HEED! The audio format puts you at a disadvantage in understanding this complex novel.

  1. Each part starts with the year and location, since various plots are taking place across a large span of time and space. Since the years mentioned are so far in the future (e.g. 2566), they are difficult to remember (as are the locations), and the chopping and changing between times was difficult to follow without being able to flick back and look at previous chapters.
  2. There are, inexplicably, no pauses between scene changes. The reading has been edited into a continuous stream. You will think you accidentally pressed skip, but no, the scene changed without you knowing and you are now confused.

None of the faults of the audio are those of the reader, John Lee, who was quite good. His plethora of accents added variety to the story you wouldn’t get off the page, although some may find them annoying.

This novel deserves your understanding. This is made difficult by the audio format, unless you are willing to continuously rewind or listen to the whole thing twice.

Overall, it is probably better to read the printed version, however if Revelation Space read by John Lee forms part of your future, here is a link to it at Audible.com.

TAKE HEED! At 39.99USD or 27.99USD for Audible.com members, you do not want to buy this as a one-off. Revelation Space is VERY good value if you instead use an Audible.com credit.

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Jan 08 2011

JONATHAN STRANGE & MR NORRELL by Susanna Clarke

Category: Fantasy,Science Fiction and Fantasy audiobook reviews — Seer @ 11:13 AM

 

Rating: ★★★½☆

Synopsis

English magic has become purely theoretical. The days of powerful magicians with fairy servants are a distant past. Two magicians attempt to bring practical magic back to England; one willing to do anything for his own gains, the other willing to put himself at risk to re-discover lost magic. As the two magicians work slowly at the restoration of practical magic, a darker figure works his own magic to more sinister ends.

The Story

While highly inventive and full of brilliant detail, I found the story slow, a little repetitive, and too long. Clarke put enormous effort into detailed background stories and highly imaginative descriptions (particularly of the magic), however I felt these were too frequent and that the story lacked action and progress. The slowness was partially compensated for by the clever humour and the exemplary exploration of themes.

The Characters

The key benefit of the length and detail of the story was the richness of the characters. Not only Strange and Norrell, but several supporting characters also, were very well-developed. For this reason I actually found one of the side stories more interesting than the main plot.

The Audio/Reading

Simon Prebble’s voices and accents, in combination with Clarke’s detailed descriptions, will make you feel you’re actually in 19th-century England which will certainly enrich the story.

One downside of the audio format are the many footnotes containing back-stories which, when listening, confused and stilted the story a little. This is less of a problem as you become used to it.

The printed book also contains illustrations by Portia Rosenberg. I’m not convinced that illustration would add much to the story due to the strength of Clarke’s imagery. Despite this, a look at the illustrations (via Google) is certainly worthwhile as they are wonderful art, and Rosenberg’s style adds extra gloom to Clarke’s detail.

Themes/Issues/Historical Parallels/Historical References

The audiobook explored the themes of misplaced trust, unappreciated loyalty, the blindness of arrogance, the sacrifice of working for a cause rather than oneself, ambition, envy, and revenge, to name a few. This novel is rich!

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is essentially an alternate history novel with real 19th century England history (particularly military history) twisted by the existence of magic.

Where To Find It

TAKE HEED! At 70.12USD or 49.08USD for Audible.com members, you do not want to buy this as a one-off. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is EXTREMELY good value if you instead use an Audible.com credit.

If Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell read by Simon Prebble forms part of your future, here is a link to it at Audible.com.

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