Discover Popular Titles Full Audiobooks in Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

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Title: Ariel

Author: Steven R. Boyett

Narrator: Ramon De Ocampo

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-21-09

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 73 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

It's been five years since the lights went out, cars stopped in the streets, and magical creatures began roaming Earth. Pete Garey survived the Change, trusting no one but himself until the day he met Ariel - a unicorn who brought new meaning and adventure to his life.

Note: This updated version corrects a rendering error that did not allow sufficient silence between narrative sections.

Members Reviews:

awesome

If you could sum up Ariel in three words, what would they be?

magical vulgar(humor) adventure

What does Ramon de Ocampo bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

tone and timing of jokes

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

a couple but to each his own. Though the end is slightly tragic, even though without it, the sequel could never have been.

Any additional comments?

I read Elegy Beach a while ago, the sequel, knowing nothing of Ariel. I loved it. It didn't really hint that it was a sequel but maybe if I'd already read Ariel I may have caught something of the sort. When I hit the about the author bit afterword or paid attention to the "from the author of Ariel" on the cover I decided to put it on my list of books to get to. I should have put it right to the top. It's a great story, though sometimes predictable. But usually surprising and almost always hilarious. Get this book and you want to listen to it again. If you're the type, you might even want a paper copy too.

High Hopes, A Letdown

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Ending was both predictable and unfortunate.

Would you recommend Ariel to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, with hesitation. Interesting concept, world and people. But never gives any answers and the ending is hard to take.

Which character as performed by Ramon De Ocampo was your favorite?

Malachai Lee

Do you think Ariel needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It has one I think.

A Unique Love Story in a Fantasy Novel

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend this book. My wife read this book when she was 18 and fell in love with it. I made the mistake of giving the paperback to a friend to read and never got it back bringing upon myself the wrath of wife. So it was great to find it on audible.

What I found after listening to the story is that is really a young adult read for the high school crowd. I would also say that I think women will generally like the book more then men, but men will still enjoy it. The story is at its heart a unique love story.

The story fits in well with the current stream of young adult dystopian fiction.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It was a good ending. I am looking forward to the new, second book in this universe.

Have you listened to any of Ramon De Ocampos other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first time I have listened to his work, and he did a fine job.

Do you think Ariel needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

While the book is self-contained with a good beginning and end, I found I wanted to know what happened to the main character as he matured in age. The environment was very unique as well, and I would love to explore the world more.

Any additional comments?

I used to read a great deal of fantasy, but I haven't read any in over a decade. This was a fun read in the fantasy realm that was interesting to both me and my wife.

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Title: Dragon Keeper

Subtitle: The Rain Wild Chronicles, Book 1

Author: Robin Hobb

Narrator: Saskia Butler

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-06-09

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 139 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

People are changed by the Rain Wilds, subtly or otherwise. One such is Thymara. Born with black claws and other aberrations, she should have been exposed at birth. But her father saved her and her mother has never forgiven him. Like everyone else, Thymara is fascinated by the return of dragons: it is as if they symbolise the return of hope to their war-torn world. Leftrin, captain of the liveship Tarman, also has an interest in the hatching; as does Bingtown newlywed, Alise Finbok, who has made it her life's work to study all there is to know of dragons.

But the creatures which emerge from the cocoons are a travesty of the powerful, shining dragons of old. Stunted and deformed, they cannot fly; some seem witless and bestial. Soon, they become a danger and a burden to the Rain Wilders: something must be done. The dragons claim an ancestral memory of a fabled Elderling city far upriver: perhaps there the dragons will find their true home. But Kelsingra appears on no maps and they cannot get there on their own: a band of dragon keepers, hunters and chroniclers must attend them.

To be a dragon keeper is a dangerous job: their charges are vicious and unpredictable, and there are many unknown perils on the journey to a city which may not even exist...

Members Reviews:

Great story

This continues in the same world as the author's "Live Ships" trilogy, and includes some of the same characters, a few years on. The narrator voices the fine mix of interesting characters, human and inhuman, with convincing skill. The only minor annoyance is that it ends somewhat abruptly, albeit after 17 very enjoyable hours - a story that is very clearly "to be continued". Soon I hope!

Reader reads far to quickly had to listen on 0.75

Would you be willing to try another one of Saskia Butlers performances?

Only if I have too!

Any additional comments?

Please to see this narrator isn't used for the whole series

Fantastic Narrator

I loved this book. Saskia Butler has done a fantastic job as narrator - all the different voices/accents for so many characters. It is a pleasure to listen to. I haven't listened to the second book in the series yet but I'm a bit disappointed they haven't used the same narrator.

A definite keeper

Robin Hobb never disappoints - continuing with a story thread related to her brilliant Farseer, Liveship and Tawny Man trilogies, she weaves a magical tale that also comfortably stands alone. It will keep you up into the wee hours .... and anxious for the next installment. Here's hoping her other trilogies soon make their Audible debut - Robin Hobb is on of the rare gems of fantasy fiction with original concepts and plots that grab you and don't let go. I've read more than my fair share of the genre, and have found few that can compare.

Half a book

I am an avid Robin Hobb fan and hold her in the highest esteem. Dragon keeper is like reading/listening to the first third of a book. You just start to get into the story then is just abruptly ends. Leaving the listener feeling ripped off. Many narrators are able to create clearly distinct sounding voices for their characters. This one does not. That said she is very well spoken. In conclusion I felt ripped off as it is clearly only a third or at most a half of a book.

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Title: The Mystery of Grace

Author: Charles de Lint

Narrator: Paul Michael Garcia, Tai Sammons

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-23-09

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 146 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Grace, as her friends call her, has a Ford Motor Company tattoo running down her leg and grease worked deep into her hands. She works at Sanchez Motorworks customizing hot rods. Finding the line in a classic car is her calling. Now Grace has to find the line in her own life. Grace loves John, and John loves her, and that would be wonderful, except that John, like Grace, has unfinished business: he's haunted by the childhood death of his younger brother. He's never stopped feeling responsible. Before their relationship can find its resolution, the two of them will have to teach each other about life and love, about hot rods and Elvis Presley, and about why it's necessary to let some things go.

Critic Reviews:

Charles de Lint, multiple winner of the Yalsa Best Book for Young Adult Award, "believes in the power of magic - or at least the magic of fiction - to open our eyes to a larger world." (Edmonton Journal)

"Charles de Lint is the modern master of urban fantasy. Folktale, myth, fairy tale, dreams, urban legend - all of it adds up to pure magic in de Lint's vivid, original world. No one does it better." (Alice Hoffman)

"The story develops through comforting, warm compassion to reach the inevitable, mostly satisfying solution." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

interesting love story

I think I was expecting something more "adventure" like urban fantasy but what I got was a love story with an interesting twist. I think some people might find the story too quite, thus boring. I however found it interesting and likable. I liked Grace, the girl who never gives up and finds her courage and John, the boy/man who finally found what he was looking for life in Grace. When I finished listening to the book, it left me with hope and a smile.

Interesting Listen

The book starts strong with believable characters and well read narrators. There is a good twist and the book stays faithful to the concept. Not an epic mystery by any means, but enjoyable and interesting- good for an ethics book club question.

The mystery of grace

Charles De Lint has done it again, i loved this book and was avidly listening the whole way through to the end.

Interesting Premise

I didn't find this book as riveting as the Newford series. It was a slow starter, but it eventually caught my interest. Enjoyed the male narrator, but wish they had chosen a female narrator who could speak Spanish. The poor pronunciations were distracting.

Good.

It seemed to be aimed for the YA market. His other books span the generations better. Good story, though; I always love his stories, love the characters and the plot line. It was good, but it didn't hold my interest like some of his other books.

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Title: Dreams Underfoot

Subtitle: The Newford Collection

Author: Charles de Lint

Narrator: Kate Reading

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-27-09

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 134 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Come meet Jilly, painting wonders in the rough city streets; and Geordie, playing fiddle while he dreams of a ghost; and the Angel of Grasso Street gathering the fey and the wild and the poor and the lost. Dreams Underfoot is a must-read book not only for fans of urban fantasy but for all who seek magic in everyday life.

Critic Reviews:

"In de Lint's capable hands, modern fantasy becomes something other than escapism. It becomes folk song, the stuff of urban myth." (Phoenix Gazette)

"Charles de Lint shows that, far from being escapism, contemporary fantasy can be the deep mythic literature of our time." (Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction)

Members Reviews:

Too Much Urban Fantasy Wears Thin

Terri Windling's Introduction to Charles de Lint's Dreams Underfoot (1993) accurately describes the urban magic infusing the collection of nineteen short stories as using the tools of myth, folklore and fantasy to record dreams, mixing ancient folklore motifs and contemporary urban characters. Most of the nineteen stories in the collection are set in Newford, de Lint's fictional American city of subway and alleys, parks and rivers, cafes and clubs, university and library, cathedral and record shop, dangerous districts and upscale neighborhoods, official and unofficial histories, and so on.

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Title: Kushiel's Scion

Author: Jacqueline Carey

Narrator: Simon Vance

Format: Unabridged

Length: 27 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-01-08

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 617 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

As he comes of age, plagued by unwanted desires, Imriel shares their fears. When a simple act of friendship traps Imriel in a besieged city where the infamous Melisande is worshiped as a goddess and where a dead man leads an army, the prince must face his greatest test: to find his true self.

Critic Reviews:

"Intelligent, sexy, heartbreakingly human.... Carey at her intoxicating best." (Booklist Starred Review)

"Credible and gripping, this is heroic fantasy at its finest." (Publishers Weekly Starred Review)

Members Reviews:

Fun and frustrating

The story builds slowly, and it probably helps to have read the first three books in the series, but the last three can stand on their own. The characters are interesting, and the story is fun to follow. It's also deeply frustrating, because it leaves off so you have to read the next book. These shouldn't be read if you embarrass easily. There is some serious adult content. If that doesn't bother you, then the world the author creates is interesting, and you'll be left wanting to know how things turn out.

Brilliant Segue

I have read 5 of the 6 books in this series. This one provides the basis for Emriel, who goes on to be the major character in the next three books. The rest of it wasn't what I cared for, but necessary for the plot structure. If you're into plot, character development, intrigue and a great basis for alternate history this series is totally what you're looking for. I really started to understand the "Love as Thou Wilt" precept. Moral ambiguity set aside, Carey managed to develop an entirely different universe with Terre D'ange. It is a great story that's hard to put down.

great story

i really enjoyed this story. i'm still having trouble with the narrator but not enough to take away from the story. i understand the reasoning for the change in narrators but i don't care for the male narrators interpretation of the voices of many of the characters. but again Jacqueline Carey's writing is what saves the story. to the narrator you seem to have made many of the characters sound very old.

swallowing the names of the main characters

I started this after the Kushiel's Dart series, so I knew that the voices would be different in this new series with a new narrator. But the narrator adopts a very bad french accents and pronunciation during the names of characters and places. Especially with the names that end in "dre" - Isondre, Pheadre, etc. I do understand that Terre D'Ange is imagined to geographically be in France, but those names sound so uncomfortable. I wince whenever the text uses those words. It sounds like he's trying to roll the "r" but doesn't get there and sounds sort of muffled instead.

Additionally, the dialogue is read half in a french accent and half not, not always consistent with the characters.

The wrong narrator

I listened to the first three Kushiel's books on audible and thought they were fantastic. I gave up on this one and purchased the Kindle version. The narrator selected was totally wrong for this book. Instead of sounding like Imri, a young teenager, he sounds like a grandpa recalling something from the distant past. He takes the vibrant young characters like the Queen who are clearly in their 30s and makes them sound like elderly British monarchs.

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Title: Stonefather

Author: Orson Scott Card

Narrator: Emily Janice Card

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-31-08

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 819 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

When Runnel leaves his mountain valley to head for the great city of the water mages, he has no idea of his own magical talents. But he soon finds that without meaning to, he complicates and then endangers the lives of everyone he comes to know and care about. For when it comes to magic, there are rules and laws, and the untrained mage-to-be must be careful not to tap into deep forces and ancient enmities. Otherwise, other people might end up paying the price for his mistakes.

©2008 Orson Scott Card; (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Members Reviews:

Familiar and unique--a breath of fresh air

Card shows here that he has continued to hone his writing skills long after success first claimed him. While there are bits and pieces in the text that remind one strongly of the Alvin Maker series, the context is unique enough that it does not feel rehashed or redundant.

The story moves quickly and does not mire the reader in details. It is a light read, yet still manages to develop a couple of characters well enough to be engaging.

I was concerned as I neared the end of this book that the dangling loose ends would be left that way, given the small amount of time remaining to tie them. I was happily surprised to find that, while the resolution was brief, it was also comprehensive and did not feel hurried.

The narrator is expressive and pleasant to listen to. I only wish all of my money here on Audible was as well spent as on this book.

Great Book

This book was extremely fun to listen to. Card has a way of developing his characters which allows the reader to be part of the story and want more.

Fairy Tale Magic

Although Stonefather was originally published before the Mithermages series began to give readers a taste of that new series, I did not pick up Stonefather until after I had read both books 1 & 2 of the Mithermages. No matter, Stonefather is a totally stand alone story set in the Mithermages land of Westil and I recommend it without hesitation to anyone who enjoys a good fairy tale/allegory whether or not you read the series. This is Orson Scott Card at his finest; not so much a standard coming-of-age story (no sexual angst in this), but more a tale of finding your identity and being true to your own soul. I was surprised at how effortlessly Card was able to map out the basics of the magical system of the Mithermages in this one short book so that the listener quickly connects with the plot and the characters. The prose is beautiful and the character development surprisingly detailed considering the short length of the story. This is a really well-done blend of standard fairy tale tropes with an interesting magical system and concludes with a great moral and a very satisfying ending.

Orson Scott Card's daughter, Emily Janice Card, narrates Stonefather beautifully. I don't know if Ms. Card has the ability to narrate across genres since I've never heard her before, but her voice is a great match for this magical story.

A promise of what is to come

Stonefather and Sandmagic are two short stories of Orson Scott Card set in the same world as his new book "The Lost Gate." In Stonefather we meet a boy, called Runnel, who was the family misfit, frequently beaten by his father, just because of his proud face. Card plays with opposites, irony and gullibility to weave a very strong story around Runnel.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

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Title: Kushiel's Mercy

Author: Jacqueline Carey

Narrator: Simon Vance

Format: Unabridged

Length: 24 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-10-08

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 596 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

To quell the unrest, Ysandre, the queen, sets her decree. She will not divide the lovers, yet neither will she acknowledge them. If they marry, Sidonie will be disinherited, losing her claim on the throne.

There's only one way they can truly be together. Imriel must perform an act of faith: search the world for his infamous mother and bring her back to Terre d'Ange to be executed for treason.

Facing a terrible choice, Imriel and Sidonie prepare ruefully for another long separation. But when a dark foreign force casts a shadow over Terre d'Ange and all the surrounding countries, their world is turned upside down, alliances of the unlikeliest kind are made, and Imriel and Sidonie learn that the god Elua always puts hearts together apurpose.

Members Reviews:

Great story with fabulous narration

I have read all the books in this series, and yes, it helps to know the background of the characters, but it is a good story on its own as well. This author tends to sort of set the stage in the first book, further complicate the plot in the second book, and then bring it all to a grand and satifying conclusion in the third book, which this is. The first book featuring Imriel(Kushiel's Scion) is now out on Audible, but not the second, so hopefully that will soon change. I must admit that I listened to this production three times because I enjoyed Simon Vance's narration so much - he does a particularly excellent job here. I would like to see all of this series on Audible.

Could not stop listening

It is not easy to listen to a novel after working for 13 hours but I somehow managed! This is the last of Phedre and Imriel's stories. I am saddened but Carey certainly ended the series with a bang. I just couldn't stop till the end.

Imriel and Sidone were brilliant. There were answers to some people's whereabouts from the previous novels. (Sorry, not trying to be vague but don't want to give anything away.)

Much stronger feelings than before and their consequences. As Imriel and Sidone said in the novel "It is not wise to meddle with D'Angelines in matters of love". Hah!

Hope Carey writes more about this family and soon.

From here I am off to Naamah's Kiss and Naamah's Curse.

It is truly difficult to know which book is first so here it is: Kushiel's Dart, Kushiel's Chosen, Kushiel's Avatar, Kushiel's Scion, Kushiel's Justice, and Kushiel's Mercy.

Excellent

Jacqueline Carey writes such amazing work and this certainly is included. The story and the detail, the love and intrigue, written so well. Each of her books seem to get better and better. I am looking forward to starting the next series.

Amazing in intricacy and delightful in scope.

Jacqueline Carey is astounding and her world is filled with brighter shadows and deeper pinnacles than our own.

Such an intense, beautiful ending to this trilogy!

Note: While this is Book 6 in Kushiels Legacy (also referred to as the Terre DAnge Cycle) it is Book 3 in the second trilogy and focuses on Imriel de la Courcel, who we met in Book 3 of the first trilogy, Kushiels Avatar.

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Title: Thief of Time

Subtitle: Discworld, Book 26

Author: Terry Pratchett

Narrator: Stephen Briggs

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-15-08

Publisher: Random House AudioBooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 290 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Thief of Time comes complete with a full supporting cast of heroes, villains, yetis, martial artists, and Ronnie, the fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse (who left before they became famous).

Members Reviews:

Highly Recommended

I've listened to this so many times and though I adore the story itself, the narration is excellent and really brings it alive. I would highly recommend this!

Light and fun

A very pleasant book to listen to while getting some exercise. Although apparently laughing while running is not a good idea. I almost fell off the treadmill.

Loved it!

I found both the story and the narration was brilliant! Hilarious. I couldn't put it down.

One of my faverits.

I realy love this one. it has susen, death, and Time. realy good book and you should giv it a chans.

Problematic characterisations disappoint

Any additional comments?

This is one of my all time favourite Discworld books, and I've listened to Stephen Briggs and Tony Robinson read Pterry's books since for a long time. I was hesitant going into an audio version of 'Thief of Time', because so many of the gags are visual, but they mostly worked, which is great. What doesn't work is Briggs' corny and hackneyed "oriental" accents for the History Monks. When I first started listening, I was dismayed that I was listening to a Micky Rooney-esque yellow-face interpretation of these characters. To add insult to injury, Briggs doesn't seem able to maintain the atrociously bad accent, dropping in and out of various levels of awfulness. It was just plain sad and disappointing, and I don't know whether it was Briggs' decision, his director, or whose, but I spent most of the recording wishing it would stop. Bad. Just Bad.

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Title: Enchantment

Author: Orson Scott Card

Narrator: Stefan Rudnicki

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-17-07

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1902 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

As one of the most consistently exciting writers to emerge in the last 25 years, Orson Scott Card has been honored with numerous awards, while immersing readers in dazzling worlds only he could create. Now, in Enchantment, Card works his magic as never before, transforming the timeless story of Sleeping Beauty into an original fantasy brimming with romance and adventure.

©1999 Orson Scott Card; (P)2007 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Members Reviews:

Enchanting

OSC is not reliable, I've been dissapointed here and there. But not this time. It's rather nicely done. I'd say it's close to Gaimon worthy with a little more reality built-in. It's a tale for an age where our history and past are a bit neglected. Not smushy in the tale sense either - a smart, mythical trip into magic for anyone. Meaning you dont' have to be a chic to carry it around the park eh?

Unique and engaging.

Card deals with the Sleeping Beauty in a unique way in this book and it is definitely intriguing. This story jumps between the present and the 9th century and between Russia (before and after the fall of the Berlin wall) and the U.S. It blends magic and modern technology, has likeably flawed characters, and is, overall, extremely enjoyable.

converting to fantasy

Highly recommend.

I've been a sci-fi reader for decades and haven't really delved into fantasy only LOTR. I read Harry Potter so I could discuss it with my kids but the magic didn't make sense to me.

This has started my conversion to fantasy at least OSC version of fantasy. This was a great story with lots of twists and action. The magic didn't overpower the story and mostly made sense to me.

It was well read by both readers and was an enjoyable experience. I looked forward to the drive to work and home.

Wonderfully done!

I am not a fan of OSC books. I have tried to read any number of them and just can't seem to get into them. This was a wonderful book and I loved it! Full of humor, imagination, thoughtful insights, and historical background. Bravo to the narrators as well. Having both a male and female narrator really brought this book to life for me. Once I started listening I had difficulty pausing to take care of real life. Lovely book!

A modern day Fairy Tale

I've read the book twice and listened to it repeatedly as well. It is full of imagination and makes one wonder what truth lies behind other fairy tales. This is one of my favorite summer reads.

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Title: Dreamsongs, Volume II (Unabridged Selections)

Author: George R. R. Martin

Narrator: George R. R. Martin, Roy Dotrice, Adrian Paul, Erik Davies, Claudia Black

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-30-07

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 137 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

BONUS: Each selection includes extensive commentary by author George R. R. Martin.

Critic Reviews:

"Fans, genre historians, and aspiring writers alike will find this shelf-bending retrospective as impressive as it is intriguing." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Same old Same old!!

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I was OK with purchasing I and II, but when the stories were the same as in the original dream-songs version I was very disappointed! I bought 2 and 3 and the stories were the same as in the original? What's with that? Why didn't you indicate that it was the same as the original?

Any additional comments?

Don't sell an volume 1 and 2 with the same exact stories on the original volume!

Great, but this volume is 60% horror

This is a wonderful tour through Martin's short stories, with comments from the author himself that are both insightful and entertaining. This volume has three parts, the first contains a couple short fantasy stories (The Ice Dragon and the lovely Lonely Songs of Laren Dorr). The second part is the bulk of the book, and it consists of science-fiction horror stories. Some of these are quite frightening, or at least gory, but it also includes Martin's most famous story, Sandkings. The final two stories in the book are excerpts from the story collection Tuff Voyaging.

The whole thing is read by wonderful readers (though the reader for the Tuff stories set my teeth on edge a bit, as he made the phlegmatic interstellar ecological engineer sound like a 17th century pirate), but this is probably not the volume to get if you don't like horror stories, though there is plenty else here to keep you interested. For those who are willing to give horror a try, or who love everything Martin does, this is a no-brainer.

Misleading Title

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

I was very disappointed with this book because I expected it to be a second volume of Dreamsongs and all of the material contained within this book is also in the first volume of Dreamsongs. I do not know why this is a separate title. That being said, the stories are enjoyable if you have not heard them already.

This man is a literary god.

As opposed to getting truly thorough with the review, I'll simply stand by the review I wrote for Volume I. Exquisitely crafted, brilliantly narrated, and a joy to read.

The "Man Called Tuf" portion of the volume refers to another anthology of short stories (two are presented in Dreamsongs) and were so entertaining that I wound up tracking down a hardcover.

This is worth the credit and then some. I pre-ordered a hardbound from Amazon (this is a pre-release remember) to have for my kids when they get old enough. WELL worth it.

it is the same book as dream songs volume 1

it has the same stories in it that dream songs volume 1 has it should tell you that before you download it