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Title: Breakaway

Subtitle: Cassandra Kresnov, Book 2

Author: Joel Shepherd

Narrator: Dina Pearlman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-28-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 240 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Cassandra Kresnov is a highly advanced hunter-killer android. She has escaped the League and fled to Callay, a member of the Federation. Because of her fighting skills she was able to save the president's life and is now a trusted member of the security forces. However, not all Tanushans are happy to have her on their turf and Cassandra has to tread carefully. As Callay moves towards a vote on whether to break away from the Federation, confusion reigns and terrorist groups plot their own agendas.

Cassandra becomes involved with two young troubleshooters for the secret service and finds out more than she ever wanted to know about the Tanushan underground and those on the fringes. Furthermore, there is a delegation from the League in Tanusha, and Cassandra is not sure that they won't try to take her back.

Breakaway is a great story with a cracking plot and strong characters. At its heart is the enigma of Cassandra: Is she more human than human, or is she totally untrustworthy?

Members Reviews:

Thoughtful Sci Fi packed with fast action

This is one of those books that it's easy to misrepresent. I've seen it described as a SF techno/polictical thriller about an ass-kicking, sexy, killer android. And it is. Except... it really isn't.

What keeps me reading these books is that it is not about how exciting it is to see a fembot in action. Cassandra Kresnov, who calls herself Sandy. is not human but she is a person, with emotions as well as an intellect, opinions and preferences as well as an accurate grasp of the data and in search of friendship and freedom and meaning rather than just personal survival.

The themes of the book are trust, loyalty, belonging, being loved, and what it means to be a person. The themes are explored against the background of a power struggle between competing ideologies carried out at the political and paramilitary level. No simple lines are drawn here. Sandy has to deal with the reality that politics are complex and many of the players are neither wholly good not wholly bad, that she is hated by many, marked for death by some and loved by a few people close to her. By the end of the novel she seems to have decided that what matters is who she loves and who she is loved by - not a classic fembot orientation.

Another deviation from the fembot stereotype comes when Sandy is asked to rescue a boy who is being held hostage by terrorists. Her reaction is one of regret. She is completely certain that, despite how impossible the task would be for a human, she can kill all three terrorist and save the child. She doesn't want to do this because, in her mind, the certainty of the deaths turns these kills into murder. Yet she kills the men and saves the boy because she can't see an alternative. In her mind, this means that she did something that was wrong because she decided that it was necessary. No excuses, just an evaluation of her own actions.

Joel Shepherd has given the book a good rhythm. It starts with action scenes: fast, graphic, lot's of explosions and gunfire and mayhem in public places; then moves on to personal reflection, usually by Sandy, on what the action meant; then he dives into complex and fascinating political intrigue, then dwells on the beauty of the city and the civilization it represents, before repeating the sequence from the top.

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Title: The Best of All Possible Worlds

Author: Karen Lord

Narrator: Robin Miles

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-12-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 102 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Karen Lords debut novel, the multiple-award-winning Redemption in Indigo, announced the appearance of a major new talenta strong, brilliantly innovative voice fusing Caribbean storytelling traditions and speculative fiction with subversive wit and incisive intellect. Compared by critics to such heavyweights as Nalo Hopkinson, China Miville, and Ursula K. Le Guin, Lord does indeed belong in such select companyyet, like them, she boldly blazes her own trail.

Now Lord returns with a second novel that exceeds the promise of her first. The Best of All Possible Worlds is a stunning science-fiction epic that is also a beautifully wrought, deeply moving love story.

A proud and reserved alien society finds its homeland destroyed in an unprovoked act of aggression, and the survivors have no choice but to reach out to the indigenous humanoids of their adopted world, to whom they are distantly related. They wish to preserve their cherished way of life but come to discover that in order to preserve their culture, they may have to change it forever. Now a man and a woman from these two clashing societies must work together to save this vanishing raceand end up uncovering ancient mysteries with far-reaching ramifications. As their mission hangs in the balance, this unlikely teamone cool and cerebral, the other fiery and impulsivejust may find in each other their own destinies... and a force that transcends all.

Critic Reviews:

"This fascinating and thoughtful science fiction novel breaks out of the typical conflict-centered narrative paradigm to examine adaptation, social change, and human relationships. Ive not read anything quite like it, which makes it that rare beast: a true original." (Kate Elliott, author of the Crown of Stars series and the Spiritwalker Trilogy)

Members Reviews:

amazing!!!

I read 'redemption in indigo' sometime back and was captivated by Lord's writing style and Miles's narration. So when I came across this book, I was really looking forward to listening and even bought the book before I read the reviews. After reading some of the reviews, I must admit to being put off, but, I went back and listened to redemption in indigo, to remind myself why I liked Lord's unique narrative style and vivid imagination and plucked the courage to dive into this one.

Let's just say - wow! Definitely ranks in with the "unputdowenable"s" for me.

The world created for her characters, the style, the depiction, the mental stimulation - just does it for me. While I do enjoy all manner of romance, sci-fi, fantasy etc, I really enjoyed this unique take on romance that doesn't have to get bawdy (although nothing against a good dash of bawdiness!) and yet, delivers more with a look and a touch, that convey so much more! The narrator (Miles) did a really bang up job of portraying the characters truly.

I wouldn't be surprised to find out Lord herself is a descendant of some "Tishune" herself!

Really masterful story crafting and weaving. Can't wait for her next one!

an incredibly sweet story

What did you love best about The Best of All Possible Worlds?

I loved the slow building relationship between the main characters.

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Title: The Free Lunch

Author: Spider Robinson

Narrator: Spider Robinson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-01-13

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 65 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Under the façade of the worlds finest theme park lies a secret which could alter the course of human history.

Mike and Annie, refugees from the world outside, find a home underground, behind the scenes of Dreamworld, a theme park where hope exists as it does nowhere else. But Dreamworld is threatened by a jealous competitor who kills what he cant have. As if this were not trouble enough, the two discover that each day there are more of the trolls who maintain Dreamworld than there were the day before. As the trolls continue to multiply, they must discover why, or it could mean the end of Dreamworld -and the real world.

Knotted in conflict and turmoil, what was a wonderful, carefree place becomes a battleground on which Earths future is at stake. Only Mike and Annie, two unconventional heroes, can save it.

Spider Robinson, winner of three Hugo Awards and a Nebula Award, is renowned for his Callahans Place series of bestselling novels. With his wife, Jeanne, he has also written the award-winning Stardance series.

Critic Reviews:

You get much more than you bargained for in this fun-filled yet serious novel. Spiders the antidote for entropy, the blahs, and the pernicious notion that humor and good grace are absent from the SF field. (Ben Bova)

The Free Lunch is a fast-moving homage to the lighter side of Robert A. HeinleinRobinson knows how to generate tension without losing his sense of humor, a more difficult trick than you can imagine. (The New York Times)

Mike and Annie are the kind of characters that return to mind long after the book is done, and the tale is as jaunty as only Spider can make it in his Callahan mode. How can you possibly fail to enjoy this one? (Analog)

Members Reviews:

Facinating Mystery

Would you listen to The Free Lunch again? Why?

Yes because I love anything Spider Robinson writes. He draws you into his stories. Annie and Mike come to the world's greatest fantasy world because they didn't fit into the real world. Why, because they were intelligent and insightful. So we learn about their stories and why Annie is called Mother Elf. Then comes the mystery - who are the extra trolls coming in, what is their purpose? Losts of twists, lessons to be learned. And at the end you want to hear more of how everyone fared - Annie, Mike and the Trolls. Will there be a follow up novel? I hope so.

Which character as performed by Spider Robinson was your favorite?

I didn't realize Spider was the narrator until the end - he did a great job. I think Annie was my favorite - always spot on and right to the point.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I want more!!!!!

Pleased to Meet You

Any additional comments?

Usually I'm not a fan of authors reading their books, but Robinson does a good job. I very much enjoyed the story and will be happy to spend more of my credits for his books. Just when you think you'll never find another good book, there it is...like finding an egg a week after Easter.

Fantastic

As I expected from Spider Robinson. Puns, action and intelligent dialogue galore. Thank you Mr. Robinson.

Just ok

It was a decent book. Not great but not bad. I would say it wasn't one of spider's best. I liked the story and the characters but I had a hard time getting into it.

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Title: The Cost of Victory

Subtitle: Crimson Worlds, Book 2

Author: Jay Allan

Narrator: Jeff Bower

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-31-13

Publisher: Jay Allan

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 289 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The Third Frontier War is raging, and all across human-occupied space worlds are burning. Massive fleets struggle for dominance and kilometer-long war ships exchange thermonuclear barrages.

Battered in the early years of the war, the Western Alliance is resurgent. The brilliant Admiral Augustus Garret leads the Alliance fleet from victory to victory, taking the war to the very heart of the enemy empires. And on the ground, Colonel Erik Cain, hero of the Marine Corps, leads his crack troops again into combat, seeking the final battle.

In the background, the secretive intelligence agencies of the despotic Superpowers plot and scheme, using their own soldiers as pawns in the great game for control of space.

But the final battle will be fought in the reddish sands of a backwater world, and the prize will be the staggering secret that has lain hidden in a remote cave for untold centuries.

All the Powers struggle for the ultimate victory, but at what cost?

The Cost of Victory is the second book in the Crimson Worlds series and the sequel to Marines.

Members Reviews:

Read Book 1 First!

Jay Allen writes a very compelling story of what could be called WWIII (he calls it the unification wars). Lots of of space battles and a very interesting outlook on what politics driving the battles may look like - with lots of speculation. This is fine as it gives the reader something to ponder.

The first book actually has the first 3 chapters of the second book included with it. If the series ends with book 2, it is a good story, and has battles, navies, marines, love, and something to ponder of what will happen in the future. There is a twist which I will not mention as it would be a spoiler

Lastly, Jeff Bower does a FANTASTIC job of narrating the books. A few sound effects tastefully added enhance the book.

I wish in a series like this they would tell you if more books are coming and if so how many. Jay Allen puts in an addendum where he describes the superpowers, space battles in zero gravity -- and things like why a space fleet zipping by and making a firing pass at another fleet at high speeds may need hours to stop, turn around and come back and other such details. It is worth the money.

Horrid Narration

This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

the deaf

Who was your favorite character and why?

I like Cain he reminds me of good commanders I knew in the corps.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I downloaded the book at around 7pm and couldn't stand his narration of the audiobook. As well he doesn't seem to have a good range of voice differences for different characters.

You didnt love this book...

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Title: Lodestar

Subtitle: Firestar, Book 3

Author: Michael Flynn

Narrator: Malcom Hillgartner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 37 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-01-13

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 162 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Following up Firestar and Rogue Star, Michael Flynn continues to deliver vivid characters, suspenseful prose, and an imaginative plot.

In the early years of the 21st century, humanity has progressed into space, having established a permanent presence with Earth-orbiting Leo Station. Science and commerce in space are booming, and humanitys future looks bright. But one mans desire for vindication and revenge could end it all.

Lodestar chronicles the complex political, personal, and scientific conflicts on Earth and in orbitconflicts that must be resolved if humanity is to claim its destiny among the stars.

Michael Flynn lives in Easton, Pennsylvania. He is the winner of the Robert A. Heinlein Award and was a Hugo nominee for Eifelheim.

Critic Reviews:

"Flynns fans will enjoy this well-crafted outing and can rest assured that the story's big questions (Who is lobbing these rocks at Earth? And why?) leave plenty of room for a sequel." (Publishers Weekly)

"Flynns multivolume saga of near-future global peril combines space adventure with dynastic and political intrigue to create a complex drama with a large cast of characters and a too-plausible premise. Along with its precursors, Rogue Star and Firestar, this volume belongs in most SF collections." (Library Journal)

"Flynns is a good series." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

we don't have floppies in 2016 :-P

it's a good book, but it's really wonky in how it shows the Internet is used

I Was Left Panting For More

Would you listen to Lodestar again? Why?

I probably would listen to it again as I was intrigued by many of the descriptions of scientific developments, which I would want to review in the light of current advances. The plot was quite intricate and I'm sure I would pick up on elements I had missed first time around.

Would you be willing to try another book from Michael Flynn? Why or why not?

I certainly would and I have.

Which character as performed by Malcom Hillgartner was your favorite?

My Favorite character was still Mariesa Van Huyten even though she didn't feature that strongly since the story was more about the next generation.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I enjoy lengthy books that I can spread over a number of days. However, in the case of Lodestar I found myself listening when I really should have been doing other things, so I suppose I would have listened to it all in one sitting if I could have done so.

Any additional comments?

Although Lodestar is the final book in a trilogy, I think the story line begs a fourth installment.

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Title: Crashlander

Author: Larry Niven

Narrator: Christopher Prince

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-21-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 102 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Crashlander Beowulf Shaeffer has long been one of the most popular characters in Known Space. Now, for the first time ever, Larry Niven brings together all the Beowulf Shaeffer stories - including a brand-new one - in one long tale of exploration and adventure! Plus - an all-new framing story that pulls together all of Beowulf Shaeffer's adventures and allows Shaeffer and his family to make a clean start at life once and for all!

Members Reviews:

Visit Known Space and you won't want to leave!

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

The short stories in Crashlander are wonderful examples of Niven at his best. They're humorous, brimming with imaginative ideas, and, refreshingly optimistic about humanity's future.

What other book might you compare Crashlander to and why?

Known Space books like "World of Ptaavs", "Ringworld", and "Protector", as well as the Dream Park series come to mind for showcasing Niven's vivid imagination and optimistic writing.

Did Christopher Prince do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Prince's narration was so bad it would have ruined some of the stories had I not remembered the written version I'd read years ago so I knew how they were supposed to go!

He misread words, trampled on witty phrases, and repeatedly emphasized words wrongly so as to make the following text unintelligible.

A shame really--he has a pleasant voice, but his reading was sloppy, thereby damaging the stories.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reactions other than disappointment at the poor narration.

Great Story, Stilted Performance.

What did you love best about Crashlander?

I've always loved the stories involving Shaeffer. They're usually as far out as you can get and span so many other characters and plot points. Very fun.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Christopher Prince?

Christopher Prince was fine whenever he was reading a character's dialogue, but whenever he narrates it ends up sounding like a sports announcer. He needs to relax a little, it's all too consistent.

Any additional comments?

It takes a little effort getting through this one but it's worth it. Pick up the printed book if you have too much trouble with the narrator.

I love the story, but narration was poor

I love this 'universe' created by Larry Niven. Sadly the spoken dialog is colorless.

Essential for Known Space fans but not perfect

Essential backstory for other Known Space stories, but the narrator made it very hard to lose myself in it.

Larry Niven storytelling at its best

the story goes well the back story about how Louis Blues Auto. Going to out of the arms control got into the hands of others eventually ended up killing how it would have been up on The Ringworld some of the backstory like who Lewis blue is and where it came from to find it very entertaining to must-read

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Title: Flatlander

Author: Larry Niven

Narrator: Dennis Holland

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-15-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 130 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Gil 'The Arm' Hamilton was one of the top operatives of ARM, the elite UN police force. His intuition was unfailingly accurate, his detective skills second to none, and his psychic powers - esper sense and telekinesis - were awesome.

Now you can hear all the classic stories of the legendary ARM operative, collected in one volume for the first time - plus, an all-new, never-before-published Gil Hamilton adventure!

Members Reviews:

Great story, but so-so reading

I grew up reading Larry Niven, and always enjoyed his stories, especially the tales of Known Space. So I was really looking forward to the reading of Flatlander. Unfortunately, I was disappointed, Dennis Holland 's main reading voice is excellent. However, he seems to only have two or three secondary character voices. So all the other characters sound alike. In addition, he doesn't have the vocabulary required to read science fiction. He doesn't know the correct pronunciation for some of the words used in the story. Still and all, he did a reasonable job, barring the above. And these stories are excellent examples of Larry Niven's writings. His "Gil the Arm" stories are generally exemplars of "fair mysteries," mysteries where the reader has all the information required to solve the mystery. So in summary, if you are a fan of Known Space, you'll probably enjoy this performance.

Great, fills some gaps in Nivens' "Known Space".

What made the experience of listening to Flatlander the most enjoyable?

I read some of Larry Niven's "Tales of Known Space" a few years back & these short stories helped explain the backround.

What did you like best about this story?

Future cop, with a twist!

What about Dennis Hollands performance did you like?

Yes

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

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Title: Furious

Subtitle: Kris Longknife, Book 10

Author: Mike Shepherd

Narrator: Dina Pearlman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-30-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 592 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Having used unorthodox methods to save a world - and every sentient being on it - Lieutenant Commander Kris Longknife is wanted across the galaxy for crimes against humanity. For her own safety, shes been assigned to a backwater planet where her Fast Patrol Squadron 127 enforces immigration control and smuggler interdiction. But Kris is a Longknife, and nothing can stop her from getting back to the center of things - not when all hell is breaking loose. Now shes on the run, hunted by both military and civilian authorities - and since the civilian authorities happen to be her immediate family, Kris soon finds herself homeless, broke, and on trial for her life on an alien world....

Members Reviews:

NO "AA" GOLD CHIP FOR KRIS LONGKNIFE !!!!!!

After all this years and space battles, after all of this Political and diplomatic intrigue!!!

We are finally ready to see what we've been waiting for?!!!!

Kris has been hiding on the bottom of the bottle for a month, when she decides it is enough! She leaves the place of her "Exile" after she learns that everything was totally screwed up at home.

Jack is assigned to "Hell Freeze Over",

Kris is wanted for crimes against humanity on 160 planets,

King Ray's Union is coming apart at the seams, while he is trying to create a new fleet,

Grandpa AL chose the wrong time to go back to politics, and to open new trade routes

and Prime Minister released a warrant for Kris longknife.

Kris is a fugitive, Nobody even want to speak about homicidal aliens, and she doesn't know who she can trust.

Everybody want to know everything and to blame her, but nobody wants to listen!!!!

NEXT BOOK IS "DEFENDER" FORMERLY CALLED "VALIANT"

Expected publication: October 29th 2013

Exciting Action

In the last episode Kris Longknife was sent to a backwater station of Madigans Rainbow to command the fast patrol squadron 127 on immigration control and hunting pirates.

Kris learns that her Grandfather Al, the family business mogul, is sending out a merchant fleet to attempt to trade with the new aliens Kris discovered in the last book.

She runs away from Madigans Rainbow to go to Wardhaven to talk to Grandpa Al. She reunites with her bodyguard Jack and they nearly die in an attempt on Kris life. She is hunted by everyone, her accounts are frozen, Nelly and kids are unable to connect to the net and both military and civilian authorities are after her. Kris decides to turn herself over to the government of Musashi. There are still repeated assassination attempts on Kris. She is placed on trial. Shepherd does a great job with the trial. Kris also wants to know what happened to the planet they saved and stop Grandfather Als merchant fleet. Can she? The ending is a bit of a surprise and a good set up for the next episode.

The book is well written and moves at a very fast pace. Shepherds quirky characters make the story seem more real. We have new characters in this book to replace those who died or are missing from the last book. The humor offset some of the assassination attempts. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Dina Pearlman does a great job narrating this series.

Awesome Sci-fi series

I am writing this because i think it is one of the best series books out there. Mike Shepherd always tells a good action packed story.

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Title: The Sands of Mars

Author: Arthur C. Clarke

Narrator: Traber Burns

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-19-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 59 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

When a celebrated science fiction writer takes to space on his first trip to Mars, he stumbles upon Mars' most carefully hidden secrets and threatens the future of the entire planet!

Members Reviews:

Good "Golden Age" novel

Clarke was a favorite of mine growing up so I may be a little prejudiced, but he's a good writer technically and this is a good early novel speculating on Martian colonization. It is not a wiz bang type of novel, but it is filled with excellent ideas and I was surprised to find, revisiting this one after 30+ years how well he imagined and described elements of space flight and visuals. Overall I enjoyed it and though it may fall under the category of a book for teenagers to instill wonder and desire for science and space, I didn't find it as juvenal as Heinlein's books for youngsters. Also you can see just the germ of the idea that would become A Fall of Moondust, and one that was later used in 2010.

I wish there was a second book

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

This so far is one of my favorite Clarke books. I really enjoyed the reader and how Clarke developed the characters. I really wish there was a followup book as I'd love to know what happens with the CE and Jimmy???

Who was your favorite character and why?

It has to be Gibson of course as it is through his eyes that you learn about the other characters and his world.

What does Traber Burns bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Excellent job reading this book and bringing life to each of the characters.

Pkarutz

I both read and saw the current novel and movie, the Martian. This was equally as good. More so when you consider was written half a century ago

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Title: The Real Story: The Gap into Conflict

Subtitle: The Gap Cycle, Book 1

Author: Stephen R. Donaldson

Narrator: Scott Brick

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-16-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 421 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Author of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, one of the most acclaimed fantasy series of all time, master storyteller Stephen R. Donaldson returns with this exciting and long-awaited new series that takes us into a stunningly imagined future to tell a timeless story of adventure and the implacable conflict of good and evil within each of us.

Angus Thermopyle was an ore pirate and a murderer; even the most disreputable asteroid pilots of Delta Sector stayed locked out of his way. Those who didn't ended up in the lockup - or dead. But when Thermopyle arrived at Mallory's Bar & Sleep with a gorgeous woman by his side, the regulars had to take notice. Her name was Morn Hyland, and she had been a police officer - until she met up with Thermopyle.

But one person in Mallorys Bar wasn't intimidated. Nick Succorso had his own reputation as a bold pirate and he had a sleek frigate fitted for deep space. Everyone knew that Thermopyle and Succorso were on a collision course. What nobody expected was how quickly it would be over - or how devastating victory would be. It was common enough example of rivalry and revenge - or so everyone thought. The REAL story was something entirely different.

In The Real Story, Stephen R. Donaldson takes us to a remarkably detailed world of faster-than-light travel, politics, betrayal, and a shadowy presence just outside our view to tell the fiercest, most profound story he has ever written.

Members Reviews:

A Bit Too Depraved For My Tastes

Stephen Donaldson is very good at telling a story about a truly wretched man, a half-crazed female captive and a would-be hero and Scott Brick's narration provides an excellent voice in which to explore the demons and passions that each character are both tortured by and benefited from.

Regrettably, the cruelty and perversity explored in the novel was not something I found any inspiration in.

Note: I did find the author's honest discussion on the haphazardness of tuning in his muse. In addition, his telling of Richard Wagner's music dramas was likably appealing.

I'll not continue on with the series,

victimization is not entertainment

I couldn't finish this. I enjoy a lot of sci fi and loved his series that started withLord Fouls Bane when I read it in college but I have no time for this kind of extreme violence against women which was all the first few chapters were about. I guess I should have found out more about the story.

Obscene and Vulgar

A very poor excuse for gratuitous sexual violence. Very little plot and way too much garbage- as if the author were living some sick fantasy through his characters - wholly without any redeeming value - just - YUCK

Total waste of time

What disappointed you about The Real Story: The Gap into Conflict?

I tried to write a bad review of this on my Android, but the app would not allow me to.

That leads me to question all the other reviews I have read.

This was so boring I had to stop listening. The narrator was great, the book should never have been put on audio. Even at 2x speed, I couldn't finish it.

What about Scott Bricks performance did you like?

Good reader

All Tell, No Show

This felt like an essay. The viewpoint of the story is the authors, not the characters. The narrator was over dramatic and annoying.