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Title: Windhaven

Author: George R. R. Martin, Lisa Tuttle

Narrator: Harriet Walter

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-16-12

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 9 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Before Westeros there was Windhaven....

On the stormy planet of Windhaven, flyers are idolised as the vital link between its disparate islands. The common people rely on this elite class to support their way of life. These 'land-bound' can only dream of what it must be like to take to the skies. For Maris, dreams are not enough, and through an unlikely twist of fate, she has a taste of what life as a flyer is like. Maris was born to fly; as her raw talent blossoms into peerless skill, it appears her childhood fantasies have come true. However, just as it seems that she has found her true calling, the hereditary dogma which rules the skies sets out to strip Maris of her wings. Birthright - not ability - has always governed the right to fly.

Maris' rebellious crusade to change this inequality, and earn back her wings, has deeper consequences for Windhaven than anyone could have possibly imagined.

In a unique collaboration from two of the 20th century's greatest imaginations, George R. R. Martin and Lisa Tuttle, Windhaven is fantasy at its best.

Members Reviews:

Windhaven By George R. R. Martin , Lisa Tuttle

I'm not quite sure how much George R. R. Martin was involved in this book, it doesn't feel like its his writing style to me, but I have to say it is still extremely well written. Beautiful detail and descriptions and a compelling story you just have to finish. If this is all Lisa Tuttle's work I will be looking for more in the future. If I have any complaints, its that there is not enough back story of how they came to be on Windhaven, it is talked about but I felt it needed a bit more.

The narration is very good, Harriet Walter's use of accents is superb, you can lose yourself in the book and know exactly which character is talking, they feel just right.

Hope this helps whoever is planning to read it, I enjoyed it very much.

Twigletmuncher.

meritocracy vs privilege

For me this was a story about the struggle for equality, challenging tradition and arguing for a system that gives equal opportunities to all regardless of birth right. It's akin to the civil rights movement of the 1960s. The subject was cleverly argued and also highlighted some very important aspects of the human nature: the privelleged will never willingly support a change that threatens their way of life and that with change sometimes comes unintended consequences.

Interesting story. I quite enjoyed it and some bits even had me on tenterhooks.

Interesting but no distinguishable plot.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

With odd jumps in time this book seemed to be more the story of a life rather than a novel, however it was an interesting listen

Would you be willing to try another one of Harriet Walters performances?

Not keen on the voice but a good performance.

Great suprise.

Where does Windhaven rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Its not on my top list. But it still was a great book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ofcourse Maris, shes great, brave and clever.

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Title: Rebellion: The Tainted Realm Trilogy, Book 2

Author: Ian Irvine

Narrator: Grant Cartwright

Format: Unabridged

Length: 23 hrs and 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-08-12

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 49 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Magery is failing, the war has been lost and Hightspall has fallen. The Cythonian enemy, led by their reincarnated sorcerer-king, Lyf, are determined to wipe it off the map and build their ancient realm of Cythe anew. Rix, now known as Deadhand, was once heir to the greatest fortune in all Hightspall. Now hes disgraced, dispossessed and is running for his life.

Tali, an escaped slave, is held captive. But when she discovers that her enslaved people face genocide at the hands of the enemy, Tali conceives a desperate, impossible plan. But before she can hope to save her people, Tali has to confront her own darkest fear - a return to slavery.

Members Reviews:

Great continuance of the first book.

I enjoyed the book tremendously. I actually thought it moved along at a good pace and keeps interest for the final book. I really like several of the characters, and want to see what happens next. The narration was great so far, easily understood as he enunciates clearly. I also love the way the narrator reads Rinnilt especially. I have not read any of Irvine's other series of books, but surely will once I finish book 3 in this series. I like that the main characters are well fleshed out but also not without flaws of character, as they seem more 'real' that way. I recommend this series to anyone who likes epic fantasy that doesn't get overly bogged down with minutiae.

Pure torture

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

This story plods and makes small revelations in a contrived way. The action is slow and the convenient memory laps are just irritating. If I can remember something from 2 days ago at my age then a young character should be able to remember something pivotal. The small revelations seem to be let out when the plot runs even slower with something that should have been known earlier. It just drags. I've listened to hundreds of audible books but this series is torture.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Wool

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Pronounce words correctly. Sloughed is slowed. Lately is lattely. More. Otherwise narrator is okay.

Any additional comments?

The premise of this series is great but the execution should have been better.

Captivating!

Would you listen to Rebellion: The Tainted Realm Trilogy, Book 2 again? Why?

Yes, I would listen to it again. I loved the characters and it has a very interesting plot. This book does not disappoint. It deserves a lot more credit and better reviews then it's gotten on Audible so far. But there have only been a few ratings thus far, so with the small sample size, the ratings it has gotten is not reflective of its awesomeness. I loved the first book, and this book beautifully picks up where the last book left off. I can't wait to read the final book .

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

Yes! The author is an evil genius! He always teases the reader by ending the story in a major cliff hanger that makes you craving more.

Should be The Tainted Whiner's Realm

What was most disappointing about Ian Irvines story?

I do not know what happened. The first book was excellent and was just a great thrill ride from beginning to end. There was a ton of action and the characters, for the most part, were very likeable.

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Title: Keeper of the Mists

Subtitle: Book Two of The Absent Gods

Author: David Debord

Narrator: Jonathan Waters

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-18-12

Publisher: David Wood

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 15 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Destiny, or perhaps mere chance, has chosen Shanis Malan to be the bearer of the Silver Serpent, the one prophesied to bring an end to decades of clan war, but a pretender has risen in the East, and enemies invade her homeland on all sides. Will she choose the path that leads back to the home she loves, or will she accept her destiny and face the Keeper of the Mists? David Debord's memorable series continues in this second book of The Absent Gods series.

Members Reviews:

Liked the book. Hate Oscar's voice

This is a different story. I like it. the only thing that irks me was the narrator did not do very well with the voice. A lot of the voices began sounding alike after a while. Also,the way he depicts Oscar's voice was very annoying. Other than that, wasn't too bad.

Great listen

great listen but very abrupt ending. enjoyed the story line and can't wait for the next book

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Title: A Stone's Throw

Subtitle: The Gryphonpike Chronicles, Book 3

Author: Annie Bellet

Narrator: Christine Padovan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-25-12

Publisher: Doomed Muse Press

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

The mute elven archer known only as Killer. Azyrin, a half Winter-orc shaman and his human swordswoman bride, Makha. Drake, the charming, swashbuckling rogue. The fireball-slinging pixie-goblin, Rahiel, and her mini-unicorn, Bill. These are the Gryphonpike Companions.

A magical scabbard and a hundred year old story send the companions down into the caverns beneath the Barrowlands. Surviving the caverns and finding the legendary rapier will test Killer's friendship with the roguish Drake. Far more than half-truths and forgotten stories lurk in the dark beneath their feet.

A Stone's Throw is an adventure fantasy novella.

Members Reviews:

The fun continues :-)

If you could sum up A Stone's Throw in three words, what would they be?

Fun fantasy adventure

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Stone's Throw?

Drake trying to 'sheath' his sword ;-) and the fight scene with the cave tree and bats.

Which character as performed by Christine Padovan was your favorite?

That's hard - I guess the Irish sisters for this one.

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

Yes, Ms. Bellet writes each story in the series as a novella, so I like to listen to each one in one sitting - or long commute :-)

Any additional comments?

The battle scenes weren't as challenging as the first 2 books, but still very entertaining - this one actually had more character development between Drake and Killer.

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Title: Rachel Morgan: The Hollows (5) - For a Few Demons More

Author: Kim Harrison

Narrator: Marguerite Gavin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-19-12

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 28 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

The fifth book in Harrisons New York Times best-selling urban fantasy series starring Rachel Morgan - a pacey and addictive novel of sexy bounty-hunting witches, cunning demons, and menacing vampires.

Bargaining with demons has left Rachel Morgan in constant danger of losing her soul. As if being famous in the underworld for all the wrong reasons and sharing her home with a vampire and her jealous girlfriend didn't make her vulnerable enough, one night Rachel finds demons ransacking her home with no fear of sanctified ground. They are searching for something they believe Rachel to possess a danger that Rachel thought was well hidden and secret. But when the human morgue starts to fill up with partially turned lupine women who have been brutally murdered, Rachel realises that someone else knows the Focus still exists - and that she may have been betrayed.

Critic Reviews:

"Action packed chick-lit with a supernatural twist." (The Times)

"A spellbinding blend of sharp wit and vivid imagination. A wonderfully fun romp through the supernatural world." (Kelley Armstrong)

"Discovering a new series like this is like finding buried treasure." (Diana Gabaldon)

"I wouldnt miss a Kim Harrison book for anything." (Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse novels)

Members Reviews:

Good book in the series, not the strongest

As I'm listening to the whole Hollows set, I thought this one was okay! not great but okay. It continues the story well and apart from a section with an intimate scene between Rachel and Kisten that would sit better in 50 Shades of Grey! and is way over the top I liked this book. It finishes on a sad but strong note.

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Title: The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings: CliffsNotes

Author: Gene B. Hardy

Narrator: Dan John Miller

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-25-12

Publisher: CliffsNotes on Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

The CliffsNotes study guide on Tolkien's The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings supplements the original literary work, giving you background information about the author, an introduction to the work, critical commentaries, expanded glossaries, and a comprehensive index, all for you to use as an educational tool that will allow you to better understand the work.

This study guide was written with the assumption that you have read The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings.

Reading a literary work doesnt mean that you immediately grasp the major themes and devices used by the author; this study guide will help supplement your reading to be sure you get all you can from Tolkien's The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings. CliffsNotes Review tests your comprehension of the original text and reinforces learning with questions and answers, practice projects, and more.

Members Reviews:

Well worth the time

If you could sum up The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings: CliffsNotes in three words, what would they be?

It does an excellent job of reviewing the books.

What other book might you compare The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings: CliffsNotes to and why?

None

Have you listened to any of Dan John Millers other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A documentary on the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Any additional comments?

With the Hobbit movie coming out in December (2012) I found this audio book an excellent resource to getting me back up to date with the story line.

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Title: Rage of the Dragon

Subtitle: Dragonships of Vindras, Book 3

Author: Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman

Narrator: Michael Kramer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-24-12

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 22 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Skylan Ivorson is the gods-chosen Chief of all Vindras clans. But the gods from whom the Vindrasi draw their earthdwelling power are besieged by a new generation of gods who are challenging them for the powers of creation. The only way to stop these brash interlopers lies within the Five Bones of the Vektia Dragon, which have been lost for generations.

Calling upon the ogres to fight their common foes, the Vindrasi soon find themselves in the middle of an even larger war. Skylan and his Vindrasi clan must sail the Sea of Tears into the heart of the Forbidden Empire of the Cyclops, to implement a cunning yet delicate plan that risks his life and leadership at every corner.

Members Reviews:

Great read, but can be very sad at times

Big improvement on the first book. The characters really start to develop. Plot lines develop in some unexpected ways. Great read, but can be very sad at times. I still get teary eyed at times.

Excellent, in the tradition of W&H

Dragonships of Vindras started a little slow but I love what the dynamic duo of Weis & Hickman did with Skylan Ivorson and his friends over the series. I have been of huge fan of the authors and have read all of their trilogies. While this one is not at the level of classic Dragonlance and Death Gate Cycle, it is superior to Dragonlance War of Souls and definitely Darksword which is their worst in my opinion. This world and the 3 different pantheons presented are very colorful and interesting. I am eager to read the conclusion of this series in less than 2 years. In all an excellent third volume in an excellent series.

Awesome

The masters of character development!!

Torgun Warriors at his best!

Wonderful! An Amazing story that Will probably make you shed a tear!

Did they read the first two books before they wrote this one

There are way too many inconsistencies in this book. They never threw Arconis off the boat. Skylan never had the torque when he became chief the ogres already had it. That is major facts to mess up. There are many more that's just two of the major ones. I usually love there books but I was disappointed

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Title: Titus Awakes

Author: Maeve Gilmore, Mervyn Peake

Narrator: Rupert Degas

Format: Abridged

Length: 3 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-03-11

Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Titus Awakes is the fourth and last novel in the Gormenghast series and was finished by Peakes widow, Maeve Gilmore. In this last novel, Titus has left the world of Gormenghast behind, but he remains haunted by memories of his former life. Journeying from snow-covered mountains to archipelagos strewn with coral reefs, he awakens his senses but fails to conquer his aching sense of solitude. A mesmerising novel, Titus Awakes celebrates and mourns both the passing of Gormenghast Castle and the life of its creator.

Editorial Reviews:

At the time of his death, fantasy maven Mervyn Peake had completed a handful of drafts and fragments for what would ultimately become this final chapter in his eponymous Gormenghast Series. Over a decade later, his widow, Maeve Gilmore, would complete Titus Awakes, an imagined sequel that New Statesman has lauded as "a treasure salvaged from the ruins." Titus Awakes continues where its predecessor left off, following Earl Titus, restless but lonely, as he ventures yet further afield from the oppressive confines of Gormenghast Castle, finding himself amid a surreal and hazardous landscape that blends elements of industrialism, Gothicism, and the medieval. English actor Rupert Degas lends his sonorous, regal strains to the proceedings. Degas emotive role-playing and melodious pacing imbue Titus plight with raw urgency.

Members Reviews:

Titus Awakes

Excellent finish to the trilogy Mervyn Peake wrote. I enjoyed listening to them all. Thanks

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Title: Gormenghast

Subtitle: The Gormenghast Trilogy, Book 2

Author: Mervyn Peake

Narrator: Rupert Degas

Format: Abridged

Length: 4 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-22-11

Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Continuing to mark 100 years since Mervyn Peakes birth, Naxos AudioBooks releases the second novel in the cycle series. Gormenghast follows protagonist Titus (now the 77th earl of Gormenghast) from the age of seven to 17 and describes his desire to break free from the physical and psychological constraints of the castle. Meanwhile, the Machiavellian Steerpike continues his dastardly rise to power. But will he succeed?

Editorial Reviews:

Gothic and sprawling, the ancient castle Gormenghast is the centerpiece of a kingdom cloistered in intrigue and dark rituals. Titus Groan, the kingdom's 77th earl, and his mother and sister are the castle's prisoners. Titus is 7 years old. So opens this second volume of Peake's titanic and sublimely ornate Gormenghast trilogy. Narrator Rupert Degas not only delivers the heightened prose with focus and energy but he also makes the entire novel more easily accessible by creating distinct and memorable character voices. As Peake paints with language, Degas faithfully weaves the poetic colors, shadows, and textures. Peake was a contemporary of Tolkien and a strong influence on the young George Lucas. An excellent introduction to Peake's enduring creation of high fantasy.

Members Reviews:

The ultimate fantasy.

This is like marmite,love in my case,great characters in Steerpike the kitchen boy

but then he turns into a great villain.The story twists and turns with great suprises

Classic, genre expanding fantasy

Brilliantly written and brilliantly narrated, Gormenghast it's one of the greatest fantasy novels ever written. A thrilling, grotesque, and bleakly comic tale, it's a virtually flawless modern classic and I strongly recommend it.

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Title: Weight of Stone

Subtitle: Book Two of the Vineart War

Author: Laura Anne Gilman

Narrator: Anne Flosnik

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-18-10

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 15 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Vineart student Jerzy and his new companions Ao and Mahault take to the sea, to gain time in which to figure out what to do after the disastrous events they left behind in the city-state of Aleppan. While at sea, a magic-laced storm drives their ship to falter - only to be rescued by a surprising, ghost-driven ally. Called home and under close watch by the sternly pious Washers, Jerzy tries to let go of what he has learned and return to his formerly satisfying life as an apprentice at the House of Malech.

But the shadows on the Lands Vin continue to darken, and neither he nor Vineart Malech can ignore them for long. Soon enough, Jerzy and his companions are reunited and given a task: find the source of the magic taint plaguing the Lands Vin so that the name of the House of Malech can be cleared of all wrongdoing. But when tragedy strikes, a simple, impossible mission becomes a voyage of vengeance.

Critic Reviews:

"Gilman's intriguing and innovative system of magic based on the art of winemaking is deepened and clarified, which will delight fans of the first book, and plenty of action sequences keep things moving." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Decent middle in the series

I gave this volume 3 stars because, while it was a pretty entertaining read, when it was over I wondered exactly what the point was- especially with it being so long!

OK, by the end we know a lot more about what's going wrong and why, and even part of who's doing it. We also know the characters more, they've grown some, and we've learned more about the wine magical system.

Our main characters traveled around a lot, for very small results for the most part, and for reasons that to me felt arbitrary. That's a big flaw since that was what almost all of the book consisted of!

I have a few quibbles, too. Why is Jerzy so down on other magicians who have unfinished and sporadic training, when at the end of this book he himself has only been in training for a year, was not an especially apt pupil for much of it, and was actually GONE for a lot of it? Where did his expertise come from? I'm not saying this because the author skipped over long, boring accounts of training; I'm saying it because toward the end here Jerzy himself reflected that he was only a year away from being a slave, and I'd guess he spent at most half of that year with his master, training. Also, while this might be a very small spoiler- a wine-based magical system that turns out not to necessarily require wine is not nearly as much fun as one that was more strict. "He can do it because he's a wizard!" just doesn't have the same entertaining complications as strict rules.

And the final problem I have: I am increasingly disturbed by the slavery aspect. Apparently almost no one approves of it; it is in exceedingly bad taste to notice or remark on it, while the magicians are pretty much the worst chattel slave-holders that are possible: starving, beating, and even killing their slaves on whim.