Trudy Owens

It's all the same now

Revisado: 06-24-24

I'm still sitting with raised eyebrows at how quickly Roland went from hedonistic, spoiled prince to Marine commander, All these tales now sound the same. There are the Townies, the slave indentured workers, the Locals (against the Townies), and the Marines. Some from the workers and the Locals band together to become the Rebels to fight the Townies. then the Marines come in and support one side or the other. It's all the same whether it's Stocker on Avalon, the Wolf's Bane tale, or here wherever this is. It's now gotten boring and repetitive.

I can't stand Jeffrey Kafer in this series, but have listened to him a lot since we are here at book 21. He hasn't changed, and neither has my opinion. I don't mind him on some other books he has done.

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Not interested in insect porn

Revisado: 05-13-24

I don’t have patience for this. I get that authors want to explore and branch out, but this starts with 10 different scenarios of different people. I’m sure they will all come together but I am not invested in any of them and don’t care what weird Galapagos creature is killing cows.

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Satisfyingly long, all wrapped up

Revisado: 10-08-23

Excellent read, erm, listen! Here we can see how JK Rowling inserts minor details early on that turn out to be important later. Hundreds of threads of small comments, minor events, mundane activities are all masterfully kept in hand, then woven back in to jolt the mind with their importance.
I do love good books that don't end too soon, but I was initially daunted by the 34 hours. However, the characters are so well crafted and real, they are a delight to spend that day and a half with.
The story ends well but with a teaser leaving us wanting the next volume right now! How long will it take for Strike and Robin to realize that they can both love each other and still work together!

Robert Glenister is almost unbelievable in his ability to voice personalities as well as regional accents--such a pleasure to listen to! His voice acting ability brings the story to life so you can actually see the characters, and not remember that there is just one person speaking.

Just a couple points to maybe get me a job as a proofreader or Chinese pronunciation consultant (wink):
*Strike and Robin neglected to take photos of her injuries upon her escape from the compound. They weren't needed in the end but should have been taken as a matter of course for evidence should they have been needed in court.
*Whenever words or names in languages other than English (since this is narrated in English)are used, more care needs to be shown to guide the narrator as to the pronunciation of these words. Rowling again shows her extensive knowledge or research into other languages (re: Latin in Harry Potter), to wit, the Chinese names for a few of the characters. Actually only one name is problematic since Daiyu and Ching sound fine. However, "Yixin" should not rhyme with "vixen." It probably means "One Heart" but could also mean "Righteous Heart" and should be pronounced "Ee Shin".
Nevertheless, I can forgive this superb narrator for not knowing Chinese.

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book, and highly recommend it after you've read the first six.

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Very stressful for me

Revisado: 03-28-23

Listening to this just raised my anxiety level. I knew what was going on long before she did. I do not enjoy hours and hours of women being harassed, overworked, abused, and belittled by bosses. If that's how corporate law really is, men (and some women) are despicable. I think the author missed a great legal showdown by passing over the wise uncle. A bit predictable at the end.

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Enjoyable but predictable

Revisado: 03-13-23

It was nice reconnecting with the Dawn Patrol in this short story which focuses on the freeloading Billy. Eating at free hotel buffets and managing never to pay for anything, Billy is looking for a sugar mama to support him in his "old age". The story unfolds precisely as expected but ends happily enough. The delight comes in Winslow's ability to create fully-fleshed characters in just over an hour's reading.

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Acceptable ghost story

Revisado: 03-08-23

Ghost and vampire stories usually set my eyes rolling, but The Night Stalker (Darrin McGavin, 1972) and then George C Scott in The Changeling (1980) had me walking upstairs backwards so as to always face what was following. You have to be able to believe at least a little, and I usually can't.

Since then, I have found that few ghost stories can walk that fine line successfully blending the fantastical with FBI investigation. Oracle wins. The premise seems clear enough, but layer after layer is slowly revealed, crafting a fine story with full characters. The story does lack the heart-knocking panic of the afore-mentioned movies; however, I docked a star only because all the development seemed to be leading to a rest-in-peace conclusion, but there are creepy sequels telling me this did not happen. Nevertheless, this is an enjoyable, stand-alone read.

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esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

SMH, not likely

Revisado: 03-08-23

I love the title's multiple meanings. How do you get out of debt to the mob? Especially when you're a lovable loser with few skills and fewer prospects. What do you do when your buddy is in deep trouble but you are owned by your mob uncle? The solution the friends come up with is a bit preposterous, and then their follow-up is as well thought out as if they were 4th graders. Idiots. That's why I cannot agree with the publisher's preview that this is "sweet" and "poignant". Not when I'm shaking my head muttering, "stupid, stupid" over and over. The debacle does wrap up nicely despite being unbelievable, and the writing is well- crafted, as one would expect from such a fine author.

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Superb narration, delightfully Irish

Revisado: 03-06-23

Yes, the English "ruin" suits this very well as so many lives have been damaged by those who are supposed to nurture and protect. But human strength and courage win out in the end despite the shattered heaps surrounding the characters. Aoife McMahon's narration is rich and full, and perfect.

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Lots of switches, but I'd like a sequel

Revisado: 02-17-23

This story keeps you on your toes as it changes genres several times. I kept squinching my eyes at each turn, but at the end I want the next book! So, yeah, it's good.

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Another Deaver Creeper!

Revisado: 02-17-23

Very short story, but fully developed characters, this has all of Deaver's talent packed into it. The twisty end is perhaps a bit unbelievable, because you have to accept a concept of some kind of mystical/magical/devilish transfer, but it sort of makes it like a ghost story.

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