R. Harmon

A bit different from the first book, but not in a bad way

Reviewed: 01-09-25

I didn't understand all of it, but I did enjoy it. (What exactly is a transit ring, again?)

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I'm in the Meat fan club.

Reviewed: 12-23-24 Listener received this title free

If you liked the first book, you'll find plenty to enjoy about this one. We made some new friends, gained some new powers, and may or may not have lost some in the process (no spoilers!).

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Very satisfying conclusion!

Reviewed: 12-19-24

I don't know what I can say without spoilers, except that I found this final book in the trilogy to be the best in the series. It's not every day that a series (book or otherwise) gets a conclusion as satisfying as this one.
If you read the first two books in the series, you need this one. If you read only the first one and want to know how it ends before you commit to the other two books, know that it's worth the trip (personally, I found that the story improved continuously after the last half of the first book).
If you haven't started the series yet, you really should. Just know that while the main character makes plenty of mistakes, he does eventually learn from them and get his act together. And if we're being honest, doesn't that sound a little more familiar than we'd like to admit?
Oh, and there was a narrator change between books 1 and 2, but if you keep an open mind and don't get mad, you'll be fine. I love Travis Baldree, but I really think John Pirhalla did a great job, too.
I'm very glad to have come along on this journey.

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Fantastic!

Reviewed: 12-10-24

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book; I wanted something to put me in a Halloween mood, and this one had demons, witches, and curses. I had no idea what a ride I was in for. The whole experience was incredible and constantly left me guessing. I finished the audiobook two months ago and I still think about how much I enjoyed the characters and their story.

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Much to love about this one

Reviewed: 12-01-24

I only wish we could have seen more of Chaz in this book. I hope he gets more screen time in the next one.

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A refreshing take on the "dream video game"

Reviewed: 09-26-24

This was a great listening experience; I enjoyed the story very much. I'm usually very critical of the stories I enjoy (the more I like it, the higher my expectations), but I only noticed a couple of minor points in this one -- mostly about subject/object pronoun use (think "I" vs. "me"). I guess I was also a little concerned about how readily the main character could "eliminate hostiles," and at least one case where she did so unnecessarily (though she seemed to realize it afterwards).
While I say this as a man, I found the narrator's male voices to be more varied and convincing than many of her female voices. It was kind of impressive, honestly.
Also, I would caution against listening to all 3 books in rapid succession. By the time I was wrapping up the third volume in this set, it was starting to affect my thinking. My daughter asked me, "If you have to split an apple between yourself and two friends, but can only make one cut, how would you do it?" I thought about it for a minute, but the only response I could think of was, "Line them up, one in front of the other. Stab through the first, into the second. Walk away and eat the apple."

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I only wish for more

Reviewed: 09-10-24

This is some classic Drew Hayes, but finally with a dog. And what a dog! I can totally relate, as I feel like I've magically bonded to my own small dogs. I can't wait to continue this awesome adventure series.

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Funny, but infuriating

Reviewed: 09-07-24

I'm familiar with the author's other works, and I've enjoyed them all to some extent. This one is no different, except that it became clear to me that Croshaw doesn't actually write relatable characters who aren't completely incompetent. There were just too many instances of characters doing completely idiotic things, and while it made the narrator's commentary more humorous, that humor seemed to almost always come at the characters' expense. I think I really just need a break from these books, as they're probably better in smaller doses. Kind of like Mr. Bean: hilarious until you get too much of it, and then you just can't keep going.

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Not the typical MC

Reviewed: 04-13-24 Listener received this title free

I've been getting tired of "system apocalypse" books lately, but this one was a refreshing take on the concept. I usually struggle to relate with the protagonist in his early twenties with no attachments, but this one had me laughing at the familiarity in the opening paragraphs (particularly the remarks about his earplugs and blankets).
I think the main character did a much better job than I could have done in the same circumstances (I won't spoil it for anyone). Honestly, he made very few choices that I disagreed with. I'm sure I would have done things differently, but given the MC's logic, I probably would not have done as well.
The rest of the book was very compelling, too. Even though it was a nice, long listen (worth the credit!), I was disappointed to hear that I had reached the end. I'm very much looking forward to the next one!

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Best one yet!

Reviewed: 04-06-24

This book is probably my favorite in the series so far. I can't say much more without spoilers, but it was awesome.

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