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aussieGeorge68

Sydney Australia

ratings
106
REVIEWS
26
FOLLOWING
2
FOLLOWERS
3
HELPFUL VOTES
20

  • Did Jesus Exist?: The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 59 mins)
    • By Bart D. Ehrman
    • Narrated By Walter Dixon
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (126)
    Performance
    (108)
    Story
    (112)

    Large numbers of atheists, humanists, and conspiracy theorists are raising one of the most pressing questions in the history of religion: "Did Jesus exist at all?" Was he invented out of whole cloth for nefarious purposes by those seeking to control the masses? Or was Jesus such a shadowy figure - far removed from any credible historical evidence - that he bears no meaningful resemblance to the person described in the Bible? In Did Jesus Exist? historian and Bible expert Bart Ehrman confronts these questions, vigorously defends the historicity of Jesus, and provides a compelling portrait of the man from Nazareth.

    Jacobus says: "Vintage Ehrman"
    "Jesus, a Jewish Apocalyptic preacher."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    In this book Dr Ehrman with some (but in my view not compelling) success tries to argue that Jesus did exist as a man and was executed as apposed to the view common amongst some groups of atheists that Jesus (man, god or both) was simply a myth and never existed at all.

    The first argument presented is that the vast majority of biblical scholars believe that Jesus existed falls particularly flat, there has been many times in many fields where the vast majority of scholars in a field have been found to be wrong. Its an unhelpful argument and should have been left out.

    Dr Ehrman calls those who don't believe Jesus existed in any physical form Mythicists. While I think the book succeeds in disposing many of the arguments of the Mythicists, it does not present any compelling arguments in the other direction. In the end no significant proof is presented that Jesus did exist other than the biblical sources. While Dr Ehrman presents some very good analysis of the biblical sources and makes a good argument as to the more historically plausible sections, at the end of the day one has to rely on the flawed and biased biblical sources as proof Jesus existed.

    Based on this evidence, my opinion is that Jesus probably existed, but I am far from certain. After listening to this book I am actually less certain than I was, I was shocked by the lack of non-biblical references to Jesus in material dating to the first century.

    Where this book shines however is Dr Ehrman's argument of Jesus as a Apocalyptic preacher similar to John the baptist. Its a well thought out argument and the most plausible argument as to who and what Jesus was I have heard. If you have read or listened to Dr Ehrmans other books and are short on time, I would suggest skipping to the final few chapters.

    12 of 14 people found this review helpful
  • Hexed: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 2

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 44 mins)
    • By Kevin Hearne
    • Narrated By Christopher Ragland
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (27)
    Performance
    (26)
    Story
    (26)

    Atticus O'Sullivan, last of the Druids, doesn't care much for witches. Still, he's about to make nice with the local coven by signing a mutually beneficial nonaggression treaty - when suddenly the witch population in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, quadruples overnight. And the new girls are not just bad, they're badasses with a dark history on the German side of World War II.

    aussieGeorge68 says: "Great tale, incredibly good narration."
    "Great tale, incredibly good narration."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    The series has one of the best narration performances I have come across for a while. Christopher Ragland is a contender for the best narrator of audio books.

    I recommend this book to anyone that enjoyed book 1. For those who have not read book 1, I recommend starting there first.

    Those with rigid religious views should avoid this book. Some references, all with good humor, are made to many religions including christianity. So far in the series the main character has interacted with figures from many religions, including having a beer with Jesus.

    The main character can communicate with his dog via some sort of telepathy. Some of the best lines are voiced by the dog. The dialog involving the dog character are very funny, but also convey a child like innocence and the unique quality of K9 enthusiasm familiar to most dog owners. I love the way the narrator voices the dog character.

    The author unashamedly borrows from just about every mythology to weave this highly entertaining tale. Witches, Greek Gods and Thor and just some examples of the characters used. In keeping with the humor of this book his layers are Werewolves and vampires.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Executive Actions

    • UNABRIDGED (20 hrs and 50 mins)
    • By Gary Grossman
    • Narrated By John McLain
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (29)
    Performance
    (25)
    Story
    (28)

    An assassin takes aim at a Presidential candidate during a primary stump speech. The instant he pulls the trigger, the outcome of the election is irrevocably changed. But Democrat Teddy Lodge, an upcoming media sweetheart, isn't killed. His wife is. As a result, Lodge emerges as the man to beat and the greatest threat to the incumbent President, Morgan Taylor.

    Bonny Garcia says: "A Fun,Creditable Summer Read"
    "Exciting, entertaining story, so so narration."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I loved the story. If you go into the story, without too much scrutiny and allow the author a bit of room, then its an entertaining well paced exciting story.

    If you don't allow the author some licence then I think it would be easy to dislike this book, particularly toward the end. If you love well constructed plausible plot lines keep away from this book. If you are willing to let the author string you along and don't think too deeply about the plausibility of the plot and the actions of some of the characters this is a cracking book.

    I have mixed thoughts about the narrator, the deepness of his voice is off the scale and at first listen he sounds totally pretentious. I have a fairly high end car stereo, I had to turn down the bass to stop the car from shaking when the narrator spoke. Seriously!

    When I first starting listening to this book, I hated the narration. I considered giving up on this book and returning it. The narrator quickly started to grow on me, particularly after turning down the bass on my car stereo. As I got used to the narrator and I also think he toned down some of the pretension after the first few chapters, I actually started to enjoy the book much more. On the positive side the narrator's pacing is quite good and the main character is noted in the story as having a distinctive voice.

    I am off to buy the next book in the executive series.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Sniper Elite: One Way Trip: A Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 8 mins)
    • By Scott McEwen, Thomas Koloniar
    • Narrated By Brian Hutchison
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (198)
    Performance
    (180)
    Story
    (184)

    The President of the United States can’t decide how to respond to a classified video showing the Taliban’s brutal treatment of their captive - a female helicopter pilot of the Army’s elite Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Afraid that a botched rescue will further destabilize foreign policy and end his presidency, the Commander-in-Chief falters. But when the Special Ops community learns that one of their own is being tortured and will almost certainly be killed, no executive order will stop them from attempting a rescue mission.

    CyndiB says: "A FIVE STAR READ"
    "One of the best book I have encountered this year."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This book kept me engaged from start to finish. Some may be turned off by the level of violence depicted, but none of it was inappropriate given the book largely follows the adventure of a navy seal sniper.

    The book is quite a trip, I must disagree with a few of the other reviewers when they say the author is nearly as good a Clancy. In my opinion he is far better.

    If the publisher is monitoring these reviews, please note I am keen for more audio books from these authors. I will be checking back periodically to see if they have any new books.

    The narrator Brian Hutchison, is quite good. He has a pleasant voice and if he worked a little more on his pacing and character voices he could be one of the very best. I would be happy to hear him again.

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
  • Orbit

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 41 mins)
    • By John J. Nance
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (44)
    Performance
    (23)
    Story
    (23)

    For Kip Dawson, winning a passenger seat on American Space Adventure's first commercial spaceflight is a dream come true. One grand shot of insanity and he can return to earth fulfilled. It's a bittersweet moment of triumph, however, muted by his wife's terror over his accepting the prize. The day of the launch, Kip tries to reconcile his wife's and daughters' fears and even tries calling his estranged son, to no avail. He sets off, vowing to make amends upon his return. But a successful launch quickly morphs.

    Karl says: "A delightful listen!"
    "Not at all what I expected but in a good way."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about Orbit?

    The technical and space flight aspects were secondary to the human drama and the examination of a life and aspects of the human mind.


    What other book might you compare Orbit to and why?

    None, I have never encountered a book quite like this.


    Which character – as performed by the narrator – was your favorite?

    No character in particular. It not clear who the narrator is, I suspect it was the author himself. The narrator did not sound like your typical "professional Narrator", but after a short time I could easily understand him. I suspect it was the author because you could tell he had a fondness for the characters. I do think the audio engineering and microphone used could have been better.


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

    Yes. Wanted to yes, but not with my busy life.


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Echo Burning: Jack Reacher 5

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 58 mins)
    • By Lee Child
    • Narrated By Jeff Harding
    Overall
    (20)
    Performance
    (18)
    Story
    (18)

    Jack Reacher, adrift in the hellish heat of a Texas summer. Looking for a lift through the vast empty landscape. A woman stops, and offers a ride. She is young, rich and beautiful. But her husband's in jail. When he comes out, he's going to kill her. Her family's hostile, she can't trust the cops, and the lawyers won't help. She is entangled in a web of lies and prejudice, hatred and murder.J ack Reacher never could resist a lady in distress.

    Michael Stringer says: "Excitement builds"
    "The best jack reacher so far."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I loved this one. The narrator was also good and suited the story. Unlike some of the narrators of the previous books in the reacher series he had a good deep voice which suited the main character but had the knack of being able to convey the impression of female character voice without the character sounding like a drag queen.

    The story is great plenty of action as usual for a jack reacher book, but the story is much more engaging with more psychological twists.

    This is my new favourite Jack Reacher book.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Die Trying: Jack Reacher 2

    • UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 13 mins)
    • By Lee Child
    • Narrated By Johnathan McClain
    Overall
    (41)
    Performance
    (40)
    Story
    (41)

    Jack Reacher, alone, strolling nowhere. A Chicago street in bright sunshine. A young woman, struggling on crutches. He offers her a steadying arm. And turns to see a handgun aimed at his stomach. Chained in a dark van racing across America, Reacher doesn't know why they've been kidnapped. The woman claims to be FBI. She's certainly tough enough. But at their remote destination, will raw courage be enough to overcome the hopeless odds?

    kathryn says: "stupedously silly enjoyment"
    "A Riviting Listen"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This is not a perfect book, it's plot wanders a bit and some things made me wonder to yourself why the characters seem to be doing things the hard way.

    But ...

    This book was very usual in it kept my interest and keep me involved for the entire 8+ hours. The story just flowed beautifully and I never once got board.

    This is not high literature, but is the perfect book for the lovers of action novels.

    The narrator was nice to listen to, but some of his character voices were cartoonish, with the director of the FBI sounding like something between James Cagney and Popeye.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Killing Floor: Jack Reacher 1

    • UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 47 mins)
    • By Lee Child
    • Narrated By Dick Hill
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (74)
    Performance
    (67)
    Story
    (66)

    Jack Reacher jumps off a bus and walks fourteen miles down a country road into Margrave, Georgia. An arbitrary decision he's about to regret. Reacher is the only stranger in town on the day they have had their first homicide in 30 years. The cops arrest Reacher and the police chief turns eyewitness to place him at the scene. As nasty secrets leak out, and the body count mounts, one thing is for sure: They picked the wrong guy to take the fall.

    Ian C Robertson says: "A Surprising First Look"
    "Action filled great narration."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    An enjoyable action filled book. It held my attention from start to finish.

    The narration was clear and nicely paced and added to the story.

    I highly recommend this for action book lovers

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Monkey's Raincoat

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 11 mins)
    • By Robert Crais
    • Narrated By William Roberts
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (22)
    Performance
    (14)
    Story
    (16)

    When quiet Ellen Lang enters Elvis's office, she's lost her husband and her son. Their search down the seamy side of Hollywood's studio lots and sculptured lawns soon leads them deep into a nasty netherworld of drugs and sex - and murder.

    Bill says: "Very Funny Quirky Crime Drama"
    "Awful narration, rambling story. I can't finish."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    The Narrator, due to the first person style of the story is constantly in 'tough guy' mode. Initially he was hard to understand, I had to repeat the first chapter. After I got used to his voice it just got more and more annoying.

    The story is rambling and the characters are dull. I am finding the need to constantly rewind as my mind wanders. At chapter 23, i gave up and deleted this book. This is not something I do often.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Church of Scientology: A History of a New Religion

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 56 mins)
    • By Hugh B. Urban
    • Narrated By Contessa Brewer
    Overall
    (15)
    Performance
    (13)
    Story
    (13)

    Scientology is one of the wealthiest and most powerful new religions to emerge in the past century. To its detractors, L. Ron Hubbard's space-age mysticism is a moneymaking scam and sinister brainwashing cult. But to its adherents, it is humanity's brightest hope. Few religious movements have been subject to public scrutiny like Scientology, yet much of what is written about the church is sensationalist and inaccurate.

    aussieGeorge68 says: "Some good sections but largely tedious."
    "Some good sections but largely tedious."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    All in all there are some good sections of this book, but this is one of rare times I would recommend getting the book in text form and not in audio form. My first reason for this is the narrator, while Contessa Brewer voice is understandable, I find her voice annoying and not up to the standard of other narrators of non-fiction works such as Walter Dixon and Sandy Rustin. When Contessa changes her voice when quoting other people like Hubbard, her voice become even more annoying and comical. Reading will allow skimming of parts of the book uninteresting to the reader.

    The large majority of this book is about "what is a religion in the 21st century" and "Scientology's complex journey to becoming a religion".

    I did find Mr Urban's catalog of the early history of Hubbard and his various organisations interesting and informative and also the sections on the tactics used by the origination such as "Fair Game" to stop or attempt to stop critics and the leak of "Religious Information" interesting. The battle with the IRS for religious status was also interesting but was presented in a very verbose fashion overly long fashion in my opinion.

    As the Author himself admitted a lot of information of the organisation has been left out for legal and other reasons, after listening to the compelling book "Beyond Belief" I was particularly interested in the organisation after Hubbard died and the takeover by David Miscavige, but there is little about this here.

    I can't help feeling that this book has just been bulked up to reach a certain size for whatever reason. The first chapters are full of "In the later chapters I will show" statements and little else. In the later chapters some information is endlessly repeated. Its written almost like a text book.


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Racketeer

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 44 mins)
    • By John Grisham
    • Narrated By J. D. Jackson
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (114)
    Performance
    (99)
    Story
    (101)

    Given the importance of what they do and the controversies that often surround them, and the violent people they sometimes confront, it is remarkable that in the history of the USA only four active federal judges have been murdered. Judge Raymond Fawcett just became number five. His body was found in the small basement of a lakeside cabin he had built himself and frequently used on weekends. When he did not show up for a trial on Monday morning, his law clerks panicked, called the FBI, and in due course the agents found the crime scene. There was no forced entry, no struggle, just two dead bodies

    Joseph says: "Hung Jury"
    "Tedious second half, awful."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I liked the narrator and the first half is not bad. The second half is just annoying. Most of the second half is just endless detail and the conclusion just does not work. This is one of my bottom five audio books. I really liked some of Grisham's other books, but I wish I could turn back time and skip this.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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