Beautiful characters. This audio book from Full Cast Audio ...
922054
This is a splendid book about friendship, values, and navigating the shoals of middle school life. Beautiful characters. This audio book from Full Cast Audio is a delight....real kids reading their parts with skill. Highly recommended.
2635220
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Audiobook Review (A BJ Review)

Rating:  5 stars out of 5  

For Jacob and Daniel, two young gay men aboard a US Navy ship in WWII, the risks are high. Not only the risks of injury and death from Japanese planes and submarines, but the risk of discovery. Only a special kind of love is worth taking that chance. But from the moment Daniel meets Jacobs eyes across a battle-scarred deck, he knows he has to try.

Being together requires figuring out what it means to be gay in an era when they could be discharged, imprisoned, or worse for admitting the desires of their hearts. Their relationship is measured in stolen moments and rare days of precious leave, with no guarantee there will be a tomorrow. And, if they survive the war, they will need even more luck to keep their love alive through the years to come.

This story was originally written from a prompt and photo submitted as part of the Goodreads M/M Romance Groups Love is Always Write event in 2012.

This book blew me away. Its an touchingly beautiful story of an enduring love that spans over a period of sixty years. While it begins and largely takes place during WWII, the last third of the book carries us through the rest of out heroes lives, touching briefly on important events like Stonewall, but mostly letting us watch as these men deal with things like post-war trauma, family acceptance, workplace concerns, coming out, births, adopting a cat, and all the small and large changes that personal and physical relationships goes through as we age. An amazingly real, believable, and relatable story. Bravo.

The book itself was a wonderful free gift from a talented writer, but Im very glad she decided to take it a step further and put it into audio. Id been meaning to read it for a while but hadnt gotten to it. Since I listen to audio every day while driving and hiking with the dogs, I snapped it up right away when the audio came out. For those who enjoy listening to audio, don't hesitate on this one. Its one of the most worthwhile audible credits Ive used lately.

Kaleo Griffith did an excellent job with the narration, most notably in bringing to life the emotion that this story so richly deserved. While the two mens voices are not as vastly different as on some audios, I enjoyed the Jersey accent he used for Jacob very much. It fit and wasn't at all overdone. And he did an outstanding job of aging the voices as the main characters matured and grew old.

Some of the scenes in this book are still stuck in my minds eyes weeks after reading, especially the scene in the ocean after the USS Gageway sinks. The authors use of description read so incredibly vivid, Id say it was like watching a movie except it really was more because not only did we see and hear, but I could taste and feel as well. Rarely have I felt so immersed in a scene whether in print or on the big screen.

Despite being set in wartime and feeling realistic, the author didn't go overboard on angst, nor did she hype up the gore for the shock or thrill factor. Overall this was a heartwarming tale that spoke to me of destiny, of finding that one person and going through all the good and bad times, of nearing the end and looking back with joy on a life well-lived. And well-loved. This story is a gem, a treasure. You owe it to yourself to read it.
2010775
I'm a huge fan of the podcast, and so I was ecstatic that they were coming out with a novel.

The audio book is a thing of beauty and I'm fairly convinced that it's pretty much the most brilliant thing ever. I love that Cecil Baldwin (who plays Cecil Palmer, the Voice of Night Vale) narrates the book, and after listening to it, it's hard not to read everything in his voice. I was a little disappointed that Dylan (the voice of Carlos) didn't get to read the chapter in which Carlos is narrating scientific findings to Jackie, but overall, I loved loved loved loved it.
742365
Oh my gosh. Where do I start? Technically, I listened to the audiobook for this, which was a first for me. However, now that I've discovered the magic of audiobooks I can see the appeal, but I still plan to actually read the paper book in order to get the full intended written impact. Okay, moving on... I loved it. Like, I really LOVED it. I absolutely hands down adored Lou, the female lead character! Such a lovable character and so easy to relate to. The book was fantastic. Did I mention how unbelievably charmed I was with it? No? Well I was so charmed! And not just with Lou, but Will, the male lead character, who was a bit much at first. Although, he really grew on me. This one gave me all the feels. Do yourself a favor and read it, immediately.
954210
(reviewed on audible)

What did you like about this audiobook?

I love short story collections that are related to long series. These provided more information about certain characters that I wanted to learn more about that wasn't appropriate to include in the original series. I think this was a good amount of stories as well.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

Oh yes. I adore back stories and side stories that are related to series. It is one way to get more without making an epic even morewell, epic. A series cannot go on forever and keep people interested, but supplementing by including short stories can keep people interested or get new listeners interested in the world. There are a few characters I wanted to learn more about and this is an excellent way to do that without bogging down the main story. This collection of stories does just that.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

Nothing I can think of. I have listened to both the Prophet of Panamindorah series and The Guild of the Cowry Catchers series and am accustomed to Abigail Hiltons voice as well as all of the voice actors that participated in any of the full audio versions currently available. I believe the voice actors have been well chosen. As to straight reads by the author, I feel there is enough differentiation between characters to keep track of everything going on.

Do you have any additional comments?

"A Cat Prince Distinguishes Himself" looks back to the past and focuses on Lexis from The Prophet of Panamindorah series. I love how this added a fantastic piece of back story that was not included in the original series. It made me look at the character a bit different on the next reading.

"On the Edge" gives us some background on a wolfling, Sevn, which joins a wolfing pack that becomes significant in The Prophet of Panamindorah series.

"Distraction" tells us more about the past in The Prophet of Panamindorah series. It focuses on Gabalon, and tells a story that might be unexpected for those who have read the original series. Makes a few connections that may have been missed before.

"Hualien" is a story about a character from The Prophet of Panamindorah series Ive always wanted to know more about since there were hints here and there that something different about him in regards to the rest of the Raider packHualien was so much more than I had imagined.

"Night in the Crystal City" focuses on the character Syrill from The Prophet of Panamindorah series. It is a nice back story that touches on memories of the past and a possible future.

"Professionals" focuses on Silveo from The Guild of the Cowry Catchers series and give some back story from a time when he was a teenager working as an assassin. This helps fill in a few questions I asked myself about when reading the original series.
1561002
I read the third book in this series (<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Two-for-Sorrow/dp/0061451584/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Two for Sorrow</a>) first, which I guess answers the question about whether this series CAN be read out of order.  I'm no sure they SHOULD be read out of order though.  I am devoted to audio books though and this is the order that the books appeared on Audible.com.

First, this is the same narrator, Davina Porter, who I so enjoyed listening to in Two for Sorrow.  Without relying on broad accents she nicely intimates both the period and nationality of the characters.  One thing that disappoints me is that she is not the narrator of the English audio edition-- what a waste to redo the audio for the American audience with a whole new narrator.

Second, I really enjoyed the theatre background.  I had read quite a bit about the nonfictional Josephine Tey so it was a pleasure to see the name John Terry and know that it was based on John Gielgud who was related to the Terry theatre family.  Gielgud in fact played the lead in the real play Richard of Bordeaux. His Anne was Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies though, not Lydia Beaumont.  However, Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies like her fictional counterpart was a lesbian.

The plot is engaging and draws on both Tey's life and the lingering effects of World War I on both those who had fought and those who had to cope with their loved ones not returning or returning transformed.

Recommended for those who enjoy historical British mysteries.
888219
This book is best savored in the audio format. Narrator Simon Vance superbly delivers an almost impossibly complex job of rendering different characters in different voices. As a result the compete nuances of Regency period language are there to be savored. And of course the writing itself is simply unequalled.
3996423
Excellent audio book. The material by the author is wonderfully funny and poignant and honest. The person who is narrating the book is perfect for the part. It's one of the best audiobooks that I've listened to in a long time...and I've already listened to it twice!
4188988
Listened to the audio book and loved it

I was on the hold list for an eBook of The Bourbon Kings from my library. But, I purchased it from Audibles Deal of the Day so I started listening to it. When my eBook came in from the library I was at about 70% of the way through listening and chose to not read it. I didn't want to stop listening to the audio book.

There was intrigue, romance, multiple characters with messed up lives, which lead to drama. I am not sure this family could be more of a mess, and I ate it up.

There was so much going on with so many changes in characters that I felt like I was listening to a Soap Opera, but a good one. I got a little confused sometimes but quickly got back on track.

The only issue I had was with the narrators narration of the female POV. Alexander Cendese has a deep, gravely voice that does not match well when trying to sound feminine. I found the voices whiny and almost pitiful or childish at times. I was able to ignore that part and I really got into the story. I cant wait to listen to the next in the series, The Angels' Share.

If you have read and loved The Bourbon Kings, GET THIS AUDIO. If you haven't read The Bourbon Kings, GET THIS AUDIO.
1756589
I listened to this story via the full cast audio. It was a little slow in the beginning, but by  of the way through, I was hooked. I definitely enjoyed the audio presentation, as Abbie has a great cast. The book is set in a rich world and is full of fun details.
1181601
AudioBook Review:  Stars: Overall 5 Narration  5 Story 5

Fiona Wood is one of those authors who simply gets it. Her ability to present the mistakes, social awkwardness, concerns, fears and even joys that everyone can relate to from growing up. Not that everyones story is the same, but the ability to present characters that are understandable and compelling, whether or not you agree with their choices, makes this book very readable (or an easy listen). Using a male perspective and narrator for this story just increase the intrigue and unique quality of this story.

Dan has had a fairly easy go of life until this year, and then everything went pear shaped. His father has up and declared himself gay, just before the bankruptcy of his business. Creditors have taken over the family home, turfing Dan, his mother and Howard the dog, Hes got to leave his private school and friends, and of course, the humiliation.  Fortunately for Dan and his mother, her aunt Adelaide has left them her very large, very strange museum of a house.

Quite a bit to deal with, either as an adult or a teen, but Dan manages to muddle through after a few very rough chapters. Hes smart, hes caring and has a sense of humor that is both age appropriate and quite advanced for his tender years.  Oh and did I mention the girl next door who is the focus of his very simple affections? Yeah, Dan was adorable and compelling, wonderfully complex character who is desperately trying to pull himself together and adjust his behavior to fit the new circumstances.

Narration for this story is provided by David Atlas, and the use of a male narrator for the young teenaged Daniel works beautifully, without sounding too mature or disintegrating into the juvenile.  He uses tone and delivery to present Dans words, his keen observations and moments to great effect, the story is a pleasure to listen to.

All of the characters are wonderfully drawn, from Dans mother who is also trying to find her way along a path so very different from the one she envisioned.  Then there is Howard the dog: like most dogs hes pretty malleable, but it is his psychotherapists demeanor that is intriguing, and the recipient of Dans innermost thoughts as he works through his world. Using a list of Six Impossible Things that need immediate action to set his world to rights, the story builds to present a wonderful tale of overcoming the obstacles that life tosses at you with humor, support and a perspective that is far more adult than a boy of 14 is expected to have.  A wonderful read or listen.

I received an audiobook copy of the title from Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility
2049733
I ordered this unabridged version of the book after listening to the shortened version produced by Big Finish, which was also narrated by Lara Parker.  The author is an exceptional narrator, writer, and actor who has represented the voice and spirit of the Angelique character since its creation. It is such a delight to hear these stories come to life through the words and voice of Ms. Parker. This is one of those rare cases where I cannot imagine simply reading the printed word. I thoroughly enjoyed this unabridged audio book and have since ordered the other two recordings in the series. I can only hope Ms. Parker will also narrate the upcoming fourth title.
2672081
AudioBook Review
Stars:  Overall: 4 Narration: 5  Story 4

A dual-perspective story is the basis for this story. Siblings, mischievous dogs, an uptight designer and a touch of the Southern Belle blend to create a story that will have you searching construction sites for a man like Caleb. Oh yes, it is fun, funny, sexy and heartfelt with plenty of moments to enjoy.

Caleb is the eldest brother in the Pierce family, expecting to have control of the family business after the death of his father. Years of stress from dealing with a manipulative and difficult father should have ended. Instead the stipulations require him to bring his estranged brothers into the company to live and work together.  As if that isn't enough to deal with, Morgan Raines, has hired him to build a home to her exacting specifications. On two fronts, Caleb expects nothing but walking on eggshells for the next while.

Morgan is exacting, demanding and ALWAYS gets what she wants, even if she has to appear at work in pink work boots.  Holding on to her proper is a habit, but she also never lets on the pain or secret she keeps inside.  Oh yes, there is a solid, knee shaking instant reaction to Caleb, and their control issues will bounce off one another far sooner and more often than their lips will connect. At first. One can only hope. Morgan is solidly female, strong, and intelligent and knows what she likes and wants. Caleb couldn't be more different than his brothers, and while he does find stings in the barbs thrown, his honest desire is to make everything work  and then find happiness.

Narration for this story is provided by Sebastian York and Madeleine Maby. I adored the solid portrayals, as both added elements to the characters that felt intuitive and appropriate, never over emoting or letting the moment fall flat. Probsts writing is perfectly paced and each moment is nuanced to show the characters in every living and breathing moment, flaws and all. Truly wonderful narration allowed those elements to shine and held my attention, giving everyone a voice and memorable place.

I received an audiobook copy of the title from Simon and Schuster Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
1720807
The joy of this book is the audio CD narrated by the author himself.  This is the best audio book I have come across.  I can't imagine reading the book to myself.  It would lose so much personality without the author's narration.
464846
This is, by far, my favorite audio book.  I can listen with the kids and Jim Dale does an AMAZING job as all the characters.  Love this whole series, well worth the purchase price.
1075165
My review deals less with the story and more with the quality of this audio book, for those looking for that information in particular.

I borrowed this 12 CD unabridged audio from the library. Frances Barber is the perfect narrator. She is a distinguished British theater and TV actress, and a singer. Her accent is lovely and easy for an American to understand.
Barber makes the audio book shine. Mansfield Park features many diverse characters. It is impossible to have a totally separate voice for each, but some do have one. Barber's portrayal of Fanny Price, Lady Bertram and Mrs. Norris in particular are masterful. Fanny sounds quiet and timid, Lady Bertram's voice is wispy, vague and unfocused, while Mrs. Norris is loud, annoying and officious. Other characters, lacking a separate accent of their own, are well distinguished by Barber's fine intonation. She conveys emotion very nicely, bringing them alive. This is difficult to do in a book with so very many characters to portray.

As to my opinion of the story...Well, in some places, mostly in the beginning, the story drags. Austen could have pared down those boring, drawn out sections without losing the point she is making. One example of this is the extended arguments and discussions about whether to stage a play, what play to perform, and who gets which part.
(By the way..."Lovers' Vows", the play in question, is a REAL play. Austen assumes the reader of MP will be familiar with the play and understand why it is an unsuitable choice for the young people to stage. I was delighted to discover it was real, as no part of the play is actually spoken in MP. The play is available online. One will also wish to investigate what a ha-ha is before reading the book.)

Many seem to find Fanny particularly annoying. I would have to agree that she can be so. However, Fanny is like the center of a wheel in this story. The spokes - everyone else - revolve around her and provide the main action. One must judge Fanny by the times and her personal situation. She came from a family where her parents and all but one sibling cared nothing about her, and moved in at 10 years old with her rich relations. There, she again finds but one real friend. Her adoptive family grinds down her already poor self-esteem. One cannot expect her to be like Austin's spunky heroines. Indeed, were that so, she would be thoroughly unbelievable. Fanny is a product of her situation and her own disposition. Any show of strength on her part would have been met with a further and harsher pounding down by the Bertrams. She is an interesting character study, and I for one appreciate her being of a different type than Austen's usual. I don't like to read the same thing over and over.

If you are inclined to "read" this story, this audio set is highly recommended. Just remember, the slower portions are towards the beginning.
4538181
This is so good. The characters are perfectly flawed. They are amazing. The way the author switches between the 'voices' is just beautiful. I really feel like I got a look inside of each of the main characters. It's hard to know what to say without giving too much away, but it's a perfect fit for anyone who loves John Green or Jandy Nelson.