Jesse

Even redacted, it's a fascinating, mandatory read

Revisado: 05-23-19

Absolutely fascinating read. Even redacted, there's a crap ton of evidence in here to prove the twelve cases of obstruction. And not enough to prove criminal conspiracy. I would be interested in viewing the cases of interviews and other evidence, but I never will. So, this is the next best thing.

The report is very straight forward, written in perfectly understandable English. There are definitions of criminal or investigative terms, but over all, none of this is written in legalese. I was able to listen to all of it and completely understand the evidence as it was presented. The narrators did an excellent job in reading the report in a clear, concise voice.

The Mueller Report is an excellent way to understand how our justice system works -- providing there's no further impediments to the information. But having an understanding of our system helps us understand how our government should be working. Regardless of how you feel about the evidence presented, you should still be reading this to know what's going on right now. As a citizen of this country, it's your responsibility.

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Excellent reading of an already great book!

Revisado: 07-01-13

I had already read this book -- and loved it -- when I found out that the author had released an audio version. I tend to be a bit skittish about audiobooks for two reasons: 1) a bad reader can really destroy an otherwise wonderful story and 2) I get my own idea of the characters voices in my head and it's not always easy to jibe those voices with an audio version. But I decided to give it a shot -- after all, the book was already a great read.

I'm really thrilled to announce that the audio version of The Demon of Synar is so worth the download and the listen that I've been recommending it all over.

The Demon of Synar brings together the worlds of Science Fiction/Space Opera, Paranormal, and Romance into a brilliant story. Dark and action packed, this story is a tight, character driven story of Liam Synar on the day of his "wedding" to Ambassador Ania Looren. But an assassination plot thwarts the wedding and leaves several killed and Ania fatally wounded. Liam, unknown to any but the reader, is a Demon Master who has the power of the family demon, Malachi. Without her knowing, Liam commands Malachi into Ania to heal her and keep her alive -- and then disappears, leaving his new mate to deal with her feelings of rejection. There are reasons why, but she is not to know them. And thus begins the story.

There's a lot of action as Liam has to rescue his mate, dodge the assassination attempts, and hopefully get his crew together. And what a varied crew it is. McDonald excels in creating very real characters from other worlds and making you believe that they really exist. They're full of flaws, shining moments, bravery, and just being who they are. Each character has his or her own personality and you get caught up in the story and in their lives.

Right from the first chapter, this story takes off and it doesn't stop. The action is amazing, the plot draws you in and doesn't let go -- and the cliffhangers make you want to read the next book. And then the next. And then the next. And darn it, the woman doesn't write fast enough for me; I'm so hooked, I want more and I want it now.

And now, the icing on the cake is having an audio version. Allyson Johnson's reading is spot on! She has such a great take on each of the characters -- especially Malachi, the titled Demon of Synar -- and she gives voice to a complex character that is much more than he originally seems. She keeps things moving with her reading, which is a plus. I really hope she's reading the rest of the books in this series, because I don't think anyone else could do as well as she does with them.

Bottom line, if you love romances and science fiction, this is the book and series for you. If you don't have time during your busy day but want to enjoy a good book, this is the book for you. This is a must have that even if you don't like SF and/or romance, you'll still love it, it's that well written and that well read.

Five out of five stars across the board.

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Wonderful story almost ruined by the narrator

Revisado: 06-19-13

I remember originally reading these as a methadone for Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series -- they were recommended to me on an email list. I fell in love with the entire series, loved reading them. Read them a couple of times. But my reading time grew a little short and the audiobooks seemed to be a great idea.

I'll be honest, the stories are amazing. Moning's characters are vivid and real, manly men and strong women. My favorite is still Grim. They have faults, they have virtues. They make mistakes, they make right decisions. And they all love hard. And well. I can't help but get caught up in the books.

So overall, these books are fantastic.

But the reader leaves a lot to be desired. His Scottish accent is so bad, he should have just let it go and read it. His "female" voices are just as bad, sounding cliched and idiotic. But his heavy handed reading of the love scenes had me giggling instead of enthralled in their passion.

You have to make that decision about why you want these books. If you can get around a mediocre reader, you'll fall in love with these books too. But I'd really recommend reading them instead.

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Brilliant readers make the book a great experience

Revisado: 01-17-13

I admit that I fall into the camp of those who think Diana Gabaldon can do no wrong and write no crap. "The Scottish Prisoner" is one of those books that can definitely do no wrong or could be perceived of as crap. A tight story, full of layers and plot twists, that when I first read it, I was so involved that I couldn't put it down until I was finished with the book. Getting the audiobook has only reinforced that feeling -- this story is wonderful!

It's so well written, the dialogue rings true, and the character relationships don't go off into typical romance land -- not everyone is going to get along all of the time. And even though I know that John and Jamie become fast friends later on, at this point in the story, they are what could best be described as "polite enemies".

But the best part of this audiobook is having the two readers alternating and interacting. A stroke of genius, Holmes has Jamie Fraser down pat. Woodman has been reading all of the Lord John books and his characterization is also brilliant. Both men make this book an incredible experience in the reading.

If you love Diana Gabaldon, Lord John, and/or Jamie Fraser...if you love "The Scottish Prisoner", then you simply must get this audiobook! You will fall more deeply in love with all of the above and enjoy the book that much more.

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Brilliant readers make the book a great experience

Revisado: 01-17-13

I admit that I fall into the camp of those who think Diana Gabaldon can do no wrong and write no crap. "The Scottish Prisoner" is one of those books that can definitely do no wrong or could be perceived of as crap. A tight story, full of layers and plot twists, that when I first read it, I was so involved that I couldn't put it down until I was finished with the book. Getting the audiobook has only reinforced that feeling -- this story is wonderful!

It's so well written, the dialogue rings true, and the character relationships don't go off into typical romance land -- not everyone is going to get along all of the time. And even though I know that John and Jamie become fast friends later on, at this point in the story, they are what could best be described as "polite enemies".

But the best part of this audiobook is having the two readers alternating and interacting. A stroke of genius, Holmes has Jamie Fraser down pat. Woodman has been reading all of the Lord John books and his characterization is also brilliant. Both men make this book an incredible experience in the reading.

If you love Diana Gabaldon, Lord John, and/or Jamie Fraser...if you love "The Scottish Prisoner", then you simply must get this audiobook! You will fall more deeply in love with all of the above and enjoy the book that much more.

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An engaging story, well written

Revisado: 04-30-12

I love Diana Gabaldon's way with words. She sets the place and time so perfectly that I feel at ease within the framework. The characters are real and complex and I feel as if I know them intimately.

But it's her story telling ability that fascinates me. I know her way of actually writing these books and I can tell you, it would confuse the hell out of me to do it. But she does it so well, writing the "pearls" of scenes and then stringing them together later on into a cohesive and brilliant plot. Lots of action, in depth character pieces, and everything flows like a river to the final, satisfying conclusion.

In Dragonfly in Amber, Jamie and Claire go to Paris, to try and change the course of history -- to prevent Charles Stuart, aka Bonnie Prince Charlie, from leading the rebellion that ultimately led his army to ruin at Culloden Moor and led to the desolation of Scotland for over 200 years. But, as they find out later, they are unsuccessful -- the Bonnie Prince has issued a proclamation to the English crown that he is leading his army to take back what he feels is rightfully his and he has signed Jamie's name to the roster of sympathetic Scottish nobles. With no choice but to fight for his king, Jamie goes to war and Claire is by his side.

The story is told in flashback, by Claire to her (and Jamie's) grown daughter and Roger Wakefield (a minor character from the beginning of Outlander, also now grown).

The only troublesome thing to me -- and yes, it's just my problem, it appears -- is that I am still not impressed with Davina Porter's reading. While she has Claire and the narratives down pat, her reading in the Scottish voices still sounds as if she's "reading". Her inflections aren't consistent, the dialogue is a bit flat, and her voicings all sound the same with no differences for character. I really wish she'd placed more of an emphasis on the characterizations and let the voicing be hanged. It would have jangled far less. If I hadn't been a connoisseur of audiobooks read by honest to God actors, this wouldn't have. But it did.

But all in all, I recommend this audiobook highly. Having them in audio format is icing on the cake to an already brilliant and wonderful story, crafted by a brilliant author.

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An engaging story, well written

Revisado: 04-30-12

I love Diana Gabaldon's way with words. She sets the place and time so perfectly that I feel at ease within the framework. The characters are real and complex and I feel as if I know them intimately.

But it's her story telling ability that fascinates me. I know her way of actually writing these books and I can tell you, it would confuse the hell out of me to do it. But she does it so well, writing the "pearls" of scenes and then stringing them together later on into a cohesive and brilliant plot. Lots of action, in depth character pieces, and everything flows like a river to the final, satisfying conclusion.

In Dragonfly in Amber, Jamie and Claire go to Paris, to try and change the course of history -- to prevent Charles Stuart, aka Bonnie Prince Charlie, from leading the rebellion that ultimately led his army to ruin at Culloden Moor and led to the desolation of Scotland for over 200 years. But, as they find out later, they are unsuccessful -- the Bonnie Prince has issued a proclamation to the English crown that he is leading his army to take back what he feels is rightfully his and he has signed Jamie's name to the roster of sympathetic Scottish nobles. With no choice but to fight for his king, Jamie goes to war and Claire is by his side.

The story is told in flashback, by Claire to her (and Jamie's) grown daughter and Roger Wakefield (a minor character from the beginning of Outlander, also now grown).

The only troublesome thing to me -- and yes, it's just my problem, it appears -- is that I am still not impressed with Davina Porter's reading. While she has Claire and the narratives down pat, her reading in the Scottish voices still sounds as if she's "reading". Her inflections aren't consistent, the dialogue is a bit flat, and her voicings all sound the same with no differences for character. I really wish she'd placed more of an emphasis on the characterizations and let the voicing be hanged. It would have jangled far less. If I hadn't been a connoisseur of audiobooks read by honest to God actors, this wouldn't have. But it did.

But all in all, I recommend this audiobook highly. Having them in audio format is icing on the cake to an already brilliant and wonderful story, crafted by a brilliant author.

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Romance and adventure live on in Outlander

Revisado: 02-05-12

What made the experience of listening to Outlander the most enjoyable?

I've heard nothing but good things about this audiobook, mostly the praise for Davina Porter. I've read this book in the printed form and I am a huge Diana Gabaldon fan -- and serious Jamie Fraser lover. But I have to admit a great deal of praise for Davina Porter. She has Claire down pat and her reading brings everything to life. Her Scottish dialogue is a bit flat at times, sounding exactly like she's reading a book -- against her English dialogue that sounds amazingly lifelike, it stands out like a bit of a sore thumb. But on the whole, Davina Porter makes this a wonderful experience.

Who was your favorite character and why?

James Alexander Malcolm McKenzie Fraser (McTavish) -- he alternates between being a big dopey kid, a stubborn, over practical Scot, and an intensely romantic man. He isn't perfect but he is a divine, wonderful man that gives his all for the woman he loves. How can you not fall in love with him.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene occurs after Jamie and Claire have had the infamous

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire ending moves me but I can't give you those details because they'd be spoilers. Suffice it to say, it's one hell of an ending, painful to read/listen to in places, but still incredible.

Any additional comments?

Diana Gabaldon is a brilliant writer, no doubt. A true storyteller and without her words, this would not be. The story is engaging, the characters are as real as they possibly can be within the pages of a book, and this audiobook only enhances the reading pleasure I already had. The whole series is a must have and a must read...and now a must listen.

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Brilliant read and listen!

Revisado: 01-26-12

What made the experience of listening to 11-22-63 the most enjoyable?

Stephen King is a brilliant author anyway -- his story telling skills are unmatched, with amazingly real characters that become your best friends and a plot that has you hooked with every

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love Jake Epping -- tender romantic, typical schoolteacher in his idealism, he gets down to the gritty reality with a determination that makes the

What does Craig Wasson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I can hear the voices but not like he does them. They were so individual that I lost Craig Wasson and

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

Absolutely. And if I'd been reading the actual book, I'd have read it in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

This is a MUST HAVE audiobook. I lived that period of time; I remembered all of it. But the alternate reality was so real, the story pulled me in. Even if you're not a Stephen King fan, you will get sucked in to a brilliant story and an amazing reading.

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