S. Travis

Good message, but not Green Ember

Reviewed: 02-16-25

This wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t close to as good as the Green Ember series. I loved the message of doing the right thing and resisting what is easy, being grateful for what you have, trusting God, and choosing humility. The book just seemed to have a lot of awkward moments, like the sounds of some of the names of the creatures and some of the dialogue. There were a lot of unanswered questions and incomplete explanations, as well. I also didn’t love the narrator—too forced, maybe. It’s not a book I’d listen to again.

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Keeps you hanging on!

Reviewed: 09-23-24

Nevil Shute has become one of my favorite authors. The Breaking Wave did not disappoint. I don’t think a better narrator could’ve been chosen. His voice was perfect for the part. Shute takes ordinary people and makes them characters that you want to know. You want to know All the boring details of their lives. I’m not sure which of his books is my favorite but this is in the running.

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Delightful Story!

Reviewed: 06-20-24

I love Nevil Shute’s style and storytelling ability. This novel did not disappoint. The protagonist was likable, and especially so because he was just a normal joe of a guy, but he stood up like a man and did a hard thing without complaint and with good humor. Though there is allusion to premarital/extramarital relations, it is not graphic and I consider the story appropriate for a mature pre-teen and recommended it to my 7th grader. The author does a lovely job of stringing out the reader to the very end even though you know what’s coming. There was not a dull moment for me.

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Enjoyable Middle School Story

Reviewed: 12-22-22

Enjoyable, if predictable, story about a girl who became a math savant after being struck by lightning. Likable characters, uplifting story, interesting view into the mind of someone with OCD and who is a genius with numbers. Disappointing that the author felt the need to add an LGBTQ element with one character who had two moms.

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1 person found this helpful

Excellent historical fiction!

Reviewed: 12-05-22

This is a book for older grade school children to adults. The vocabulary and some subject matter would make it difficult for most younger children. The story is very well written, clean of vulgar language and not overly graphic in regard to violence. The narrator does an impressive job of telling the story. As usual, Henty’s novel is an excellent way to study the history of a particular time through a mix of real and fictional characters in an engaging story.

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Well-written but Sad story, Disturbing imagery

Reviewed: 01-24-21

This novel was well read/performed by the narrator. It was a well-told, realistic and historically interesting story and well-written in terms of language, character development and flow. The moral dilemmas presented were thought provoking and the action of the story was well-paced, keeping my interest throughput. I only gave it a 4 because for me the subject matter was at times disturbing, depressing and very sad. I would recommend avoiding the story if you are particularly sensitive to scenes domestic violence or rape.

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Interesting History

Reviewed: 01-18-21

I enjoyed the insight into this historical era and the central figure of Eliza. The novel was well-performed and engaging to listen to. My main problem with the book is the lack of development of the characters of almost everyone other than Eliza and Charles. I think I would have taken very little to round out the characters, especially of the slaves and of Ben, in particular. Eliza’s constant repetition that Ben was her best friend was odd as there are very few conversations recorded of interaction between them. Because of this, the story felt unfinished.

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Wonderful Story

Reviewed: 01-15-21

Loved the story and the performance. Not appropriate for elementary school children . Fascinating history. Engaging narration.

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Awesome story

Reviewed: 12-05-20

Excellent reading of a frighteningly excellent story. Would definitely recommend. The reader is perfect for the subject matter. Will appeal to those not afraid of a varied and intelligent vocabulary.

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2 people found this helpful

Excellent Writing, Well Read, but..

Reviewed: 07-25-19

January LaVoy did an awesome job reading the various voices of the characters. Lyndsay Faye is a talented writer and the story is hard to stop listening to. Loved the historical information she conveys through the setting, time period and characters. I just didn’t like the occasional extra-strong language, nor did I like the feminist slant to the story or the inclusion of the transsexual thread. The LGBTQ theme that seems to be included in every single thing these days is just not welcome. Disappointed that Faye follows this broken record in her otherwise fascinating stories.

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2 people found this helpful