Aspects

By: John M. Ford, Neil Gaiman

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

The first publication of a lost fantasy novel. Aspects has sorcery and politics and romance in an alternate 18th century setting. At last, the final work of one of the greatest SF and fantasy authors of his time.

"How had a writer this good fallen into this level of obscurity?" (Slate)

John M. Ford was the kind of writer that made audiences’ eyes light up and made other writers want to either worship him or assassinate him. He was a brilliant stylist and clever storyteller. He wrote everything. Short stories (award winners), novels (award winners), plays, poetry (award-winning), sketches, comedy monologs, games, Star Trek™ tie-ins, puzzles and parodies.

In the years before his unexpected death, he was working on a novel—a long fantasy of magic, railroads, politics and abdicated kings, swords and sorcerous machine guns, divination and ancient empires.

Now Aspects is in your hands. Come enter the halls of Parliament with Varic, Coron of the Corvaric Coast. Come to visit Strange House with the Archmage Birch. Explore the mountains of Lady Longlight’s Coronage of the Great Rogue Hills, alongside the Palion Silvern, Armiger/Sorcerer. Explore Lystourel, capital city of the Republic of Lescoray and the world so complexly created in the chapters of this novel.

©2022 John M. Ford (P)2022 Recorded Books

Listen to Neil Gaiman about John Ford

Neil Gaiman said that readers are enthralled by Ford and other authors have mixed feelings about him. And that's understandable. Jealousy and admiration are going to be present. But for us readers, to me, there's no doubt about it. Ford is a magnificent stylist. He is a great storyteller and he paints in your mind beautifully detailed scenes not only of the physical aspects of the scene, but also the states of mind and thoughts of his characters. Really a remarkable author and it is a shame that he died in September of 2006.

Intriguing Characters

It's unfortunate that the story isn't finished. The character development is particularly strong. I wound up liking several of the characters and would have loved to know how their stories end.

Very good for what it is

Just be aware that the novel is incomplete because it will leave you wanting more and not by design. It really a shame we'll never get to explore this world fully as I enjoyed the set up and the characters that were introduced.

Good story, well read

The performance of the book was great. I just wish it had been finished by the author before his death. It has great possibilities.

Didn’t make it even half way

If you’re a fan of reality tv or watching other people play games while you sit on the outside looking in wondering who and why, this book is for you.

I like to feel like I’m inside the story. Like I’m along for the adventure. This book lost me completely when they started playing essentially a board game. It was hard enough to stay interested in these people that I never felt like I got to know or care about. This is definitely a book for voyeurs not for those that want to feel involved or fully engaged.

For what it’s worth I’ve noticed it’s a stylistic thing more than quality of writing. I do think this is very well written. Just not my jam at all.

can't get into it

After spending an hour and a 1/2 listening straight through and still not able to get into the story I have decided to remove it from my library. I expected more from Neil Gaiman, as I have loved all his tales. Disappointed.

Unexpected Disappointment

This one was really hard for me to get into. I’m going to listen again and give it another shot. I’ve enjoyed the authors a lot in other stories, but this one was tough.