Isle of Man

Book Two of The Park Service Trilogy

By: Ryan Winfield

Narrated by: Michael Braun

The journey continues...After discovering the horrific truth behind the Park Service, 15-year old Aubrey Van Houten has overthrown its leader with the help of his best friend Jimmy and his girlfriend Hannah. But their victory has left all three parentless and alone in a world where drones still hunt humans. And while the Park Service founder might be dead, he's far from gone. Now, Aubrey's quest to free his people will lead him even farther into a world where nothing is what it seems.

©2013 Ryan Winfield (P)2014 Ryan Winfield

Great listen

Where does Isle of Man rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 5

What other book might you compare Isle of Man to and why?

I can't compare it. The story is very unique.

Which character – as performed by Michael Braun – was your favorite?

Jimmy

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

No, I like my audio books for making my commute to work more interesting.

Any additional comments?

While at its very heart, this is a part love story, the idea behind the story and the characters make it science fiction enough to entertain. Well written, well performed, and worth the time to listen to.

ugh

it's ok I bit of a dropped off from the last one.. I wasn't to crazy about it I saw a lot of the plot coming... it's ok nothing mind blogging

Great second book in the series

The second book in the series is just as engaging and dynamic as the first. There are so many levels to this story. Just when you think you have things figured out, there will be a sharp turn that takes it to a whole other place! warning, if you are an emotional sort, you will need tissues at one point, maybe two!

Once again was are all first person coming from Aubrey's POV. It is tough to really get a feel for other character's motivations without being told. It does add an element of surprise to the story, as you find out when he does. That aspect really keeps you on your toes.

Aubrey has always been likeable, if a touch of a know it all, and loyal to a fault. He is also far too trusting, by now you think some of the shine would have come off of him. So often he is stuck playing mediator between his friends. It is a tough place to be. I do really enjoy how tight he and Jimmy are and the connection they share. Hannah, is another story, I think she inherited more than a little of her father's sketchy ideals.

The journey they take in this book is fascinating because we see more of what has become of the Earth. How other species had evolved and some humans de-evolved. There are many surprises when they reach the Isle of Man. I wish we could have spent more time there and had more about the relationships that were formed. This would have been a great place to have some narrative from Jimmy. I suspect that would have made later events even more heartbreaking.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Michael Braun, who is wonderful. I really enjoy the distinction between the men's voices, he keeps them consistent throughout. His women's voices are light without trying to be overly feminine. He doesn't go to the whiny upper range, so many male narrators fall into that trap. He has a great pace throughout the read. He adds plenty of energy and emotion to the read. Really a terrific fit, he blend story and narration beautifully.

I am thoroughly enjoying this series and the rare male protagonist in a young adult read. While the story has romantic elements, they are not the driving force of the story. I really wish more YA would take that approach.

What is going to happen next! While we are not at a true cliffhanger, things are far from settled at the end. I can not wait to jump strait into the next book! Thank goodness the whole series is out and there is no waiting!

Disclosure - I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

Great Series

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Of course I would. I loved that I could do house work or just relax while listening to this book. I've loved the story, and listening to this audio, was just a way to revisit one of my favorite stories.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Aubrey. The whole story is about him. It's just a well written character.

What about Michael Braun’s performance did you like?

His voice is smooth.

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

I wanted to, but I don't ever have that much time on my hands

Any additional comments?

love it

LGBT Friendly

It is a good Lesibian Gay Bi-Sexual Transsexual story for all those looking for one.

captivating

What did you love best about Isle of Man?

The old professor was the most outrageous character. I could envision Christopher Lloyd in this part.

What other book might you compare Isle of Man to and why?

It can only be compared to the other two books in this trilogy. It is a very unique story.

Which scene was your favorite?

There are to many good scenes to pick just one.

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

Oh absolutely would have loved to listen to this book in one sitting. When I had to shut it off, I couldn't wait to get back to it..

Any additional comments?

As with the. First book in this trilogy, I really am enjoying the new dimension Audible gives the story.The narrator did an excellent job!

Fantastic

Would you listen to Isle of Man again? Why?

yes for certain its an awesome story

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jimmy....he had a great personality I wish I could be as easy going

Which scene was your favorite?

When they meet Finn

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

yes...but time consraints

Any additional comments?

Well worth listening to!

I liked the way the story unfolded

In book one “The Park Service” the reader followed 15 year old Aubrey Van Houten as he discovered the truth about his underground society. Each 15 year old child had to take a very long and complicated test. The score decided were you would work and live for the next 20 years. There were 6 levels to the underground city. The worst was level 6 and the best to try for was level 2. When the age of 35 was reached that person “retired” and was transported to “Eden”.

Aubrey aced the test and was sent to Level 1. During the train ride, there was an accident and he managed to escape. This is when he realized that everything he had been taught was a lie.

“Isle of Man” takes place after the flood and death of Hanna’s parents. (Who is Hanna? Read book 1) Aubrey, Jimmy, Junior, and Hanna have managed to salvage a sleek speed boat and descend down to the Park Service labs, via the locks. Everything is still flooded but the water is slowly draining away.

They discover a sub still tied to the dock, but it is underwater and can’t rise. Jimmy dives down and cuts the rope.
The now floating sub is manned by a The Professor. He is the only person left alive and the only one who can navigate the sub.

Leaving Hanna, with Red to help her, they start a journey to the Isle of Man. It is there that the code to reboot the systems is hidden. They see huge pods of dolphins and whales. They also see monster sharks. No more ocean swimming for them. Not going to spoil the rest of the story for you. But it gets better and better.

I an not a fan of first person stories. I like to know what is going on in the other characters minds. This novel was all Aubrey’s telling. The descriptions of his surroundings were very well done. Although it does tend to slow down at times it is compelling enough that you want to find out what happened next.

All the characters were well developed and interesting, even Junior, their pet fox. I liked the way the story unfolded. Just as you thought you knew were it was going it took a turn or a twist and unfolded a different scenario. Nothing was as it seemed. The truth was hidden and the lies were plenty. The only consistent theme was the friendship between Aubrey and Jimmy. They had their bad spots but trust and loyalty won out.

Michael Braun is the reader for the series. He does a very good job of staying consistent with his different voices. I really like the way he gave Jimmy a slightly Irish brogue. Very well done.

Production was without fault. Every word was clear and understandable.

Audiobook provided for for review by the author.

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Horrifying

The story keeps your interest but be prepared for some scenes that are straight out of horror stories. In many cases the protagonists are saved from potential annihilation, but the thought keeps you glued to the story.

another wonderfully encapsulating book

the nook draws you in, you want aubrey and jimmy to succeed do badly yet deep down you know that it will be a nightmare at best. the way it is read, with such emotion and conviction makes it hard to stop listening.