Mr. Mann

The Afterlife and Times of the Devil's Acquisitor Ad Infinitum

By: John Byron

Narrated by: Todd McLaren

My name is Marten Mann. I work for the devil, or the prince of lies, as you people are so fond of calling him. Yes. You read that last line correctly. I am employed by the powers of evil as acquisitor ad infinitum. I did not seek out this job: I was chosen for the position. To put it in simpler terms, I am a broker of sorts - you know, the guy who finds out what it is that you want the most. I make it readily available to you for a price. I think we all know just how costly that one thing that you think you need so much can be, which is why I urge all of my clients to choose wisely.

©2015 John Byron Parker (P)2015 John Byron Parker

WOW!!! Anti-Breaking Bad

This is a dark, dark fantasy that is beautifully written, incredible character complexity, SUPERBLY NARRATED!!!! and honestly thought provoking.

First of all Marten Mann one of the best characters I have experienced in a long time. He is like Walter White if Walter had been a bad guy who became good.

Then there is Abby and all I will say is "sympathy for the devil"

This story is dark make no mistake about that but there are part in this story that are so heartwarming it makes all of the dark point worth going though. John Byron is able to do what few authors are able to do; say there is no good or evil and MAKE IT CONVINCING!!!!!

Then there is the narration. OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!! Todd McLaren brings this book to life in a way very few narrators every done. Every thing from how he portrays emotions to how he describes the world so beautifully it brought me to tear at times

This book is well worth your money or credit. If you like dark fantasy, character complexity, superb narration and a story that is both thought provoking and heartwarming. than this is a MUST HAVE!!!!!

Refreshingly different!!!

I've listen ( and read) quite a lot of books.
But never have I heard a story quite like this one! Completely different take on God, the Devil, heaven and earth.
Todd McLaren is also a great narrator (though he could work on his female voices) that brings great nuance to the characters.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a change of pace from your usual suspense.
Cheers!

Marten Mann. A good guy, a bad situation.

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

Yes, because there are places in the book that make you stop and think about how things are, and how things really are. Kind of an eye opener. An object lesson for the reader.

What did you like best about this story?

Things aren't always as they seem. The book goes on to show that there are 2 sides to every story. Marten Mann. A diamond in the rough.

Have you listened to any of Todd McLaren’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've listened to Todd MaLaren once before in Altered Carbon.
I thought he nailed the characters; from Mr. Mann, to Shepard, to Abbey.
He evoked the emotions and made the characters feel real.

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

Yes. And I did.

Any additional comments?

The book left me wanting to read more...
can't wait for the next book.

Really enjoyed

Really original, reminded me by C S Lewis' books. Very well narrated as well. Enjoyed it.

Good Fiction, Bad Theology

Any additional comments?

A good overall story, reminiscent of The Screwtape Letters. The narrator was great and really made the story come alive. If you're easily offended by heresy, move on. Otherwise, take this for what it is, good fiction and nothing more.

I want to sell my soul now.

I usually stay away from religious based fiction but this was inttelegent and insightful brutally honest about human behavior. the writing wasn't whiny or unrealistic. narrative stories always grab me fully

Thought provoking!

At first, I thought it was too dark. By the finish, I felt it was a good message.

If you liked The Screwtape Letters you'll enjoy it

A little slow beginning, until you "meet" the characters and relate them to religious history. Funny, thought provoking, surprise ending.

Like the Screwtape Letters, this is a story told through the eyes of the 'king of lies' and his many workers.....

Really makes you think

I've never been so intrigued by a book's premise---Fresh concepts of heaven & hell!
The author sites the good in evil and the evil in goodness. All this is done with such raw humor and such endearing stories that you are quickly drawn in. The story really made me think about how important balance is in life. I've listened to the story twice and know I'll be good for a few more "listens!" Knowing the ending while listening again opens new perspectives! But no spoilers here! I'd never ruin such a good ending for you! Worth a listen....Or three!

Spiritual... Like Screwtape Letters updated

Thought provoking. I wish I could have just finished it in one sitting but life needed me.
It reminds me so much of CS Lewis' Screwtape Letters. Seeing spirituality from the other side from beginning to end but with more violent story telling and quite a different twist to heaven and hell and the final ending for all.