The Official Blurb
Sir Henry Morton Stanley is famously quoted for saying “Dr Livingstone, i Presume?”. Born in Wales, he migrated over to the United States at the age of 18, he eventually became an overseas correspondent for the New York Herald. In 1869 Stanley was told by James Gordon Bennett Jr to find Livingstone, a scottish missionary and explorer. When Stanley commented on the cost Bennett’s reply was: “Well, I will tell you what you will do. Draw a thousand pounds now; and when you have gone through that, draw another thousand, and when that is spent, draw another thousand, and when you have finished that, draw another thousand, and so on; but, FIND LIVINGSTONE.” How I Found Livingstone is Stanley’s personnel account of his trip from Zanzibar to Lake Tanganyika on this quest, including time spent exploring the area with Livingstone.
My Review
Here we have not a work of fiction but the actual account by Stanley of his journey to find Livingstone, and yes it does include THE famous line. We get to hear about the trials and tribulations of the journey across africa. The swamps, the jungles, the river crossing and even the wars Stanley had to get himself involved in just to reach Livingstone.
After the adventerous journey the book also relates the happenings of the time they spent together and finally the trip back to the coast.
This is not a novel and does not contain action at every turn, it is a serious retelling of the actual events as they took place.
I'm a sucker for this old world expedition stuff, such as Roosevelts trek down the River of Doubt and the various Pole journeys so I loved every minute. I found myself facinated in the details of such journeys such as how much bully beef they needed to carry, how many men they needed to carry it and what gun works best under various conditions.
My wife on the other hand hates this kind of stuff, so you'll have to take my review with the understanding that I love that kind of thing.
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 6/9
Get it from Librivox
Here is the first chapter.
Sunday, 28 September 2008
Friday, 26 September 2008
Karl's Last Flight
The Official Blurb
Karl Alexander had been an adrenaline junky for twenty five years. Whether flying Harriers in the Marines, piloting the shuttle for NASA, or as the chief astronaut for StrataCorp Space Flight his happiness was only found when he hit five Gs. But when a series of minor mishaps sends his ship crashing into the desert of an unknown country, Karl finds a new kind of adrenaline rush as he is swept into a raging torrent of the world at the edge of war. Spies, insurgents, secret police, and an infamous Saudi millionaire terrorist all threaten to make his next flight, his last.
My Review
This is an exciting thrilling modern ( or very close future ) adventure. The author has cleverly run two stories into one. One story follows the lead character as a young man while the other story follows the same man many years later. So we have two slightly (very slightly) linked stories running at the same time with the switch between them taking place every chapter.
It's very well written, and very well read. High action, high adventure with never a break in the steamroller of a plot. We have space ships, fighter planes, terrorists, jungles and spys, what more could anyone really want.
Simply put this is well worth a listen.
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 3/3
Total Score 8/9
Get it from Podiobooks.
Here is the first chapter.
Karl Alexander had been an adrenaline junky for twenty five years. Whether flying Harriers in the Marines, piloting the shuttle for NASA, or as the chief astronaut for StrataCorp Space Flight his happiness was only found when he hit five Gs. But when a series of minor mishaps sends his ship crashing into the desert of an unknown country, Karl finds a new kind of adrenaline rush as he is swept into a raging torrent of the world at the edge of war. Spies, insurgents, secret police, and an infamous Saudi millionaire terrorist all threaten to make his next flight, his last.
My Review
This is an exciting thrilling modern ( or very close future ) adventure. The author has cleverly run two stories into one. One story follows the lead character as a young man while the other story follows the same man many years later. So we have two slightly (very slightly) linked stories running at the same time with the switch between them taking place every chapter.
It's very well written, and very well read. High action, high adventure with never a break in the steamroller of a plot. We have space ships, fighter planes, terrorists, jungles and spys, what more could anyone really want.
Simply put this is well worth a listen.
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 3/3
Total Score 8/9
Get it from Podiobooks.
Here is the first chapter.
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Quarter Share
The Official Blurb
A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper : Book 1
When Ishmael Wang is orphaned by a flitter crash, he must make some hard decisions about how to survive in a Company-owned universe. With limited time and fewer options, he lands a job as the newest hand on the Solar Clipper Lois McKendrick and learns there's more to life than making coffee. Join Ish, Pip, Big Bad Bev, and the rest of the Lois McKendrick's crew as they sail the galaxy in search of profitable trade.For more information on the book and the Golden Age, see http://www.durandus.com/golden
My Review
I've got odd feelings about this one.
There really wasn't a story. No really, I mean it. Yet...
Erm... Its a traders tale, and it follows the main character as he... trades.
He's on a space ship flying from planet to planet but there aren't any aliens, there are no battles, there's a bit of a fight, or rather a mugging, but we only see the aftermath.
I liked it. I really liked it. It's part of a series and I'm going to immediately subscribe to the sequel. It had no story...
The reader was magnificent. A delightful cultured voice that was silky smooth.
No story...
What made this so appealing? It was the characters, they really came to life for me, they feel like real people and yes, I even care about them so I'm definitely going to get straight into the sequel.
It's a good "story" that I guess is going to develop into the second book and third books. I can think of a few threads that weren't followed up and I want to know how they go, I'm looking forward to it.
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 1/3 ( What story? Yet this is still great!!!!!!!)
Total Score 6/9 (Strangely the score does not reflect what I feel, its great!)
Here is Chapter 1
A Trader's Tale from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper : Book 1
When Ishmael Wang is orphaned by a flitter crash, he must make some hard decisions about how to survive in a Company-owned universe. With limited time and fewer options, he lands a job as the newest hand on the Solar Clipper Lois McKendrick and learns there's more to life than making coffee. Join Ish, Pip, Big Bad Bev, and the rest of the Lois McKendrick's crew as they sail the galaxy in search of profitable trade.For more information on the book and the Golden Age, see http://www.durandus.com/golden
My Review
I've got odd feelings about this one.
There really wasn't a story. No really, I mean it. Yet...
Erm... Its a traders tale, and it follows the main character as he... trades.
He's on a space ship flying from planet to planet but there aren't any aliens, there are no battles, there's a bit of a fight, or rather a mugging, but we only see the aftermath.
I liked it. I really liked it. It's part of a series and I'm going to immediately subscribe to the sequel. It had no story...
The reader was magnificent. A delightful cultured voice that was silky smooth.
No story...
What made this so appealing? It was the characters, they really came to life for me, they feel like real people and yes, I even care about them so I'm definitely going to get straight into the sequel.
It's a good "story" that I guess is going to develop into the second book and third books. I can think of a few threads that weren't followed up and I want to know how they go, I'm looking forward to it.
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 1/3 ( What story? Yet this is still great!!!!!!!)
Total Score 6/9 (Strangely the score does not reflect what I feel, its great!)
Here is Chapter 1
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Ancestor
The Official Blurb
Scientists struggle to solve the problem of xenotransplantation -- using animal tissue to replace failing human organs. Funded by the biotech firm Genada, Dr. Claus Rhumkorrf seeks to recreate the ancestor of all mammals. By getting back to the root of our creation, Rhumkorrf hopes to create an animal with human internal organs. Rhumkorrf discovers the ancestor, but it is not the small, harmless creature he envisions. His genius gives birth to a fast-growing evil that nature eradicated 250 million years ago -- an evil now on the loose, and very, very hungry.
My Review
WOW! Scott Sigler has created a masterpiece of audio storydom ( is that a word? ). It's a science/horror story in the best traditions of the genre, like Crighton, Mr Sigler has done his research, and cleverly built on it to produce an outrageously horrible story thats based on just enough real science to make you see just how real it could be.
The characters in the story are cleverly voiced by Mr Sigler and this brings them all alive. He has managed to fit his voice to this large cast ( though the cast does start shrinking quite quickly as they get killed off ) and given them all a audio personality. This really helps you to get to know the characters and care about them before he rips them apart!
The official blurb gives the main story away, but even knowing that the story is so action packed that you will not be disapointed by any episodes. The story is tense, fast moving and will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 3/3
Total Score 8/9
Here is Chapter 1
Scientists struggle to solve the problem of xenotransplantation -- using animal tissue to replace failing human organs. Funded by the biotech firm Genada, Dr. Claus Rhumkorrf seeks to recreate the ancestor of all mammals. By getting back to the root of our creation, Rhumkorrf hopes to create an animal with human internal organs. Rhumkorrf discovers the ancestor, but it is not the small, harmless creature he envisions. His genius gives birth to a fast-growing evil that nature eradicated 250 million years ago -- an evil now on the loose, and very, very hungry.
My Review
WOW! Scott Sigler has created a masterpiece of audio storydom ( is that a word? ). It's a science/horror story in the best traditions of the genre, like Crighton, Mr Sigler has done his research, and cleverly built on it to produce an outrageously horrible story thats based on just enough real science to make you see just how real it could be.
The characters in the story are cleverly voiced by Mr Sigler and this brings them all alive. He has managed to fit his voice to this large cast ( though the cast does start shrinking quite quickly as they get killed off ) and given them all a audio personality. This really helps you to get to know the characters and care about them before he rips them apart!
The official blurb gives the main story away, but even knowing that the story is so action packed that you will not be disapointed by any episodes. The story is tense, fast moving and will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 3/3
Total Score 8/9
Here is Chapter 1
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Rebels of the Red Planet
The Official Blurb
Dark Kensington had been dead for twenty-five years. It was a fact; everyone knew it. Then suddenly he reappeared, youthful, brilliant, ready to take over the Phoenix, the rebel group that worked to overthrow the tyranny that gripped the settlers on Mars.
The Phoenix had been destroyed not once, not twice, but three times! But this time the resurrected Dark had new plans, plans which involved dangerous experiments in mutation and psionics.
And now the rebels realized they were in double jeopardy. Not only from the government's desperate hatred of their movement, but also from the growing possibility that the new breed of mutated monsters would get out of hand and bring terrors never before known to man.
My Review
What we have here is a classic style pulp sci fi story of the good rebels trying to throw off the shackles of the eveil overlords on earth. Not a bad trope and very well executed in this story.
So we have evil overlords, rebels, other worlds, aliens, psionics, genetic experiments and ray guns, so how could it fail? It didn't, this is a good listen. No it's not serious sci fi, with solid plot that could take a tank round without a wobble, but it is good light fun, perfect for listening while on the move.
So we have a good story, but we also have a voice to die for. The readers silky smooth Scottish accent is just a pleasure to listen to. If the story was dross that voice could make it endurable! I highly rec' listing to this.
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 7/9
Available from Podiobooks
Dark Kensington had been dead for twenty-five years. It was a fact; everyone knew it. Then suddenly he reappeared, youthful, brilliant, ready to take over the Phoenix, the rebel group that worked to overthrow the tyranny that gripped the settlers on Mars.
The Phoenix had been destroyed not once, not twice, but three times! But this time the resurrected Dark had new plans, plans which involved dangerous experiments in mutation and psionics.
And now the rebels realized they were in double jeopardy. Not only from the government's desperate hatred of their movement, but also from the growing possibility that the new breed of mutated monsters would get out of hand and bring terrors never before known to man.
My Review
What we have here is a classic style pulp sci fi story of the good rebels trying to throw off the shackles of the eveil overlords on earth. Not a bad trope and very well executed in this story.
So we have evil overlords, rebels, other worlds, aliens, psionics, genetic experiments and ray guns, so how could it fail? It didn't, this is a good listen. No it's not serious sci fi, with solid plot that could take a tank round without a wobble, but it is good light fun, perfect for listening while on the move.
So we have a good story, but we also have a voice to die for. The readers silky smooth Scottish accent is just a pleasure to listen to. If the story was dross that voice could make it endurable! I highly rec' listing to this.
Reading 3/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 7/9
Available from Podiobooks
Thursday, 4 September 2008
A Journey to the Interior of the Earth
The Official Blurb
Journey to the Interior of the Earth is an 1864 science fiction novel by Jules Verne (published in the original French as Voyage au centre de la Terre). The story involves a professor who leads his nephew and hired guide down a volcano in Iceland to the “center of the Earth”. They encounter many adventures, including prehistoric animals and natural hazards, eventually coming to the surface again in southern Italy.
My Review
I'd read this book waaaay back in the past back when I was at school and so came to this reading with that warm feeling of childhood memory.
I was not disapointed! The characters are wonderful, each with their own motivations and behaviours, I believe "fully rounded" fits the description in this story.
The story itself is very well written and you can almost feel the events taking place around you. This is because the author takes time to develop the characters and happily fills out the details from inside their heads so you know and feel everything.
The story is not high action, but is very filled with events and problems that have to be solved, so you always feel engaged with the story.
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 6/9
Available from Librivox
Listen to the first chapter.
Journey to the Interior of the Earth is an 1864 science fiction novel by Jules Verne (published in the original French as Voyage au centre de la Terre). The story involves a professor who leads his nephew and hired guide down a volcano in Iceland to the “center of the Earth”. They encounter many adventures, including prehistoric animals and natural hazards, eventually coming to the surface again in southern Italy.
My Review
I'd read this book waaaay back in the past back when I was at school and so came to this reading with that warm feeling of childhood memory.
I was not disapointed! The characters are wonderful, each with their own motivations and behaviours, I believe "fully rounded" fits the description in this story.
The story itself is very well written and you can almost feel the events taking place around you. This is because the author takes time to develop the characters and happily fills out the details from inside their heads so you know and feel everything.
The story is not high action, but is very filled with events and problems that have to be solved, so you always feel engaged with the story.
Reading 2/3
Production 2/3
Story 2/3
Total Score 6/9
Available from Librivox
Listen to the first chapter.
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