Pretty good narrator. Really liked the story and gonna start book 2 right away! I'm happy I came across this little story.
This book was just what I needed to get my out of a recent listening rut. I had been pouring through longer literary fiction type stuff that was really heady and then I started this on a whim and it was a sheer delight.
The world-building is immaculate, the plot is solid and well-paced, but most importantly MURDERBOT. S/HE is the man. I'm assuming he's a man because of the narrator's voice, but I think he's just an asexual SEC Unit that is supposed to be a killing machine but just wants to watch movies.
So relateable. And I just really love how Martha Wells crafts the environment kind of secondarily, you don't even notice that she is describing and explaining details about the world because it all takes a back seat to Murderbot's sardonic, sarcastic observations.
Now I'm left hoping for a sequel, hopefully one that has a little more meat, because this stuff is delicious.
All Systems Red is the first Murderbot Diary, the adventures of a cyborg security unit who hacked its governor module, named itself “Murderbot” and promptly got addicted to streaming media.
This is its account of its adventures trying to keep a group of human scientists alive on a hostile and unknown world without them figuring out it has free will and leaving itself enough time to watch its soaps. The novella is sharp and witty, with a wry sense of humor and a sharp eye for what makes someone sentient and how freedom doesn’t always mean the same thing to different beings.
Kevin R Free as the narrator does a decent job, but somehow seems to miss the point of Murderbot. Murderbot sounds like a human in its own head, it’s a cyborg, it only pretends to be a robot for the humans. Free has it acting robotic all the time and I thought that made the wry humor a little harder to enjoy. Still it’s a great story with well-rounded characters and I recommend the print and audible versions highly.
This is really original SF and it kept me on the edge of my seat. It's a short, concentrated read - the opposite of the bloated space operas that are so common now - nothing extra, through so much is hinted at and alluded to, a much larger story provides context. There is nothing in excess. The Hemingway of SF? Highest quality writing, originality and reading. I can't wait for more in this universe, because the main character is truly fascinating, and clearly will be growing and changing during well-told adventures.
I rarely write a negative review. This book has earned it. The plot was uninteresting and the characters were completely undeveloped and lacking personality. The robot behaved completely human like a brooding teenager from a YA novella.
The narrator appears as uninspired as the book and lacks the energy to bring these anorexic characters to life.
The positive criticism I can provide is that I am glad it was such a short book because I was agonizingly aware of the passage of time. Very disappointed with this purchase.
A cute little novella, with an interesting central idea and fun, if slightly unpolished- and awkward-feeling writing. Not the best book ever, but definitely worth the read. I look forward to more, especially if the author's writing becomes a little more practiced, as often occurs.
The narrator was okay. Character voices were a little inconsistent, and the wasn't always clear what dialogue was spoken and what was part of the main character's extensive internal monologue - though to be fair, that seems like a tough task for any narrator.
What a darling little story about this poor little, very sensitive “murder bot” with a mind of his own, loves to watch TV serials, and is quite a bit more human than he would like to believe. Like Dr. Mensa in the story I totally fell in love with this little guy and was rooting for him all the way to the end. Great narration! Kevin Free breathes life into this character, really making him come alive. Short and sweet, a good choice for when time is limited.
This is GREAT! Interesting, funny, well-paced, overall completely entertaining. I think I got this as a daily deal, but in spite of the short length it's credit-worthy, In fact I happily shelled out a credit for the equally short sequel. Narration seems strange at first, but in the end I thought the voice captured the character well. Recommended highly.
This book, when read, is lively, highly intelligent, incredibly fun read. Somehow, this narrator sucks all of that joy out of it, and his obvious struggles with the names of the other characters is an issue. There's no *life* to this character who, for all that he is indeed a robot, is incredibly alive. Deeply sarcastic, the voice in my head when I read the book is full of intelligence, deadpan line delivery, perfect timing and wit. This narrator isn't. Please, please redo this book with the narrator it deserves. Wil Wheaton? Peter Kenney? So many other choices... but this one does this story, which deserves to shine, no favors.
This is a fabulous, stand alone sci-fi about AI, kind off, including a mystery. The mystery was not that engaging, but the characters carried the story. Very comfortable narrator, a perfect choice for the story. The ending was a surprise. All around great listen. I hope this author has more.
the author's story is betrayed by an awfully bland performance by the narrator who reads like a student in igh school English class who has no idea about inflection and tone. this 4 hour audio book felt like days. I would have deleted it if it was longer but at 4 hours I felt challenged to finish it. the author deserved better than this narrator.
The story is so great, and the narration just puts this to a whole new level of awesomeness. I listened to it in one setting, I was so hooked. Amazing, I'd totally recommend it to my friends.
Susanna Clarke returns with an enchanting collection brimming with all the ingredients of good fairy tales: petulant princesses; vengeful owls; ladies who pass their time by embroidering terrible fates; endless paths in the deep, dark woods; and houses that never appear the same way twice.
In 2267, Earth has just begun to recover from worldwide ecological disasters. Minh is part of the generation that first moved back up to the surface of the Earth from the underground hells, to reclaim humanity's ancestral habitat. She's spent her entire life restoring river ecosystems, but lately, the kind of long-term restoration projects Minh works on have been stalled due to the invention of time travel. When she gets the opportunity take a team to 2000 BC to survey the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, she jumps at the chance to uncover the secrets of the shadowy think tank that controls time travel technology.
I’m not especially a fan of cliffhangers; but I HATE a cliffhanger that is also essentially an unfinished ending. The story was unique enough, I enjoyed the characters, world & concepts, and the narration of Nancy Wu is superb. I will buy the next book & if the writing & narration continues to be of this caliber, I will probably buy into the series. That said, I feel cheated by this particular ending. Not sure if it’s a publisher’s move or if the author decided to do things this way, but it bugged me enough to say something. However, don’t let that decide your purchase. It’s a fresh look at time travel & an interesting melding of SF concepts. Overall, I still give 5 stars.
Mallory Spencer is in charge. As the face of Soho Savvy, the advertising firm she owns with her three best friends, it's important that she's poised, polished, and put together. However, as she watches her friends couple up and settle down, she wonders about her own happily ever after. One thing's for sure. It's not going to happen with that blue-eyed bartender from Showplace. It's irritatingly clear they couldn't be more wrong for each other...or have more chemistry.
Kate Carter has it all, except for a special person to share it with. The stylish, charismatic art editor has her sights set on someone, but a few unanswered questions keep her from making a move. Meg Harding is single but stuck living with her ex. When she meets Kate, she sees a bright light at the end of her life's dark tunnel. But it doesn't take long for the florist's secrets to nearly derail the promising pairing.
Heiress Victoria is about to embark on a world tour marketing her new advice book for lesbians. The public demands to meet her socially reclusive girlfriend, the woman of Victoria's inspiration. Too bad the girlfriend leaves her. For another woman. (In an RV....) Victoria's broken heart only sees two options: cancel the tour, or go alone. Her publisher, however, demands a woman on her arm. Any. Woman.
Hadley Cooper believes in happily-ever-afters with her whole heart. Described by her friends as a wide-eyed, eternal optimist, she looks for the bright side in most any situation. However, when her job as the assistant manager of Silhouette, a posh boutique on Rodeo Drive, is on the line, she realizes it's time to pull her head out of the clouds and find a way to turn business around, and that just might mean partnering with the most stubborn up-and-coming fashion designer she's ever encountered.
For 20 years, Maggie has kept her true feelings for Celia a secret - even from herself. Newly widowed, she is finally free to acknowledge the unspoken wishes of her heart. But will Maggie and Celia have the courage to overcome their fears... and trust each other enough to finish what never got started?
A very sweet romance about finding happiness amid disaster. The story starts off rather depressing but hang in there because the turn around is worth it.
Memorable characters and a wonderful set of side characters, friends and as is typical with Lydon a great sense of the location.
I read the ebook last year and I was gifted the audiobook. I was asked but not required to review the audiobook.
When I read the ebook I gave it 3 stars (average, liked the book). Today for the audiobook, I'm giving it 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. I really liked the characters - pessimistic Scarlet; Joy, the Mayor who recently embraced that she is a lesbian, but not out publicly; Joy's grandmother Clementine, who says what needs to be said, and Scarlet's football buddies Matt and Eamonn, whom I don't think Scarlet appreciated what true friends they were before the flood.
Most of the book takes place within one week - starting Scarlett fleeing her home just before the flood waters wipe out her basement apartment. She fandangles to stay at the Mayor's house (rather than at the community center) while they wait for the waters to recede. During that week, she and Joy become good friends then more than just friends with predicable angst along the way that is eventually resolved - after all this is a romance with the requisite HEA. As the flood waters receded, so does Scarlet's pessimistic attitude due mostly to her friendship with Joy.
The narrator, Gabrielle Baker does a fine job with the various voices and accents. As an American, I can't comment on the authenticity. The one quibble I have is that she has a slight lisp that was distracting. I thought it was just me, but I found other reviewers who also mentioned her lisp. I guess some listeners don't hear it or it doesn't bother them. Your mileage may vary.
I have both read this story as well as listened and its amazing to hear the story with the english accent it definitely added to the story. this brought the story to life.
Really enjoyed the dynamic of Lyndon's characters. Refreshing. Looking forward to future projects! Oh and Thank You!!!
I loved Nothing to Lose by Clare Lydon. I really enjoyed Scarlet and Joy. It is nice to stumble on someone in life who will give you a hand up or just hold your hand during a rough time. Gabrielle Baker does an excellent job with the narration.
I think the scence where Scarlet sees her flat for the first time since the flood was absolutely heartbreaking but very well written
I started it and stop.... it warm up after I decided to take it on and listen. I like the suttle humor and the reference to classic lesbian tv show and movies.... just beautiful.
Great book. This was a first time read from this author and I found it pleasantly surprising. While I initially hesitated with the plot, it turned out to be a great story. Highly recommended if you're looking for a light romance.!
This was a very well written book and easy to follow along. I don't think enough time was logically taken for Joy to come around. Having been in both their positions, the story moved too fast to be really real. I've never encountered a situation that fixed itself with such ease and speed but it was mostly believable and truly a LOVE STORY.
I really liked this story it was a charming romance that started with a life altering event they turned into a heartwarming love story
Jessica Ortner's new audiobook, the latest in the best-selling Tapping Solution series, shares the lessons she’s learned about what it feels like to flow through change and how to create positive, lasting change in ways that feel both authentic and empowering. Ultimately, Jessica tells us, there’s profound beauty and joy in change, even when it doesn’t feel that way at the start. Listeners will learn how to use tapping (also known as emotional freedom techniques, or EFT) to navigate the unknown with new energy, hope, and an open heart.
Are you overwhelmed at work and in the rest of your life? Never able to launch into the dreams that you're truly passionate about? With Awakening Your Inner Fire, acclaimed author HeatherAsh Amara shows us how to radically transform how we engage our time, desire, and effort with greater joy and success. Not just another productivity program, this audio course teaches the best tools and practices from HeatherAsh's popular workshops to help us uncover the unconscious reflexes that get in our way, break our cycles of self-distraction and procrastination, fill and focus our energetic reserves, and realize our true aspirations.
In the March 1934 issue of the legendary pulp magazine Black Mask, Jack "Flashgun" Casey, crime photographer, made his debut. His creator was former newspaper and advertising executive George Harmon Coxe Jr., who wrote more than 60 crime fiction novels in his lifetime. Casey's keen eye for detail served him well on the job, helping him to solve the crimes he was assigned to photograph for the newspapers. These "Flashgun Casey" stories were an instant success with Black Mask readers and soon made the leap to both radio and the silver screen.
Voiced by Staats Cotsworth for more than a decade, Casey was aided in his amateur detecting by fellow reporter Ann Williams, who, like Casey, worked for the Morning Express. When not at work, they frequented the Blue Note Café, a late night lounge where the bartender, Ethelbert, provided both a sounding board and levity for Casey and Ann as they awaited their next job.
Casey, Crime Photographer aired on radio from 1943 until 1955 and made the transition to television in 1951.