I have to say, for a while during this novel, I was *so* confused! I didn’t know why we kept leaping from person to person, back and forth through theI have to say, for a while during this novel, I was *so* confused! I didn’t know why we kept leaping from person to person, back and forth through the ages. Then I realized something - they were all related. This is a family tree, and we are seeing a short part of their lives, and a glimpse of how they intertwine with the MC Iris. So while the first half of this novel was difficult for me to get through because of the confusion, etc, I found the second half of this novel seriously well done.
**Be warned! There is some seriously difficult (and possibly triggering) subjects being discussed throughout this novel. I was absolutely horrified m at one point. It was incredibly difficult to be a woman in this time period, and in many more places than this country. So this novel took me some time to get through. But once that hard part is over and you get to the latter 1/2 to 1/3, it really becomes quite a wonderful novel. There are many connections among the characters which aren’t apparent at first, but eventually the reader learns about the many ways they are related, and why.
Tons of research has been done by Ward, and it shows. The writing is so meticulously skilled, I am in awe after getting to the end. I might have to buy this novel, just so I can go through it all one more time. I seriously love how everything is all woven together at the end.
This review, which I found after googling this novel for a list of the narrators etc, really explains things much better than I can:
This reviewer also mentions that there is a family tree at the beginning of the novel, which WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE TO KNOW, RECORDED BOOKS AUDIO. Obviously this family tree wasn’t included in the audiobook, but it IS included in the physical novel and the ebook. (I’ve checked!). It helps a lot, so please make use of it! I would have been much less confused if I had seen it, once or twice�.
Liz Pearce, Steven Crossley, John Keating, Eizabeth Sastre, and Jenny Sterlin Are the narrators for the audiobook version of this novel. I loved every damn one of them. Which one voiced which character, I couldn’t tell you, because Recorded Books didn’t mention this at the end of the audiobook. Nor could I find anything online, though I really didn’t try very hard� I’m too tired, today. Just know that I really loved how this audiobook was set up and directed. Kudos to you all!
Anyway, this novel gets a solid 4 stars from me. It’s recommended to those who have the tenacity to stick with it, and really pay attention to those clues sprinkled throughout the novel..!...more
This novel is fricken *amazing*. It’s also different from what I thought it would be.. and much better. At no point during reading it, did I become boThis novel is fricken *amazing*. It’s also different from what I thought it would be.. and much better. At no point during reading it, did I become bored with what was happening. I was enjoying every minute of it. Loosely based on the true story of African American cowboy Nat Love (1854-1921), this fast-paced Western with its multicultural cast of characters is a winner. Lansdale is such a fantastic author, he can seriously write about any genres and *in* any time period, without an issue. His folksy fictional memoir is filled with dashing heroes, dastardly bad guys, and some seriously rollicking adventures. And the characters are so well written and fully fleshed, with these hilarious sense of humors, which I adore..! This novel really brings to mind Larry McMurtry and Thomas Berger in their prime. Paradise Sky is a rowdy, funny, suspenseful, and often quite moving yarn, and it made me very happy. Yes, I am definitely going to continue to read each and every one of the Lansdale novels my library has. But like Dick Francis, I will read these novels occasionally, in between all the other novels I consume each year, rather like a sweet treat after a long, hard day�. They really do seem to me to be a real treat, too.
Brad Sanders is the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel, and he was absolutely perfect for this role. I don’t think anyone else could have picked a better narrator for the audiobook than Sanders. His rich, deep, and talented voice could have read me the phone book, and I would have been almost as captivated� but it’s the way Sanders made all the characters into separate and singular people that shows his true talent. This is the first audiobook I’ve listened to with Mr. Sanders on it, but I certainly hope it isn’t my last�! Hachette Audio (and maybe even all the other audiobook publishers) need to snap up this man, before someone else does, because he is truly that great. I wish Brad Sanders a truly long and happy career in narrating audiobooks in the future. Meanwhile, I’ve put More Better Deals (by Lansdale) on hold at my library.
If you haven’t read this novel yet, what are you waiting for? I’m giving it 4.5 stars, and it’s highly recommended....more
Martin Jarvis was the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel, and he was all wrong for the role. He annoyed me the entire time I listened toMartin Jarvis was the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel, and he was all wrong for the role. He annoyed me the entire time I listened to this novel. You know how sometimes when people talk and their lips get stuck on their dry teeth, and you can hear it when they are speaking? That’s what he sounded like through half the audiobook. It was truly weird. This novel was just�. Ok. Barely any mystery, way too much alcoholism, some insta-love with the MC and his nurse, and then the worst part: the chapters kept flipping back and forth between the past and the present - but, with NO WARNING WHATSOEVER. None of the chapters said if it was “then� and “now�, and you literally had to guess for yourself. Sometimes it was quite confusing. Maybe next time, Francis can label the chapters better so we readers know when/where we are�? That might help, my dude. Also the ending was just lame. I really didn’t think it worked. Try better next time, please�? I don’t know, maybe I’ll try the next Felix Francis novel, and maybe not. Something is missing in his novels lately, and it’s really beginning to show�. I hope he finds it soon, and gets things together. This is so depressing�..! ...more
This is an action movie in book form, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s a wild ride, and still a lot of fun, even with the plot holes some This is an action movie in book form, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s a wild ride, and still a lot of fun, even with the plot holes some people have mentioned in their reviews. I enjoyed it from the start, and it was a nice break from novels that make you feel too much, think way too much, or require you to memorize a butt ton of character names. There is an obvious red herring, and you know pretty much what’s gonna happen before it does, but it’s all good�! This would be a really great beach read, for what it’s worth. Steven Weber (the actor) is the narrator for this novel, and he is pretty damn good at this. Whenever Weber has to demonstrate how a character is talking with food in their mouth, or snorts, or laughs while talking, or anything similar (and it’s mentioned in the novel), he demonstrates it. I have to say, every time he does this, it makes me smile and idk why� maybe it’s because I find him a tad adorable, idk. But I really do love his voice characterizations and how he emotes during narrations, and I’m always happy to see his name attached to any audiobook. Keep up the fantastic work, man! And kudos to Brilliance Audio for the making of this work.
It’s a wild ride, and I recommend it. 3.5 stars...more
I’m not really sure what to think of this novel by Felix Francis. It’s not one of his better novels, and I found a few parts a little repetitive as weI’m not really sure what to think of this novel by Felix Francis. It’s not one of his better novels, and I found a few parts a little repetitive as well. I was however, sufficiently interested enough to keep listening to this novel through to the very end. The ending, however, is what flummoxes me�.. I guess the author didn’t want to settle on either side of this dilemma, and left it up to us to decide what the MC would do, which I find annoying. But I understand Francis� not wanting to catch any flack from readers, for making a decision about this dilemma either way, so�.. yeah. Rock, meet hard place.
Martin Jarvis is the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel, again. I love when either Francis author uses Jarvis for their audiobooks, because he is perfect for this role. Fantastic characterizations, excellent emoting, and stellar pacing. I know I’m going to have a good time, when Mr. Jarvis is involved in the situation. Thank you Mr. Jarvis!
All in all, I’d give this novel 3.5 stars, and only recommend this novel to readers that don’t mind ambiguous endings. Or would I…�.? ...more
This novella should have been right in my wheel house. But it was not. And usually I adore a great deal of Mira Grant’s novels�.. but not this one. ThiThis novella should have been right in my wheel house. But it was not. And usually I adore a great deal of Mira Grant’s novels�.. but not this one. This novella was written melodramatically, and the foreshadowing is nearly beating you over the head. But also, the main MC literally says she loves another member of their group SO MUCH it becomes annoying - it is damn near every few pages, I swear. And all these issues kept pulling me out of the story so that I couldn’t enjoy them quite so much. So this isn’t my favorite Grant novel, to say the least. Jess Vilinsky is the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Animal death (on page), cancer/tumors, r*pe mentioned, pedophelia alluded to, beastiality alluded to, sexual assault on page, surgerCONTENT WARNINGS: Animal death (on page), cancer/tumors, r*pe mentioned, pedophelia alluded to, beastiality alluded to, sexual assault on page, surgery/complications to surgery on page, graphic violence, graphic gore, graphic sex scenes, detailed descriptions of people’s privates, urination and defacation during sex, BDSM, monster/ghost sex, manipulation, verbal/physical/psychological abuse, insanity, death, murder, abortions mentioned, vom, masturbation on page, unaliving oneself attempted, stabbing, many more unaliving oneself mentioned, a hand lopped off by a sword, hangings mentioned, car crash detailed on page, hospital stays, skinning people on page, playing in blood, torturing people to death, body parts bitten off or ripped off, scalping, and probably everything else you can think of, Barker’s got it in this novel. Not kidding.
This overly graphic novel was almost too much for me, which is wild because I grew up reading horror novels, and I still read them constantly, to this day. I had read a few Barker novels back in the day and thought they were good, but for some reason I stopped reading his work soon afterwards. I don’t remember why, but I’m betting it’s because this dude can be too gross, and much too wordy. The gruesome details tended to overwhelm me, and I felt that there was entirely too much shocking sex. I’m not a prude, and I love reading authors like Emma Holly and their sex scenes every once in a while. But there was almost constant sex in this novel, and every time it happened, it seemed more like Barker wanted to shock us all with how gross he could be with it all�. Like, the pedophelia and poo play could have been mentioned in passing instead of glorifying the details, but I feel Barker went too far with one of the MC’s use of a snail on her labia and getting off on it was just to shock the readers. (It also set off my germaphobia and OCD issues). Yuck, dude. Just no. I agree with a ton of reviewers here that Barker’s prose can be beautifully written, and he can turn a phrase like no one else. And his imagination IS astounding..! But while it is intermittently fascinating, it’s also sometimes tedious, and most times long-winded, with lengthy sequences that could be gotten rid of without losing much of anything. So for stretches this novel became tedious and soporific, and I kept wishing this novel to end soon. Yes, the main plot is this fantastic idea and super cool, and there are some haunting passages that will stay with a reader for a long time afterwards. The whole half-animal/half-human creatures that dwell in the mansion’s overgrown property is really impressive, imaginative and cool. But those issues mentioned above really kept me from enjoying this novel as much as I could have, had this novel been pared down some. It feels messy to me. And bloated. I have to say that the part where Todd loses his best furry friend was incredibly touching and I teared up. Another reader here on gr mentioned that Barker said in his acknowledgements that he only included that section of his novel in order to work through his own issues with his recently departed canine friend. That really touches me. But it’s placement in this novel feels tacked on, and only put there so we develop some sympathy or liking for Todd instead of furthering the plot in any way. Oh, believe me, I *KNOW* about the pain of losing one of your best furry friends! But that whole scene didn’t work, where it was placed. I’m sorry for your loss, Mr. Barker.
The late, great Frank Muller is the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel, and I’m wondering now if this is the main reason I put Coldheart Canyon in my saved list at Scribd. I absolutely adore Muller and his work, and his narration of the Dark Tower series by King will always and forever be my all time favorite. But even his deep, melodious and calming voice couldn’t help this novel. And dammit, I wanted to love it so bad�! I’m sorry Mr. Muller, and next time maybe I’ll stick with Hamlet, or The Great Gatsby (which Muller has also narrated, for your information). I must add that Muller handled this humongous cast with ease, and his incredible talent made huge scenes of this novel seem very real, and every voice/impression were magical.
I agree completely with this reviewer’s perfect take on this novel (mild spoiler alert):
In summation, I can’t recommend this novel. Not only because of its issues, but also because of its extreme and graphic content. Don’t read this unless you can handle Clive Barker at his absolute most gross. 2 stars for the issues, but 3 stars for the prose....more
Another wonderful novel in the African Immortals series, by the author Due. I enjoyed this novel as much as I did the first one. If you are interestedAnother wonderful novel in the African Immortals series, by the author Due. I enjoyed this novel as much as I did the first one. If you are interested in this series at all, please read them in order, with the first novel first.
The audiobook version of this novel is Narrated by Peter Francis James, as was the first book in this series.
Another wonderful novel by Wendy Webb. I think any book written by Webb is a guarantee for a great night. This might not be her strongest novel to datAnother wonderful novel by Wendy Webb. I think any book written by Webb is a guarantee for a great night. This might not be her strongest novel to date, but it isn’t so weak that I won’t snatch her next novel up the minute it’s available to read from my library. Needless to say, even though this novel wasn’t spooky and was rather wholesome for the most part, I really enjoyed it.
Xe Sands is the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel, and as usual, she is phenomenal..! I actually yelled, ‘YAY!� when I saw her name attached to this. Thank you Brilliance Audio for making this project, and for using Ms. Sands again! I will forever be her willing and captive audience. ...more
This novel is another great, solid urban fantasy story in the Deadly Curiosities series by Gail Z. Martin. I enjoyed this novel more than the first onThis novel is another great, solid urban fantasy story in the Deadly Curiosities series by Gail Z. Martin. I enjoyed this novel more than the first one, and I’m glad I decided to give this series another try. The action scenes are wild and keep you on the edge of your seat. And I *love* the fact that the MC Cassidy isn’t jumping into bed with the vampire friend, Sorren�. I am SO TIRED of vampire sex, youknowhatimean? In fact, it’s rather refreshing that there isn’t any sex at all, so far in this series. I also love that I have no idea what’s going to happen next, with anyone in these novels.
Oh, a warning! There is a scene in this novel where the gang is checking out this haunted house, and there are tons and tons of roaches. Literally, “a waterfall of roaches�. So if you have a bug/roach phobia, you might want to skip that part of this novel? One of the characters gets knocked down and is almost overrun by them all�. (((Shudders))). It was a difficult scene for me to get through lol. In fact, my hubby was nearby and caught this scene while I was listening to the audiobook, and while I was cringing, the hubby’s head slowly turned towards me with his mouth hanging open. He started shuddering as well, and then when that scene was over he said, ‘I don’t like your audiobooks anymore�.� like he was very spooked ...more
I really enjoyed this novel. So I don’t know why there are quite a few reviews on goodreads saying that in this book, the pacing is glacial, or that iI really enjoyed this novel. So I don’t know why there are quite a few reviews on goodreads saying that in this book, the pacing is glacial, or that it’s writing style is full of purple prose, etc. It really is well written, with likable but damaged characters, this fantastic setting, and you never really know what is going to happen next. I loved it all, and I’m going to seek out more of this author’s work, soon. Also there is a list that should be tagged as content warnings, but they would definitely show a few spoilers. So if you don’t mind spoilers, or if you absolutely need to know them before you start reading this novel, they can be found here at my friend Virginia’s gr page:
Lauren Ezzo is the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel, and she was great. Ezzo got a little loud and shouty once in a while, but it was ok. I hope to run across more of Ms. Ezzo’s narration work in the future.
This novel is a mess. And not in a good way, either. The whole book is a weird mix of technobabble neuroses and paranoiac thinking, with a bare few ‘mThis novel is a mess. And not in a good way, either. The whole book is a weird mix of technobabble neuroses and paranoiac thinking, with a bare few ‘mysteries� that barely kept my interest. I kept finding my mind drifting off because of lack of interest. It was all that internal dialogue�! And I had no interest in backtracking to figure out what I’d previously missed, either. Also, the narrator’s (and her twin sister’s) traumas from her/their past are offered as very poor substitutes for their social interaction, ability to make friends, keep a partner of any sex, or much of anything really. Every single character was either very weirdly hostile, damaged by things just hinted at, or else totally lacking in any distinguishing characteristics. (That one female cop was a total bitch, IMO. Yikes�!). Even the MC was problematic for me, as the story is continuously interrupted by the character's chaotic and intrusive thoughts. Because of these issues and many others, I think the book should have been cut in half with just one chapter containing past events and experiences that shaped the character(s) into who they are today. But instead of this, the reader is constantly bombarded with the repetitive unfinished flashbacks, bits of memories, feelings, manias, and otherwise annoying monologues about her past that interrupt what could have been a good story. There is SO much of that annoying reflection about the MC’s explanations of herself or whatever, that I was absolutely bored throughout most of this novel. I couldn’t keep focused. And I didn’t like the MC Callie, nor did I care for anyone else. Oh, and get this - after making the reader work for every bit of this story to get to the ‘good parts� (which I never found), the author doesn't even have the decency to finish it! The novel just stopped abruptly, and in a weird way. So I will not read the next installment because, frankly, I couldn't care less about Callie and her twin, and why she/they was/were doing what she/they did.
So for some reason I thought this book would touch into that side of Quantum Physics, but instead it didn’t. So I don’t even really know why the book is called Quantum. Yes, the word Quantum was used quite a bit, but I was zoning out so much from boredom that I now can’t tell you why. And I literally don’t care…� Maybe it’s some machine? I also thought the book was about NASA and space and astronauts. But�.Nope! The MC, Captain Chase, is basically a security guard, and we follow drama on the ground mostly about tunnels, and security access, etc. It’s not about Astronauts and/or Space travel. It’s like a cop/crime book, but more like a mall cop, and instead of the mall it’s all taking place in these NASA buildings. Buuuuut not the cool control room NASA stuff you see in movies with Tom Hanks, but like just the kitchen, and tunnels, and what is really underground those aforementioned buildings. Shit like that. *sigh*
Also, in this novel, Calle cut her fingertip of her right hand cutting bagels...and she's right handed; so how did that happen? Her rubbing her fingertips together is a weird habit that sounds more like OCD to me than anything else, and I got tired of hearing about it. And the weather in that part of Virginia sounded way more like the Canadian north, and I’m pretty sure they don’t get weather like that - unless this novel is set in the distant future, and weather patterns etc., have changed dramatically�? But we are never told any of these things, so your guess is as good as mine. And what was the deal with Callie not being able to cuss�.? Isn’t she a grown assed woman? Having this grown woman not curse, and replace her expletives with things like ‘SHHHH�!� instead of shit, and ‘hell-o..!� instead of hell is silly, annoying, and very twee. It made the narrator of this audiobook sound like an absolute child, who was afraid her parents would whup her or something like that. And January LaVoy doesn’t deserve this�.!!!
So yeah, January LaVoy is the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel, and she is a wonderful and amazing narrator, in other novels. But this novel is such a freaking mess, especially with the MC’s verbal ticks, that even the vocal professionalism and sterling characterizations made LaVoy’s work sound haphazard, neurotic, and just plain messy. So no, not even one of my favorite narrators couldn’t make the audiobook better than what it is�.. and I really hate to say this, because I’d *NEVER* want to hurt Ms. LaVoy’s feelings, ever! She is a consummate professional with butt tons of very well deserved awards and everything. This novel made her hard work sound awful, and depressed the hell out of me�..
So no, I won’t be coming back for the second novel in this series. I could not care less about it. And because of all these issues, I can’t possibly recommend it, either. So do yourself a favor and steer clear of this one�. Unless you need a night time sleep aid and Benedryl has stopped working for you. And now I realize why I stopped reading Cornwell’s Scarpetta series, back before ‘Blow Fly� came out. I must have started seeing this kind of writing and bailed. Which is sad, because Scarpetta had been a truly great, strong female lead character for a while there�. And we could all use more of that. I mean strong females by ‘that�, not more of Cornwell’s series.
Not recommended, and 2 stars. Avoid this one if you can....more
What a novel�.! It’s a beautifully written, character driven historical romantic drama with a wonderful element of the paranormal seeded throughout, bWhat a novel�.! It’s a beautifully written, character driven historical romantic drama with a wonderful element of the paranormal seeded throughout, but also with just enough ‘will they/won’t they?� to keep the reader turning the pages. And yay, no insta-love to be found, anywhere! ...more
This is a pretty straight forward monster slasher horror novel that reads like a horror movie script. It’s a good time for an afternoon, lazing in froThis is a pretty straight forward monster slasher horror novel that reads like a horror movie script. It’s a good time for an afternoon, lazing in front of the air conditioning unit and trying to keep cool. The ending just kind of stops, which I really dislike, but maybe there is going to be a sequel? I don’t know, but I had a nice time while I was in this world made by Ahlborn. It’s not as good as Seed (also by the same author), but it’s still fun. Luke Daniels is the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel. I couldn’t find the audiobook at my local library for some reason, but Scribd has it and that’s where I accessed the audiobook to listen to. It looks like Scribd has a few more of Ahlborn’s audiobooks also, so I’m going to check out more of her work, in the future. I think we may get along just fine.
I didn’t enjoy this novel as much as I thought I would, which stinks. Novels by McGuire can be hit or miss with me, and I think this one just might beI didn’t enjoy this novel as much as I thought I would, which stinks. Novels by McGuire can be hit or miss with me, and I think this one just might be a miss. I didn’t connect with the MC at all, in any way. I kept finding my attention wandering off from what was happening in this novel, and then realizing I’d probably missed something, and have to yank my attention back to it. I didn’t quite have to force myself to finish the novel, so at least there is that�. I’m just not in love, you know? Amy Landon Is the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel. I’ve listened to Landon narrate before, and for some reason this time, I didn’t enjoy her as much as I may have, before this novel. Who knows, maybe I’m just out of sorts? Oh well, maybe one day I’ll try again with her.
Because of my lack of being invested in this novel and the happenings in it, I don’t think I’ll be continuing with this series. It’s just not my cup of tea I guess. Better luck next time�?
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