Title: Towers of Midnight
Author: Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson
Series: The Wheel of Time #13
Narrator: Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 38 hours 21 minutes
Published: 2010, MacMillan Audio (originally published 2010)
My Grade: 4 out of 5
Review Summary: The end is nearing and you can definitely tell. One of the more intense in the series.
Title: Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Collection: Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 50 of 831
Published: 2016, Tor Books (originally published 2013)
My Grade: 4 out of 5
Review Summary: Brandon Sanderson does not only write fantasy, he also writes fantasy horror.
Title: Edgedancer
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Collection: Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 170 of 831
Published: 2016, Tor Books
My Grade: 4 out of 5
Review Summary: You know when you hate a character? And you realize it’s because it is so well-written? Sanderson creates magically annoying characters as well.
Title: Fractal Noise
Author: Christopher Paolini
Narrator:Ā Jennifer Hale
Genre: Science Fiction
Length: 9 hours 57 minutes
Published: 2023, Tor
My Grade: 4 out of 5
GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION
July 25th, 2234: The crew of theĀ Adamura discovers the Anomaly.On the seemingly uninhabited planet Talos VII:a circular pit, 50 kilometers wide.
Its curve not of nature, but design.
Now, a small team must land and journey on foot across the surface to learn who built the hole and why.
But they all carry the burdens of lives carved out on disparate colonies in the cruel cold of space.
For some the mission is the dream of the lifetime, for others a risk not worth taking, and for one it is a desperate attempt to find meaning in an uncaring universe.
Each step they take toward the mysterious abyss is more punishing than the last.
And the ghosts of their past follow.
Ā
MY REVIEW
This is a prequel to To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, only in the sense that it takes place in the same universe (literally) 23 years earlier. There are no connections with the much longer book that was released three years ago, except the mention of the discovery of the “Anomaly” which this book cover the events of. Although, since this one is much shorter, there are less descriptions of the science-fiction things than the other one. So I might suggest reading that one just to understand a bit better. Not that it is complicated, and there is a dictionary at the end.
Fractal Noise feels very similar to To Sleep story-wise since it is about first contact but two different kinds. They find something out of the ordinary, discuss whether or not they should explore, decide to explore and then things happen. When the book was finished and I sat down and reflected on what I had just listened to, I realized that this 10 hour long book consisted of one event, more or less. It is impressive that Paolini (and Jennifer Hale) manages to captivate the reader (listener) so they kind of forget that it revolves around just one event.
And on that note: Jennifer Hale as a narrator is incredible! I’ve only listened to Paolini’s works narrated by her, but she is something else. Maybe she is the one making me love these two books?
There is much dialogue in this book, it’s strong, it’s believable, and it is what makes this story feel alive. The characters are real. There are deep conversations about religion and general views on life and it feels like you’re a part of their exploration.
I can’t say what this book would have been like if I read it, but listening to it was amazing. I wouldn’t put it right at the top amongst my very favorites, but a strong 4 for sure.
Title: Lord of Chaos
Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time #6
Narrator:Ā Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 41 hours 32 minutes
Published: 2005, MacMillan Audio (originally published 1994)
My Grade: 4 out of 5
GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION
Now ruling Tear, Andor, and Caemlyn, among other nations, Rand is recruiting all men capable of channeling to be trained as his Asha’man soldiers. The warrior Aiel clans have pledged loyalty to Rand, acknowledging him as their chief of chiefs, even though the Shaido Aiel remain a threat.
Split into two factions, the Aes Sedai of the White Tower and their rebel counterparts both seek to ally themselves with the Dragon Reborn. Rand knows all too well the manipulative nature of the Aes Sedai, no matter which side of their internal war they stand upon. But even he cannot predict just how desperate, cruel, and treacherous they can be.
And in the shadows, the Forsaken and the Dark One are conjuring even more chaos…
Ā
MY REVIEW
I guess there are two reasons why it took me 6 months to finish this audiobook, the sixth in the order. One of the reasons is that if was over 40 hours long, the other because it was kinda dull. I was prepared that the middle part of this series would be dragged out and that not much would happen. That statement is both correct and untrue. Things are happening, it’s just not things that I find interesting. Don’t get me wrong, I love world building and leaving this world behind for a while when reading/listening to a book. But when the world building mostly consists of political situations, dialogues and intrigues, I can’t really say that I follow.
But when things are happening, they really are happening! About halfway through this book I got so surprised at the turn of events that I was almost speechless. I had to really bite my tongue not to spoil anything to my boyfriend (who only saw the first season of the tv series but enjoyed it a lot). And from there, it just kept going. It was exciting and the last 15 hours or so went by really fast.
This 6th instalment of the series came with a great introduction of previous events and you as a listener was right on track from the start. And something that annoyed me was Kate Reading pronouncing Moghadien’s name differently from previous books. Oh well. I got used to it in the end.
Even if the series has slowed down a bit, it is super eventful at times and I generally really like this story and am very curious as to where it will continue. I have heard great things of the ending and can’t wait until I get there. It is a great story, and overall, it is a 4. I honestly have some trouble keeping the books apart since I’m listening to all of them back to back and have been for the past almost 2 years.
Title: Dune
Author: Frank Herbert
Series: Dune #1
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 507
Published: 1965, Chilton
My Grade: 4 out of 5
GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTIONĀ
Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, heir to a noble family tasked with ruling an inhospitable world where the only thing of value is the āspiceā melange, a drug capable of extending life and enhancing consciousness. Coveted across the known universe, melange is a prize worth killing for….
When House Atreides is betrayed, the destruction of Paulās family will set the boy on a journey toward a destiny greater than he could ever have imagined. And as he evolves into the mysterious man known as MuadāDib, he will bring to fruition humankindās most ancient and unattainable dream.
A stunning blend of adventure and mysticism, environmentalism and politics, Dune won the first Nebula Award, shared the Hugo Award, and formed the basis of what is undoubtedly the grandest epic in science fiction.
MY REVIEW
Dune has been on my TBR list for so many years now and it wasn’t until I saw the new movie that came out in 2021 that I moved the book up on the list. Back in the day, I would say that that was the wrong order. I would wait to watch a new movie or series until I had read the book or books. But as my life priorities have changed with work and working out, reading has been pushed down. It saddens me. But since this work is considered the forefather of all modern science fiction, and the move was only half the book, I would say that it didn’t really matter because the book was something else.
It is embarrassing that it took me almost a year to finish it, but the second half of it in just three days (thank you, New Year’s flu). When I had the time to read more than just a couple of pages in bed before I would fall asleep with the book in my hand, it was so easy to get sucked into the story.
I would say that the book is divided in two. When things happen, and political dialogues. When things happen, it’s easy to follow along, the dialogue makes sense, there is action and you just want to continue to read. Then there are those chapters which are focused on the politics of the story. And I don’t know if I’m just not used to this kind of language and prose, but I honestly couldn’t understand what they were talking about. It was hard to understand how they reasoned, and what underlying thoughts came to the conclusions they drew. It was like a lot of thinking and internal dialogue was missing and my mind wasn’t imaginative enough to tag along. I’m sure it was brilliant, because everyone says it is. But I just didn’t get it.
Another thing that bothered me before I got a hang of it, was that Dune did not follow just one character in each chapter. What I usually read, follows only one character per chapter, or at least very separated so it’s super clear which person’s point of view you’re following. But here, you could in one sentence be inside Paul Atreides mind, hearing what he’s thinking while talking to Gurney Halleck for example. And the next sentece, you’re inside Jessica’s head, analyzing Paul’s and Gurney’s dialogue. It took some time getting used to, and I probably got several thoughts connected with the wrong character. Oh well.
It was a book of many levels. You could tell the massive background investigation that went into this book. It’s a complicated piece discussing ecology, politics, religion with a hint of fantasy set in the far far future after an AI-war which destroyed the world as we know it. It was impressive and I did truly enjoy it, although it was a bit complicated. I will give it a 4 out of 5.It was an incredible and timeless science-fiction novel.
I have to admit though, that I am not sure if I want to continue with Herbert’s world. Dune ended on an incredible cliffhanger and I know myself enough that that alone will probably make me pick up Dune Messiah right after I finish this post. But I’ve also, unfortunately, read that the sequels are not as good and finishing with this cliffhanger leaves the planet of Arrakis’ future up for your own imagination.
Title: The Shadows Rising
Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time #5
Narrator:Ā Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 36 hours 27 minutes
Published: 2005, MacMillan Audio (originally published 1993)
My Grade: 4 out of 5
GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION
The bonds and wards that hold the Great Lord of the Dark are slowly failing, but still his fragile prison holds. The Forsaken, immortal servants of the shadow, weave their snares and tighten their grip upon the realms of men, sure in the knowledge that their master will soon break free…
Rand al’ Thor, the Dragon Reborn, knows that he must strike at the Enemy, but his forces are divided by treachery and by ambition. Even the Aes Sedai, ancient guardians of the Light, are riven by civil war. Betrayed by his allies, pursued by his enemies and beset by the madness that comes to the male wielders of the One Power, Rand rides out to meet the foe.
Ā
MY REVIEW
The story goes on and I’m so surprised at how intricate it is. This was book 5 out of 14 and it feels like so much has happend so far and I can’t believe I’m not even half done with the series. The work Jordan has put into this series is ridiculous!
The Fires of heaven basically follows two two storylines. That of Rand, Mat, Egwene and the other one of Elayne and Nyneave which is later intertwined with the Amyrlin Seat and Min. Perrin is barely even mentioned in this book. The storyline of Rand was a bit complicated, lots of politics, many fighting scenes and schemes. It progressed a lot though and many things happened. Especially in the end. Wow!
It was much easier following the adventure of Elayne and Nyneave. Even if a lot of the story takes place in the world of dreams. Pretty cool!
It was a long book, many events, lots of traveling, many places were visited. And so many characters! It’s hard to keep track of them all. It was a good continuation of the story and with that ending, I’m very eager to continue to listen! The Fires of Heaven gets a 4.
Title: The Shadow Rising
Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time #4
Narrator:Ā Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 41 hours 13 minutes
Published: 2004, MacMillan Audio (originally published 1992)
My Grade: 4 out of 5
GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION
The seals of Shayol Ghul are weak now, and the Dark One reaches out. The Shadow is rising to cover humankind.
In Tar Valon, Min sees portents of hideous doom. Will the White Tower itself be broken?
In the Two Rivers, the Whitecloaks ride in pursuit of a man with golden eyes, and in pursuit of the Dragon Reborn.
In Cantorin, among the Sea Folk, High Lady Suroth plans the return of the Seanchan armies to the mainland.
In the Stone of Tear, the Lord Dragon considers his next move. It will be something no one expects, not the Black Ajah, not Tairen nobles, not Aes Sedai, not Egwene or Elayne or Nynaeve.
Against the Shadow rising stands the Dragon Reborn…..
Ā
MY REVIEW
Forty hours of audiobook is a long listen. It took me a long while to get through it, because I had lots going on at work at the time. But in the end it was worth it! I had to do some research after finishing the listen though to be honest and I’m disappointed that I was not able to follow along as well as I can while listening to a book. Compared to the two previous books, this one did not feel like a journey, just waiting for something to happen. In The Shadow Rising, A LOT happened! I do remember thinking that in the very beginning and was already then impressed with the new speed of the story. A lot of focus on Perrin in this book and it was great “seeing” the old places and people from the first book again. But his story felt a bit dragged out. Battle after battle after battle on different fronts. In the beginning of this one, all the main characters are divided into groups and create their own storylines, some more interesting than others. I think Nyneave and Elayne’s was the best. And I also really enjoyed following Rand a bit more this time.
The worldbuilding, like the previous books as well obviously, is still incredible. And I think this is sometimes what makes it hard to focus while listening to it. But honestly, I don’t think I have the time to read these bricks page by page anyway. Priorities, I know. Something that also makes it hard to follow along sometimes are the many new characters that are introduced all the time. And especially when there’s only one chapter with them.
There are many different storylines to keep track of. But all in all, I’m getting more and more intrigued by the story and I can’t wait to find out what will happen next. It feels like the story has just begun. I mean, this was book 4 out of 14. It will get a strong 4 from me!
Title: The Dragon Reborn
Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time #3
Narrator:Ā Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 24 hours 51 minutes
Published: 2004, MacMillan Audio (originally published 1991)
My Grade: 4 out of 5
GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION
The Dragon Rebornāthe leader long prophesied who will save the world, but in the saving destroy it; the savior who will run mad and kill all those dearest to himāis on the run from his destiny.
Able to touch the One Power, but unable to control it, and with no one to teach him howāfor no man has done it in three thousand yearsāRand al’Thor knows only that he must face the Dark One. But how?
Winter has stopped the warāalmostāyet men are dying, calling out for the Dragon. But where is he?
Perrin Aybara is in pursuit with Moiraine Sedai, her Warder Lan, and Loial the Ogier. Bedeviled by dreams, Perrin is grappling with another deadly problemāhow is he to escape the loss of his own humanity?
Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve are approaching Tar Valon, where Mat will be healedāif he lives until they arrive. But who will tell the Amyrlin their newsāthat the Black Ajah, long thought only a hideous rumor, is all too real? They cannot know that in Tar Valon far worse awaits…
Ahead, for all of them, in the Heart of the Stone, lies the next great test of the Dragon reborn….
Ā
MY REVIEW
The third book in the Wheel of Time felt like an in-between-story while listening. But now, after finishing it and thinking back on everything the characters went through, it was full of action. What was funny though, was that the title felt off. The Dragon was lost and there was only a handful of chapters following him. Although, I guess it was all about him in the end anyway with everyone trying to find him.
I have to admit, that listening to all of these books back to back makes me unable to tell them apart. The stories flows into each other gracefully and after three books and 80 hours now, I definitely see the charm in the series. It’s the world building. It feels so real and even if it is a fantasy world full of magic and so on, it feels plausible. Many fantasy books are unrealistic in the sense that the hero is unaware of their power in the beginning but then masters it in a matter of minutes and becomes the most powerful ever. That’s fun and all, but this is another type of fantasy. Definitely a more adult type of fantasy. And I like the contrasts to what I usually read.
I enjoyed following Egwene, Nyneave, and Elaine in their pursuit of the black Ajah and it was great to see Mat from another perspective than half-dead (sorry for the small spoiler).
I’m mostly listening while I ride my bike or going somewhere and it feels like this world of Robert Jordan’s is where I spend my traveling time. It’s there in the background and I don’t really focus on it too much. I enjoy spending my time riding my bike to practice in this world, but I can’t really say it’s the best I’ve ever read, probably because of not actively reading. Maybe I will physically read it one day. The Dragon Reborn gets a solid 4 because of the immense and realistic world building.
Title: The Great Hunt
Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time #2
Narrator:Ā Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 26 hours 34 minutes
Published: 2004, MacMillan Audio (originally published 1990)
My Grade: 4 out of 5
GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION
The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.
For centuries, gleemen have told the tales of The Great Hunt of the Horn. So many tales about each of th Hunters, and so many Hunters to tell of…Now the Horn itself is found: the Horn of Valere long thought only legend, the Horn which will raise the dead heroes of the ages. And it is stolen.
Ā
MY REVIEW
I’ve now seen the whole first season of the TV series which contains most of book 1 and some from book 2 and 3. I think I do understand why they mixed the TV series up a bit. Like with The Eye of the World, Robert Jordan really took his time to tell the vivid story that is Wheel of Time. 26 hours went by pretty fast this time when I had really gotten used to the narrators. But when I think about the story now, after finishing it, what happened really? Yes, the great hunt. But that’s it. It was a long journey. Exciting and things kept happening, but I can’t really say exactly what.
New people were introduced, and once again, I won’t give you the satisfaction of trying to spell the names that I now can pronounce, and it took me a while to understand what they were and what role they played in the story.
The ending was wow! And I can’t wait to pick up the next one, but I still kind of feel like this is still just the beginning. Which is amazing, big things have already happened, but what else is there still? I like the character development. They feel real and not everyone behaves strong and heroic like fantasy heroes usually does.
The Great Hunt receives a 4, it’s either because it actually steps up a notch, or it’s because I’m more familiar with the world, not sure. A great listen in whichever case.
Bemm 