Tag Archives: Kate Reading

Review of “Winter’s Heart” by Robert Jordan

Posted on by
Reply

Title: Winter’s Heart
Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time #9
Narrator: Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 24 hours 12 minutes
Published: 20011, MacMillan Audio (originally published 2000)
My Grade: 2.5 out of 5

GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION

Rand is on the run with Min, and in Cairhein, Cadsuane is trying to figure out where he is headed. Rand’s destination is, in fact, one she has never considered.

Mazrim Taim, leader of the Black Tower, is revealed to be a liar. But what is he up to?

Faile, with the Aiel Maidens, Bain and Chiad, and her companions, Queen Alliandre and Morgase, is prisoner of Savanna’s sept.

Perrin is desperately searching for Faile. With Elyas Machera, Berelain, the Prophet and a very mixed “army” of disparate forces, he is moving through country rife with bandits and roving Seanchan. The Forsaken are ever more present, and united, and the man called Slayer stalks Tel’aran’rhiod and the wolfdream.

In Ebou Dar, the Seanchan princess known as Daughter of the Nine Moons arrives–and Mat, who had been recuperating in the Tarasin Palace, is introduced to her. Will the marriage that has been foretold come about?

There are neither beginnings or endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it is a beginning….

 

MY REVIEW

Taking a break from Wheel of Time didn’t really help me get my motivation back. When will this flat story get some action going? It feels like it’s not going anywhere and Jordan gets so little done in so many words. Time-wise, I’m not sure during how long this full book takes place. It felt like years, but probably weren’t more than a few weeks or so.

What is good though, is that Winter’s Heart only follows a few characters so it’s much easier to get into the story. Although, when there is one chapter or one part of a chapter that has a brand new character and we don’t know who that is, it’s impossible to guess. The world just feels too big.

I’m keeping my hopes up though, it will get better! And even if it is flat and very easy to zone out, the 10% at the end are super eventful! It also does feel very real. The writing is amazing. I just have a hard time with this dragged out story. Does it really have to be 15 books? Oh well. It did end on a very very exciting note though. That’s basically what all of them did so far. 2.5 out of 5. Not bad, not amazing.

Review of “The Path of Daggers” by Robert Jordan

Posted on by
Reply

Title: The Path of Daggers
Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time #8
Narrator: Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 23 hours 25 minutes
Published: 2008, MacMillan Audio (originally published 1998)
My Grade: 2.5 out of 5

GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION

The Seanchan invasion force is in possession of Ebou Dar. Nynaeve, Elayne, and Aviendha head for Caemlyn and Elayne’s rightful throne, but on the way they discover an enemy much worse than the Seanchan.

In Illian, Rand vows to throw the Seanchan back as he did once before. But signs of madness are appearing among the Asha’man.

In Ghealdan, Perrin faces the intrigues of Whitecloaks, Seanchan invaders, the scattered Shaido Aiel, and the Prophet himself. Perrin’s beloved wife, Faile, may pay with her life, and Perrin himself may have to destroy his soul to save her.

Meanwhile the rebel Aes Sedai under their young Amyrlin, Egwene al’Vere, face an army that intends to keep them away from the White Tower. But Egwene is determined to unseat the usurper Elaida and reunite the Aes Sedai. She does not yet understand the price that others—and she herself—will pay.

 

MY REVIEW

23 hours must be his shortest book, isn’t it? It didn’t feel short though.

I must admit that I am starting to lose some faith in this series now, eight books in. It’s slow. Like really slow. There are so many characters, new ones introduced all the time. And even if they have small roles, they mix up with the main characters and it’s really hard to follow and understand the interactions between characters. Which of course makes it impossible to follow the story as well as I might have wanted to.

Did things really happen except in the last 6 chapters? It sure doesn’t feel like it. Some scenes are memorable, but they are few. For example when the Asha’man start to feel the taint on saidin, or when Elayne is back at the throne room in Caemlyn. Or just all the story in the White Tower. I am not starting to symphatize with Elaida, the Amyrlin Seat of the White Tower, but I realize as I’m trudging along that I want to know what will happen to her and Tar Valon in general.

The last 6 chapters were memorable. Things happened. There was a war, many plot twists that were a little bit hard to follow along with.

This middle part of the series is slower but I will make it through to the end. But this one gets 2.5 out of 5. The lowest of the series so far. I hope it will turn upward now.

Review of “A Crown of Swords” by Robert Jordan

Posted on by
Reply

Title: A Crown of Swords
Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time #7
Narrator: Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 30 hours 24 minutes
Published: 2006, MacMillan Audio (originally published 1996)
My Grade: 3.5 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…

 

MY REVIEW

Thirty hours is on the “shorter” end for Jordan, for sure. But I’m still impressed that he manages to write that many pages on a storyline that takes place in basically just one place. Of course it doesn’t. But this book’s main focus lies with Nynaeve and Elayne and their quest of finding the bowl of winds in Ebou Dar. There are so many new characters introduced that I find it very hard to follow honestly. And it’s impossible to know whether a character is going to be of great importance or no. At this point, seven books into it, it’s starting to become a little confusing and overwhelming.

This book focused on fewer storylines than previous, at least it felt like it. And I’m not sure whether that is a good thing or if it’s better to jump between several characters all the time. With long sections at a time, there are so many details crammed into the story which makes it a little bit harder to focus sometimes. But at the same time, it’s better to really get into the story.

Another thing that is starting to bug me is the descriptions of people. They are always the same. I have lost count on how many times a new female character is described as slender…

It’s still a good listen. But I really want it to move forward now. The story is progressing way too slow. But I’m not gonna give up, I’ve heard that it will end epically!

3.5 out of 5 for this instalment in Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan.

Review of “Lord of Chaos” by Robert Jordan

Posted on by
1

Title: Lord of Chaos
Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time #6
Narrator: Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 41 hours 32 minutes
Published: 2004, 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…

 

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.

Review of “The Fires of Heaven” by Robert Jordan

Posted on by
Reply

Title: The Shadows Rising
Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time #5
Narrator: Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 36 hours 27 minutes
Published: 2004, 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.

 

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.

Review of “The Shadow Rising” by Robert Jordan

Posted on by
Reply

Title: The Shadow Rising
Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time #4
Narrator: Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 41 hours 13 minutes
Published: 2003, 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…..

 

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!

Review of “The Dragon Reborn” by Robert Jordan

Posted on by
Reply

Title: The Dragon Reborn
Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time #3
Narrator: 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 Reborn—the 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 him—is on the run from his destiny.

Able to touch the One Power, but unable to control it, and with no one to teach him how—for no man has done it in three thousand years—Rand al’Thor knows only that he must face the Dark One. But how?

Winter has stopped the war—almost—yet 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 problem—how is he to escape the loss of his own humanity?

Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve are approaching Tar Valon, where Mat will be healed—if he lives until they arrive. But who will tell the Amyrlin their news—that 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….

 

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.

Review of “The Great Hunt” by Robert Jordan

Posted on by
Reply

Title: The Great Hunt
Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time #2
Narrator: Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 26 hours 34 minutes
Published: 2003, 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.

 

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.

Review of “The Eye of the World” by Robert Jordan

Posted on by
Reply

Title: The Eye of the World
Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time #1
Narrator: Michael Kramer and Kate Reading
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 29 hours 57 minutes
Published: 2006, MacMillan Audio (originally published 1990)
My Grade: 3,5 out of 5

GOODREADS’ DESCRIPTION

The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.

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.

When The Two Rivers is attacked by Trollocs-a savage tribe of half-men, half-beasts- five villagers flee that night into a world they barely imagined, with new dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light.

 

MY REVIEW

The night before the Wheel of Time TV series premiered, I finished the first book in the 15 book long series by Robert Jordan. I honestly don’t know why I never picked it up. It’s been on my to-read-list (the unofficial one in my head, not on Goodreads) for ages but I guess I was afraid of picking it up because of the enormity of it. 15 books, each several hundred pages long. A kick in the butt from the TV industry is a good way to get me to start reading at least, haha!

Since I started listening to audiobooks a year and a half ago, I’ve mostly listened to science books and children’s books. The last one I listened to was Paolini’s sci-fi novel, which had such an amazing narrator who made it rather easy to follow the story. After Jennifer Hales interpretation of To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, I was spoiled and was not prepared for Michael Kramer reading an epic fantasy story, heavy with world building. At first I honestly didn’t think I would get through it. How much of the first few chapters did I really hear and understand? Fortunately, I got used to it, and the rest of the 30 hours total was not too bad. I almost feel bad for saying it about an award winning narrator, but his voice just didn’t seem inviting to me. I’ve come to realize that when listening to audiobooks, this bond with the narrator is very important. It can change the whole book. Or at least, I think it does. I don’t really feel like I have the time to compare reading and listening to books as long as these are, but one day that would be fascinating to do.

In any case, according to my grade system, I feel like this first installment reaches a steady 3,5. If that is because of the story or narrator or anything else, I’m honestly not sure. I do appreciate the immense world building, the magic system seems believable, even if I don’t quite understand it yet. There are several characters but not too many, but I have to admit that sometimes it was hard to know who was who. And also, all the names. They are great, but wow, they are so hard to relate to because they are so far away from our reality. And just hearing them (I won’t give you the satisfaction of spelling them, because I honestly wouldn’t even know where to begin guessing), and not seeing them in front of me was hard. It took me probably 25 hours of the 30 hours total, to know how to pronounce Nynaeve (yes, I did just Google it), even if I had heard it countless of times. The names are complicated and maybe that’s a small thing that drags the whole grade down a bit.

Another thing might be the pace? I can’t really say what I mean, but it feels a bit dragged out. Until the very end which is rushed. A solid 3.5 feels like the correct grade! If what I’ve heard is correct, then the series will be better and better. And I’m really excited to listen to the next!

 

A side note, I’ve of course already seen the first three episodes of the Amazon Prime show that came out on November 19th and I it is amazing so far! Several things are different from the book, of course. But since I didn’t really make out any details while listening, it didn’t bother me at all while watching. Maybe Michael Kramer gave me the story as a whole, and Rafe Judkins (producer) visualized it for me. I’m glad I did it in that order!