Narration is not working

I came here after the Cradle series which is to me a masterpiece and like a drug to listen to.

I understand now why profesional narrators need to do their job and writers need to stick to their part. Everyone sounds the same and he sounds so rushed and monotone. Cannot do this. He is just reading fast, not acting a like the great narrators basically do.

31 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Among the best fantasies ever.

In 2012, this book was recommended to me by a fantasy buff. At first, the rough sentence structure was so obtuse, that I thought he’d played a joke on me. But 1/4 way through the book I caught the strange rhythm and was hooked.

Now, the author reads. It’s pretty bad, and by his awkward inflections and repetitive voice dynamic, I think I understand why the book itself was so hard to follow. I’m actually not sure that myself or even Michael Kramer could do much better. —still, and in spite of its sentences, the subjects and worlds in this book are original and fantastically brilliant.

21 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Couldn’t listen to it.

Such a disappointment after listening to Cradle series. What a difference a good narrator makes.

18 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Compelling

What did you love best about House of Blades?

The world building and magic is unique, I've not come across anything like it. It was a compelling listen.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Will Wight?

I will but only because I want to know what happens in the series. The narration was the weakest part of this audio book. Will Wight reads too quickly at times and isn't great at voice characterization.

24 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Such a fun and intriguing story!

I enjoyed this book tremendously! I would recommend this book to all fans of fantasy and people who enjoy reading books that are unexpectedly funny and heroic. I really liked the author reading the book as his inflections were great as were his accents. He needs to work on his female voices but otherwise a very enjoyable book!

17 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

decent story gets no help from boring narrator

I had trouble with listening to this one. something kept pulling my attention away. the plot seems interesting enough, the magic system is compelling, the action is well described, but it just didn't hold my attention. I rarely have to rewind this often. it took me a while but I think I figured it out, the narrator just isn't very good. he obviously knows the material very well and understands what's going on, but the lack of emotion in his reading just didn't help me stay in the story. there was also something about the quality of the writing that maybe wasn't up to snuff. a repetition of phrases like, "as easy as stopping up a kitten" that made me think that this was someone's first novel and not in a good way. overall, I liked the book, but don't feel like it was great... and I had such hopes because his other series is much better.

7 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Refreshing and the next couple books gets better

What made the experience of listening to House of Blades the most enjoyable?

Quirky characters (I just wished they were more prominent in the series of books with more depth than some of the stereotypical hero/villains. Like Kai and Benson). And the story wasn't that predictable. It kept me entertained enough to purchase the next two books. I thought it just got better and better - almost as if a plausible fantasy/action movie.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Simon is my favorite character. He isn't born with special powers and/or talents. He actually works, painfully, many times, to earn what he gets. His sheer determination to gain the necessary skills to help his friends, family and others from his village is highly commendable.

What about Will Wight’s performance did you like?

I had a difficult time distinguishing: 1) when a character was talking; 2) which character was talking 3) when a character was pondering thoughts to themselves. He spoke rather clearly, but the cadence was sometimes quicker in random and obscure spots. Although I've read the 2nd and 3rd books, I would purchase the audio versions when it becomes available. I would hope that they/he may hire a woman that can at least do the female character's dialog. That at least would clear up some audio listening confusion.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. Once I started, I rarely stopped. Fun for all ages.

Any additional comments?

I wish there was a detailed version in any of the books of the "Prophecy".

15 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

make you appreciate narrators

for an author read book, he does a great job. still it's lacking quite a bit in audio format co.pared to most other series done more professionally. the story, however, is great and Im enjoying it, it maybe a bit more.. elementary school level, but it's good enough to keep me coming back for the rest of the series.

5 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

keep your day job as writer

keep your day job as writer as a narrator you put me to sleep driving.

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Very original, I love this series!

I originally read this on my Kindle app a few years ago, and kept asking Will Wight on Facebook when it would come out on Audible. He kept saying be patient. Well, I was, and it was worth the wait. I love the originality of the story, the idea that the Prophesied One is from the main characters village, bound for great things, but Simon, the main character, has nothing said about him. Well, he doesn't take that lying down and goes about getting the power he needs to help his friends and get a little payback as well. The characters in the book are engaging, with a lot of shades of grey to most of the characters to make them a little more complex and realistic. The magic system, made up of Travelers drawing power from different dimensions is very creative, especially as it is explained just how they gain their powers. The plot twists and turns, and you can actually find yourself rooting for any side at different times, although some characters are just loathsome, in a well drawn out way. Anyone who likes original fantasy, sometimes dark, sometimes light and funny and not just your average cookie cutter epic fantasy will enjoy this book. I can't recommend it highly enough.

17 personnes ont trouvé cela utile