Audiobook of a graphic novel!!

It's important to note that this (the prose version) are based off the original graphic novel. That should explain why this is differently formatted than Sanderson's other works.

First off, the differences from the original. I read the graphic novels awhile ago. As I listened to this, I also read the graphic novel again. There's additional scenes that add a bit more depth to characters and context to the situations. Some of the dialog and scenes were moved around, but everything in the graphic novel is still present. The narrator was also changed from first person to third. I felt some of the dialog or scenes being moved around were unnecessary, but it's probably better for prose storytelling. The description of the scenes matched what is drawn on the book. Basically the story is the same with some added scenes.

Secondly, the audiobook review. The performance and sound effects were very well done. Which is to be expected. All the full cast and/or sound effect audiobooks I've listened to on Audible are really good. The casting is great. This may be a fictional world, but certain accents are needed for the people of different countries. As far as I can tell, they sound authentic.

If you've listened to all other Cosmere audiobooks, I would recommend this next. This may be a lot shorter than the other Cosmere books, but it's also a full cast and sound effect audiobook. Keep in mind that this is a graphic novel story, not a regular novel. Most audiobooks with full cast and sound effects are not that long either.

Overall a great listen and worth my monthly credit.

11 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

The Missing Shard

As a big Brandon Sanderson fan, I've been wanting to hear more about the Cosmere. Taldain in particular was mentioned in some recent works, so I was curious about the graphic novels.

However, most of my casual reading is done through audio books now of days and I wanted something I could listen to while doing other things. So I was surprised and intrigued to see this addition to Audible.

The story lacks something even when compared to the White Sand short-story found in Arcanum Unbound, but is nevertheless a respectable work in its own right. Although the character development and world building are somewhat sparse compared with a traditional Sanderson book, it is still entertaining and attention grabbing.

As far as the production goes, I'm not sold on Graphic Audio's methodology. Although full-cast audio sounds like it ought to be more immersive, the many transitions between different actors, with their different pronunciations and talent levels, can be jarring. Added to that, the ability to narrate different thoughts and perspectives is often hampered. Further, sound effects mixed throughout a production often give off a pulp-fiction vibe. Although some were well-timed, most felt forced and merely made it harder to focus on the actual story.

The result is a choppy story with poorly defined but likable plots and characters. While worth the price to purchase it and the time spent listening, it's no masterpiece.

As far as the Cosmere is concerned, there were a few more things to learn about Taldain than were in the White Sand short story, although some of the details were different between the two. That said, nothing significant was added in this book and I wonder how canonical it's considered, being a remake of a co-op work.

7 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Love Brandon Sanderson but was disappointed

I had to return this one, it was way too short. Since graphic audio adds such detail with the sound effects it seemed even shorter. Barely set the characters and the primary struggle and the volume was over.

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Story good narrative and sound effects distracting

I’m so glad I got to here the story of chapter one in Arkham unbound by Brandon Sanderson by another narrator without sound effects because the story was wonderful and why I purchased this book. But I couldn’t even listen to the whole story in this new format. So just a warning to all story is great but may be too distracting as it was for me in this format. I guess I will never know the ending.

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Graphic audio is just not for me

I wish this was offered in a more traditional format. The sound effects are distracting and way too loud relative to the words for my taste. I find the internal thought sound effect to be super annoying

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Background noise, political struggling, awesome magic

The story remind me very much of Star Wars books. I believe that’s because of the noise you hear as if you were in the environment.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Interesting but ...

Lots of good moments. Brilliant opening sequences but lots of places where the writing is uneven or dare I say perplexing. Possibly because of the adaptation from graphic to audio, or possibly because it is such an early work for someone who would become a supreme master of the craft. I can’t tell. But it’s a bumpy ride.

Short and oh so sweet

Sanderson does it again, with another incredible living world. A large cast of voice actors for just about every character plus sound effects and some soundscapes make this one of the most immersive audiobooks I've ever listened too. No complaints on the actors performance, though at some times the effects can overshadow the narration.
overall a high recommend.

Ugg Graphic Audio

I think it has been a big mistake for Sanderson to go down the graphic audio route. His books are intricate and graphic audio is a distraction. Sanderson's books need good narrators. I miss Kate Reading and Michael Kramer. The story itself is okay, but not as good at Sanderson's other works.

Sanderson: If you read these reviews, rethink your decision to produce GraphicAudio books. They distract from your stories and do not do them justice.

Interesting story, annoying performances

I'm a huge fan of Brandon Sanderson, having listend to 22 of his books. this story is interesting enough, but the performances, particularity by the lead character Kenton (Alexander Strain), were obnoxious. I'm not sure if that's Strain's real manner of speaking or just this character, but it's grating. The narrator (Terence Aselford) was pleasant, but he was the exception. Also, this is supposed to be a "movie in your mind" but the sound effects were very distracting, especially the footsteps in the first couple chapters. This is the lowest rating I've ever given a Sanderson title, and it's all based on the performances