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The Sandman
- Narrated by: Riz Ahmed, Kat Dennings, Taron Egerton, Neil Gaiman, James McAvoy, Samantha Morton, Bebe Neuwirth, Andy Serkis, Michael Sheen
- Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins
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The Sandman
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Publisher's Summary
Please note: This content is not for kids. It is for mature audiences only. Just like the original graphic novels, this audio adaptation contains explicit language and graphic violence, as well as strong sexual content and themes. Discretion is advised.
Hailed by the Los Angeles Times Magazine as “the greatest epic in the history of comic books”, The Sandman changed the game with its dark, literary world of fantasy and horror - creating a global, cultural phenomenon in the process. At long last, Audible and DC present the first-ever audio production of the New York Times best-selling series written by acclaimed storyteller Neil Gaiman (who also serves as co-executive producer). Adapted and directed by multi-award-winner (and frequent Gaiman collaborator) Dirk Maggs, and performed by an ensemble cast with James McAvoy (It, Parts One and Two, X-Men: First Class, Split) in the title role, this first installment of a multi-part original audio series will transport you to a world that re-writes the rules of audio entertainment the way that The Sandman originally re-defined the graphic novel.
When The Sandman, also known as Lord Morpheus - the immortal king of dreams, stories and the imagination - is pulled from his realm and imprisoned on Earth by a nefarious cult, he languishes for decades before finally escaping. Once free, he must retrieve the three “tools” that will restore his power and help him to rebuild his dominion, which has deteriorated in his absence. As the multi-threaded story unspools, The Sandman descends into Hell to confront Lucifer (Michael Sheen), chases rogue nightmares who have escaped his realm, and crosses paths with an array of characters from DC comic books, ancient myths, and real-world history, including: Inmates of Gotham City's Arkham Asylum, Doctor Destiny, the muse Calliope, the three Fates, William Shakespeare (Arthur Darvill), and many more.
A powerhouse supporting cast helps translate this masterwork into a sonic experience worthy of its legacy, including Riz Ahmed, Kat Dennings, Taron Egerton, Samantha Morton, Bebe Neuwirth, Andy Serkis, and more. Setting the stage for their performance is an unprecedented cinematic soundscape featuring an original musical score by British Academy Award winner James Hannigan. Fans will especially revel in a new twist for the audio adaptation: Neil Gaiman himself serves as the narrator. Follow him as he leads listeners along a winding path of myths, imagination and, often, terror. Even in your wildest dreams, you’ve never heard anything like this.
What the critics say
"James McAvoy leads an all-star cast in narrating this magnificent audio adaptation of Neil Gaiman's iconic graphic novel series, The Sandman.... As listeners are swept up in a saga in which cats talk and nightmares walk, McAvoy's steady characterization reminds them that it’s all in a day's work for him. While the cast members are exquisite, special mention goes to the production staff. The sound effects are immersive, and there is a wonderful cinematic score. This audio drama is compelling. Listeners won’t be able to pause once they hit play." (AudioFile magazine)
Editorial Review
Fall deep into the enchanting and twisted world of The Sandman. Let yourself be swept away in this dark and dreamy tale of storytelling and entrapment from Neil Gaiman. From comic book and sci-fi royalty Neil Gaiman comes a thrilling work of grim fantasy for adults, The Sandman. Follow the journey of Morpheus, the lord of dreams, through his capture, containment and bold escape from an Earthly prison. Morpheus sets about rebuilding the Dreaming realm and restoring its former grandeur. The Sandman is a New York Times best seller that weaves a tale of an unexpected antihero, the personification of dreams, effortlessly merging urban fantasy with fairy tales, modern myth, science fiction and history in a true genre bending epic. A tangled web of storylines entices the listener with unpausable action and a gripping narrative that can’t be ignored. Gaiman himself narrates this epic with the true passion of a writer. The Sandman is a multicast audio masterpiece featuring award-winning screen and voice actors from across the United Kingdom and America. The diverse and star-studded cast lends dynamic and engaging voices, truly bringing the words and characters to life. James McAvoy, no stranger to comic book series and world fantasy from his former roles in Marvel's X-Men series, lends his seasoned voice to the title role with a commanding and emphatic flair. Michael Sheen (a Gaiman regular) voices Lucifer, and famed voice actor Andy Serkis is Matthew. Just as The Sandman graphic novel was a revolution in its genre, this audiobook is a master in its field. It has instantly become a fan favourite and resonates with listeners worldwide. Whether you're a first-time listener or a long-standing fan of The Sandman series, this first volume will engulf you in the dream country and all its eccentric characters. The unique and complex storyline combined with an all-star cast of narrators makes this Audible Original truly unmissable and unpausable.
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What listeners love about The Sandman
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Stu F
- 2020-07-16
Solid Gold
This is every Neil Gaiman fans dream come true. The cast knocks it out of the park. The music is fantastic. The story is obviously top notch. Hope this won’t be the last of it.
20 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- mechanovaking
- 2020-09-19
Trying to hard
a plot that dosen't really add up or go anywhere.
the whole thing laced with edge teenage level gore or brutally or gender and sex tipics to try and make them seem real.
and alot if detours around unimportant characters.
also the music is too loud for headphones. it really didnt need any music.
17 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Andrea W
- 2020-08-04
A Collection
Overall, this was a good audiobook. The narrating was amazing. The multiple voices and sound effects really added to the immersive experience. I found the story to be a little difficult to follow and confusing in the beginning. This was less of a novel and more of a collection of stories from the comic series.
14 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Allyssa B.
- 2020-09-03
Shockingly awful
The first couple hours were fantastic, the cast was great and story flowed well. The entire rest of this audiobook was TERRIBLE. There was no story. Instead it was like each chapter was it's own storyline that was completely random and didn't relate back to the main character whatsoever. Tried to finish it but genuinely couldn't. It's a terrible shame because the cast did an excellent job and the opening music was very compelling. The story just disintegrated so quickly and there are way too many characters who aren't relevant to anything and too many random chapters of bullshit. I am extremely baffled as to how the fuck this has a five star rating.
13 people found this helpful
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Matt B.
- 2021-01-23
Pointless?
Awesome production! Just only have a storyline that went anywhere for the first half... Then rambled into pointless short skits- then it just ends!! I kept hoping it would circle back to SOMETHING- some kind of direction that made any sense.. It didn't....
12 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Gabriel U.
- 2020-07-15
i love you
thank you. i finally get to hear sandman's voice in my head, in my ears!
9 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- KT
- 2020-07-31
Amazing production, story drops off after first arch
Outstanding voice work, music, and sound overall. The story is great too, but drops off once the first arch is complete. It then becomes a series of one off tales, which are good but not as compelling as the first narrative.
8 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2020-07-21
Exactly what I hoped for!
This was done so amazingly well. The voice acting is excellent and the story feels just as magical as the books. I really hope the rest of the series is made into audiobook form.... I got a little sad when I realized it only covers the first major arc.
8 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Kevin
- 2020-09-16
Honestly, somewhat disappointing.
Neil Gaiman is one of my top 10 favourite writers… I never did read the graphic novels, and then I suspect is the flaw here. Aside from production sound level qualities which were distracting I don’t think the material translated very well from one medium to another. Glimpses of brilliance to be expected from Neil overall, somewhat disappointing.:[
7 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Kevin B
- 2020-09-21
Did not get past chapter 1
Overproduced comic book audio play. Did not enjoy at all. Would be good for teens
6 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Victor @ theAudiobookBlog dot com
- 2020-07-16
absolutely Epic!
The Sandman is a fantastic, immersive and unparalleled audio production. From award-winning author Neil Gaiman and adapted for Audible by the great Dirk Maggs, you'll be swapped away in an Epic adventure you could have never imagined.
Expertly combining, fantasy and fiction, horror and humor, comedy and tragedy, The Sandman is a fast paced, visceral narrative experience that will stay with you for a long time!
Put on your headphones or even better, stream it on your favorite smart speaker in the house and you'll be in for a treat. I listened to The Sandman on my Apple Homepod Stereo setup and the experience was absolutely incredible. I closed my eyes and vividly lived all the events portrayed in this adaptation of the first three Sandman novels.
With a formidable cast of characters, brought to life by some of the best actors in the audiobooks and movies industries, the listener's experience is enriched and elevated by a a moving soundtrack and high quality sound effects.
I didn't know anything about the Sandman comics, but I was immediately blown away by this adaptation! I can't wait for the next one! This is the best Audible Original that I listened to so far!
If you liked this review please vote Helpful below and find more of them here and on theAudiobookBlog.
I also post honest reviews at the author, narrator, or publisher's request, you can get in touch with me for more details.
Thank you & stay safe,
Victor
629 people found this helpful
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Timothy Lewis
- 2020-07-17
Sounds Like a Perpetual Movie Trailer
I couldn't tell if it was a good story or not, couldn't follow it. It plays like a confusing recap from a previous episode but never getting to the real story. Just confusing background noises and elaborate score and different voices bouncing between characters.
I'm sure Neil Gaiman did a great job writing this but the producer and sound mixer failed horribly.
556 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jack McCall
- 2020-07-16
A great story with an intro theme you will hear 40 times.
The story is great as well as the performances however, they play this intro them in and out over and over. It really rips you out of the story and horribly distracting.
290 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Mark
- 2020-07-19
Not what I hoped for
I know a two-star review for story seems harsh but allow me to explain why I felt this title was a letdown. Although the first few chapters are generally related to each other and follow a linear story line, many of the subsequent chapters are told as stand-alone stories (especially near the end), they jump around the timeline and are largely unrelated to the main story told at the beginning of the book. Although these stories paint an interesting picture of a world that is classic Gaiman, on the whole I found them dull and could have stopped listening after the first half of this title.
I never read the graphic novels and was coming into this as a fan of Neil Gaiman's writing. Perhaps that was why I did not enjoy the title as much as I hoped. A two-star review for story is harsh when compared to the other titles on audible but in comparison to the stories told in Gaiman's other work I feel it is appropriate. The intricate and compelling stories told in American Gods, Neverwhere, and even the lesser known Anansi Boys all put this title to shame.
Perhaps I am simply not a fan of this particular medium and should stick to listening to standard novels. All the other 5-star reviews on here may indicate that this type of story isn't for me. It is clear a lot of money was put into production, I found the voice acting, casting, and sound effects to be very well done. It is just a shame that with some many resources put into production and marketing, I would have rather spent my time re-reading Neverwhere.
238 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Muhammed Al-Subhi
- 2020-07-15
More that an audiobook
Just perfect. Close your eyes, headphones on and allow yourself to be pulled into this amazing creation (easily done with this talented selection of cast).
But be weary and don’t you ever fall asleep.
148 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Cory S
- 2020-07-15
Perfect adaptation
The story is faithful to the comic and has been transferred the audio medium perfectly. The music and sound effects are some of the most impressive I've heard on an audio drama to date, I have to say my anticipation was rewarded greatly. Can't wait to finish the rest of it. But if you're a fan of the comic there's no question you're gonna love this version of it too.
135 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Charlie
- 2020-07-16
Absolutely Enthralling
This reminds me of the old radio plays but done to absolute perfection. I didn’t know how they would adapt the graphic novel but I am simply blown away but the acting. I feel absolutely transported into the world of The Endless.
115 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- SilverRave
- 2020-07-15
Love the Ambience!
I'm not a huge fan of audio books, but when I saw the ad for a Sandman audiobook I HAD to give it a listen. I'm loving the detailed background audio so far, it really helps set the scenes perfectly. It's almost as if you are listening to a movie's soundtrack rather than a book. The voice actors are amazing as well, a gathering of several really talented actors, all of whom have done an excellent job! I'm already 3 hours in and I know this is already the highest quality audiobook that I have ever listened to. As for the story, I am a bit biased, since I was already a HUGE fan of the graphic novels this is based off of, but I love this version just as much so far. Since Neil Gaiman himself was involved in this, I doubt it will deviate in any great way from the original, save for in ways necessary for the format. So, if you like the Sandman graphic novels, and don't mind audiobooks, definitely check this out!!
89 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kate
- 2020-07-15
BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER
When I found out a month and a half ago that audible was adapting my favorite graphic novel series (and one of my all time favorite stories) into a full cast audio production, I was excited though hesitant. Can they do justice to one of the most beloved stories of the 20th century?
Not only is that a profound yes, but I’m currently in awe at how well done the adaptation is. James McAvoy’s voice was always Morpheus. I just didn’t realize it until today.
The universe really out did itself on my birthday present this year. It’s really all that I could ever hope for and more. 💖
69 people found this helpful
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Jeremy C.
- 2020-07-15
I’m not a fan of this type of story. It seems silly to me.
I decided to try a different type of science fiction book.
I listen to 3-4 books weekly while doing my business which is wrapping cars.
I chose to stop this book within the first hour.
Just not my type of story.
60 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Julie
- 2020-07-31
Une nouvelle expérience d’audiobook sur fond de rêves et de cauchemars !
Une expérience unique en terme d’audiobook qui s’approche plus du cinéma. Très agréable bien que parfois compliqué avec toutes les voix différentes.
Cependant l’imbrication de toutes les différentes histoires ressemblent plus à un recueil de nouvelles.
Attendez vous aussi à une bonne dose de gore, d’horreurs et de cauchemars ... vous voici averti :)
4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Client d'Amazon
- 2023-06-22
Love every single minute
It is so well done! And the Netflix show is so close to this interpretation. I have to admit I tried this audiobook because I loved the show and wanted to know what happens next. Well I am not deceived at all.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Liam Delville
- 2022-09-12
Entrancing!
Loved everything about it. It was the first time I listened to a book even though I dabbled in listening to podfics and my... What an experience! Thank you, I loved every second of it!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mildred Balut
- 2022-08-13
Perfection
Un casting de folie, une ambiance géniale. Additif à l'extrême ! Allez-y, c'est incroyable !
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- andreas
- 2022-05-15
beautiful start to the series ✨
When I first listened to this audiobook I was really afraid I wouldn’t like it. It seemed a lot more different from anything I ever listened so I had this fear I would end up not liking it at all.
All of this fear was quickly washed away once I started listening to The Sandman. This was an absolutely perfect work with great stories, a beautiful production value and actors that bring their best to the original material. I absolutely loved every second of it !
This was also probably the best start of a series of books I’ve ever read.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 2021-11-05
I'm usually easy to satisfy. Failed attempt here
Voice-cast is perfect. Story is "meh", pretty hard to feel involved. There are some short bits that are really worth it, like the African ritual tale, or the man who couldn't die, but the big picture falls short.
Also, I like horror and such, but way too much narrative gore and violence and rape, with very evocative noises. Some of it really felt like it was written by a deranged psycho (what's up with the serial killer theme?)
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Tanguy Dujon
- 2021-09-08
Deceiving
Nice audio but terrible story, I didn’t like it enough to listen till the end
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Guylaine Ansermoz-Poiroux
- 2021-08-16
À écouter
La performances des différentes personnes est excellente et la lecture ainsi que la mise en scène est très vivante puisque'il y a des bruitages et des sons qui plongent dans l'ambiance.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- stranger46
- 2021-07-27
Disappointed
Sound and music are great.
Same for the voices.
But GOD, how bad is this story!
It’s so simple that I just stopped after trying for 3 hours…
Also there a multiples times where something is happening but without the explication of it. Like if it was a movie and not a book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Client d'Amazon
- 2021-07-23
Five stars and even more
Fascinating story, amazing cast and oh the soundscapes and ambiences...
I decided to read the comics while listening to the audio and by doing so I realised even more all the work that has been put into this masterpiece, all the arrangements for the context and the slight changes in lines here and there...
It might seem odd, but one of my favourite moments is when you can hear the distant, echo of Lucifer's cry as Morpheus recalls the day he fell from Heaven.
In any case, the magic is working.
It was like a dream. Or was it ?