Not a bed debut from the author

I rather enjoyed this book, although the audio did seem to have a couple of problems. The pacing was good, and I thought the author did a good job keeping you interested. I appreciate that the ending did have a good twist, and a let down, which you just don't see enough of in a book these days.

5 people found this helpful

I'm a nice guy, so I'll say two stars

I actually have about 11 minutes left on this book. I'm not going to buy, download, and start a book and not finish it. This one I soooo much wanted to END!! The story is okay, sort of. The "science fiction" element is just too complicated and you're never quite sure who is who, where is where, or what is what. It's not that the complication is due to hard science or anything interesting; it's just bad storytelling. And the main character/heroine . . . it's way too unbelievable that a twenty-something female in the early 1900s has such a bravado and inflicts such fear and compliance upon thugs and multi-millionaires and high level criminals. She's just way too confident and successful. Not believable at all. And the performance is just not enjoyable. The performer is unable to provide any distinction in male characters, and can't do an Italian or Irish accent, but instead sounds very Eastern European for both. And her reading is very mechanical at times, which seems to also be a reflection of the writing as there's few contractions (couldn't, wouldn't, don't) making the character sound "formal" in her speech and causing the performer to sound robotic and forced. Just not enjoyable, but I'm too nice to give a 1, as I DID listen all the way through.
FOLLOW UP: I finished the last 11 minutes. OMG!!!!! I'm down to 1 1/2 stars!! This ending confirms my point of this whole story being confusing and complicated, but not in a good, interesting way - just sloppy and just downright frustrating! What happened?? Sometimes we don't understand because the story is intended to be "artsy" or intelligent. No so here. Just avoid this book. Period! Sorry, just had to say that.

1 person found this helpful

is it the narrator?

can't decide if I don't like the story or the reader; the way she reads is like she's being forced to do someone a favor

One of my new favorites

It took a while to get adjusted to the actor’s breathy voice, but she did a fabulous job. Some of her older men sound very similar which makes dialogue between them difficult. Stellar job with the older women and distinguishing Juliet and Gilda. I was somewhat put off by Cherub’s voice when he got to talking more. I think he started to sound southern and it pulled me out of New York. Adored Ugly LaRoca’s voice. Pacing was perfectly varied to keep the listener fully engaged and wanting to hear what happens next.

The story was so creative and had thoroughly unexpected twists. I am seldom surprised and this story caught me unawares at least twice. I almost wish Gilda had gone back with Virgil because she deserved some happiness and to be softened, but her choice made complete sense. Can’t put toothpaste back in the tube. So much was incorporated in the writing to stimulate the sense that I want to see this made into a movie or miniseries, and even then it would be lacking because the odors could not be imparted ok the viewers as they are so richly described in the book, but at least we could hear the music.

Had to quit

The story started out reasonably but went into so many weird facets that I couldn’t handle it any longer. I don’t usually stop a book but this one was beyond bad.