I have forever been avoiding audio CD's when it comes to books. Mainly because I don't like to be read to. It's a weird feeling when I can't see the words. But that has all change. My mother and I have been reading a book together. Well, she's been reading and I've been listening. (Review coming soon) So long story short, I got use to it. And after babysitting for a woman who's children absolutely LOVE to listen to Winnie the Pooh :], I have decided if they can do it, so can I. Note that I will always appreciate printed word over everything else, but I've also found that being read to isn't as bad as it seems. So here is a review on the first finished audio book.
Plot: 5 Stars
The plot is based off of stories from Genesis, including Adam and Eve and Moses. I like how Mr. Black moves from one story into the next so smoothly. I've always loved reading the Genesis stories. They are of men who have either had great loses or of men of good character who learn chivalry, bravery, love, kindness and honesty most of the time the hard way. I don't think there even is an easy way in any of these stories. He kept to the story line nicely but I still enjoyed hearing it even though I had actually heard it before. It's like he found a way to retell them in an original fashion.
Characters: 5 Stars
The main character is Leinad. As the story begins he is just a boy. At the end he learns what it means to be a loyal knight to the great king. In the beginning of the story you also meet Peyton, Leinad's father. Peyton's character was fashioned after Adam from Adam and Eve. But in the book of Genesis you don't really get a personal view of the personality. In Kingdom's Dawn you do. This is one of the reasons why I love to read Francine Rivers, her books are always based off of the stories of the bible (Redeeming Love, Tamar, Mary...). She brings the characters to life in a way that you feel like you can connect with them. Mr. Black did a wonderful job in this instance. I felt like I was feeling this man's sorrow and hope all at the same time. With Leinad it was the same. I felt like I was growing with him, hoping with him, dreading with him.
Action: 4 Stars
I would say there was a lot of violence in this book. However, I give it 5 stars because it was necessary for you to feel the characters pain or fear or adrenaline even. There was a time at the end where Leinad is being whipped to an inch of his life. I do not take away a star for this because it reflects the moment Jesus was ridiculed and stripped of his clothing and beaten.
Romance: 5 Stars
There was little to no romance in this book. Tess (adopted by Peyton) was very close to Leinad, but I'm not sure if it was in a romantic way or not.
There was little to no romance in this book. Tess (adopted by Peyton) was very close to Leinad, but I'm not sure if it was in a romantic way or not.
Length: 4 Stars
I couldn't wait to hear the ending, which is why I might have thought it too long. But perhaps, that is what made it such a good book (I-must-know-what-happens-next feeling).
I couldn't wait to hear the ending, which is why I might have thought it too long. But perhaps, that is what made it such a good book (I-must-know-what-happens-next feeling).
Overall: 5 Stars
I loved this audio book. It was great and I'm so glad my first experience with audio books was a good one. I can't wait to share it with my family.
April 3, 2011 at 6:54 PM
I still have yet to listen to an audio book. I have an issue with the idea that I wouldn't be holding something in my hands. Reading is, for me, a tactile thing as well as an intellectual one. One of the things that drove me nuts about reading The End Is Now is that I was reading it on my computer and the only tactile sensation I got from it was when I pushed the down button on my keyboard to "turn" the page.
April 4, 2011 at 7:45 AM
Haha. That's too funny. I'm sorry you weren't able to feel the page. I use to be like that too. And although I will always appreciate the physical thing, I can still do this and my nook as well.