It just hooks you in

Great listen, it draws you before you know it, time just flew by, a must on your list.

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A good book spoiled

On the whole I really enjoy Robert Goddard novels, although found this story a little far-fetched. More to the point, however, was the fact that it was totally ruined for me by dreadful narration. Never a huge fan of 2-person narrations, I could have done without Hollie Taylor's input, I'm afraid to say. I felt her interpretation was over-acted in general and her "male" voices hard to listen to; I found myself wishing John Sackville had been allowed to solo read. Such a shame.

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One of the best

I have read almost all Robert Goddard’s books over about 20 years. Some are absolutely incredible and some I found less exciting. This is definitely one of the best in my opinion. I found it gripping from beginning to end.

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Not a Goddard great

I've been reading and thoroughly enjoying Robert Goddard novels for donkeys years - but this one is, I fear, is not up to his usual standard. The narration is OK but nothing special and so I am afraid a bit lack lustre all round. If you are new to Goddard then I wouldn't choose this as an introduction - instead select one of his other absolutely first rate tales.

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1 person found this helpful

Disappointing

Too many missing endings, not one of his better books. Normally love this author. Kept waiting for all scenarios to be tied up.

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1 person found this helpful

Another great book

I honestly don't know what problem people have with this book. I love Robert Goddard, but I'm certainly not averse to returning a book from any author that is substandard. With all the poor reviews I was a little concerned that this might be a disappointment, but so far it's great. I'm about 2/3 of the way through and I love it. The very first part of the narration had me wondering, but as the book has gone through it's absolutely fine. It's a little unusual having two narrators, but it works very well. The book reminds me a little of the Harry Barnett books, which are my favourite. So, 5 stars from me.

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4 people found this helpful

Story fine but annoying narrator

To be fair its not both the narrators, just the female. 'Blake' read by Hollie Taylor who sounded at best about 12 years old & very high pitched. It very nearly stopped me listening, but I persisted. The story itself is a little far fetched (though no worse than your average Bond story) but that doesn't worry me as I'm quite happy to suspend belief. However, I think I would have enjoyed the telling far more if the voices had been better matched. Every time we moved from the male voice to the female it was jaring.

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I liked the narration!

Not the best Goddard story with many loose ends and twists that didn't quite seem believable. Contrary to earlier reviews, I thought Hollie Taylor did a really good job in developing a character that changes her mindset and ideology as the story unfolds.

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My first Robert Goddard

Not a bad storyline, a bit silly due to such an unlikely plot but well, it is a novel, it doesn’t have to be factually accurate and is quite entertaining if maybe a bit long.
Sadly the entertainment value is greatly reduced by the performance and this is very much an audiobook of two halves. A great interpretation of the male character by John Sackville, easy, credible and very engaging to listen to but this leaves us with Blake!!! I assume she is meant to be an appealing independent, stubborn and free spirited character but ends up interpreted as a shrill, demanding and belligerent fishwife with a totally intolerable sense of entitlement to having all her questions answered. Her male voices and foreign accents were even worse. Not a chance for the listener to even try to see their points of view when they were presented in that manner. Personally I couldn’t wait for her chapters to be over and return to Jack’s narrative. I only listened to the end as I was keen to find out ‘the big secret’ and I will listen to one more Robert Goddard to give him a fair try but will make sure to pick one with the right narrator!

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3 people found this helpful

long

it was rather a long way of telling a simple story. I'm not sure I enjoyed it that much. it was an interesting concept

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1 person found this helpful