first review ever

I really loved this book. I bought it thinking it would be a different story entirely, as, until listening to this I would never willingly have read/listened to a book which came under the heading of 'fantasy'. It is the story of three young boys brutalised by a mysterious religous order and is set in a world where various factions are at war with one another. I hate war stories so am glad to report that these wars are merely a backdrop to the story which concentrates on the lives of the main character and his friends. It hooked me from the very first chapter. The narator was fantastic, his interpretation definitely added to the atmosphere and enhanced my enjoyment of the story. I couldn't stop listening to it and was desperate to find out how it would end. Of course as soon as it ended I was devastated, only then finding out this book is the first in a trilogy. I immediately tried to buy the second book only to find it hasn't been published, or maybe even written, yet. I searched for other books by the same author but could find nothing. Come on Paul Hoffman, get writing.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

When is his next book out!!

Oddly enough the hero of this book is not Thomas Cale, the primary protagonist, but the narrator, performed by the wonderfully dry Sean Barret. His whimsical observations and insights into human nature are far more entertaining than the actions undertaken by the viscious and nasty Cale. In fact, his commentary on the events is so delightful that it makes this series one of the very best that I have ever read! I have never written a review before, thinking that giving a five star rating on audible.co.uk was enough praise; today I make an exception.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Fantastic narrator

Sean Barrett adds a touch of sardonic humour to his narration that is perfect for this book. I could listen to him read all day. I am always a little wary of stories with an orphan boy as hero - they turn up so often in fantasy books - but I am very glad I bought this one. It is well written, entertaining and interesting. I have already bought and listened to the next instalment, and am pleased to confirm that it is just as good.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Very good

If like me you were educated by the Christian Brothers in Ireland a lot of the Redeemers attitudes, beliefs and actions will bring back all too vivid memories. I look forward to listening to the rest of the series and hope to see the demise of the pestilence that is Bosco and his brethren.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Movie Worthy

From start to finish you are able to "see" the narration as if you were there.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

success story

Paul Hoffman has managed to create a complex and believable world familiar enough to entice but dissimilar enough to surprise. The fight scenes are intricate but not laborious with enough detail to have you engaged but not bored. The dialog is inspired, each character so well developed that they become friends (or enemies) you feel you know.

Sean Barrett gives a wonderful performance narrating Paul Hoffman's books. He manages to bring each character to life with different vocal mannerisms, voices and nuances which make each seem familiar. His reading is flawless and the writing itself gives credit to his talents and visa versa!

I could not recommend them enough - I listen to them in the car and found myself sitting in the driveway for minutes after arriving home to continue listening!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 star story

I've listened and read a lot of books but I have never come across one that is as well written and engaging as this. I've heard this story over 10 times now and still want to listen again and again, brilliant book and I would give a higher rating if I could.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A good start wasted

The book started off strong, but seemed to have an identity crisis half way through and never really picked up again. The author dropped in a couple of interesting sub-plots but their potential were squandered in favour of using the least interesting and most tonally odd to drive plot later.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Gripping

A strange, complex book.

Imagine a precocious child assassin, raised in a Catholic replica church, devoid of anything of childhood - no gentleness, no love, no security, no tenderness.

Thomas Cale is a one man / child catastrophe. It's impossible to love the character but easy to pity him. Everything he does to break away from the appalling plans his mentor has for him goes wrong. Even so, you can't help rooting for him.

The narrator isn't brilliant - sometimes Thomas sounds like a whiny brat. Mind you, that's what he is. He has a wonderfully stentorious voice for all the heavy lifting.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Intriguing to read.

It is of lives that at once seem so familiar and stange, I loved it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!