Not the first book in the series

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes - another excellent chapter in the St Mary's world. Listen to the stories in the correct order as other reviewers have said. You needed to know some history of St Mary's before you get to this part of the story, although I enjoyed listening to how it all came together, and there was a short history jump as well.

What other book might you compare The Very First Damned Thing to, and why?

Just like all the other books in the series.... history and adventure but remember, it's not about time travel!

Which character – as performed by Jodi Taylor – was your favourite?

Like others, I'm use to Zara Ramm narrating these characters. However, Ms Taylor did an excellent job in her own right. The narration was clear and easy to follow ... what more do you want for the narrator?

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7 people found this helpful

Enjoyed this

Jodi Taylor writes well, and in this short story she gives some insight into the beginnings of it all. It was read well and I very much enjoyed it.

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5 people found this helpful

That was alright enough

I thought I’d listen to this short audiobook story to see if I’d like to make a start on the book series. This story is quite intriguing, but it doesn’t explain a whole lot. Maybe if I’d have come into the series properly from the last? Anyway, it’s interesting enough that I do want to start listening to this series of audiobooks.

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The Prequel which justs adds mysteries

So how did Edward Bairstow found St Mary's ? Who is Chief Farrell ? These and other questions will be charmingly only half-answered in this lovely short story.
Do NOT start reading the Chronicles of St Mary here.
Read Book 1 and then come back.
This is essential reading for St Mary's alumni.

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Good introduction to the series

Nice start to the series. Amazing that author herself narrates this book. After listening to this I am definitely sure I want to read the rest of the books.

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Oh dear ....

What did you like best about The Very First Damned Thing? What did you like least?

I was dismayed to see not only that Zara Ramm was not narrating this short story but also that it was being read by the author. It took me a while to pluck up the courage to listen to it and unfortunately all my worst fears were realised. Jodi Taylor is an original and funny author but she is no narrator. Had this been my first exposure to the Chronicles of St Mary it would have been my last, which would have been a great pity as I love the series.
The only part where I really engaged with the story was the narration of the battle scenes. Jodi Taylor captures them so well as a writer and perhaps because she wasn't having to perform as a character at that point she did that well.

What other book might you compare The Very First Damned Thing to, and why?

The other books in the series.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

She is not a performer. Zara Ramm IS the voice of the Chronicles and I missed her touch beyond words. PLEASE tell me that this was a one off and that ZR will be narrating the rest of the books. I think I would have to give up listening if the author continues to read the books herself.

Could you see The Very First Damned Thing being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

Absolutely no idea. I think I would be afraid that they would tinker with the plots and characters and spoil a series I love. Apart from her light touch with characterisation, for me one of the delights is the way Jodi Taylor takes us back in time and right into the heart of the past with her vivid description of past events. I think maybe that would be lost in a TV series but I may be wrong.

Any additional comments?

I hope the series continues on and on ... with Zara Ramm reading the books.

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A nice appendix

A nice little appendix to the St Mary's Chronicles. Not especially frantic, more a colouring in of details.

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More interesting story than full books

Once my ears got used to the author"s narration, the story was actually better than the full length books- less smug and a more interesting central character. No idea about the historical placement of the backstory so probably more like this to come. Seemed influenced by cybermen-in-London imagery.

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And so it begins

The story tells of the birth of Saint Mary's;which is interesting, funny and touched by a little sadness. Although narrated by the author, I preferred Sara Ramms reading.

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Love the Chronicles narrated by Zara Ramm

Zara seems to have a natural flair when reading the books, I am so sorry to say, the author did not grab me so much. Please stick to writing !

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