Category Archives: Audiobook

New Zune for an Audiobook Addict

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The day before Thanksgiving my beloved Creative Zen 40 GB died for the final time. I listen to audiobooks while I am cooking, cleaning, and crafting. It makes the time pass in a way where I don’t feel like I’m missing too much reading time. It also helps when the eyes get tired to have a book to listen to instead of reading.

417ZyubggULNow, I spent half the night trying to fix it. DH came in and asked the normal, “Did you try X?” series of questions. The last option left was to find a new hard drive to install into the controllers. Well, for the same price I could get a new MP3 player that included video.

Now, video was not a primary concern, what was a concern was an ability to hold lots of music, podcasts, and lots of audiobooks. The audiobook capability should include using the library’s system.

I looked at the iPods and was rather dismayed to see how small their storage capacity was. Most of the people I know who travel or tend to listen most of the day want large capacity hard drives on their media device so they don’t have to do too much space management.

I spent a good portion of the rest of the night looking up which devices got the best reviews. Microsoft’s Zune 120 GB Video MP3 Player (Red)won on size plus price. The comparative iPod is just overpriced.

So, the first thing I did was email Audible to have my Creative Zen deactivated. It is impossible to deactivate a dead device without contacting customer support. It was very important to me to be able to put my audiobooks on the new Zune.

On Black Friday, DH found the Zune 120 GB Video MP3 Player (Red) for a great deal – including the car package – and bought it for me. The site claimed “Next Day Delivery.” Now, they have a strange interpretation of “Next Day Delivery.” It took about 2 weeks to get it. I don’t think that normally qualifies as “Next Day Delivery,” but I could be wrong. (This was Dell, for those interested in such matters.)

Finally, my Zune 120 GB Video MP3 Player (Red) arrived. I immediately connected it to my laptop and started finding all the bugs. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love the device, but, like all electronics, it has its flaws. The first one was an error that fixed itself. It couldn’t find music I had burned to my computer while saying it was there. This mysteriously fixed itself after a therapeutic reboot. I had even found references to the issue in the support forums.

The next issue is that I can’t connect to my home network for some reason. I know the password is correct – but long – and it just won’t connect. The error? Wrong password. Nope, it’s the right password.

I have been putting all my music on the Zune 120 GB Video MP3 Player (Red) . I have even bought a couple of things off of the Zune Marketplace. If I were employed (I’m looking!), I would get a Zune Pass. The Zune Pass is $14.99 USD a month for unlimited listening and the ability to buy 10 songs each month automatically. That is a very good deal and I am going to try and convince DH that it would be a good idea for us since the local station that used to be where you heard new music has stopped playing music. Well, except for Ed Love’s Destination Jazz. I’m pretty sure they would have been inundated with calls and threats of loss of support (NPR) if they pulled his show. (The man knows every Jazz legend ever, or so it seems.)

I love the interface. I love my Zune 120 GB Video MP3 Player (Red). And, after a heck of a year, it was a great present for Christmas.

Oh, I have also discovered that you can play the video on a television if you want.

Do you have an MP3 player and how did you come to have the one you have?

Note: If you got multiples of this – including a weird looking one – I apologize. I was trying out a bit of new blogging software and it over rode my template. That is just a great big NO for any further use. I’m sticking with BlogDesk.

Curse the Dark (Audiobook)

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Curse the Dark (Retrievers, Book 2) by Laura Anne Gilman, read by Emma Woodbine, is the second book dealing with the business of The Wren and Sergei.

51VCbq07CxLIn Curse the Dark (Retrievers, Book 2), The Silence calls in its chit and asks Wren to retrieve a very dangerous manuscript. She and Sergei find themselves traveling to Italy where, while they settle some of their own tension, tensions rise back in New York among the magical folk. And, through PB – Wren’s demon friend – Wren is being drawn in despite everything she has ever said about avoiding politics.

Danger seems to be seeking everyone in New York. Danger also seems to be attracted to New York through impossible means. Factions of the fatae, The Council, lonejacks, and The Silence all seem to have agendas that may be causing more trouble than helping.

None of this is helped by the oppressive heat that is baking the city. How is a Retriever supposed to further her own career goals when everyone seems so short-tempered and insistent in involving her in their dealings?

This is a fun listen. Curse the Dark (Retrievers, Book 2) is not great literature, but it is a nice diversion.

American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot (Audiobook)

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51-B5b8TfNLAmerican on Purpose CD: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot written and read by Craig Ferguson is a journey through addiction, punk rock, and early Scottish comedy clubs.

Craig takes us through his three marriages, various attempts at careers, and the birth of his son while bringing his unique comedic flavor to all. Some bits are a bit treacly, but that is to be expected in any autobiography that is, at least, a bit about redemption.

We learn about Craig’s time as a punk rock drummer. His living with enemy cats, and a character called “Bing Hitler.” He takes us through his childhood fascination with music and entertainment all the way to how he ended up on late night television.

There were many detours along the way. Some of those detours were darker than others. This is the story of a man who took his time finding out where he belonged – at least for now.

Through all of American on Purpose CD: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot, Craig unfailingly talks of his love for America (USA). His was a lifetime love affair that led him to New York and California.

I recommend this audiobook. There is nothing like listening to a Scot talking about his life – especially when said Scot is a great comedian.

Unseen Academicals (Audiobook)

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How appropriate that my first review after Bright-sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America is Terry Pratchett’s newest (and likely last) Discworld book, Unseen Academicals (Discworld). Pratchett, for those who do not know, has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. No amount of wishful or positive thinking is going to change that sad fact.

Unseen Academicals (Discworld) involves a cast of characters associated with Unseen University – the Wizard’s University in Ankh Morporkh. It seems that the portly wizards must take up soccer (“foot the ball” in the book) in order to keep themselves in food. It also centers on the night cook, Glenda, and the journey of self-discovery of the dribbler Mr. Nutt.

51W3jzrdVHLOf course, Lord Vetinari has already decided that this game of hooligans must be tamed in the same manner as the criminals had been in earlier books. They must be organized! He decides that it is fortuitous to involve the wizards in this.

The story is complicated in ways that other Discworld novels are not. There was something off about this novel. I believe it is a sign of Pratchett’s deterioration. Unlike other Discworld novels I was not laughing out loud as I was listening to the wonderful narration of Stephen Briggs. Usually, my husband is wondering if I have lost my mind from my incessant giggling when I listen to a work by Pratchett.

Unseen Academicals (Discworld), though a worthy addition, is not as good as others within the franchise. I will recommend it to those who love the series.

More Ashton Clark Smith Shorts (Audiobooks)

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As part of the Short Story Challenge (R.I.P. IV Challenge) I have been trying to slog through the good and bad of Ashton Clark Smith’s writings. With some I have been more successful than others.

Two shorts by Ashton Clark Smith follow the sorcerer Mal Dweb. This character falls somewhere between the mad scientist, necromancer, and sorcerer. These stories show the uneasy fears that were – and may still be – held about the powers of science. And how close those powers are to magic.

Both shorts read by Reg Green – available at Audible.com – exude an ambience that follows the feel of the horrible and fantastical sciences unknown.

In The Maze of Maal Dweb: The Alien Worlds Series, Volume I (47 minutes) we follow a hunter as he attempts to rescue his beloved – a beauty stolen by Maal Dweb – from whatever fate is planned for her. Instead, we see the hunter find his own, horrific and unforeseen fate.

In The Flower Women: The Maze of Maal Dweb: The Alien Worlds Series, Volume II (38 minutes) follows Maal Dweb as he takes on a new challenge with only the equipment of a neophyte sorcerer. He has become bored with being omniscient and omnipotent within his realm. He decides to visit a planet where flying reptiles have been creating their own magics in order to assess whether they pose any potential threat.

Both stories are worth a diversion for the lover of classic horror and science fiction.

Sunday Short Stories (On Friday) : Zothique – Earth’s Last Continent

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Audible.com had a no longer available collection of short stories read by Reg Green belonging to Clark Ashton Smith’s Zothique Cycle. Stories of a time when the sun has grown a dim red and men have once again descended into superstition and magical thinking. Some of these stories are still available as individual stories – all read by Reg Green – to help enjoy a chill fall evening. Those no longer available as audiobooks are available in print – and even online.

The Charnel God

The book still in my Audible library starts with the tale known as The Charnel God. We follow young Phariom and Eliath – who lies in a deathlike sleep – as they confront the city god of Zul-Bha-Sair, Mordiggian. All who die within the walls of Zul-Bha-Sair belong to Mordiggian. This is how it has been since before memory and as it will remain.

Eliath has been taken by the priests of Mordiggian though Phariom protests she is not dead. The doctor, called by the innkeeper reported her thus and all who die within Zul-Bha-Sair belong to Mordiggian. Why will none listen as he continues to protest her as not dead? Is this Mordiggian such an unjust god as to take a living woman who merely feigns death as her disease causes her?

Alas, this is the one story no longer available on audio. If you can find it in audio form – or read by a master storyteller – it is worth finding. Even in print it aptly communicates the despair that defines the Zothique Cycle. For Zothique is the last continent of earth.

The Black Plum Abbot of Puthuum

The Black Plum Abbot of Puthuum takes us on a journey to find the most beautiful of women for the harems of Hoaraph, the king in Faraad. Zobal and Cushara, the most trusted of warriors are sent to retrieve the beauty, Rubalsa, along with the eunuch Simban across the deserts to Izdrel.

As they retrieve her, they find themselves confronted by a strange abbot in a long forgotten – thought to be abandoned – monastery. All of the monks share the same look and bearing. The abbot presents himself with a lustful bearing unbecoming a man devoted to any but the most lustful of gods. What manner of monk is he? What must the travelers do to continue on their way?

The Black Plum Abbot of Puthuum is available from Audible.com as an audio download. It is the sort of audiobook that though firmly entrenched in fantasy, makes the listener start and jump from those small sounds in the night. This is very much from the poetic language of Ashton Clark Smith.

The Isle of the Torturers

The Isle of the Torturers starts as a devastating and virulent plague, The Silver Death, kills almost every resident of Yoros – save the king, Fulbra, and certain slaves who aided his escape from his ruined kingdom.

His escape, though, leads to new horrors as he lands upon the Isle of Torturers, Uccastrog and into the hands of King Ildrac. Slowly the horrors are hinted at with wisps of hope intertwined in his days and nights. Is there any escape from horror for those who live in and around Zothique?

This is a story of dread, hope, and hopelessness. Reg Green’s reading compels the listener to listen more closely for fear of missing – or hearing – what horrors Uccastrog contains. It is a worthy dark fantasy entry into any Halloween season.

The Weaver in the Vault

The Weaver in the Vault starts as a common quest. For the men of King Famorgh of Tasuun are fearful of disappointing him. Thus, they are among the mightiest and most fearless in the face of other dangers.

Of course, few would not be ill at ease to enter Chaon Gacca – the lost seat of the kings of Tasuun. It being a place of death and decay for more centuries than the henchmen would care to dwell upon.

Onward they do go into the depths and caverns of ancient Chaon Gacca. Finding the remnants of dead kings and queens as well as their vassals. The unease grows in the henchmen as the earth itself starts to grumble. What fate lies within the walls of Chaon Gacca?

This was the least satisfying of the tales. Though a strong dark fantasy, I felt a bit cheated for reasons that I am still unsure of. The reader was excellent. The prose poetry up to every standard. Yet, something within this story was lacking, and I still do not know what it is.

Synopsis

I find that Clark Ashton Smith is best when heard aloud. He wrote poetry in prose form and poetry is an audible art form. The musicality of the prose gives the listener another path into the imaginings of this most under appreciated writer of dark fantasy and horror.

The Zothique Cycle is very much one of dark despair. It is, after all, the last continent of earth. There is no far flung future for those who inhabit its environs. Aptly, Smith captured that dread in his writings. He painted a dreary landscape that aches for something of a grander hope while still allowing the simple happinesses of life to many of his characters.

Reg Green’s voice fits the tales as though he were born to read them. It is unfortunate that more of Clark Ashton Smith’s work has not been adapted to the audio format. His work is prose poetry – something meant to be heard as pictures are painted in the minds of the reader/listener. Even when I read the set down text I find that I slow my reading so that I can “hear” the cadence of the writing. That cadence is part of the overall horror that encompasses his work.

Any tale of the Zothique Cycle is a worthy edition to the Short Story Challenge

The Dark Worlds of H.P. Lovecraft, Vol. 1: The Dunwich Horror & Call Of Cthulhu (Audiobook)

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The Dark Worlds of H.P. Lovecraft, Vol. 1: The Dunwich Horror & Call Of Cthulhu read by Wayne June captures the essence of Lovecraft’s creepiness in one of the best readings I’ve heard of these classic horror tales. What better way to wile away an afternoon of fall canning than to have the classics The Dunwich Horror and Call of Cthulhu sounding in the background.

Both The Dunwich Horror and Call of Cthulhu are written and read as memoirs of events too horrid to be believed. Yet, there is something tantalizingly real in the way narrators uncover the stories as we listen making them seem a little to plausible as our subconscious allows Lovecraft to have his way with it.

519XDFL98hLYes, there are things that the modern reader will find offensive in the prose and attitudes of Lovecraft, but read as an artifact of his times -with the same eye as one were to read the newspaper writings of the time – makes his work all the more compelling. He reflected much of the fear of the changes the establishment saw threatening their long-held power.

The rapid onslaught of knowledge was just beginning at the turn of the 20th century and the horror of that era reflects how those who wanted to believe one thing found themselves being challenged on all sides by what science actually wrought. Lovecraft and his contemporaries can be considered, at least partially, to be the fathers of the modern dystopian science fiction writings. That which sees knowledge too far looked into as a threat to our very being.

All that aside, there is something to listening to Cthulhu’s inventor’s stories on a dark and windy night or a crisp fall afternoon that holds the promise of the coming cold winter that gives a fan of old school horror a pleasant respite.

Updated 10/14/2009. I said I would eventually fix the review.

Walking Dead (The Walker Papers) [Audiobook]

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rip4banner200Walking Dead (The Walker Papers) by C. E. Murphy is the perfect audiobook to start the Halloween season – and the audiobook I kicked off with for the R.I.P. Challenge. What happens when a shamaness/cop/mechanic is faced with untoward Halloween Happenings?

Read by Gabra Zackman, the suspenseful story finds Joanne Walker and her partner, Det. Billie Holliday, enmeshed with a mysterious bit of dark magic from the start of the story through to the end. I’m actually hesitant to say much about the story because even though it is cluttered, each piece fits together in such a way that knowing it might spoil the whole!

51XBZBlKmNLWhat I can say is that this is one fast paced urban fantasy with a dark, murderous element where our heroes and heroines can’t save everyone even when they want to. We also learn more about Billie’s enigmatic wife, Mel. Just what magics does she hold near and dear to her heart?

Of course, by this time, Captain Morrison has become somewhat accustomed to Native American, Celtic, and even horror movie lore coming to life around his paranorrmal pair that includes the 6 foot warrior princess Joanne.

What could be more fun than zombies, the Wild Hunt, and trickster mythology? Let’s include seances, the uneasy dead, and goddess worship. Somehow, even though this novel is bursting with seemingly disparate threads, Murphy manages to draw them all together expertly by the end.

I highly recommend Walking Dead (The Walker Papers) by C. E. Murphy read by Gabra Zackman to anyone wanting a good listen or read.

Stray (Audiobook)

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Stray (Werecats, Book 1) by Rachel Vincent and read by Jennifer Van Dyck just left me cold. I wanted to like what was a new take on lycanthropy, but found the characters too uneven in their motivations and actions.

511P5La5HALFaythe is a brat. She shows so little maturity for a 23 year old woman who has been living on her own that she is simply not believable. Most 23 year olds are somewhat dumb – weren’t we all – but Faythe’s stupidity is beyond the pale. She shows no ability to engage in even the slightest bit of critical thinking even though she is supposedly being trained in the same thing!

The characters are unsympathetic and, well, overly violent. This was in the paranormal romance section, not the horror section. There is a difference in mood and message that should not be overlooked when classing this books. Perhaps if it had been marketed as horror rather than paranormal romance it would be more palatable, but I doubt it.

I wanted to like the book. The premise is a good one, but is just not executed well. Avoid Stray (Werecats, Book 1).

Lust, Loathing, and a Little Lip Gloss (Audiobook)

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Lust, Loathing and a Little Lip Gloss by Kyra Davis, read by Gabra Zackman, is another adventure with Sophie Katz and her array of fascinating supporting characters.

Sophie meets up with her ex-husband while doing some house shopping. It was not an amicable divorce by any means and he claims he wants to make it up to her by showing her an under priced painted lady in the over-priced San Francisco market. Little does Sophie realize that the house holds many secrets – not just the ones the strange ghost society that the seller insists be a part of the escrow agreement believes are there.

41q0XAOMh9LSophie Katz, as readers of the series know, is not exactly a mountain of common sense at times. This story is no exception. Even as her friends and family advise her that she has become obsessed with owning this beautiful home, which it may be better to walk away from, she continues stubbornly on her way. Of course, this is what makes Sophie Sophie. I doubt readers would have it any other way.

I listened to this book non-stop when I got out of the hospital and could do not much else. It is a truly enjoyable work by Kyra Davis. Gabra Zackman reads Lust, Loathing and a Little Lip Gloss in a manner that draws the listener in wanting to hear more.

I highly recommend Lust, Loathing and a Little Lip Gloss, the latest installment in the adventures of Sophie Katz and crew.