Narrator Donald Chang faces a particular challenge with this audiobook: how to produce the sound of testosterone. In the world of this fantasy-adventure, warriors fight to determine the fate of nations. Chang skillfully animates the pair at the heart of this stirring work, former champion Grievar Murray Pearson and his latest protégé, the talented but callow Cego. In addition, Chang ably handles a multitude of predominantly male characters, including Cego's fellow fighters and government officials who are hiding a big secret. Chang's distinct characters ensure smooth listening despite the complexity of the story. What results is an engaging production for fans of action and speculative fiction alike.
Pub Date: June 13, 2023
Duration: 15 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668622155
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Asimov's sweeping tale of the disintegration and fall of the Galactic Empire has never been more relevant or poignant. In the third book of the original trilogy, Dan Lazar handles the material adequately. He uses his limited range of voices nicely, if sometimes amusingly--he sometimes sounds like a foreigner attempting to mimic American accents. Varying pitch and pacing make for a lively narration, and his reading of a precocious young woman, who is ultimately an important figure, is delightful. Technical and editorial problems plague the title. Hearing Lazar repeatedly mispronounce a word that the text itself explains how to pronounce is very frustrating. Intermittent fade-outs on one channel; inconsistencies when switching sides; and low, rumbling background noise mar the sound quality.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Asimov's sweeping tale of the disintegration and fall of the Galactic Empire has never been more relevant or poignant. McKeever reads rapidly, but he also manages to identify individuals, if minimally, and the main characters are voiced consistently. His voice for the aging professor, in fact, is quite charming. Narrative passages are read competently with appropriate emotional expression. Technical and editorial problems plague the title. Intermittent fade-outs on one channel; inconsistencies when switching sides; and low, rumbling background noise mar the sound quality.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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