Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Deathstalker Honor by Simon R. Green
Narrator: Gildart Jackson
Series: Deathstalker #4
Published by Tantor Audio on November 6, 2018
Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera
Length: 24 hours, 11 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
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Owen Deathstalker became a hero after the great rebellion against the tyranny of Lionstone XIV, and now political factions are quarreling over who will replace the deposed Empress. But Humanity faces an even greater threat: an encroaching invasion fleet of alien origin...
You really need to read the Deathstalker series in order or you would be pretty much lost. Even reading in order, there are scenes which are completely disjointed from the scene before and after. There will be a few chapters say, about Owen and Hazel, and their adventure. Next the story will jump into a few chapters about Jack and Ruby and their latest task. After that, we will be back on Golgatha with Finlay Campbell and Evie Shreck and Julian Skye for a few chapters. So each group of chapters will just drop into a scene and if you don’t know what was going on in the previous book, Deathstalker War, then you have no hope of following the story, particularly with the large number of locations, characters, and even species.
While Deathstalker Honor is a very long book, it did cover some important ground about how the empire is recovering after the war. Unfortunately, the war has left much damage. The greedy still want to be in charge and both fight and manipulate to grab power. These short-sighted folks are basically criminals. But there are other groups trying to take over while the empire is distracted and recovering, the aliens, the Ghost Warriors from Shub and the Hayden men.
Our heroes, Owen and Hazel, Jack and Ruby, and Finlay, are sent like troubleshooters to areas where problems occur. There are also those who don’t appreciate their power and would just as soon get rid of them (again stupid and short-sighted) . Even with all the fighting and death, they find honor and purpose.
Narration:
Gildart Jackson does an amazing job with his performance of all these characters’ voices. I recognize them all easily now. The story is well told, with great timing for the humor. I also appreciate being able to listen at 1.5x because of the length.
Listen to a clip:
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Audiobooks
- BTB 2019
- COYER WINTER
I’ve read the first book in the Ishmael Jones series by Simon R. Green and liked it so am interested in other series by Green. And I like science fiction and space opera so thanks for a good review, Anne!
While there are many battles, they mostly don’t happen in space but on a variety of planets. There is good humor and some great characters. There is a whole political story also.
Glad you were able to get through the audiobook. The narrator sounds similar to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Universe. I noted the book for future reference.
I don’t mind long audiobooks when they are interesting – see Harry Potter, Robin Hobb’s series, These have a bit of humor or I’d never make it.
I’ve not tried this series, but sounds good.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
They are but they are long. The first book was definitely the hardest because of getting used to the style and assimilating the characters and the world.
I have not tried this author but this sounds like something I would like. I will have to check my library for the first one.
I’ll give you the same advice I gave Melanie. These are long. The first book is definitely a first book kind of thing for me because of the characters and world to learn. I think it’s easier in audio for me with this kind of book but I do read faster so maybe not. I hope you enjoy it if you try it.
A few people who know what I like in a good science fiction story have recommended this author and series. I enjoyed your review and I think it’s time to try this author.
I hope you love them!