Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Limited Wish by Mark Lawrence Narrator: Matthew Frow
Series: Impossible Times #2
Published by Brilliance Audio on May 28, 2019
Genres: Science Fiction
Length: 7 hours, 46 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble
It’s the summer of 1986 and reluctant prodigy Nick Hayes is a student at Cambridge University, working with world-renowned mathematician Professor Halligan. He just wants to be a regular student, but regular isn’t really an option for a boy-genius cancer survivor who’s already dabbled in time travel.
When he crosses paths with a mysterious yet curiously familiar girl, Nick discovers that creases have appeared in the fabric of time, and that he is at the centre of the disruption. Only Nick can resolve this time paradox before the damage becomes catastrophic for both him and the future of the world. Time is running out—literally.
Wrapped up with him in this potentially apocalyptic scenario are his ex-girlfriend, Mia, and fellow student Helen. Facing the world-ending chaos of a split in time, Nick must act fast and make the choice of a lifetime—or lifetimes.
Game on.
Mark Lawrence does a short recap of the first book One Word Kill at the beginning, which he does similarly in his Book of the Ancestor series. I love and enjoy this brief highlighting of the key points. Not only does it take me right into Limited Wish but it also gives me a perspective of what the author thinks are the key points. I listened to these two books only a month or so apart but it’s still helpful.
I’m not a fan of time travel but I’m really enjoying the tale. The advanced science and mathematics are exciting as well as the rooting for this beleaguered, teenage nerd boy. I guess with great ability comes great responsibility. Someone is always punching or cutting him or something and he has cancer, dammit! I sadly can believe how much teenagers manage behind their parent’s purview.
The intermix of Dungeon & Dragons and Nick’s life with his scientific work on time travel and surviving cancer is clever and action-packed. I’m really looking forward to Dispel Illusion in November, the final book in this trilogy. Does Nick survive? Does he have a marriage or children?
Narration:
I’m really enjoying the vocals of Matthew Frow even though I don’t know if they are regionally accurate since I’m no expert. I’m listening at 1.25x to make sure I catch all the details. He does a wonderful job with Nick for me.
Listen to a clip:
About Mark Lawrence
Mark Lawrence was born in Champagne-Urbana, Illinois, to British parents but moved to the UK at the age of one. He went back to the US after taking a PhD in mathematics at Imperial College to work on a variety of research projects including the ‘Star Wars’ missile defence programme. Returning to the UK, he has worked mainly on image processing and decision/reasoning theory. He says he never had any ambition to be a writer so was very surprised when a half-hearted attempt to find an agent turned into a global publishing deal overnight.
Mark Lawrence is married with four children, one of whom is severely disabled. His day job is as a research scientist focused on various rather intractable problems in the field of artificial intelligence. He has held secret level clearance with both US and UK governments. At one point he was qualified to say ‘this isn’t rocket science … oh wait, it actually is’.
Between work and caring for his disabled child, Mark spends his time writing, playing computer games, tending an allotment, brewing beer, and avoiding DIY.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Audiobooks
- 2019 Releases
- COYER Hunt
i really like when an author does a recap of the previous book. sometimes the period between reading them is too long and a refresher is great
Yes if you don’t like it you can always just skip it. I love having it.
I marked the series. I am hoping there is a KU special for Amazon Prime Day in July and I will listen to these too.
I rally enjoyed the narrator. I hope that works out. I have KU right now on a deal. I saw one somewhere – who knows I get 8 million emails a day – for a 2 month $0.99 but since I have it on a different deal right now I didn’t go into it.
I love that he does a recap at the beginning and for all the reasons you named. It can sometimes be a long while between series installment, so that’s super helpful. Terrific review, Anne!
Thank you! I love finding out what he thinks is important to highlight also.
I’m loving his books and I’m curious to try this series as well!
I think he’s a talented writer. This one is more scifi where the others I have read are fantasy.
Okay, now you’ve got my interest totally piqued. This sounds like I may enjoy it. I’ll keep it in mind. Thanks for the reviews!
You’re more than welcome. They are different but I like that. He’s a great writer and I’ve enjoyed all his books I’ve managed to read. This one is scifi, rather than fantasy. It is in KU.
I too like it when the author fills you in on previous events, especially when they do it well. This series sounds intriguing.
Well now, there’s a key point. They have to do it well and I think he does.