Category: Review

Episode 17; The Girl On The Train, Review

26/6/2017

Paula Hawkins came out of nowhere to set rather a big light on the book world in 2015. Her debut novel was one of the biggest selling Hardcovers at the time and has since become a film.

The story revolves around the idea of three women whose lives become entangled in a believable way. The real key to the story however are the characters and their development.

This is not an easy listen with some rather dark turns but with the help of a trio of talented narrators the experience is certainly worth it.

episode_17__the_girl_on_the_train_review.mp3
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Audiobook Details

Written by: Paula Hawkins
Narrated by: Clare Corbett , India Fisher , Louise Brealey
Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:15/01/2015
Publisher: Random House Audiobooks

If you fancy connecting with Paul please don't hesitate to reach out on twitter on the following handles

Paul - @wellbeingosteo
Site - @BackwardsCom

Theme Music - 'Superhero' (Fractal System Remix) by Rabbit Killer, Farleon (reproduced by kind permission)

Link to Into The Water Review

Episode 16; Dragon Teeth, Review

22/6/2017

Dragon teeth is a lost novel from author Michael Crichton and features his wonderful blend of storytelling and science. The science in this book is the world of Palaeontology, however unlike Jurassic Park this time it really is the bones of the formidable creatures that are the focus.

Set in 1876 this trip to the wild west in search of dinosaurs is filled with back stabbing and lowlifes as well as a large dose of historical fiction that allows for a young man to find himself on the plains of America.

A great performance by Scott Brick is supplemented by an Afterword by Sherri Crichton.

episode_16_dragon_teeth_review.mp3
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Audiobook Details

Written by: Michael Crichton
Narrated by: Scott Brick , Sherri Crichton - Afterword
Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01/06/2017
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

If you fancy connecting with Paul please don't hesitate to reach out on twitter on the following handles

Paul - @wellbeingosteo
Site - @BackwardsCom

Theme Music - 'Superhero' (Fractal System Remix) by Rabbit Killer, Farleon (reproduced by kind permission)

Episode 15; The Waking Fire: Book One of Draconis Memoria, Review

21/6/2017

In preparation of the Legion of Fire Book Two of Draconis Memoria being released in July I have gone back to the first book to look at why it caused such an impact.

The work Anthony Ryan puts into his characters is matched only by his world building as we discover the way the population of humans of this world live with each other and the rather extreme wildlife.

As far as opening tales of a trilogy go this was very strong and so a re-dive was more than warranted.

episode_15_the_waking_fire_review.mp3
File Size:	11019 kb
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Audiobook Details

Release Date:07/07/2016
Publisher: Hachette Audio UK
Written by: Anthony Ryan
Narrated by: Steven Brand
Length: 22 hrs and 36 mins
Series: Draconis Memoria, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook

If you fancy connecting with Paul please don't hesitate to reach out on twitter on the following handles

Paul - @wellbeingosteo
Site - @BackwardsCom

Theme Music - 'Superhero' (Fractal System Remix) by Rabbit Killer, Farleon (reproduced by kind permission)

Episode 14; No Middle Name: The Complete Collected Jack Reacher Stories, Review

19/6/2017

The world of Jack Reacher is given an extra layer of storytelling with this collected works. Compromising 12 stories spanning the life of the intriguing creation of Lee Child.

If like me you are new to the work of Lee Child then this is a great place to start as you get an in-depth look at the Life of Jack Reacher.

episode_14_no_middle_name_review.mp3
File Size:	9981 kb
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Audiobook Details

Written by: Lee Child
Narrated by: Kerry Shale
Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:18/05/2017
Publisher: Random House Audiobooks

If you fancy connecting with Paul please don't hesitate to reach out on twitter on the following handles

Paul - @wellbeingosteo
Site - @BackwardsCom

Theme Music - 'Superhero' (Fractal System Remix) by Rabbit Killer, Farleon (reproduced by kind permission)

Episode 13; The Mixer: The Story of Premier League Tactics, from Route One to False Nines, Review

17/6/2017

Celebrating and/or analysing 25 years of the Premier league writer Michael Cox does a fantastic job of making the often boring subject come alive. By utilising both the thoughts of the participants in the game as well as match reports to emphasise his point Cox manages to bring a sometimes dry subject to life.

This is aided by the narration of Colin Pace as he delves into his box of accents in order to bring the book to life. This is still a technical book but it is easy to listen to and really does a great job shining a light on the tactics of the "greatest league in the world".

episode_13_the_mixer_review.mp3
File Size:	10164 kb
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Audiobook Details

Written by: Michael Cox
Narrated by: Colin Mace
Length: 14 hrs and 24 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01/06/2017
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

If you fancy connecting with Paul please don't hesitate to reach out on twitter on the following handles

Paul - @wellbeingosteo
Site - @BackwardsCom

Theme Music - 'Superhero' (Fractal System Remix) by Rabbit Killer, Farleon (reproduced by kind permission)

Episode 12; Alien: Covenant: A Novel, Review

13/6/2017

As tie ins go the Alien Franchise has been very well serviced by Alan Dean Foster. His takes on the original two films as well as the generally less respected Alien 3 were well crafted affairs, that worked to enhance the film franchise giving you a deeper look into the universe of the Xenomorphs.

Now though he takes on a difficult job with Alien Covenant and although he does a good job in adapting the work there are issues with the story that he had to work with. Find out more in the review.

episode_12_alien_covenant_review.mp3
File Size:	11114 kb
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Audiobook Details

Release Date:05-23-17
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Written by: Alan Dean Foster
Narrated by: Tom Taylorson
Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins
Series: Alien, Book 0
Unabridged Audiobook

If you fancy connecting with Paul please don't hesitate to reach out on twitter on the following handles

Paul - @wellbeingosteo
Site - @BackwardsCom

Theme Music - 'Superhero' (Fractal System Remix) by Rabbit Killer, Farleon (reproduced by kind permission)

Episode 11; I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons, Review

12/6/2017

Comedian Kevin Hart opens up about his life in and outside comedy in this warts and all look at his life. Rocks are not only looked under but seem throuoghly examined within the 11 hour time.

Hart does a fantastic job of making the listener fell his emotions both in the highs and lows of his life. His humour is a huge selling point of the narration and having him tell his story adds to the experience as a whole.

episode_11_i_cant_make_this_up_life_lessons_review.mp3
File Size:	10591 kb
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Audiobook Details

Release Date:06/06/2017
Publisher: Audible Studios
Written by: Kevin Hart , Neil Strauss - contributor
Narrated by: Kevin Hart
Length: 11 hrs and 14 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

If you fancy connecting with Paul please don't hesitate to reach out on twitter on the following handles

Paul - @wellbeingosteo
Site - @BackwardsCom

Theme Music - 'Superhero' (Fractal System Remix) by Rabbit Killer, Farleon (reproduced by kind permission)

Episode 10; The Mist, Review

12/6/2017

After a freak storm on a lake in Maine, David Drayton has to go about the business of getting his home back together. Little does he know that things are about to get stranger than he ever expected with the appearance of a Mist.

Stephen King masterfully blends suspense within this character driven novella asking what happens when people become isolated from society in the face of an unpredictable enemy. Narrated with aplomb by Will Patton.

episode_10__the_mist_review.mp3
File Size:	10484 kb
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Audiobook Details

Written by: Stephen King
Narrated by: Will Patton
Length: 5 hrs and 19 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-23-17
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

If you fancy connecting with Paul please don't hesitate to reach out on twitter on the following handles

Paul - @wellbeingosteo
Site - @BackwardsCom

Theme Music - 'Superhero' (Fractal System Remix) by Rabbit Killer, Farleon (reproduced by kind permission)

Episode 9; Basket of Deplorables, Review

6/6/2017

Taking a look at post Trump America. Author Tom Rachman looks at the lives of Five very different Americans in this intriguing loom at how politics can affect the lives of ordinary citizens from all walks of life.

This Audible original title has narration from five different points of view with five separate performers who all do a great job of helping you to hear their character's voice.

episode_9_basket_of_deplorables_review.mp3
File Size:	8284 kb
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Audiobook Details

Written by: Tom Rachman
Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini , Robin Miles , Jonathan Davis , Oliver Wyman , Allyson Johnson
Length: 4 hrs and 4 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-23-17
Publisher: Audible Studios

If you fancy connecting with Paul please don't hesitate to reach out on twitter on the following handles

Paul - @wellbeingosteo
Site - @BackwardsCom

Theme Music - 'Superhero' (Fractal System Remix) by Rabbit Killer, Farleon (reproduced by kind permission)

Episode 8; The Handmaid's Tale: Special Edition, Review

31/5/2017

Rarely does a piece of entertainment live up to the hype but with The Handmaid's Tale it truly does.

The narration by Claire Danes is superb but what makes this book so appealing is the emotional wrangler writer Margaret Atwood puts the reader through. The story is full of ideas that feel true to life enough to worry you while still remaining poignant today.

This is simply one of the best books I have listened to in a long time.

Episode 8 the handmaids tale special edition review.mp3
File Size:	11737 kb
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Audiobook Details

Written by: Margaret Atwood , Valerie Martin - essay
Narrated by: Claire Danes , Margaret Atwood , full cast
Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:04-04-17
Publisher: Audible Studios

If you fancy connecting with Paul please don't hesitate to reach out on twitter on the following handles

Paul - @wellbeingosteo
Site - @BackwardsCom

Theme Music - 'Superhero' (Fractal System Remix) by Rabbit Killer, Farleon (reproduced by kind permission)

Episode 7; Rivers of London, Review

26/5/2017

Ben Aaronovitch's managed to take two genres and mix them together in a way alchemists of old wish they could do. His tale of magic and crime in London is nothing short of wizardry and the series began in a rip roaring fashion with Rivers of London.

Allied with the narrating goodness of Kobna Holdbrook-Smith this really is a series to delight and jump onboard with as soon as possible.

episode_7_rivers_of_london.mp3
File Size:	10930 kb
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Audiobook Details

Written by: Ben Aaronovitch
Narrated by: Kobna Holdbrook-Smith
Release Date:08/04/2011
Publisher: Orion Publishing Group Limited
Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins
Series: Peter Grant, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook

If you fancy connecting with Paul please don't hesitate to reach out on twitter on the following handles

Paul - @wellbeingosteo
Site - @BackwardsCom

Theme Music - 'Superhero' (Fractal System Remix) by Rabbit Killer, Farleon (reproduced by kind permission)

Episode 6; Just One Damned Thing After Another: An Audible Original Drama, Review

22/5/2017

The library of Audible Original Dramas continues to grow with Jodi Taylor's Just One Damned Thing After Another, adapted by Marty Ross.

This is a first foray for Paul into the St Mary's Chronicles but with a strong cast and a creative pedigree from Audible studios, hopes are high for a dramatic trip through time with Doctor Max and her cohorts.

At just over 7 hours the book was a romping ride with one question mark marring but not breaking the experience.

episode_6_just_one_damned_thing_after_another_an_audible_original_drama.mp3
File Size:	10963 kb
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Audiobook Details

Written by: Marty Ross
Narrated by: Gemma Whelan, Ben Miles, Jonathan Bailey, Zara Ramm
Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
Performance
Release Date:18/05/2017
Publisher: Audible Studios

If you fancy connecting with Paul please don't hesitate to reach out on twitter on the following handles

Paul - @wellbeingosteo
Site - @BackwardsCom

Theme Music - 'Superhero' (Fractal System Remix) by Rabbit Killer, Farleon (reproduced by kind permission)

Episode 5; Into The Water, Review

22/5/2017

Paul jumps head first into this new ttile from acclaimed writer Paula Hawkins. This inspite of the fact he has yet to be entertained by The Girl on the Train in any of its forms.

Into The Water is presented as a cast narration of a POV story and has all the trappings of a British crime drama with odd locals, a big city invader as well as a local mystery that has many questions hanging over it.

The true greatness of this book is its complex yet believable cast of characters and the intricacies that hold family life together.

episode_5_into_the_water.mp3
File Size:	9956 kb
File Type:	mp3

Audiobook Details

Release Date:02/05/2017
Publisher: Random House Audiobooks
Written by: Paula Hawkins
Narrated by: Imogen Church, Sophie Aldred, Daniel Weyman, Rachel Bavidge, Laura Aikman
Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins
Unabridged Audiobook

If you fancy connecting with Paul please don't hesitate to reach out on twitter on the following handles

Paul - @wellbeingosteo
Site - @BackwardsCom

Theme Music - 'Superhero' (Fractal System Remix) by Rabbit Killer, Farleon (reproduced by kind permission)

Episode 4; Alien: River of Pain: An Audible Original Drama, Review

17/5/2017

As the Alien Universe increases its lore with new films and books, Audible are working hard to help listeners enjoy the Xenomorphic tales.

River of Pain is the second Audible Original Drama to be released in successive years and it helps to fill in the story of Newt and her family on the planetoid known as LV426.

It works surprisingly well as you can hear from Paul's review. With it's wonderful cast and superb directior in Dirk Maggs, it should have been more obvious.

episode_4_alien_river_of_pain_review.mp3
File Size:	11427 kb
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Audiobook Detials

Written by: Christopher Golden , Dirk Maggs
Narrated by: Anna Friel , Philip Glenister , Colin Salmon , Alexander Siddig , Marc Warren , Michelle Ryan , William Hope
Length: 4 hrs and 54 mins
Series: Alien, Book 3
Performance
Release Date:26/04/2017
Publisher: Audible Studios

If you fancy connecting with Paul please don't hesitate to reach out on twitter on the following handles

Paul - @wellbeingosteo
Site - @BackwardsCom

Theme Music - 'Superhero' (Fractal System Remix) by Rabbit Killer, Farleon (reproduced by kind permission)

Episode 3; As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride, Review

17/5/2017

Actor Cary Elwes guides us through the making of the creation of one of the greatest films ever put to film (Paul's opinion).

In a 7 hour roller coaster we learn about his role in the film as well as his interactions with cast and crew. There are also a number of cameos from the as mentioned cast and crew littered throughout the piece.

This is a great listen for fans of the film and a genuinely lovely listen.

episode_3_as_you_wish_review.mp3
File Size:	8558 kb
File Type:	mp3

If you fancy connecting with Paul please don't hesitate to reach out on twitter on the following handles

Paul - @wellbeingosteo
Site - @BackwardsCom

Theme Music - 'Superhero' (Fractal System Remix) by Rabbit Killer, Farleon (reproduced by kind permission)