A bit silly, but good fun

I’m in two minds about Bullet Train. I’ve not seen the Brad Pitt film, as I didn’t want to do so without reading the book first, and I’m glad that I did so.

The story is interesting, if improbable. If the Japanese wrote “capers”, this is probably close to what it would look like. So don’t expect realism. It’s not going to happen. Nonetheless, it’s an entertaining enough premise and plot.

The performance is OK. I’m not that keen on the casting, because the vocal range of the actor in delivering different voices for the characters is not amazing. But as the book progressed and my ear became accustomed to the voice, it was at least possible to tell within a given scene who was talking, so it didn’t impact my comprehension.

Overall, I think I was hoping for something that was just that bit more polished all round. This is OK. Perfectly competent. But it won’t be going on this year’s top ten for me.

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Mystery Train

Tarantino-esque hitman dark comedy. Twists and turns throughout with a thoughtful setting and villain.

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A must listen!

Gripping a small thrilling story that has you on a knife edge and with an amazing end. Expertly narrated by Adam Sims who understands and breathe life into the story.

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Excellent story and entertaining to the end

Having seen the film before reading the book it proved to be an excellent adaptation and the book was a great read.

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Great story and characters

really enjoyed this book, the narrator did a great job, looking forward to seeing the movie now.

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Great characterisation and plot

A well paced plot with great characters and a good pace throughout.
Can see why they made it into a movie and may watch it when it hits the streaming platforms.
Easy listening and entertaining

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Great fun!

This was great fun, albeit rather gory in parts. There was a good twist in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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The film takes the best elements...

That is to say, the actions sequences, with only a few changes, but each version is enjoyable in their own right, which is unusual.
Its great that Bullet Train is set in the same world as Three Assassins, but can also stand alone. Reading Assassins first will give context to some of the background references, so Kotaro Isako has done a great job world building.
I really enjoyed his discussions and opinions on human nature and behaviours, even though its was through the ywwisted mind of a 14 year old sociopsychopath who doesn't realise he is aa very very unwell child.
Adam Sims gives a second outstanding vocal performance consistent with the first. I hope he's all set for the third installment, The Mantis, also set in this world due out in November. It will also probably be able to stand alone, but I wonder if Mr Suzuki will turn up in it as an I cidental character again.....
Refreshing, engaging, great stuff!

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1 person found this helpful

I'll stick with the movie.

I couldn't finish it. The narrator's voice was like nails on a chalkboard. Not for me.

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1 person found this helpful

Unusual & exciting

I chose this book as I love the narrator . Book was fabulous too.unusual & exciting listen

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