Good book

Narrator took some getting used to. Very American, but persisted and grew used to him and managed to enjoy it

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A bit of escape

Don't pick this up expecting a classic, once your into the story it flows nicely with likeable characters, a good plot line and a blend of tech's. It does feel - at least to me - a little light weight on occasion but I've already bought the second in the series. What else can I say.

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An excellent first story!

I had to write a little something here about this audiobook, I was just getting ready to buy the 2nd and 3rd audiobooks because I absolutely loved the build up in this first one. I noticed the narrator had changed on the second and third books so I went along to Mr Bennetts FB page to see what caused it?

Seems there were some issues people were having about Patrick Freeman's narration, which in turn affected sales? Seriously? I mean seriously? I don't get it, I really don't. I absolutely loved what Patrick Freeman did with the narration here? There was a hell of a lot of tension in this story between species, Patricks methods of reading totally nailed that tension in my ears and in my visual imagination of what was going on with the Krall.

I've just taken a chance and bought the other two books because I'm totally hooked to the story and universe Mr Bennett has created, so yes, another new fan to his universe. I just hope the narrator of the other audiobooks, (Eric Michael Summerer) can nail the vibe that has been created in this first book. I got burned really hard with the change of narrators with Peter V. Brett's (The Demon Cycle) audiobooks, he dropped the narrator Peter Joyce and replaced all the books with Colin Mace and for me, killed the 'feel' of the audio story dead in the water.

Anyway, it's been a while since I've enjoyed a good long bit of audio Sci-Fi like this, the last time I got a feeling like this was listening to Peter F Hamilton's Commonwealth Saga. What ever the other books hold for me, this is a great story and a great bit of narration no matter the negative comments thrown out somewhat unfairly to Patrick Freeman (in my opinion).

If you are thinking about getting this audiobook and are taking in some of the negative comments about narration, don't listen to them. Get it the audiobook, judge the audiobook for yourself, it's a great rollercoaster of a ride.

For me 5 stars all round.

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4 people found this helpful

The Book that never gets going

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

This book promised to get going so many time in so many cases but never did. just as you settle down for the action you are sure is coming another lull happens.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Men when threatened react with violence or fear, the charters are so unbelievable it makes it feel like children are playing in a school field. especial the captain who is an army veteran but constantly seek approval from a council of grandma's

Would you be willing to try another one of Patrick Freeman’s performances?

No, his voice is monotonous and dose not have the variation needed for this book

Was Koban worth the listening time?

No

Any additional comments?

there are better sci-fi out there

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1 person found this helpful

Enjoyable for the most part

The basic story is interesting well written with good character development. The gender role reversal is interesting but really is just a side note and a bit of a distraction. The arrogance of a conquerer race is well done and the idea of the survival of the fittest carried to an extreme is logical.

The narrator generally does a good job but for one of the main female characters decided to use an odd speech pattern with pauses and tonal inflections that is very annoying and as it is a main character you come to dread her lines.

Overall the story was enjoyable to listen to and is recommended.

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I was hooked from chapter one.

What made the experience of listening to Koban, Book 1 the most enjoyable?

The sound effects enhanced the great storyline.

What other book might you compare Koban, Book 1 to, and why?

I'd compare this to David Weber's writings because of the detailed descriptions and in depth analysis during the narration. Just my kind of reading.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I had a visceral reaction to the fighting etc. and loved the detailed descriptions of the dangers the characters faced.

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1 person found this helpful

Story marred by the narrator

An ok book marred by the narration; mispronounced words (ie "mccabree" instead of macabre) had a jarring effect, the pacing was odd in places and strong characters seemed whiney and annoying.

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Loved the whole series

Fantastic series. Enjoyed all 9 books. Hopefully there will be more books to come. Would love a continuation.

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Slow start but enjoyable idea

Overall I liked the story. It took a while to really get started but I like the idea behind it. A race that uses forced natural selection (through war) to progress it's evolution. It was spoiled for me by the narration. The voices used by the narrator quickly became very annoying and he could do with learning how to pronounce ‘Escape’. The word does not contain an ‘x’.

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As good as it looked

The story sounded interesting. It is. Other reviews said it had lots of Technical stuff - it does but it does not harm the story at all!
The narrator really adds to the story. Good work in every way, can't wait to start the next in the series, same narrator - great!

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