Gothic and gruesome

Would you try another book written by Sally Gardner or narrated by Robert Madge?

Yes. I was entertained and taken on a gothic adventure.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I wasn't familiar with the fairystory and am inspired to read the original.

What does Robert Madge bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

My car journeys sped by.

Was Tinder worth the listening time?

It is worth looking at the novel too as the stories illustrate the narrative. There isn't a great deal of description in the written word so you need the illustrations to flesh out the story.

Any additional comments?

Mild sexual scenes and violence. I would recommend 13+.

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Wow, start to finish in one night. Excellent!

If you could sum up Tinder in three words, what would they be?

Magical, terrifying and Satiable!

What did you like best about this story?

I felt there was three parts to this book, all of which I favoured. The middle where he reaches the castle was my favourite. I was there with him, I could feel, smell and hear everything like it was right here with me.

Have you listened to any of Robert Madge’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No one could have done a better job, he fitted the soldier perfectly.

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

It made me grip with fear and such sadness for what had happened to his sister and the girl in the red cloak. That was very personal for me.

Any additional comments?

I listened from start to finish in one night, I was so hungry for more. I didn't want it to end. I don't think Sally could've re written this better, I love this type of story. I love the original and hans Christian Anderson is one of my favourites, I'm sure he would have loved to have heard such darkness and macabre in his story.

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3 people found this helpful

As close to perfection as any tale can be.

What did you like most about Tinder?

Everything. The story, the prose, the time period in which it was set and the narration by Robert Madge was spot on. I loved listening to this from beginning to end. Definitely in my top three out of several dozen audio book purchases over the years.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Otto of course. Such a beautiful, sad, courageous young man. He is someone who has lost everything and has little to live for until he falls in love.

What about Robert Madge’s performance did you like?

Robert Madge has a lovely voice and it is a pleasure to listen to him. He really brings the story to life and I would listen to future audiobooks on the strength of his performance alone.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The path of the heart is a beautiful one, but it is wrought with danger and agony and wolves.

Any additional comments?

Since listening to this audiobook, I have fallen in love with Sally Gardner. I read Maggot Moon in a couple of sittings and will download the audiobook of that soon (particularly as it is again narrated by Robert Madge). I am now reading the Double Shadow and will doubtless read all of Sally's other books before the year is out. Her prose is absolutely exquisite.

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Bit dull.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Sometimes it was unclear if it was a dream or reality. Needed clearer explanation.

Would you be willing to try another book from Sally Gardner? Why or why not?

Probably not...

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

He was a little monotone.

Do you think Tinder needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

NO!!! For the love of God NO!!!!

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Not a Fairy Tale for Younger Ears!

If you could sum up Tinder in three words, what would they be?

Magical, mysterious and gothic.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tinder?

The appearance of the Lady of the Nail. Chilling!

What about Robert Madge’s performance did you like?

His gentle voice not only suited the character of traumatised young soldier, Otto Hundebiss, but also suited the style of writing. If it weren't so darned creepy, you could easily be lulled to sleep with his bedtime story reading!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not really. It suited being listened to in the evenings... probably best tucked up on a stormy night!

Any additional comments?

For a more in-depth review, check my blog at: http://literary-loves.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/tinder-by-sally-gardner.html

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Extremely gripping re-telling of a classic.

Extremely gripping re-telling of a classic. wonderfully narrated and a really good listening experience. excellent!

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Not quite magical enough

I'm not quite sure why, but Tinder didn't enthrall me in the way I hoped it would. I enjoy fairytales by modern authors such as Neil Gaiman but felt this one lacked a truly magical spark. There are a number of unexpected flashbacks which made the story a bit tricky to follow on audio as if I missed a few seconds, I wasn't always able to pick the story up again easily.
Based on The Tinderbox tale by Hans Christian Andersen, Sally Gardner has cleverly worked the trauma of child soldiers and civil war into her story and set in in the period of the 30 Years War about which I know precious little but am now intrigued to research. She tells us a little about her influence and inspiration after the tale which was interesting to hear.
Robert Madge does a good job of the narration and his voice fits how I imagine Otto would sound. The story trips along at a good pace with frequent fantastical imagery, but some descriptions are overly repeated which I found annoying. For example, the 'pointless quill' of a lawyer is a great visual phrase, but I didn't need it hammered home so many times in quick succession.
As is typical of fairytales, the characters are not particularly well developed, there are goodies and baddies a plenty and they tend to stick to type. I did like the Lady of the Nail and the hotel keeper is fun.
Reading other reviews, I have discovered the printed book is illustrated by David Roberts which adds greatly to the atmosphere of the tale. Perhaps for Tinder, this would have been the better option, however I don't think I will be buying a second version to find out.

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Sad and beautiful fairy story

Would you listen to Tinder again? Why?

I think I will. I like the dreamy melancholic nature of it. A book for long winter evenings.

What other book might you compare Tinder to, and why?

It has a bit of Gaiman feel at times.

Which character – as performed by Robert Madge – was your favourite?

The main character really. I believed in him as a boy soldier who has seen horrors.

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

It's generally quite sad but not in an unpleasant way.

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1 person found this helpful

Another brilliant book by another brilliant author

Another brilliant book by Sally Gardner. Finished in a morning, keeps you gripped and hooked from start to finish. Once again Robert Madge tells it in the only way he can, with feeling and passion, that's puts you right there in this wonderful story. 10/10

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The Guardian says 'hugely energetic', I say...

The story has some very high aspirations and given the reviews I have no doubt the book reaches such heights. However, the content may be hugely energetic but the audiobook is let down by the performance. After several attempts I've failed to get past 6 chapters. I realise the main character is 18, though a battle weary warrior but is read by Robert Madge who sounds 12.
Robert grasps at gravitas (trying i suspect to sound like Richard Burton or Michael Sheen reading War of the Worlds, and failing) by reading at two speeds. Slow and extra slow. Leaving three seconds between each word and five after every comma or period. Drawing out every syllable as he stumbles along.
It should of made me just want to delete the book from my phone but just in case I was tempted ever again to listen, I nearly opted to take my phone out, stamp on it and throw it into the canal, shortly followed by myself chained down by two cannonballs just in case.
If Audible are reading, may I swap......?

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