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When the Bough Breaks

By: Christopher G. Nuttall
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
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Summary

The Galactic Empire is dying. In their high towers, the Grand Senators plot and struggle to grasp a larger share of power while on the streets, the poor struggle to survive just one more day. Chaos and anarchy are running through the megacities of Earth, while giant corporations tighten the screws and colony worlds plot to declare independence and escape the Empire's increasing demands for resources. Centuries of mismanagement are finally catching up with the human race. The end cannot be long delayed.

Specialist Belinda Lawson, a Marine Pathfinder who survived the fighting on Han, is assigned to serve as a bodyguard to the Childe Roland, the Heir to the Imperial Throne, and attempt to prepare him to be Emperor. But Roland is a puppet and a spoilt brat - and, perhaps, the only hope of saving the Empire, if he can be redeemed in time.

And yet, as shadowy figures prepare to make their final bid for apotheosis – or nemesis – it may be all she can do to keep her young charge alive.

©2012 Christopher G. Nuttall (P)2014 Podium Publishing
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What listeners say about When the Bough Breaks

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great book Great series so far

Im not good at writing reveiws I like to keep things simple. I am loving this series of books. Roll on the next one.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

More of a standalone novel

What did you like most about When the Bough Breaks?

Whilst this novel is more of a stand alone novel than the others earlier in the series, there is plenty to tie the story into the series.

I liked the idea of the more insular nature of this novel and the way the plot strands pulled together.

What about Jeffrey Kafer’s performance did you like?

The continuity from the other novels.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great book 📖

Great book loved the story and the narration can’t wait to listen to the next one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wow

Was a little apprehensive when I started as the storyline had moved back from the rim to the home world. I need not have worried though as when the characters formed this book was every bit as good as the previous two and has pointed to a more in-depth series which contains many facets that will eventually all tie in.

I am very much looking forward to the continuing series.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great story

absolutely loved it, all of the empire corps books are truly great, incredibly well written and beautiful narration, who could ask for more

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great

another exemplary installment in a rather Rivetting story arc showing decay of civilization through establishment.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Better than average military sci-fi

Nuttall always turns in a good yarn. It's not going to win any literary prizes, but it's usually quite gripping and well paced.

Marine Corps Pathfinder is tasked to bodyguard the crown prince as his Empire collapses around him.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Barely Hanged on :-(

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

A completly different story and writing style !!

Would you ever listen to anything by Christopher G. Nuttall again?

Thats done, no more, cant stand it , such a good start first two books and then utter crap !! Developed two characters and then nothing !! Then start writing gibirish

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Narrator was good

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Side story that worth it for completion.

It's quite hard to judge this one. It's really nothing more than a side story to act as background to the rest of the series. If it adds anything further down that line I do not know.

It is well read and has decent pace, but doesn't grab and feels more like an after thought that was published as it has been done. It's not bad, it's just not that good.

If you enjoy the Empire's Corp series then it is worth it, if after tow books you were thinking of calling it a day, ignore it.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Unoriginal but entertaining

The main problem with Nuttall's books is not that he borrows but rather steals from other authors - it's okay to borrow concepts or devices from other authors but the main problem I have is that they are outright stolen for example the "Boost" from Simon R Green's Deathstalker same word and exactly the same effect, even the limitations of plasma pistols is replicated, there is also a gladiatorial area and, yes a foppish prince. (Green's books are better!)

Nuttall has not developed his own mythos so his books lack originality. There are better authors out there that are unsigned and I can't help but think that Audible should be doing a better job of talent acquisition rather than simply consuming whatever the publishers put in front of them.

The reader was entertaining if cheesy but funny at times.

Readers will forgive a lot in the name of entertainment or escapism but the author should try to be responsible for the material they put out there. I have listened to the his Galactic Empire books and have found that he has outright pilfered material also - Phoenix Conspiracy Series oh and Star Trek - come on USS Enterprise?! Part of the satisfaction of reading science fiction is having an author's mythos explained and unfold as the story develops I can't help but think that Nuttall is cheating his readers from a better science fiction experience. The problem with outright copying is that your stuff is never as good as the original author - who has put proper work and thought into their material.

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