NOS4A2: A Novel Audiobook [Free Download by Trial]

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Edward S.
•November 3, 2023 at 2:34 am
This book, 'NOS4A2: A Novel', didn't quite give me the full-on creeps, it had more of a subtle eeriness to it. The storyline seemed to drag on, almost like it started off as a shorter novella that got stretched out into a novel. I had a tough time making it to the end, and ultimately ended up quitting it when I was most of the way through.
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Crissy Rotella
•October 31, 2023 at 8:37 am
I couldn't make it through half of the book. While Joe Hill is considered a talented author and many people seem to enjoy this book, I have to say that Kate Mulgrew's narration ruined the experience for me. She made every character sound the same and her confusing portrayal left me feeling distracted and uninterested. If you're considering buying this audiobook, I highly recommend listening to a sample beforehand. I agree with other reviews that the characters lacked likability and the story could have been much shorter without losing anything. The excessive amount of irrelevant details caused the plot to wander. This may not be the last time I give Joe Hill a chance, but I definitely won't be listening to anything narrated by Kate Mulgrew again.
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Carolina G.
•October 30, 2023 at 12:38 pm
I'm really happy to see that I'm not the only one who feels this way about the book. Comparing Joe Hill's writing to Stephen King's is just ridiculous. I mean, Joe Hill is definitely not on the same level as his father. His writing lacks the finesse and exceptional qualities that have made Stephen King such a renowned and masterful writer. In this book, there is absolutely no subtlety whatsoever. Whether it's the characters, the language, or the plot, everything is just laid out without any nuance. Another reviewer, Lynne, expressed it perfectly when she mentioned how the author seemed to choose what "images would be repulsive, sickening, offensive, disgusting or distasteful". Now, don't get me wrong, I love horror and supernatural genres, and I don't mind a bit of swearing or violence when it serves the story and is well-executed. But in this case, it just feels like it's constantly in your face. And let's not even get started on the characters. They're all so abrasive, unlikable, and annoying. I hate to say it, but part of the blame falls on Kate Mulgrew's narration. I adore Kate Mulgrew's acting, which is why I decided to give this book a chance in the first place. However, everyone sounded so harsh, angry, and exaggerated that I couldn't find myself caring about any of them. I think I'll go back and listen to 11/22/63 again just to cleanse my palate from this one.
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Marshall Mcoy
•October 26, 2023 at 11:47 pm
I really enjoyed reading a book by Joe Hill, it's rare to find a writer who appeals to the "smart reader". His writing skills are impressive, definitely inherited from his father, Stephen King. The story was captivating and took me on a thrilling roller coaster ride. The fast pace and well-developed characters added intensity and kept me on the edge of my seat. The mystical heroine and the terrifying villains were so well-crafted that they transported me into their dark and twisted world. If you're a fan of thrillers and horror, this suspenseful and chilling read won't let you down. The plot revolves around a 115-year-old convicted kidnapper/murderer who miraculously wakes up from a coma, dies, gets embalmed, and then walks out of the hospital. Seeking revenge against the young girl who helped convict him, he joins forces with a creepy and murderous accomplice to kidnap her young son and take him to a bone-chilling fantasy world called "Christmasland." The stakes are high as a brave and mystical but also damaged heroine must tap into all her resources and abilities to save her son from a cursed eternity. The narrator did an excellent job with the pacing and distinct character voices. I'm eagerly looking forward to Hill's next book, hoping it will deliver the same level of excitement and compelling plotlines.
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Norbert Morgans
•October 17, 2023 at 6:18 pm
Joe Hill has truly crafted a captivating and chilling novel with "NOS4A2". It's the kind of story that leaves you thinking about it long after you've finished listening to it. While it may not be a fun listen, it certainly leaves an impact. Kate Mulgrew, known for her role in Star Trek "Voyager," lends her impressive narration skills to this iconic horror novel. Her versatile voice effortlessly transitions between different registers, adding an extra layer of creepiness. Be warned, though, falling asleep to this book might lead to some genuinely terrifying dreams. It's a plot that will make horror enthusiasts rejoice, and while there may be some subtle nods to his father's work, Joe Hill proves himself as a talented writer in his own right. Just make sure to choose a more pleasant book for your bedtime listening if you don't want to be haunted by nightmarish visions.
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Justin Goike
•October 11, 2023 at 10:18 am
Joe Hill has penned an incredible tale about a young girl named Victoria who possesses a unique ability to locate lost items using her bicycle. However, her search leads her to unexpected and unsettling discoveries. Along her journey, Vic encounters a host of intriguing and fully developed characters as she sets out to put a child abductor behind bars. I don't want to spoil the enjoyment of the story for you by revealing too much, but I can assure you that it is an engrossing and captivating narrative. Once you reach the conclusion, you'll understand why I'm refraining from divulging too many details. Now, let me take a moment to acknowledge the outstanding performance of Kate Mulgrew. She brings Joe Hill's story to life in an astonishing and awe-inspiring way. Even if the plot doesn't resonate with you, Mulgrew's rendition alone is well worth the investment. Bravo, Ms. Mulgrew, bravo. Overall, NOS4A2 offers an exceptional experience that I wholeheartedly recommend without reservation.
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Maribeth Hu
•September 23, 2023 at 11:45 am
I gotta be honest, I didn't enjoy listening to this one. Maybe I'm in the minority, but it just didn't do it for me. The voices for most characters were okay, but the way Kate Mulgrew portrayed the main antagonist's voice didn't match the description. The main protagonist was hard to like for most of the story, and the descriptions seemed to drag on forever. By the time I reached the 1/4 mark, I was already ready for it to end. Honestly, they could have easily split this into two separate books. I usually don't quit on a book or audiobook, but the breaking point for me was some of the overly disturbing descriptions. I'm no stranger to horror, but this was just too much.
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Pattie M.
•September 23, 2023 at 9:22 am
When I first came across the reviews of 'NOS4A2: A Novel', I was incredibly excited. These reviews were the reason I decided to give it a shot... until I reached the point with just 5 hours remaining, and I couldn't bear it any longer. The story seemed to drag on endlessly. The narrator was unbearable, and the characters didn't resonate with me. If the unnecessary parts were omitted, the book could have easily been shorter by 8 hours. Every time I paused listening, I had to motivate myself to continue. It took me about 5 minutes each time to adjust to the narrator's voice, which made me cringe. After investing over 10 hours, I contemplated skipping to the last half hour just to find out what happened. So, I did exactly that... but as soon as Lou's voice came up, I just couldn't continue. The narration was so awful that it wasn't worth enduring another minute. Despite the praise Ms. Mulgrew received, I personally didn't enjoy it. I would recommend listening to the excerpt first, and if it bothers you even slightly, I'd advise against continuing. It only gets worse.
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Lavinia Hudas
•September 22, 2023 at 8:33 pm
Joe Hill's "NOS4A2" (2013) was highly anticipated when the service released it, with plenty of buzz surrounding its pre-order feature and prominent placement. I kept receiving recommendations for it from the service's persistent algorithm, even though I initially had no interest in listening to it. The description reminded me of a traumatic childhood experience at Santa's Village in Illinois, where I ended up feeling sick and disoriented in a restroom for the rest of the day. Despite my reservations, I eventually gave in to the positive reviews and decided to give "NOS4A2" a chance, hoping it would help me overcome my unpleasant memories. Hill excels at creating well-developed characters, particularly Vic McQueen, who possesses a unique and coveted bridge, and Charles Talent Manx, the ageless owner of a 1938 Rolls Royce Wraith. Vic manages to defeat Manx once, but not without great personal sacrifice. Although Manx is eventually imprisoned, he escapes and seeks revenge. Not only is Manx the owner of the Wraith, but he is also the creator of Christmasland, where every day is Christmas and the chosen children never age, indulging in cotton candy and hot cocoa. Their parents are disposed of by Manx's accomplice, Bing. My personal favorite character is Lou Carmody, the comic book enthusiast who comes to Vic's rescue after her initial encounter with Manx. Kate Mulgrew's portrayal of Carmody is spot-on, and by the end of the book, I wished he worked at my local garage fixing cars. "NOS4A2" truly sent chills down my spine, although I must admit I am more susceptible to this particular genre of horror and fantasy. While the book didn't make my traumatic Santa's Village trip any easier to bear, it did intensify the details of that memory. Towards the end of the book, Hill provides insight into his writing process and why he chose Mulgrew to narrate. As a lover of audiobooks himself, he explains the appeal of the medium and mentions there are drawings in the print version of "NOS4A2," making me wish I had the time to sit down with a physical copy. It's worth mentioning that Joe Hill is the son of renowned novelists Stephen King and Tabitha King, although I won't delve into comparisons here as Hill has his own distinct voice and style. [If you found this review helpful, let me know by pressing the helpful button. Thanks!]
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NOS4A2: A Novel Audiobook [Free Download by Trial]

NOS4A2: A Novel by Joe Hill

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