Narrator kills that book

Would you try another book from C. J. Cherryh and/or Brian Troxell?

I love all of C.J. Cherryh's Union/Alliance books (except maybe Cyteen) and was totally thrilled to finally see Downbelow Station as audiobook available here. Didn't even bother to listen to the sample - just clicked and downloaded it.

But what a disappointment !

This narrator manages to turn a great book into a dull, boring monologue that drags along. He is totally unable to convey the thrill of a situation, manages to make any description sound tedious.

The various voices he attempts are so wide off the mark that he makes those characters ridiculous. Just listen to how he butchers Mallory and Graff ! Mallory and Graff, two of the toughest characters in the series with whiny, high-pitched voices ? Hello ?

All I can say is that this narrator does not deserve even 1 star and that I will avoid him like poison from now on.

What did you like best about this story?

C.J.Cherryh's Union/Alliance universe is one of the most interesting, most probable and believable universes in SF. All of the Company War books are exciting, intelligent and most satisfying to read.

How could the performance have been better?

By using a decent narrator !

You didn???t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I LOVE this book and am very, very sorry to see it killed by that narrator.

Any additional comments?

This is an Audible Frontiers book, isn't it ? So if you produce any more of C.J.Cherryh's books, PLEASE PLEASE use good narrators ! Her books certainly deserve the best !

51 people found this helpful

Narration is fine

I hesitated a long time due to other reviews, but I found the narration to be very good. The pacing was good, the reading clear and accurate, the characterizations consistent and believable. Some were a bit nasal, but not whiny in my opinion. Most of the characters (including Mallory and the hisa) apeak within the first hour of listening, so if you don't like it, you can return it before becoming too invested. Go ahead, give it a try. I'm sorry I waited so long. I think Brian Troxell's narration suited this masterwork very well; despite the intricate plot and multiple viewpoints, I almost never had to skip back, nor correct some mistake. A 4 star narration, and a 6 star book; a 5 star experience, well worth a full credit.

10 people found this helpful

Great Space Opera!

What did you love best about Downbelow Station?

Humans care for and love (Platonicly!) another intelligent species of aliens, while the enemies are humans in this story. I liked the political situation, and how even the people who were supposed to be good guys, were put into situations where they had to make hard decisions! The quick exposition on the history of space flight was believable, and gave just enough details to set the perfect stage for this story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Damon Konstantin, arguably the main character of the story, shows a deep compassion for humans, and alien life alike. His losses and triumphs made the story for me.

Which scene was your favorite?

The part where Emilio on Down Below sends away the guards, due to mistreatment of the Q people, and suddenly realizes he has no security personal at his base. This realization that people from Q can be trusted seems a turning point in the story, and is a testament to man's ability to trust others, and form the bonds of society.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Several of the scenes with downers moved me, as they showed their reverence for certain humans, and their simple caring/loving attitudes. Also the flip side of humans showing compassion for the downers, seeing them as different but equals.

Any additional comments?

Many people complained about Brian Troxell's narration of female voice. I have to agree they were nasal and not particularly good, but I managed to look past that and enjoy the story. I had been looking for a story like this, and Down Below Station fit exactly what I was looking for.

6 people found this helpful

Tight, taunt classic science fiction

This is a great book, about refusing binary thinking. The answers in the end are the unexpected things around the corner. It's a sort of a god out of the box answer. Its about loyalties between people who really aren't in similar worlds. It's an old book but it's so worthy.
Some of the voices are a bit whiny. I found that troublesome, but it didn't ruin my enjoyment in the book.

5 people found this helpful

Mallory, forever lost?

Would you try another book from C. J. Cherryh and/or Brian Troxell?

I love Cherryh's Known Space series and will buy any of them in Audible, except if Troxell is involved. His murdering of the female characters is akin to what Highlander 2 did to Highlander! Have I lost Mallory? At the moment I believe so. The sad part is I liked his overall style, but nearly choked when he turned on that strange teenage girl voice for Mallory.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Downbelow Station?

Too many to mention, the book is a masterpiece.

Would you be willing to try another one of Brian Troxell’s performances?

Only if all the characters are male.

Any additional comments?

I have read Downbellow station many times, and am amazed at C.J's skill at creating a timeless masterpiece.

9 people found this helpful

Gigantic

Would you consider the audio edition of Downbelow Station to be better than the print version?

I have found that the audio versions of books to be very convenient in allowing me to keep up with all the books I want to read. I am very busy with three young kids it allows me to do what i need to do and still enjoy a good book. Especially with a story this eminence.

Would you recommend Downbelow Station to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, I would also recommend it to my kids. I love imagining the effects our current lifestyles could have on the future.

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

No there is just to much going on in this book and its fun to take some time away and let your imagination run.

3 people found this helpful

Complex political situation on a space station

Downbelow Station by C J Cherryh is a tour de force of of political intrigue taking place on space station caught in the middle of a political triangle. The station, one of the earlier, but not the earliest Earth established station, orbits a planet with quasi-human conditions, but also harboring semi-intelligent life. Set in the 24th century, the space faring era is undergoing a transition as the shift from relativistic travel constraints to FTL has rendered past configurations useless. While Earth is trying to maintain political influence and the corporation that funded construction of the stations wants to maintain economic control, the more distant stations want independence. Downbelow wants neutrality, but is caught in the middle of Earth, corporation, Outer Alliance, and merchants fighting for position. At the same time, politics on the station itself further complicate the picture. Clearly the old system is not viable, but whether Downbelow can emerge intact and functional is questionable.

Cherryh provides more than sufficient rationale and justification for the complex arrangements that have evolved over time due to both scientific as well as economic and political reasons. She also imbues enough believable human foibles to add an element of unpredictability, Few of the characters are one dimensional and possess their share of fatal flaws that drives the plot forward without telegraphing the eventual resolution.

The narration is excellent with s solid range of voices given the large ensemble cast. Pacing is well aligned with the plot that is constantly shifting perspective.

2 people found this helpful

A joyless sci-fi story within a rich universe

Mankind has lived amongst the stars for generations with interstellar trade primarily occurring through a series of space stations that connect Earth and the outer worlds. Merchant ships are run by families that have spent generations in space and the same is true for the station faniliesl. Unfortunately for many, this long standing social structure is now breaking down as the outer planets have their own military fleet and they are rejecting the company way of life organized by Earth. As the company fleet falls back the conflict coalesces around Pell station which is in orbit around the planet Downbelow.

Pell station quickly becomes overwhelmed with refugees and although they are doing their best to remain neutral, the powers that be on each side of the war are not likely to give them that chance. Things go from bad to worse quickly and the story follows a few different individuals caught up in this interplanetary refugee crisis. Long standing ways of life begin to crumble, old grudges start to be acted upon, and the primitive aliens native to Downbelow find they are caught in the middle of a war they don't even understand.

This future as created by C. J. Cherryh is deep and rich and this can make things a bit overwhelming at the beginning. I started this one twice just to better get my bearings and I initially wondered if I would bounce off it; however, I eventually got into it. Part of the initial slowness is caused by a lack of understanding regarding the bigger picture and it made me wonder if I should have started with a different book in the Alliance/Union setting. Cherryh claims that much like works of history the books can be read in almost any order. Eventually it did sort itself out so I am not certain that starting with a different book would have changed things much

This is a story about war and crisis with little to no humor and when it was all said and done I did enjoy it. Unlike many other reviewers I had no issue with Brian Troxell's narration and he did a good enough job with his voice acting to make all the characters recognizable. If you want sci-fi that resembles a historical account of war then give this one a go but if you prefer something more focused on entertainment then you might want to pass.

7 people found this helpful

Worst narrator I've heard yet

Arrrggg!! I am so tired of male narrators reading women voices in a nasally whine! This audiobook is by far the worst in this regard, and it utterlly ruins a great story for me. The female military ship captain sounds like a nasally, whiny, high school vally girl. No kidding. It is terrible. I litterally gasped out loud in dismay and irritation when I first heard this presentation of a strong, powerful female lead! I have read and loved this book. The story is a good one, one of C.J. Cherryh's best in my opinion. If you like C.J. Cherryh, complex socialiology, complex characters, or good political sci-fi stories in general, you'll like this story. However, perhaps you should listen to a sample if available, to get a feel for the narration. I was excited to see some C.J. Cherryh books added to the audio offerings on AUdible, as she is my favorite author. But, I would have thought twice given the narration.

11 people found this helpful

Classic Cherryh

I've been a Cherryh fan since first reading the Faded Sun trilogy. Downbelow station is an enjoyable space opera. What I suspect, after reading many more of her books, is that the later books are going to tie back to this universe. #provocative #suspenseful #tortured hero #spaceopera #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

1 person found this helpful