I would like it more if Audible would combine

8 hour books are to short. The story is continuing. Why not combine the books for a better value?

78 people found this helpful

The Best Yet!

This fourth installment is the best yet! The first three books were good, but all three combined seem to set up the thrilling story and plot of Maximum Violence. I won't give anything away, but I'm quite excited to start the 5th book, which I am about to do right now! Though the series started a little slower than I would have liked, and it began somewhat disjointed and difficult to follow with all of the different plot lines and characters, I am very satisfied with how the authors have expertly woven the stories together and developed the characters. Maximum Violence was the first book where I began to feel attached to some of the characters. However, there could have been more character development along the way. Some deaths throughout the series thus far felt empty, as if I should have cared more than I did. But, there are just too many characters to dive into each person's backstory and personality. The authors have done a nice job with adding little tidbits here and there about one person or another such that it doesn't seem odd that they've just tossed in random things about a character. Overall, the series has been entertaining and fun. I literally have not been able to stop listening!

9 people found this helpful

Maximum Awesomeness.

Any additional comments?

If you've never listened to any of the Arisen books you are seriously missing out on true greatness. They are well written with breathless action and nail biting suspense. Once you start listening you won't want to stop, you'll want to finish them in one sitting. They are that good!

The characters are extremely hard core soldiers. They are very compelling without seeming too over the top or coming off as corny (which happens in so many other books of this nature). The story is believable and intense without having elements of the supernatural. These books never get boring.

R. C. Bray is hands down the best audio book narrator in the business since the death of Frank Muller. He is on top of his game with all of the Arisen books. I thought about reading the other books in this series so I wouldn't have to wait on Audible to catch up, but it wouldn't be the same without Mr. Bray's voice. So, I guess I'll preorder part 5.

The Arisen books are the kind of books that make me jealous of people who've never listened to them because they get to hear them for the first time, whereas I can only ever relisten to them.

6 people found this helpful

Would hardened SF guys really be this dumb?

I really enjoyed the first three in this series but, sadly, I felt this one fell apart about a third of the way in.
Without giving away the plot I will question Alpha Team’s decisions. I am no operator but I consider myself reasonably adaptable and goal-oriented so I had a very hard time believing a team of high-speed low-drag fighters would be willing to make a detour for a mercy quest in the middle of what is, quite literally, the most important mission in the world. Ill-advised decision after stupid one, this team of super soldiers manages to fumble the football multiple times doing things that are not just questionable, they’re downright idiotic. Actions which no hardened survivor would permit with the fate of the entire human race in the balance make several appearances in this one and it was frustrating as hell.

Not even R.C. Bray’s inimitable narration could keep me in this story, and I would listen to him read just about anything, and I stopped about a half-dozen times in disgust at how the writers were depicting these elite warriors as a pack of globally delayed knuckleheads.

I got through it, just, and I’m going to give this series one more try but I’ll be forced to abandon it if there is a repeat of this lazy approach to conflict creation.

1 person found this helpful

Blood Pressure Warning!

An interesting story ruined by idiot characters making idiot decisions that will leave u screaming WHY DID I WASTE MY CREDIT ON THIS?? I mean IF u get emotional like that...
The worst is Captain( DQ) Drama Queen. He's supposed to be a Navy Seal commander leading an elite group of hardened veterans, not a Beverly Hills troop of emotioanalgirl scouts

5 people found this helpful

WOW...just WOW

nail biting excitement... found myself talking to the player.
even with several stories gong on at the same time.. found it easy to follow.

great Series, great narrator

Cant believe we don't find out what happens with the storm
Loved how " Chucky " was included in the story....

3 people found this helpful

Another OUTSTANDING edition to a phenomenal series

What did you like best about Maximum Violence? What did you like least?

I will start with the only negative I have, started a little slow. I'm done, EVERYTHING else was as good as it gets. Narration is perfectly done, the characters were brought to life.

The story line continues where it left off, but again it started a little slow then IT TAKES OFF, exciting, new conditions, new characters, awesome piece of work.

Who was your favorite character and why?

ALL OF THEM!

What does R.C. Bray bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Not enough space to explain how accomplished he is and how perfectly he perfoms.

Did Maximum Violence inspire you to do anything?

Ya, get pisssed that I have to wait for the next edition.

3 people found this helpful

waste of a story

too much drama nothing and i mean nothing goes right,what waste of time it could be a good story ..

4 people found this helpful

Brilliant Bray...The Saga Continues!!

The fourth book in the series, Maximum Violence picks up seamlessly where book three in the Arisen series concludes.

For listeners not familiar with the complete Arisen back-story, the authors do a pretty good job providing a basic foundation of information for new listeners. And, as with the previous three volumes of the Arisen the action is non-stop.

I found only one or two instances where the credibility of the story line became strained. However, in the overall context of this brilliant ZA epic this is a minor criticism.

Driving the life or death action is R.C. Bray's inspired narration. If it is possible, I think Bray's work on Maximum Violence may be his best to date. Bray seems a bit more measured and his multi-voicing even better. The narration absolutely brings every sentence to life.

Maximum Violence also continues the Arisen tradition of adding character development as well as story complexity. It is this deft balance of character and story that is the basis of the success of the Arisen series.

Can't wait for book 5 !

2 people found this helpful

Excellent ! !!!!!

Loved it as much or better than the first ones in this series. Can't wait for book 5. R.C. Bray is at the top of his game ! My absolute favorite narrator !

2 people found this helpful