Enjoyed every minute.

I started this book after 3 awful books I couldn't finish. What took me so long? I've lost faith in book reviews. Maybe my tastes are different, but I was despairing.

History so well delivered you believe it was a first hand account. I never guessed where the plot was headed, even if there was one. There is and it's a doozy.

One thing, if you are touchy about religion being played with, you might have a small issue here. Remember, this is supposed to be coming from a man who was there at the crucifixion. Having lived until the present day he has his own take on things.

Recommend this book to those who can never know enough. Even if it's fiction.

61 people found this helpful

This story had a good flow to it!

This is the first story I've read from Kenneth Johnson. I liked the flow of it. Sometimes, when a story has multiple first person narratives, the story can get bogged down, rehashing what other characters had already discussed. It can also get every confusing. This author was able to avoid those downfalls, allowing the story unfold very organically. I'm an avid reader and listener of audio books. I enjoyed this story a lot. (Spoiler alert) I was a little worried that that main character was going to take credit for all the major advances in society but the author was able to integrate the main character's influences on world events without claiming all big advances came from him whispering in the right ears.

16 people found this helpful

Confusing, too many characters

What disappointed you about The Man of Legends?

I thought this would be really good. I got 3 hours into the story and it just seemed to jump around from character to character, place to place, just not a story for me. The only thing I can compliment about this book is the performance of the cast...jumping around. I could not finish the book. Usually I cannot stop listening. This is the first audiobook I would not recommend.

What do you think your next listen will be?

No.

Would you be willing to try another one of full cast’s performances?

No.

What character would you cut from The Man of Legends?

Too many characters jumping around; hard to follow story.

Any additional comments?

My 1st disappointment from audio books!

9 people found this helpful

Gave up after he invented the latte

It started as a great concept but it turned into a fancy Forest Gump. I get it, the dude gets around and for a very long time, but c'mon he helps inspire Frankenstein and create Levi's?? Too much!!! The thing that jumped the shark for me is when he invented lattes, I stopped right there! I have no idea how it ends, but I assume it's with a box of chocolates...

54 people found this helpful

Immortality lite

I am always surprised, unpleasantly so, when a book that is so popular with other audible readers turns out to be a disappointment. Unfortunately, this was one of those for me.

The premise of this book was intriguing enough–a man cursed with immortality travels through time and around the world throughout the course of his endless life. When most of us would like to prolong our lives, the idea of living living forever might seem appealing. We learn that such a fate might well be a curse rather than a blessing.

The problem for me is that the author did not take his premise seriously enough. You don't at all get a feeling of what it was like to live in different times and places– instead Johnson takes the easy way out and just describes various highlights in history in which his character turns out to have participated--sort of a Forrest Gump type of character. Worse, Johnson does not even get the history right –the constant historical inaccuracies are both annoying and distracting. I also am tired of the trope of the evil priest from the Vatican relentlessly pursuing a good man. Couldn't finish it…and will be returning it.

25 people found this helpful

A great concept. Just terrific story telling

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Man of Legends?

The entire story is memorable, and I still find myself mulling it over and over in my head. But if I have to pick one thing, it's when Will says, "Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry." Nicely done Mr. Johnson. Knowing your background, this line was an out-loud hoot. Thanks for the giggle.

What about full cast’s performance did you like?

I generally do not like multiple narrators, but because the way this story is unveiled, the multiple "character" voices work just fine. Thoroughly enjoyed their performances, and great direction from the author himself.

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

Yes. I was listening to it while working, which is something I generally do not do.

Any additional comments?

I trust Kenneth Johnson has already written the teleplay for his novel. A 4-night 8-hour miniseries should allow time to tell the entire, unabridged story. I hope you direct it.

25 people found this helpful

Seems interesting but gets disgusting

The writer is obviously ignorant about how calendars and dating work in the real world, as well as demeaning in his portrayal of minorities. I stuck it out for hours until he started graphically describing sexual assaults on minors and I am done with this writer for good.

56 people found this helpful

struggle to listen to

the main character is narrated by some one who pauses in awkward places, drags out words awkwardly, and overall fluctuates in performance. it was so annoying that i stopped listening to this book.

5 people found this helpful

A Slow Start But A Good Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. With the note that the story takes a fair amount of time to get to it's point. Once there however, the story all comes together for a satisfying conclusion.

What did you like best about this story?

The concept is the strongest part of the story, as well as the moral.

Have you listened to any of full cast’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I have not. It was different and took some getting used to. It was a bit jarring to start with, until I got used to it.

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

The story of the little girl. Sometimes despite heroic efforts, bad things still happen. Dealing with those situations, defines a person for their entire life.

Any additional comments?

The story was written, not surprisingly considering the authors history, much like a teleplay. While this would work better on film than as a novel, it does still work well enough to make the story enjoyable. Recommended - but be patient for it to get moving. It's worth it in the end.

5 people found this helpful

BORING!!!

Would you try another book from Kenneth Johnson and/or full cast?

No.

Has The Man of Legends turned you off from other books in this genre?

No.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of full cast?

Someone more age appropriate and less ponderous in their delivery of the dialogue.

What character would you cut from The Man of Legends?

No opinion as I disliked the material as a whole.

Any additional comments?

I cannot finish this laborious piece of junk. It reads like a script for a mini series pilot. It's read by a cast of characters most of which are good. However, the protagonist who is supposed to be in his mid-thirties, is narrated by a man who sounds like he is much, much older, which is re-enforced by his ponderous, constipated delivery.

And the story sucks. I got a third of the way through the darn thing and simply could not stand it a moment longer. I cannot believe all the good reviews this thing got.

9 people found this helpful