absolutely enchanting

I fell in love with this story 7 years ago the first time I picked it up in print. I found the story enchanting but because I couldn't pronounce some of the words, found it difficult to finish. I never thought I'd be one for audio books but this narrator was perfect and her pronunciation enchanting. I am now on to the next book in the series.

3 people found this helpful

Detailed story that holds your attention.

Would you listen to The Naming again? Why?

Not sure if I would reread this book. Maybe. Will know better once I read all the books in the series.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Naming?

Likely the rescue near the start of the heroine of the book.

Which scene was your favorite?

Not sure if it was a scene as much as the richness and depth of the story.

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

Again not really one moment.

Any additional comments?

If you like rich character and world development this is one of those books that draws you in. I enjoyed the book quite a bit and will read further.

2 people found this helpful

Perfect introduction to an exciting magical world

Where does The Naming rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The Naming ranks right up near the top of my list of favorites! The reader does a fabulous job of engaging the listener and the story captivates you from the very beginning.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Naming?

The most memorable moment for me is the first introduction to Cadvan in the milking barn where Maerad realizes she can see what others can not yet is nonplussed as to why. It really seems to mark the true beginning of the adventure.

Which character – as performed by Eloise Oxer – was your favorite?

Jeez please do NOT ask me to pick a favorite! Eloise Oxer is an amazing story teller and does such a wonderful job that you are simply invited into the world of Pellinor and you hardly realize you are not there yourself!

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

There are a series of moments that particularly moved me in this first story of Pellinor. The first was the first meeting with Maerad and Cadvan and their tacit connection from the start, then later when Maerad senses the need to go into the plains and finds Hem. Finally the moment of realization when she discovers that Hem is Cai, her long lost brother and age understands that deep feeling of connection she has felt from their first meeting. It is simply a beautiful connection that is portrayed seamlessly and wonderfully done by the writer Alison Croggon.

Any additional comments?

This is as simply as I can put it, a wonderful epic saga that will be worth the reading and it will enrich the reader for every second he or she spends lost in the wonderful world of Pellinor!

1 person found this helpful

It was alright

It was simply fine. There are clear influences from other works, with some parts feeling particularly derivative. Some parts were unnecesarily wordy- here's a bit at the end that should really have been cut down- or at least rearranged- in the editing.

Overall I mostly enjoyed it, but I'm not rushing to the next book. Maybe I'll pick it up again some day.

The narrator was great except for the singing parts.

This is one of my favorite books!

This book is well written and the reader does a fabulous job! I can’t wait to listen to the rest of the series.

Good story lackluster performance

I read the book years ago and like it a lot. The story has lost no charm with the telling but at times the performance dialogue is way overdone. All the passages with singing are flatly terrible, hire a story teller who can carry a tune if there is singing involved.

Pleasantly Surprised!

I am not a huge fan of audiobooks. This book is a favorite of mine and I noticed that it was discounted because I own it on Kindle so I said "why not?". I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the book! The Narrarator does a great job. My only "complaint" is that it took me a little while to get used to Maerad's voice as I hoped she would sound closer to her age, but you can get past it easily. Well done!

Great Fantasy-set teenage girl coming of age story

A wonderfully written fantasy story of a teen girl navigating the difficulties of coming of age, learning about her past & potential future, and coming into her powers (she has extraordinary powers). I think that especially women readers will enjoy this story. The performance is also wonderful: intoxicating accent, great pronunciation of “special language” portions, and just plain enjoyable all around.

Review of The Naming

First id like to say that the Pelinor series are some of my favorite fantasy novels. The author has done an overwhelmingly good job describing her work as well as keeping a riviting story that you can't help but to become emotionally invested in. My only issue I have with this audio title is that the narrator has some peculiar accents for some of these characters. However mostly it is very well read and articulated. Kudos to everybody on this production team.

Better than I expected

The opening historical backstory and the audio length braced me for a long bore in a stream of detailed and foreign-name laced prose. But in fact, the tropes all felt familiar: orphans, lost & foundlings; heroic elements as in mentor, companions, evil lord, journey, and just about anything else Joseph Campbell mentioned; names and creatures from the dark a la Ged of Earthsea. The prose is unencumbered with pretentiousness. Narrator Oxer is very clear. So at a listed 19 hours, this book is easily listened to in less than 9. I feel compelled to know more of Maerad's story. She is a little unsteady on her feet, emotionally, as she lurches from slave to superhero, but she handles the transformational deluge as well as any heroic character should. And her doubts about the way to go are overcome by the knowledge that light is not as evil as dark.