Holding Their Own: A Story of Survival

De: Joe Nobody

Narrado por: D. Allen

This first book of the Holding Their Own series, A Story of Survival, is set in the year 2015, when the world is burdened by the second Great Depression. The United States, already weakened by internal strife, becomes the target of an international terror plot. A series of attacks results in thousands of casualties and disables the country's core infrastructure. The combination of economic hardship and the staggering blow of the terror attacks results in a collapse of the government.

This is a realistic story of how an average, middle class couple survives the cascading events brought on by international politics, high tech military actions and the eventual downfall of society. All of their survival skills are tested during the action packed expedition in a world that resembles the American West of 200 years past.

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How I thought Audible books were

I have listened to many audible books. This book was a pleasant surprise when the narrator used props for certain events (like talking on radios). He did a descent/good job on changing his voice for female characters. When I first started listening to audible, this is what I had expected from it.

The worst Narrator EVER

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. I love this genre, and I like being able to switch back and forth between reading and listening, so I purchased both the kindle edition and the Audible/Whispersync option. I started by listening on Audible and was so put off by the narration I couldn't make it past a couple minutes. Both the sound quality (sounds like somebody made a home recording in their garage with a cheap microphone - it sounded like the "narrator" was talking into a tin can) AND the complete non-ability of the reader (honestly, this sounded like someone was just reading the book out loud- or trying to- Monotone, stumbling over words- it would have been funny if I hadn't paid for it) totally ruined the narration. I ended up going back and reading the kindle book. I tried to listen a few times while I was driving, but even EQing the heck out of it, it was still virtually unlistenable.

If you’ve listened to books by Joe Nobody before, how does this one compare?

First time- never again if they have this narrator.

What didn’t you like about D. Allen’s performance?

See above. It was amateur to the extent that I have never heard on an Audible purchase before. If I was the author (or the producer, distributor or publisher for that matter) I'd be completely horrified. It was non professional and not of acceptable sound quality or narrating skill. Again- the entire book was read in a monotone voice, stumbling over words, repeating himself. There was no distinction made between the characters, no emotion. It's quite a stretch to call it a "performance" -- the reader even sounded bored at times. I think a nap would have been about as much of a performance as this reading was.

Was Holding Their Own: A Story of Survival worth the listening time?

It was an OK story. Nothing special, but I'm trying really hard to base my judgement on the kindle book. Even so, there are just too many others out there doing this genre better. This was pretty predictable, and for those who enjoy lots of accurate details, tips, exciting action, suspense-- it was pretty tepid. Definitely not a page turner. It took me awhile to make myself get through this. If I had not gotten the kindle book I would have never made it.

Any additional comments?

Dude needs to find a new career. And I think I'm asking for my money back.

Narrator sucks ass

The story is a good one but the narrator sucks. That and his stupid sounds effects. Get a different narrator.

Pretty good story with very BAD delivery

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would not recommend listening to this book. I might recommend reading a paper copy.

What didn’t you like about D. Allen’s performance?

This was the worst book, from a delivery perspective, that I have ever heard. Some chapters sound like they were recorded in a bathroom and were barely understandable. Many unedited mistakes.

Any additional comments?

Way too many sexual references that added nothing to the story.

Monotone College Lecture

If you could sum up Holding Their Own: A Story of Survival in three words, what would they be?

Excellent Genre Series

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bishop is an excellent character who the author has developed from a normal middle class ex-military soldier to a resourceful apocalypse survivor solely driven by keeping his wife safe. A man with high moral standards laced with an unbending character trait for justice.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of D. Allen?

ANYONE but D. Allen. This narrator is so mundane that I found myself having to concentrate on the story. Like my title said...this is like listening to a college lecture in a bathroom.

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

One sitting? Only because I force myself to finish what I start no matter how torturous it may be.

Any additional comments?

I will not purchase a book narrated by D. Allen EVER again.

Unfortunate Narration

Would you try another book from Joe Nobody and/or D. Allen?

Yes, the subsequent books in the series have proper narration.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bishop

What didn’t you like about D. Allen’s performance?

It sounded like it was done a a cassette recorder. The worst part was when he started speaking in Band Camp mode. Eventually I stopped paying attention to how bad the narration was and got into the good story. It was a relief to listen to the next book with proper narration.

Do you think Holding Their Own: A Story of Survival needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes, the story is engaging and should be continued with a different narrator.

Any additional comments?

I have listened to hundreds of Audio Books. I saw the reviews about the narration on this one and it was truly a unique experience. Even Librovox narrations are better. The story is good and the follow on books are good so I would still recommend the book. It just needs to be recorded again.

Great Story... Horrible narration/quality

I made myself listen despite the poor narration. I really liked the story and there are several more in the series. I am on # 2 now and it is professionally narrated.

Poor

Could not finish. The stupid sound effects drove me nuts. While the story did not seem bad the reading was not good

Fact based author, turned into fiction.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would recommend this book, but the audio recording needs to be redone.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Holding Their Own: A Story of Survival?

Probably the main character peeing off a billboard.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Quality of reading and recording, repetition of lines, odd pauses, etc.

Could you see Holding Their Own: A Story of Survival being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I think it could be done well. I like this type of story much better than all the zombie hype that has been circulating.

Any additional comments?

Helped me to think more about preparedness in general. Regardless of any conspiracy theory, attack or invasion, or economic meltdown- it helped me to think about how (or if) I would be able to care for my family.

great story!!

only issue was when the narrator says "wheapons!!" lol Joe nobody is a great author!