Return Engagement

Settling Accounts, Book 1

De: Harry Turtledove

Narrado por: Paul Costanzo

Duración: 25 h y 33 m

Resumen del Editor

In 1914, they called it The Great War, and few could imagine anything worse. For nearly three decades, a peace forged in blood and fatigue has held sway in North America. Now, Japan dominates the Pacific, the Russian Tsar rules Alaska, and England, under Winston Churchill, chafes for a return to its former glory. But behind the façade of world order, America is a bomb waiting to go off. Jake Featherston, the megalomaniacal leader of the Confederate States of America, is just the man to light the fuse.

In the White House in Philadelphia, Socialist President Al Smith is a living symbol of hope for a nation that has been through the fires of war and the flood tides of depression. In the South, Featherston and his ruling Freedom Party have put down a Negro rebellion with a bloody fist and have interned them in concentration camps. Now, they are determined to crush their Northern neighbor at any cost.

©2004 Harry Turtledove (P)2016 Tantor

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Turtledove produces yet another absorbing installment of his character-centered alternate-history saga." ( Booklist)

good series

if you like alternate history, but the book is kind of long, and even though this is the first book in this series you need to listen to turtledove's other series called "Southern Victory" to understand what's going on

Robert's Review

This is a great series. It's a great twist to the history of the U.S. vs. CSA. You will love this series.

Somewhat dissapointing

I've been really looking forward to settling accounts but now that I'm here Its a little underwhelming. So many books in this series and the flaws of all of them are catching up with me. I dislike a lot about how Turtledove is finishing this series. Still entertaining but too silly to really take seriously at this point.

I Miss George Guidall

A passable reading, but too many mispronounced words for me to ignore. Plus, this reader changes the accent of his narrating voice depending on where a scene is set, which might get him elected, but is distracting once you notice it.

Character Voices

I think Paul Costanzo is a good storyteller but after all the prior, Guidall-read books I get lost. Hard to tell the characters apart.

Impressive Rendering by Narrator Paul Constanzo

Yes, I'm one of those listeners who often chooses my next audiobook based on Narrator. Narrators come in many flavors, each bringing different strengths to the table. I'm lately especially fond of the highly skilled Will Patton, Scott Brick, and Paul Constanzo.
Hence, my purchase of Return Engagement by Harry Turtledove. This was my first taste of Turtledove's alternative histories. Interesting and enhanced, I am sure, by Constanzo's rich voice, his soothing timber and cadence. His masterful narration allowed me to paint the pictures of the unfolding story myself, never interrupting my connection with Turtledove's intent. It's a beautiful thing and a powerful skill.
To be honest, as much as I already appreciated his work, after listening to Return Engagement I am even more impressed with Paul Constanzo. I didn't realize just how wonderful his character work could be. He's much more versatile than I'd realized, creating subtle, but well drawn characters, both male and female.
Well done. VERY well done. We're lucky there's more to come!

Good with a few errors

Th is narrator is a change from the preceding 7 books of the series and makes some pronunciation choices that are a little bothersome at first but ignorable. Though at one point he refers to “leed” soldiers instead of lead soldiers when referencing toys. But a minor issue at worst.

Wonderful book

Harry Turtledove is a Master at his craft, and while not all of the characters he creates are my favorite or interesting to me, he creates a vivid world that is very thoughtfully portrayed. If you can ignore some minor annoyances or odd things about the books (repetition, overuse of certain phrases, over explaining things etc.) the books are a wonderful read.

Costanzo is no George Guidall

Costanzo isn't bad, I just wish he paused longer between viewpoint characters. passages seem to run together

Same battles, different results

I kind a liked it though many of the stories sounded familiar. A lot is hard to believe and many things are vague. Best parts are the battles. Good narrative.