City of Ruins

Disappointing....

I've listened to 20+ scifi books on Audible and this is only the second that I could not finish. I'm a big fan of Rusch's other works (particularly the Retrieval Artist series), but this book has been a disappointment . The main character is VERY irritating which is only made worse by the fact that most of the story is written in first person. The narrator actually does a good job of portraying the quirky antisocial characteristics of the protagonist (which in some ways is unfortunate).

I do like the premise of "archaeology in space" and there is considerable potential for this to be a great series (assuming the protagonist is replaced). If you like this genre, check out Jack McDevitt's books as the concept is similar but the characters are more relatable.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

good sci-fi

nice book, entertaining, its about 5000 years into the future, so its hard core.
I want a sequel !

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A Great Listen

What's the audible equivalent to "I just couldn't put this book down?"

This was that.

I just want more.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I am warming up to this series

I had some serious issues with the first volume in this series, Diving into the Wreck. I am happy to report that this book is worth reading. The story line of a space vessel lost in in time is interesting and there's plenty of suspense and action. But even better, now we have a second viewpoint from another character, which is done in the third person.

As I said in my previous review, I find the first-person narration for the major character off-putting -- it's difficult to write in this mode successfully. The entire first book was done in first person, and I'm sorry to report that it's still not effective here in the second volume. But now, we have another viewpoint, so the book was saved for me.

Like many classic science fiction tales, this book ended in a rush. I wanted more, which perhaps is a good sign.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Outstanding

Starts a little slow - builds artfully. Much suspense & creativity. Leaves the reader craving for the next book in the series.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Irritating!

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I thought the plot had potential

What did you like best about this story?

archeological investigations

What about Jennifer Van Dyck’s performance did you like?

The omniscient voice of the main character is pompous, mind numbingly repetitious.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

The narrator was fine. the material was bad

Any additional comments?

There is a broken record feeling that interrupts the flow of the story

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Amazing Listen

This was an amazing listen, though it was a little slow in the beginning compared to the first book. You really won't get into the story unless you've also read or listened to the previous book, but I absolutely loved it and couldn't stop listening. I was also a little disappointed that the story ended in somewhat of a cliffhanger, but that just means I'll have another amazing story to look forward to. 5 stars.

11 of 19 people found this review helpful

great continuance!

I love seeing the growth of boss and her crew and the way she reacts to the new situations that evolve. it goes hand-in-hand with but if so completely different from the first book. it had many twists and turns and a satisfying ending I already have the Nextbook

Fascinating continuation of the first book

Where does City of Ruins rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In itself it's nothing - but as part of the series: Among the top 5%

Who was your favorite character and why?

Am not sure, the main character was strong and a clear favorite - but isn't the main character supposed to be a favorite?

Which scene was your favorite?

The quality of all scenes was so high that nobody did rank itself higher or lower than the others. Its simply a well written book

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

The only moving moment was the one between the beginning and the end..

Any additional comments?

It is a wery well written storyline, and read fast and fascinating. You got to listen carefully to get all bita and pices with you, or you'll loose the story and have to go back a bit to catch up. Not a book for "completely relaxed listening"

A city of the shaken people

What did you love best about City of Ruins?

As a whole Mrs Rusch wrote a rock solid story. This is my favorite series of books When they get to the planet and so a little (no pun intended). digging. They find out about the earth quakes and cave ins. When the ship appeared on the pad.

What did you like best about this story?

How both sides were careful. Doing exactly what the other would do.

Which character – as performed by Jennifer Van Dyck – was your favorite?

She does very good accents for the different people in the book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

if you think it is safe on the panet. Think again