The Beating of His Wings

Satisfying ending...

With Thomas Cale, things were always going to turn out bloody and bleak. No surprises there, then!

I was drawn in completely by the first book, left feeling short-changed by the second book, but I'm back on-side with this last in the series. Cale disappoints in some ways, with his immaturity - almost as if he has a sense of entitlement... The banter between the boys is still good, and the witty quips are back.

The ending is completely unexpected.... Was I satisfied? I pondered this for a while; yes I was. How else could it have ended? I couldn't have thought up a preferable alternative, and "boy gets the girl" would have just been too weak for this story.

(Still slightly irritated by the author's indulgence at the end regarding publications etc - but as not part of the story, I just simply pressed stop...)

Same narrator, and same standard - so if you liked the first two's story telling, then you'll be satisfied with this one too.

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

satisfying sequel

Listened to this one in 2 sittings which is a good sign! Was very happy with the story overall and also that there is definitely scope to continue the story if the Author decides to re visit this world. I very much hope he will do - there is the line is the book "but that is another story" and I very much hope it is.I suppose if anything a bit darker that the previous, somehow that does not make it an unhappy story there are laughs and lighter moments particularly between Vague Henri and Cale. I am probably now going to go back and listen to book 1 again and keep my fingers crossed that Paul Hoffman comes back to this world - or possibly even visits the strange world where the rubbish tips of paradise are found?

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Exceptional series perfectly performed.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Beating of His Wings to be better than the print version?

I have listened to the Audio version of the whole series and Sean Barrett's narration is spot on. It takes some getting used to, but perfectly suits the dark, dry style of the book. I haven't read it in print, but I can safely say that this performance would beat my own interpretation of the characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Beating of His Wings?

Thomas's encounter with Kitty the Hare was tense and brutal. The final encounter with Bosco was harrowing, but the only way that is could have ended. Kliste finally turning his horse around was beautiful.

Which character – as performed by Sean Barrett – was your favourite?

Vague Enrie

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

For me this is a bit too dark for one sitting, but I finished it in three days which is extremely fast for me given the amount of free time I have for reading/listening.

Any additional comments?

This is a really unusual series. Darker and more brutal even than Joe Abercrombie's books. Thomas is the ultimate anti-hero (said before but never so true) - damaged goods would be an understatement and he struggles with his past, his destiny, his abilities (or lack of) and the storm of emotions that have built through the first two installments. I can understand some of the comments regarding the ending, but for me it's the only way it could have gone and I'm pleased that Paul Hoffman stuck to his guns and didn't go for the easy, miraculous recovery and happy ever after. This is not a happy ever after series, but there are glimpses of hope and light for some which a nice sense of balance.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Sadly disappointed after the wait

What did you like about this audiobook?

I had waited months for the 3rd book in The Left Hand Of God trilogy. When I could I pre ordered it. I couldn't wait to see what happened to Thomas Cale and how he would resolve matters. But i have to say, that I think that the author Paul Hoffman must have run out of ideas at the end. I really enjoy these sort of fantasies and I sincerely hope that I won't get the same sort of disappointment from George R R Martin and Patrick Rothfuss next year when they release their epics. You have to wait so long for the next part. Maybe I'll try reading htis again, but I really lost interest half way through.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

It hasn't

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

The first 2 books showed amazing imagination, but fell down drastically in the 3rd.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

Nothing at all. Sean Barrett made a mediocre book just readable. Top marks to him. He has great talent.

Do you have any additional comments?

I will give this book one more try, but with probably return it for something better

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

The Trilogy Started Well But ......

Would you try another book written by Paul Hoffman or narrated by Sean Barrett?

Yes I would try another book written by the author - I thought the characters were very well put together (even if though the Beating Of His Wings was tedious).

Yes I enjoyed Sean Barrett's narration - he definitely gave the book an extra something.

What was most disappointing about Paul Hoffman’s story?

I thought the Left Hand Of God started the trilogy very well. I thinks its this fact which made me listen to the following two books (that and the characters).

However as the story continued into the second and third books I thought it lost something and I didn't like the story ending.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

He didn't - I really enjoyed his narration.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Beating of His Wings?

Not sure - just lost my interest.

Any additional comments?

Wish the entire trilogy was as good as the first few chapters of the left hand of god.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Cries out to be made into a film

I read all three parts before commenting so as to see the story through to the end. Okay, the trilogy is not "great literature", but it is a story which draws you in and keeps you there. There are patches which are too drawn out and sometimes the story takes it's time to get where it is going, but it is so worth the effort. Thomas Cale will stay with me for a long time, and I'll come back and listen to these again. The burning question for me is - when will producers wake up to this trilogy and make films of them. These books are a far better source material than many poorer stories which have been made into films costing mega-bucks. Finally a word about the narration. 10 out 10 for Sean Barratt. He captured all the characters well without being over the top in his characterisations, but most of all he totally nailed Thomas Cale's personality. I hope Hoffman will tempted to write a follow-on.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Long awaited and worth it!

If you could sum up The Beating of His Wings in three words, what would they be?

creative modern fantasy

What did you like best about this story?

The fallibility of Cale creates an excellent base for building a story upon. With strong characters and good depth of planning in the tale. I loved all three book and regularly reflect on the characters long after the tale has finished.

What about Sean Barrett’s performance did you like?

Sean Barrett drew you into the story with his measured, authoritative and compelling delivery. an excellent choice for this tale.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

When Hell haunts mankind, who will stand and fight!

Any additional comments?

I loved the first book in the series and by the time of the second book i had already decided that this author would be in my top ten for many years to come. This book didn't scream at me the way the first two did but it closed the story in a believable way. I can usually measure to what extent a story has gotten under my skin by the sense of loss i feel when a characters story ends. I am still mourning for Cale and co and hope he will be resurrected in a new story. Paul Hoffman and Joe Abercrombie have made fantasy appealing to me again, relying less on magic etc, and instead building great characters you can have a great journey with. Cant wait for his next book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

It's all gone wrong

What disappointed you about The Beating of His Wings?

This trilogy has totally lost its way. I felt as if the story was meandering with no direction. I gave up about half way through.

Amazing Trilogy

This trilogy was recommended to me by a friend in my local pub. I want to say a HUGE thank you for the recommendation. This book is no doubt the darkest of the 3, but by far the best. Expertly narrated Sean Barrett

An epic Story

Really enjoyed the arc of this story and the way it was delivered. I felt totally emersed in the drama and majezty of the world portrayed