The Prize

The Prize? Alas, more like Booby Prize...

I should have known better and paid attention to other peoples' reviews. As a fan of Julie Garwood, however, I thought I'd give The Prize a go despite the recommendations to avoid the narrator. I'd read The Prize years ago and had enjoyed the story, so I had no issues with the storyline. Narration was important, obviously, but my thoughts were that unless I gave it a go I'd never know for sure. After all, some of my favourite narrators have received scathing reviews which I could not agree with.

Unfortunately, even giving this my very best efforts to sit and listen, I have to agree that Anne Flosnik isn't an idea narrator. She reads emotionally, that is with a lot of emotion and drama colouring her voice. I don't have issue with that when it comes to reading what a character says, but when it is describing day to day actions such as getting dressed or even scenery, it gets very annoying. There is a scene where one of the main characters is drunk and Flosnik's attempt at slurring the words had me sitting up in first astonishment and then disgust. In the book it is an amusing scene, but Flosnik managed to destroy any fond memories I had of the interaction between the two characters and imagine the heroine as a drooling idiot.

I tried, really tried, to get to the end of the book, but that scene really put me off the story as a whole and it is going back into my file of 'books to complete when I'm really, really desperate and there is nothing else to listen to'. Unless you are a fan of Anne Flosnik, stay well away.

18 of 18 people found this review helpful

narration takes away from the story

The first Julie Garwood book I listened to was "The Bride". Because I loved that audio book some much I bought "The Prize". I really enjoyed the story but I was very disappointed with the narration. Anne Flosnik's performance was very distracting. I suggest reading this book.

25 of 29 people found this review helpful

Great book, horrible narration

This is one of my favorite Julie Garwood books but the narration is atrocious. I'm finding it hard to even finish listening to it. Hopefully, other historical romance novels by Ms. Garwood will be narrated by someone else.

16 of 20 people found this review helpful

Love, Love, LOVE the story! Hate the Narrator...

What did you like best about The Prize? What did you like least?

I love the strength of the heroine and the patience and calm of the hero! I hated the narrator! I was hesitant about purchasing this audio version after reading the reviews, and I now see why everyone said how terrible she was. She absolutely ruined one of my favorite scenes when she confesses her lies to Royce.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Definitely!!!!!!!!!!!!

9 of 11 people found this review helpful

Narration makes it hard to listen to

Over the years I've read this book probably 4 or 5 times. I just love Julie Garwoods historical romances and was so pleased to find it available in audio format. I eagerly downloaded it and turned on my ipod only to hear a narrator that made the young heroine sound about 80 years old. The accent was over the top and I had difficulty picturing the hero who should have been "manly" but sounded like an old lady. Grrrrr.......

15 of 19 people found this review helpful

Poor choice of narrators

I've read all of Julie Garwood's historical romances and enjoyed them all. The Prize isn't my favorite, but after thoroughly enjoying listening to The Bride, I downloaded this one also. The narrator doesn't have a knack for impersonating male voices and it was almost enough for me to quit listening. She has a fine voice, but should stick to female voices only.

I hope they will record more of Garwood's romances, but please don't use this narrator.

14 of 18 people found this review helpful

Disappointing narration

I remember this book from the early 90's and thought it would be fun in an audible format. Unfortunately I did not enjoy Ms. Flosnik's narration.

14 of 20 people found this review helpful

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Another awesome Julie Garwood historical romance done and dusted. I'm loving re-reading/listening to these classics.

In The Prize we meet the beautiful and feisty Nicholaa and the scarred warrior Royce. Their love story was full of humour, sizzling chemistry, intrigue and treachery.

While at first it seems they are destined for a marriage filled with battles, as they go on, feelings develop. Nicholaa loves her family and will do anything to protect them. Royce is determined to have a peaceful life...if only Nicholaa would obey his rules.

The Prize captivated my attention so much I was in danger of heading out to woop woop instead of work. It's too easy to relax on the train listening to my audio and forget that I actually have a set destination to reach.

Again, I loved the narrator and had no problems telling when the characters changed. I will definitely be listening to more Julie Garwood in the future.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great Read!!!!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Prize to be better than the print version?

Yes for I can listen while I'm on a bumpy bus ride, walking anywhere I'm going and of course while eating on my break.

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

When Royce helps Nicolaa deal with Orich leaving. And the help he gives her brother Justin.

Have you listened to any of Anne Flosnik???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to many books by this narrator and she never disappoints. I love how she captures the personality of the characters and brings them to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was sorry it need so soon. And I did laugh and cry. This is only the 3rd book by Julie Garwood I have listened to, however, I love them all. She pulls you into her books and I love when and author does this and then the narrator gives you that experience while reading the book to you. This audio book has it all.

Any additional comments?

Sample the audio. You will not be disappointed.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Historical romance at its best

If you like historical romances, you will like this one, and if you havent read or listened to any of Julie Garwood's stories yet, you might get hooked on this author.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful