You've Come Along Way Baby!!!

What did you love best about Warbound?

When the book was finished, I felt a sense of completion. The author brought it all together in the end. Yet, even with the comfortable finish of "completion", there we're many avenues left for the creative mind to follow and take their time. I'm waiting for the big thaw to put my two cents worth of literary finesse into an alternate finish to the book. I'M NOT WORTHY, I'M NOT WORTHY!!!!

What other book might you compare Warbound to and why?

"HARD MAGIC", because it is the first book in the series and you just have to give major credit to the author for coming up with the funniest and well read( by the narrator) character in all three books combined. Who is this person? Of course, non other than the dung heap ,red neck, devil child: Miss Sally Fae Viero!!!! Nuff Said!

What does Bronson Pinchot bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I would not have gotten through the first chapter if not for Bronson Pinchot. Seriously, this guy sound like the 1930's, carries all the accents for a pile of characters and makes you believe that "this" is the world we live in. Bronson is right up there with James Marsters of Bufy fame and his simply amazing work on all of "Jim Butchers", "Dresden Files" novels. Best books on the planet of course.

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

YES, Because I listened to the first two books hidden away from the world. I'm sure this book will take me on a long needed vacation like the other two did quite nicely.

Any additional comments?

Getting "into" the story and it's characters was actually FUN! Just the concept of derigables as our best and fastest form of transportation was a HOOT, not to mention the footnotes or beginning of chapters with long quotes from now dead important political, science and progressive historical stand outs with a slightly different message than the one's originally put to paper with ink and an important seal of some kind.But these alternative view points are exactly what would have been said, recorded and written down if our country had gone through the same situation.

8 people found this helpful

Started Strong-Finished Strong

Larry Correia’s Grimnoir trilogy has come to a conclusion in “Warbound.” There is so much I love about this series, that takes place is an alternate 1930’s era, that its hard to know where to start. The characters are true to the era, yet they live in a world that has been given magic from a creature that has come to earth in an effort to hide from a predator that wants to suck the magic out of the entire universe. Larry Correia’s use of real life characters from the Thirties such as John Moses Browning and General John, “Black Jack”, Pershing, and references to Nichola Tesla and his inventions, gives his alternative world authenticity.
In “Warbound,” Jake Sullivan, Sally Faye Vierra, and the iron guard Toru, are the main characters in this third installment. I really like the relationship that is formed between Jake and the Iron Guard; and of course, Faye is my favorite character in the series. There are still the other characters we’ve come to know such as, Pirate Bob, Francis, Dan, Heinrich, and Pemberly Hammer - the Bureau of Investigation's human lie detector, but their roles are diminished in this book. One of the new characters, Dr. Well, a sociopath and inmate of Rockville Penitentiary, that Jake recruits to help swart the greatest threat to earth, the Pathfinder, is also a standout character.
The battle action is amazing with magic being thrown from all sides and the technology that Mr. Correia adds, such as powered armor, and of course the flying airships, only add to the excitement.
On a side note; although this is the end of the trilogy, Mr. Correia leaves open the possibility for more Grimnoir adventures;let's hope.
About the narrator; it’s crazy, to me, that Bronson Pinchot, “Balki Bartokomous” from Perfect Strangers (one of my favorite sitcom televisions shows from the mid-80s and early 90s) is the narrator. This guy has range, and gives another great performance.

62 people found this helpful

Finished right on time

A wonderful range of characters you can actually engage with. Brilliantly written action scenes which make sense and only occasionally push too far into "give me a break" territory. Smart, even sophisticated, historical tie-ins which add tremendously to the surprise factor as we enjoy Correia's take on "familiar" figures from the past. A reader who is practically without peer in bringing an extensive gallery of colorful characters to audible life. A brilliantly light touch even when dealing with death, destruction and despair. All the strengths of the first two books of the trilogy make "Warbound" another delight to listen to.

And perhaps best of all is the fact that this, for the moment at least, is the end. A very good end. Knowing when to stop is not easy when you have a boffo series going. (We can all name a few authors who have missed the right exit.) I have no doubt the author has a few tricks left up his sleeve, but by the end of this book, the brilliantly realized concept was already beginning to seem a tiny bit short of breath. Just the tiniest bit, you understand, but I look forward to a completely new idea from LC for the immediate future. Maybe in a few years, the Grimnoir Archives? I'd be hungry again and part with my credits happily.

18 people found this helpful

A worthy finale to an excellent trilogy

Back in the 1850s when The Power arrived on Earth and started granting magical abilities to a handful of humans, it seemed like a potential boon for the human race. 80 years later tells us otherwise as the level of strife between those with abilities and those without has become a real issue, but it also pales in comparison to what lies ahead. It turns out that The Power has been fleeing from planet to planet for millennia in a vain attempt to escape a voracious predator, and Earth is just the latest stop. This predator has consumed countless worlds in pursuit of The Power and Earth is next up on the menu. Of course, Heavy Jake Sullivan is not going to go down without a fight, and while he is no match for this world eating entity, he is also not planning to fight alone...

Jake is assembling the best team that he can, but with Faye missing in action he is without the strongest member of the Grimnoir at his side. Instead he finds that his former enemy, Iron Guard Toru Tokugawa, has become his strongest ally . Of course, Toru has vowed to kill Jake, but he is willing to wait until after the Earth is safe before following through on that threat, so that will have to do. The action builds to a satisfying conclusion that wraps the series up quite nicely - hats off to Larry Correia for offering up a good old fashioned trilogy that ends on a high note. There are a few additional short stories in this world but the trilogy is certainly standalone and complete.

Bronson Pinchot does a great job of bringing life and personality to all of the characters. His performance as Jake Sullivan just feels right.

5 people found this helpful

Readerbound for all of Larry Correia works.

From other reviewers we are to conclude that this is the last book in a trilogy. Although there was a conclusion with the pathfinder, I don't believe this will be the end. There is so many different paths the story can go to, that hopefully this isn't the end of the Grimnoir Society. But if Larry Correia decides not to write anymore with this series, this book is a great ending. As usual the characters are great and there is lots of kick buttery, twist of history and darn right fun. I am defiantly a fan of Larry and will continue to read all his writings. Other humorous authors are Jim Bernheimer, Christopher Moore, and David Rosenfelt.

4 people found this helpful

It is what it is, and it's kind of awesome

This book is cheesy big guns blazing entertainment, and I loved it. I am giving it five stars not because it is the best of the best, but because it was fun and action packed and it's an example of an author doing nothing more and nothing less than entertaining his audience without pretense.

Warbound is the third book in the Grimnoir trilogy, so you want to read the first two. It is set in an alt-history in which a magical being came to Earth in the 1850s, and its presence bestowed magical powers on 1% of the population. Most people get a single power, so there are "Brutes" (super-strength), "Heavies" (gravity controllers), "Cogs" (gadgeteer geniuses), "Readers" (telepaths), "Fades" (turn insubstantial), "Torches" (pyrokinesis) and so on.

Basically, despite the "fantasy" element, these are period superhero novels. And the author devotes many words to describing the battles in full-page multi-panel glory. It's hard to do superheroes (an inherently visual genre) justice in written form, but Correia does a pretty good job. At times he reminded me of his fellow Mormon author Brandon Sanderson, who's also known for his intricate "magic systems" and long descriptions of characters figuring out how to use their powers in creative new ways, but Correia's plots are less contemplative (which is not to say simpler) and more about the action.

That said, major suspensions of disbelief are required, but no more than with most epic or urban fantasy.

In the conclusion of the trilogy, war with the Japanese Imperium is imminent, but only the knights of the Grimnoir know that Chairman Tokugawa has been replaced by an impostor. His "son," Iron Guard Toru Tokugawa, knows of the deception and the corruption of the Imperium's magical training schools, Iron Guard, and Shadow Guard, and so has reluctantly joined the Grimnoir.

Since this is a rising Japan in the 1930s, guilty of pretty much the same atrocities Japan was committing in Asia at that time in the real world, this causes a lot of tension with the Grimnoir, who have been sworn enemies of the Imperium. Toru manifests all the usual tropes about fictional samurai: hard-headed, death before dishonor, all non-Japanese are weak and lazy, grudging respect for Westerners who are brave warriors even if they are ignorant barbarians, blah blah blah.

A summary of the plot would be kind of pointless: if the premise does not interest you, it's not gonna interest you, but Correia does do a very good job of working within the parameters he has established and then treating it seriously. Powers work a certain way and everything follows from certain first principles, and when some of the big twists are revealed, more pieces fall into place, including some that have been developed since the first book.

Is this is gonzo gun porn and superhero slugfests? Yes! And awfully darn fun. But awfully damn intelligent for a historical superhero novel as well. And there is a conclusion to bring this trilogy to a definitive close, while still leaving open the possibility (I would guess, based on Correia's prolificness, inevitability) of a new series coming down the pike.

This is not the best written or deepest or most original series. It's just fun and entertaining. Did I mention fun? Okay, so I am a superhero nerd. But in all seriousness, for what it is, the plotting, pacing, characterization, and worldbuilding were all far above the somewhat low bar I have for this kind of book. Hence, 5 stars. Would read more Grimnoir, definitely.

And an additional 5 star rating must be given for Bronson Pinchot. I HATED Balki and "Perfect Strangers"! But he is one of the best audiobook narrators ever! Seriously, he nails every single accent, does men and women both flawlessly, and probably puts more life into Correia's characters than exists on the page.

10 people found this helpful

Warbound. Buy it already!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. it is a fun , action packed book with a great backstory. The narrartor is top notch. I met the author at a book signing last week and told him he made me utter words I thought would never come out of my mouth, which are "Bronson Pinchot is badass!"

What was one of the most memorable moments of Warbound?

The final climactic battle between the entity and Fay. I also, really liked when Sullivan figures out how to foil the pathfinder's plan. Ingenious and funny to boot.

Have you listened to any of Bronson Pinchot’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I listened to him in the other book and he is incredible in all of them. I personally have never cared for any of his film and television work but he is truly the master of the audiobook format. His voices are great, he can handle multiple distinct characters and captures the noir feel of the series perfectly. I read the E-arc prior to release and the audiobook is much better than simply reading the story.

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

Yes, but time did not permit.

Any additional comments?

Great story, great acting, what more do you want. I'd also say check out the author's Monster Hunter Internatilonal series if you like this one.

6 people found this helpful

happy to report a satisfying conclusion

What did you love best about Warbound?

can't say without major spoilers.

Have you listened to any of Bronson Pinchot’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

yes, he's amazing! i was tickled by his performance of lady origami. by far, he is the most talented narrator i've heard to date! i love his narration of jake sullivan! perfect, just perfect!.

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

happy and relieved that the story lived up to my expectations.

Any additional comments?

preface...like many, i discovered the grimnoir chronicles while waiting for the next release of monster hunters, and i must say, "what an awesome discovery!" the grimnoir chronicles have become one of my favorite series. dare i even say better than monster hunters? ok. yes, i dare! lol so like many of you i was eagerly (and despairingly) awaiting the release of warbound on audible. yes, i could've downloaded it on kindle, but i wanted/needed bronson pinchot's superb narration to envelop me in larry correia's world. i have to admit, i was nervous, even giddy, when i started listening b/c i didn't want to be let down. sorry but monster hunter vendetta was kind of a let down. ok. where was i? sorry, the adhd is kinda bad today. lol hard magic was an incredible discovery, spellbound was a worthy sequel, and warbound is a satisfying conclusion.

ok...on with the review...

i don't want to spoil your listening experience, but i must say larry correia does a great job wrapping up the story, and the minor stories within the story. faye's journey to discover what it means to be spellbound is haunting. what she truly is totally surprised me, but by the end it makes perfect sense. jake and toru have a complicated relationship, and i really enjoyed seeing how it played out.

i was also happy that larry correia brought "plot devices" from previous books into this one. for instance, i really liked buckminster fuller. he had a very small part in spellbound, but he had a huge influence on the plot. i really enjoyed listening to bronson pichot's portrayal of him as a zany, quick talking genius. so, i was glad he was back in warbound. there are many more plot devices, but i'm not telling! lol trust me, you'll really enjoy discovering how past events come into play in this story.

once again, larry correia introduces new characters, and again they are as equally fascinating as the previous characters he's introduced us to. one of the definite strengths of this series are the characters larry correia creates. each is unique, and as a cast, they fit together like puzzle pieces.

the battle scenes are heart-pounding. they are choreographed with the right amount of description to keep the action exciting.

i'm sad that the series is over, but i'm happy with the way it ended. thank-you larry correia! it was definitely a great ride!
!

16 people found this helpful

Guns Knives Magic & Aliens in a Shanghai Showdown

Warbound (2013), the third book in Larry Correia's sf-fantasy-pulp Grimnoir trilogy, takes up in 1933 where the second left off: President Roosevelt is pressuring all American magical Actives to register and move to Active-only towns; Francis Stuyvesant (young owner of United Blimp and Freight who also happens to be a Mover) is not cooperating; Sally Faye Viera (a teen who's the most powerful Active in the world) is looking for someone to help her avoid becoming "a rampaging murder machine"; Jake Sullivan (a Heavy ex-soldier, ex-detective, ex-convict, ex-FBI hunter, ex-public enemy #1) is leading his team of Grimnoir knights, aided by their bitter Iron Guard Brute enemy Toru Tokugawa, on a probably suicidal mission in a cutting edge UBF dirigible into the dread Japanese Imperium to try to prevent a super alien predator (the Enemy) from coming to earth in pursuit of its prey, the entity known as the Power; while the Power (a symbiotic alien that endows certain humans with magical ability) is trying to survive.

Correia is good at writing characters with different personalities and voices. Faye and Jake are fine co-protagonists. Faye is naïve, sweet, and ignorant but also ruthless, powerful, and intelligent (you wouldn't want to be a "bad guy" in her sights). She doesn't want to become a devil, but does sometimes hear a little voice telling her to take other people's Active powers. The description of a hero written by Raymond Chandler (Francis' wannabe writer accountant) suits Jake: a common, extraordinary, honorable, chivalrous, lonely, complete man. But Jake fears that he has the brain of a scholar in the body of a thug and is really only good at one thing: killing.

In this third book Correia depicts Japanese culture more complexly than in the first. Here, although their evil "schools" are still twisting "pupils" into killing machines, and Unit 731 is still experimenting on living (magical) subjects, and the Imperium is still dedicated to purifying the world, there is also something appealing about their honor-based culture. Toru, so uptight while teaming up with his sworn Grimnoir enemies, is fun to follow, and Akane Yoshizawa (aka Lady Origami) is a sympathetic character whose origami plays a key role (and she even gets an interracial romantic relationship).

Correia does interesting things with genre staples like zombies (attracted to bright colors in addition to loud noises, they may maintain their identities as long as they continue doing the most important thing in their natural lives) and alternative history (historical figures and things like John Ford, John Browning, Duke Ellington, Sigmund Freud, Rasputin, World War I, and the Berlin Wall are given magical spins).

He explains magic in a science fictional way. The Power gives select people access to nodes of power so they will develop and increase them and return them enhanced to the Power when they die. Most Actives access but one type of magic, with expectable abilities: Cracklers manipulate electricity, Torches fire, Ice Boxes cold, and Heavies gravity; Mouths make people do what they're told; Beasties possess animals; Healers heal; Lazaruses make zombies; Cogs make intricate machines; Fixers fix things; Movers use telekenisis; and so on. All are limited to how much Power they may use without resting to restore it to their reservoirs.

I do think Correia imagines too many overlapping abilities. Readers read people's minds, while Justices sense when people are lying; Brutes are super strong, while Massives make themselves indestructible; and Travelers (like Faye) teleport themselves and objects and people around, while Fades fade themselves and objects and people through walls and the like. And I can't grasp how demons summoned by Summoners fit into the physical nodes of the Power.

Despite all the magic in the trilogy, Correia's true love is guns. Characters think, "Magic was nice in a fight, but it never hurt to back it up with bullets," and, “When you didn’t know what kind of trouble to expect, it was best to bring guns and friends with guns.” Sub-machine guns (Thompson and Suomi), shot guns (Winchester and Browning), pistols ("a British Webley with a snub barrel and a cut down grip" and a GP32 machine pistol with "a cyclic rate like a buzz saw"), giant Browning Automatic Rifles (enchanted and normal), even a bazooka (don't stand behind Faye when she's firing one), and more.

When Correia adds to the guns and magic knives, swords, spiked war clubs, Russian stick grenades, Tesla Peace Rays, war blimps, etc., he ends up with graphically violent action scenes (brains sliding down walls, walls painted with dripping blood, bodies exploding into pink mist or bursting like melons, eyeballs cracking with cold or running down cheeks, bones melting, limbs being severed, heads decapitated, bodies impaled, guts disemboweled, etc.). This becomes unpleasant and numbing. But the 3+ hour climax is exciting (and the resolution is nice).

Correia writes some neat lines: "Jake Sullivan may have been on the side of the angels, but they were some damn bloody angels.”
And some funny exchanges: "You're one malicious manipulator, you know that Doc?" "It is nice to be appreciated."
And some klunky dialogue: "You guys want some cookies?" "No, we're good."
And some anachronistic English: “Fuller manned up.”
And some libertarian leanings: "Governments are all about the same thing, bossing folks around."

Audiobook reader Bronson Pinchot relishes Correia's pulpy prose. He does a great zombie, Lady Origami, Jake, and Faye, and a super "Tokugawa!" war cry. He owns quiet, malevolent villains. He's entertaining.

People who read the first two books in the trilogy will be satisfied by the end of the third; people new to Correia should probably start with the first book (Spellbound), although he smoothly works in enough background from the first two books to follow this one. People who don't enjoy gunplay and bloody action and libertarian pulp should steer clear.

5 people found this helpful

Great

What made the experience of listening to Warbound the most enjoyable?

Action and great reader.

What other book might you compare Warbound to and why?

Spellbound and Monsterhunters

Which scene was your favorite?

All scene

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

When Lens and other grim die.

Any additional comments?

The writer well explain every movements and details of each person in the stories.

2 people found this helpful