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Summary
As a science journalist with a regular column in Scientific American, Jeremy Marsh specializes in debunking the supernatural. A born skeptic, he travels to the small town of Boone Creek, North Carolina, determined to find the real cause behind the ghostly apparitions that appear in the towns cemetery. What he doesnt plan on, however, is falling hopelessly in love with Lexie Darnell, granddaughter of the town psychic. Now, if the young lovers are to have any kind of future at all, Jeremy must make a difficult choice: return to the life he knows, or do something hes never done beforetake a giant leap of faith.
I really enjoyed The Terminal List and was eagerly anticipating the release of the second book. However, the constant use of redacted in the narration ended up dampening my enthusiasm and causing me to lose interest. After seeing reviews stating that the third book, Savage Son, also features redacted, I've decided not to use my credit on it.
Jack Carr has introduced us to an absolutely fantastic new protagonist to root for. Just like any skilled author of thrilling novels, there are bound to be moments of intense excitement and moments that may not hit the mark. However, the true testament to a successful book lies in whether or not you eagerly anticipate the next installment. And in this case, the answer is a resounding YES!
The narration in 'True Believer' was top-notch. However, at times, the story got a bit diluted due to the frequent use of flashbacks to previous actions. It would have been better if there were fewer flashbacks.
I totally recommend the first book as it was a thrilling listen for me and I couldn't help but recommend it to everyone. However, this sequel felt like a slow burner that didn't quite match up in terms of engagement and excitement.
Reece hit the nail on the head with his assessment that the initial installment focused on seeking vengeance, while this sequel delves into the intricacies of life. That's what drives the narrative forward; of course, there are still plenty of badass moments. I must admit, I shed a tear not once, but twice - first upon witnessing a devastating death, and then during the heart-wrenching funeral scene. Jack Carr has managed to craft a cast of believable and likable characters that we genuinely enjoy spending time with. Several storylines intertwine within this intricate plot, providing us with a thrilling and engaging experience that spans a whopping 15 hours. And with the added bonus of Ray Porter's incredible narration, we're in for a true auditory delight.
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to read an ARC of TRUE BELIEVER, but since I'm a big fan of audiobooks, I wanted to provide a separate review specifically for the audiobook version.
First off, Carr's debut thriller, THE TERMINAL LIST, was one of the most impressive debuts I've ever come across. And let me tell you, according to authors, the second book is usually the most challenging, but damn! This book is an absolute gem. It's easily one of my favorite reads of the year, hands down. Trust me, this book has got it all – action, mystery, and emotions upon emotions upon emotions. It was simply outstanding!
And to make things even better, we've got Ray Porter as the narrator. Let me tell you, Porter is one of the best narrators out there, right up there with the likes of Scott Brick, George Guidall, George Newbern, and Jay Snyder. The guy is incredibly talented and he truly brings this book to life.
Now, due to Jack Carr's previous military background, this book had to go through a review process by the DoD, which resulted in the publication date being pushed back. Just like in THE TERMINAL LIST, Carr decided to keep in all the parts that were redacted by the DoD, so you might hear the word "redacted" in the middle of a sentence. Personally, I found this aspect quite interesting, but I understand that it might not appeal to everyone. For instance, in Chapter 40 alone, you'll probably come across more than a dozen redacted words, and it seems like they all pertain to different nations. Just to give you an idea, it might be something like, "Reece got off the plane at (redacted)," or "He entered the (redacted) embassy," or "the (redacted) soldier." But once again, let me emphasize that this didn't bother me at all, although it might be a turn-off for some. Just thought it's worth mentioning.
All in all, I have no doubt that this will be one of the top thrillers of 2019. I can't recommend it enough. The plot is fantastic, the characters are dynamic and incredible, and the narrator is absolutely perfect for the job.
Great job, Jack!
In short, Ray Porter does an amazing job narrating 'True Believer'. If you're into this genre, it's a great book. It has a similar vibe to the Joe Ledger series.
Overall, I give it a 5 out of 5 rating. Even if you didn't enjoy the first book, I still think you'll like this one.
Ray Porter's performance is top-notch and he's easily my favorite narrator. His skill really brings this book to life.
The story itself is incredibly authentic. You can tell that the author knows what they're talking about. I was so immersed in the book that I could vividly picture a Navy Seal's funeral. The emotions felt real, and I even shed a tear, knowing that Jack Carr wrote from personal experience. This fictional tale seems to have a lot of non-fiction elements, drawing from the author's own wins and losses.
A special note to the author: Ray Porter is hands down the best narrator I've ever heard. I'm thrilled that he'll be continuing to narrate 'Savage Son', the next thriller in this series. I hope you consider keeping him for future books too. It's always disappointing when a narrator is changed after investing so much time into a series. Trust me, a monotonous old man replacement would be the worst. Keep up the great writing, and please let Ray Porter continue to narrate.
As always, Nichols Sparks has written another warm and feeling story. I love the setting of Boone Creek and the library. The characters are unique and real. Definitely a chick's story worth reading. Keep 'em coming Nick. I want more.
I got sucked into this book in the beginning. The narrator was awesome! But it started to drag towards the middle and never seemed to pick back up for me even at the end. It was a little predictable. If there is an Abridged version of this I would recommend getting it. Not a waste of time but not one of Nicholas Sparks best.
Although extremely well narrated, and perhaps the only reason to listen to this, this book is the most insipid, dull, and endlessly boring "romantic" story I think I may have ever read. This may be my first Nicholas Sparks novel and it will be my last. Pages and pages and endless pages of angst about whether or not Jeremy loves the most boring librarian whose name I have already forgotten, in Boone Creek, or she loves him, is painful to suffer through, in the extreme. I kept pushing the forward button to get through the tiresome heart beating and hand trembling repetitions. The entire plot is preposterous. DO NOT EVEN BOTHER LISTENING TO THIS. I give it an F-
This was a great read/listen. Mr. Sparks has once again pulled at my heart strings. A very good ending and not your typical end. The very last line, brings it all together and makes the story perfect.
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