a bit repetitive

The story is ok, a bit obvious though. The main gripe is the repetition, it's like listening to a politician making the same point over and over, but in different sentences. I found myself saying, "oh just get on with it!" I know the main character is young, but I did want to slap him at times and make him man up.

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Thourghly enjoyable

I found this book to be a very intriguing first installment, it has all the usual character introductions and progresses nicely, there are some stereotypical characters that dont seem very original but is totaly forgivable considering the story just absorbs you in and makes you want to listen.
I found the narration more then acceptable, though the constant 'questioning' tone of voice did get a little frustrating sometimes. Overall though i did enjoy it, and i would certainly recommend it to any fans of this genre.
Give it a go!

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2 people found this helpful

The Obsidian Trilogy (3 Books)

I am including all 3 books in my review. The Outstretched Shadow, To Light a Candle, and When Darkness Falls. I cannot imagine anybody just reading one without absoliutely having to read the others.

The characters are so well drawn that they become live, and the plot is so intriguing, it is difficult to switch off.

This is one of those epics that you cannot leave alone until you have read it all, and yet you never want it to come to an end.



Val S.

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2 people found this helpful

very good classic fantasy (its got it all!!)

What made the experience of listening to The Outstretched Shadow the most enjoyable?

The story is great elves,unicorns,mage's and demons(ahhh). Really enjoyable story nicely read! 😊

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Outstretched Shadow?

I enjoyed the story best just takes you away to another world!!!

Which character – as performed by Susan Ericksen – was your favourite?

Has to be the lead character!!!!😁

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

An adventure in another world when demons come back!

Any additional comments?

If you like fantasy books your love this honest!!

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Idiot Main Character!

Would you try another book written by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory or narrated by Susan Ericksen?

I am in the middle of another of Mercedes Lackey's books, (a different series) so the answer is, Yes to that question. Not having read anything, (that I can remember) written by James Mallory, I don't know. As for listening to another book narrated by Susan Ericksen, most definitely. She was the best part of the experience, as far as I'm concerned.

Has The Outstretched Shadow put you off other books in this genre?

NO! I have read hundreds of books in this genre, and have come across many that were much worse than this one. I love this genre too much to be put off by the occasional pebble among the diamonds.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Most of the scenes with Shalkan.

Do you think The Outstretched Shadow needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I know this is the first book in a trilogy, so I can honestly answer Yes. As to why/why not? I have to hope the main character, Kellen grows up and stops being such an idiot. That would make the books which follow this one much more enjoyable.

Any additional comments?

Because I like character based stories, I get very irritated when the main character is an idiot. Kellen spends way too much time second guessing himself, and agonizing over things he can't change and blaming himself for things over which he had no control. This constant angst constantly stalled the story, which would have been good otherwise. Even with evidence to the contrary, he continued in his silly belief in the words of people who had repeatedly proved themselves manipulative liars. Some of the other characters made up for the silly main character, but not enough to make this more than bearable to listen to. Susan Ericksen did a very commendable job of narrating what was, in my opinion a less than satisfactory book. I'll certainly be looking out for other books read by Ms Ericksen.

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Nice

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

A nice easy to follow story

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Unicorn, he had a depth to him that I enjoyed.

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Good book, slow reading

This is an enjoyable fantasy novel. It has some fairly traditional characters, but there are some new twists placed on fantasy regulars. In addition the investigations of the corrupting possibilities of power and choice make for some deeper thinking.

However do be sure to listen to the sample first. I found this so slow that I had to play it at fast speed on my ipod (and some words ran together), but that may just be my taste: try before you buy. If the narration had suited me better this would be 4 stars.

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4 people found this helpful

Well read

gripping in some parts. overall a very enjoyable experience. can be a bit repetitive but in some ways it added to the description of the characters feeling

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Why wont it let me download part 4

Would you try another book written by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory or narrated by Susan Ericksen?

not if audible only lets me have 3 parts out of 4

What could Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

make audible release the full book

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Outstretched Shadow?

the ending of part 3 where it tells me to download the next part

Any additional comments?

i'll get something else and hope its the whole book

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Disappointed

Was looking forward to an epic fantasy, but finally gave up just under halfway through first book. Coming off the back of 'the name of the wind' i found the writing style lacking, almost immature. Perhaps it was aimed at a younder audience.

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1 person found this helpful