Might be tough for longtime series fans

Any additional comments?

I am frustrated by this audioplay... I love this St. Mary's universe and want nothing but continued success and fame for author Jodi Taylor, including expansion to other forms of media if possible. I am never the person to snobbishly complain about book-to-video adaptations and actually prefer the opportunity to see a different creative take on great stories. But the script of this adaptation just doesn't sit right when compared to the book series.

While the vocal performances are quite good (especially the always brilliant Zara Ramm), and some details from the books are beautifully incorporated in this audioplay (Bairstow's ticking clock, Kleio's musical tones), there are many distracting changes to some seminal St. Mary's themes and details.

Some of the main cast of characters are essentially ignored (Peterson, Foster, Dowson, Mack), and some have quite different personalities (Leon is melodramatic, publicly flirtatious, and classically charming instead of painfully stoic, romantically awkward, and flawed). Many elements from the book are included, but in a different order or under different circumstances that feel shoe-horned for no reason instead of out of necessity for the change in storytelling format.

I must give credit to the way the scenes at the WWI hospital at the Somme were recorded... that was one of the most emotionally impactful parts from the book for me, and the sound effects used in this audioplay really ramp up the intensity.

It is not an unpleasant listen, and I'm glad I gave it a shot, but I have a feeling die-hard St. Mary's fans will not enjoy as much as they had hoped.

36 of 37 people found this review helpful

Why, Why, Why change so much

What would have made Just One Damned Thing After Another better?

It wouldn't take much, just stay with the story as originally written by Jodi Taylor. I understand that changes need to be made for this type of adaptation, but there is NO reason to re-write it. The many, many followers of the 'disaster-magnets of St. Mary's' prove that Jodi Taylor has done a great job of creating a world, populating it with characters you care about who act consistently throughout, without being in your face hostile and aggressive.

Would you ever listen to anything by Marty Ross again?

Not if it is a dramatization of popular series.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Extreme disappointment with Audible and Accent for allowing this project to continue with all of the changes made; with some anger at the changes made which are contrary not only to the original, but with the philosophy of the 'world'; and sadness that new listeners would think that this is St. Mary's and the story written by Jodi Taylor. I was also astounded by the aggressive, back-stabbing confrontations that were created and that the subtlety and quiet humor was wholly lacking.

Any additional comments?

This is not a story for die-hard fans of St. Mary's or anyone who might want to be one.

14 of 15 people found this review helpful

Sod this for a Game of Soldiers

I don't even know how to rate this book. One star, yes. Uninspired cast/performance, yes. Bad script, yes. A word about Jodi Taylor, she is one of the best writers of dialog out there, but these idiots changed it and left out the best lines. I didn't like this book? performance? whatever this thing is. And the sound is bloody awful too. For the movie please get a good writer. Why don't I know how to rate this? Because it is Jodi and Max and I love them, and it is a good story, just not this time.

If you have not read the book, don't read this, it is not the book, you will love the book. If you have read the book, run.

Where was Peterson? Max's best friend. Shows up twice. Markham the third member of the dream team is a clown????

15 of 18 people found this review helpful

Love the Books, the audio movie gave me a headache

What disappointed you about Just One Damned Thing After Another?

the overuse of sound effects. the overuse of screaming. The extended "scenes" that i just, for the love of god, wanted to end.

Would you ever listen to anything by Jodi Taylor and Marty Ross - script again?

An absolute yes to Jodi Taylor. I'm sure Marty Ross can turn out a fine script, just not this time.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of the narrators?

The narrators were okay. Zara Ramm is fantastic.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The original story is wonderful. Buy that one and all the rest in the series.

10 of 12 people found this review helpful

A fun addition

I adore the series this is based on, Fantastic in every way. I have read the critical reviews and have to disagree, respectfully. This is not meant to be another in the series, this is a fun adaption of the first book. It is like a play.. Not everything is included and things were changed, but it is still a blast. I felt is was a cool peek into the Saint Mary's Universe from a different view point. I agree the original series should be read first, but I truly enjoyed this book.

7 of 9 people found this review helpful

Good times and a perfect length!

Some of the transitions were a little clunky and I think it could have benefitted from some music, but overall this was a fun listen and very well done. The actors did a great job and were distinguishable even though some of them had near sounding tones. The story was trippy and engaging and it was the perfect stamp to my work day. I hope to see more offerings like this!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Awesome!!! Totally recommend

I loved this. A few parts were cut out but it was still amazing!!! Definitely can't wait for them to do the other books!!!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Do you like ‘time travel’?

If so, this is a great romp. A little overwhelming at times but true to the title, it IS one damned thing after another! The actors are quite good. You may recognize some of your favorites, especially if you’re a fan of one particular... [cough cough] HBO series.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Awesome ! Btw - the actual book is by Jodi Taylor

Loved this adaptation of the first book of my favorite book series . Highly recommend you read the books first before listening to this adaptation .
The only thing I didn’t like was that Ross changed some things from the book - which weren’t necessary . Stick to the book Marty !
Hope he will continue to adapt the rest of the books - the actors were WONDERFUL !

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

SPECTACULAR

I love this series!! And this "movie" was just spectacular!!! I hope the others are done this way because I would love to have them in my collection!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful