Reviewer: Gary G. Hawfitch (Coon Rapids, Minnesota United States) - See all my reviews
The "Rock Star Rising" audio book was not at all what I expected, but what a wonderful surprise! It's a twisted, tangled web of events played out by a handful of multi-leveled, intertwined characters. The story is well written, beautifully told and convincingly enacted centering on the heights of a successful rock star and the terrible costs that are paid when that success is abused. People and events are manipulated by all the characters to satisfy their own needs and agenda.
"Good" and "evil" are blurred. "Life" and "death" are blurred. Relationships are blurred, but the irony of fate is boldly presented and it's made abundantly clear that our "next" existence offers another chance to hopefully do better. The inevitability of change, the subtle and sometimes dramatic interrelationships between cause and effect as well as the ever-present, ever-looming scales of divine and poetic justice are persistent threads. A beautiful blending of drama and melodrama are used to develop both the story and the characters. The audio presentation is top-notch entertainment, particularly when you consider that all acting is accomplished solely through vocal artistry. The actors do a fantastic job of inviting the listener into their world and moving you effortlessly through the story.
I really enjoyed listening to this audio book. It is wonderful from start to finish and my congratulations go out to all involved. It's a winner on all levels.
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It's the "Pulp Fiction" of the rock world, January 15, 2006
Reviewer: A. Doshi (Marina Del Rey, CA United States) -
James Darren really tears up the scenery as well as a few people in this story. I've never seen him, or should I say heard him, as a total bad guy. But he doesn't hold back.
I took a chance ordering this, but I figured with all the stars maybe okay. I was happily surprised at this blend of mystery/thriller/love story/action, with a great group of actors. But for my money, the insatiable and demanding girls in this story steal the show. Especially the Puerto-Rican girl that demands marriage from Russ Tamblyn before giving the green light to her gangster brother (Chakiris) to help him. And the way she seals the deal is original, but probably has happened in real life, sad to say.
Besides Darren, I think Robert Culp takes the prize as a low life agent who exploits his star client. Anyway, probably the best audio book I've heard, at least the best thriller.
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Good thriller. George Chakiris is great as a gangster., January 21, 2006
Reviewer: Bob (Santa Monica, California) - See all my reviews
I bought this because I like George Chakiris and was surprised to find that there are three or four very interesting, or should I say 'wild' love stories in it, including one very romantic one with a Hawaiian girl. The ocean sounds really make that one a winner. Then there is a date with a sweet girl to see Elvis in Las Vegas that was fun while it lasted. Fun to see that Elvis appears twice in the story.
The other girls are independent and pushy, but that makes them very interesting. Russ Tamblyn has his hands full with his Rosie Perez sounding girlfriend (don't know who played her, but sounded like Perez), and juggling a secret affair with a rock singer. And James Darren is juggling three women, if I'm counting right.
So I guess I'd say that it's the love relationships (or is love too soft a word for this group?) that make the story good for me. And my hero George Chakiris shines as a Puerto Rican gangster, like Bernardo from "West Side Story". (Why didn't they get Rita Moreno to play his sister?) But the actress that did was good in this. I give this story thumbs up.
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This is a top notch production. Special note to anyone thinking of making an audio book- Listen to this one and learn how it is done. I am usually not all that interested in audio books. Most of them sound like a couple of people sitting around in someone's living room reading a book and doing a bunch of bad impersonations. But being familiar with some of Mr. Paul Kyriazi's work, most notably his "Complete James Bond Lifestyle Seminar" and most recently his "McKnight's Memory" I decided to give this audio book a shot.
All I can say is "Wow". This is an awesome piece of work.
The story line left me riveted to the very end when we discovered the truth so even had I just read the book I would have been happy. Listening to it was a whole different story though. The voices are really good. I think there are enough actors in this audio book so that no one has to do a second (or third or fourth voice). The general sound recording is very good too. I was listening to it exclusively in my car and there is one scene where there is a gun shot. It was such a strong and clear effect that I actually thought the big rig next to me had blown its tire.
3.6 hours may seem like a long time to commit to an audio book but this one kept moving right along with no unnecessary story line. And at only something like $22 this is well worth the price.
Bottom line- I highly recommend this audio book.
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This is the first audio book that I have listened to that sounds like I was listening to a movie. The story flows very well and the sound effects are strategically (and perfectly) placed throughout the story. The numerous different readers really keep you actively listening to the story. Disc changes are done at very good times and not haphazard. This audio book is very well done.
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I loved the James Bond Lifestyle book and audio tape that Paul Kyriazi had created and after seeing all the big names that were involved with this audio book, I had to get it.
The story was well-written, well-paced and kept my attention. Listening to the actors getting into their roles blew away just having someone read the book to me. I enjoyed "Rock Star Rising" much more than Stephen King's Cell audio book.
Hearing Robert Culp brought back fond memories of him in The Greatest American Hero. It's good to know he's still involved in some great projects.
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