Scene setting Rather than Action

What about Alex Hyde-White, Punch Audio’s performance did you like?

The narrator was good. He has a clear and authoritative voice which does more to convey the character of Carver than the writing. The speed of narration is uncomfortably slow in the first chapter, but rights itself after this. He does vary his voice in a few places, but not in a silly way. I would listen to another book by Alex, but think his tone would especially suit non-fiction.

Do you think From Here to Nearly There needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes absolutely because nothing actually happens in this book. I'd suggest skipping straight to book two and picking up as the space adventure begins.

Any additional comments?

I liked the premise for the story as I especially like science fiction novels that start in a familiar setting. However it takes a really long time for anything to happen. The story lacks dramatic tension and pace - mostly because the main character (Carver) narrates from the future which removes any sense of concern I had for his wellbeing. Carver, who is some kind of geologist (it still isn't quite clear to me), is kidnapped by a woman who makes him drive to Yorkshire. That takes up the first half of the novel (2 hours listening). Carver goes along with Allie willingly and then they start working together and we find she is not what she appears to be. I found this all rather unbelievable as Carver just takes everything in his stride without showing any sign of concern or fear. I think the lack of characters and time periods (it's mostly just these two in a chronological timeframe) adds to the slow pace. The novel is written in the first person with Carver speaking directly to the reader / listener. Initially I liked this approach which brought back memories of Hitchhiker' Guide to the Galaxy, but after a while it began to irritate. Instead of bringing me closer to the characters it distanced me from them and I felt it stopped me being able to put myself in their shoes.I was hoping for space flight, dilemma and action, but felt what I got was setting up the premise for future novels. I knew that it was part of a series but even so, I didn't feel I was given much to entice me to additional novels in the series. (I received a promo copy of this book in exchange for an honest review).

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