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A review by saareman
Beyond Strange Lands by David Peterson, Simon Taylor
1.0
Aussie-centric Paranormal Adventure may be incomprehensible to the rest of the world
Review of the Audible Original audiobook (March 2020)
[Note: Foul language throughout]
Simon Taylor and David Peterson's Beyond Strange Lands takes an ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ approach by force-fitting all sorts of Australian natural world mysteries, Indigenous people’s folklore and legendary historical figures into the mix. Every episode seemed to take another turn by introducing a new element into the story and it becomes ever harder to follow what is going on. I never really understood who or what the big bad was supposed to be as there seemed to be so many of them along the way.
The audio production on this makes it even harder to discern what is going on. The foley of sound effects and the distortion of selected voices made for a difficult listening experience. Headphones are recommended for the full immersive effect, but I hate using headphones or earbuds, so it was speakers only for me. Perhaps it makes a difference if you have high quality headphones.
Mostly it left the impression of being a pre-recorded audio for an un-filmed television series, than an actual audiobook. There is a huge cast involved, which seemed rather unnecessary as there were only the 2 major roles of the mother Fiona and the son Ethan.
Beyond Strange Lands was originally released by Audible Australia in March, 2020 and was also one of 10 Audible Original audiobooks available free for Audible.Com members in the month of June 2020. It is available to everyone for a standard price.
Trivia and Links
Some of the Australian natural world phenomena and the historical figures that feature in the story are linked for your background information here.
The mysterious Min Min Lights.
The poisonous Cane Toads.
The explorer Ludwig Leichhardt.
The bush ranger Ned Kelly.
Review of the Audible Original audiobook (March 2020)
[Note: Foul language throughout]
Simon Taylor and David Peterson's Beyond Strange Lands takes an ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ approach by force-fitting all sorts of Australian natural world mysteries, Indigenous people’s folklore and legendary historical figures into the mix. Every episode seemed to take another turn by introducing a new element into the story and it becomes ever harder to follow what is going on. I never really understood who or what the big bad was supposed to be as there seemed to be so many of them along the way.
The audio production on this makes it even harder to discern what is going on. The foley of sound effects and the distortion of selected voices made for a difficult listening experience. Headphones are recommended for the full immersive effect, but I hate using headphones or earbuds, so it was speakers only for me. Perhaps it makes a difference if you have high quality headphones.
Mostly it left the impression of being a pre-recorded audio for an un-filmed television series, than an actual audiobook. There is a huge cast involved, which seemed rather unnecessary as there were only the 2 major roles of the mother Fiona and the son Ethan.
Beyond Strange Lands was originally released by Audible Australia in March, 2020 and was also one of 10 Audible Original audiobooks available free for Audible.Com members in the month of June 2020. It is available to everyone for a standard price.
Trivia and Links
Some of the Australian natural world phenomena and the historical figures that feature in the story are linked for your background information here.
The mysterious Min Min Lights.
The poisonous Cane Toads.
The explorer Ludwig Leichhardt.
The bush ranger Ned Kelly.