All the Way to the Gallows

By: David Drake

Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Known for best-selling military science fiction, David Drake now takes aim at the listener's funnybone. Meet goblin paratroopers, politically correct space cops, and more, and laugh all the way to the gallows.

©2004 David Drake (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Context makes the joke

As the title states, one should come in expecting dark humor. That said, I think the authors notes preceding each story in the print version would have added much needed context to each story, and helped establish each as a separate tale.

Just be patient

The book is a series of fantasy/science fiction short stories. Each story is quite different, though with a general theme of battle and dark humor. Sometimes we are magically transported from our mundane 21st Century world into a fantasy world of wizards and dragons; other times into an epic quest in the heart of a wasteland with moving mountains and sarcastic heroes. Most stories involve fantasy settings of magic rather than science fiction, though the lines easily blur.

We are dropped into the middle of the action with each story, needing to puzzle out what is happening and where we are. It takes some effort and patience, and the listener is rewarded with a sense of accomplishment at each conclusion. Listening to the whole collection at one sitting would not be advised, rather it is recommended to listen to each story, take a break and move on once digested. With most of the stories, there is a feeling of opening a book in the final third and listening to the end. Rather than spending time on developing characters and place, you are dropped right into the thick of it all. It is fun and challenging, but can be kind of confusing too. Stick with it, all is revealed at the end of each story.

R.C. Bray performs the narration with his capable voice. His wide range of accents and character voices are showcased in this collection. He is excellent and wonderful to listen to as always.

Sometimes, short stories are just what you need in an audio-book. Perfect for the short commute or long wait at the doctor’s office. Or just when you aren’t quite ready to start a new novel. If you are a fan of fantasy novels and quests with a good dose of dark humor, you will enjoy this collection. There is plenty of action and well-developed characters. Just be patient, you won’t really know what’s going on until you finish each story.

Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.

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Not as advertised

What would have made All the Way to the Gallows better?

the ad stated this was a book of humerus, it is not. I listened to 4 of the short stories and none were humerus