Take the TV show Twenty-Four (24) and the older movie Speed and you have a good idea of what James P. Sumner’s new audiobook “Hunter’s Games” is all about. Add one of my favorite narrators, Gary Bennett who is a master at his narration, and you have an action packed moviesque audiobook that will keep you on your toes from the beginning to the end. At times I wanted the author to give me a few breaths of air, but I can say that this one holds the listener under for quite some time. Not something that ruins the story but note, listeners do need some time to decompress from the continuous action and tension or the story can become fatiguing. I can say this is one audiobook, in quite some time, that I did not want to put down and resume later. It kept me that captivated. I did not have the opportunity to listen and review the first audiobook in the series (True Conviction), but I can say this one appears to be a stand-alone story that does not require listening to the first to understand what is going on. if you like your action fast and non-stop, pick up this audiobook and give it a listen. The writing and narration are well worth the Audible credit and over eight hours of entertainment.
In this audiobook we open with an assassin for hire who finds himself working alongside the FBI to catch another assassin. The listener must question the level of deception on the part of all parties due to the many conflicting agendas at hand. Everyone in the story is unsure of the motives and goals of the others. We also have the hunter becoming the hunted and this adds a level of tension that I liked. There is a drive for revenge and payback for one’s past crimes and much more. If I were to describe the story in two words, I would say it was both engrossing and thrilling. We have diametrically opposed people needing to come together to stop a terrorist, and this starts very early in the tale. There is a fair amount of espionage and some technology sprinkled in keeping one focused. Although it is a rollercoaster ride of a story, I did like the pacing. I also enjoyed the picturesque story telling. It felt like I was listening to an action movie, yet my brain was able to create vivid images out of the text and narration.
Regarding the audiobook’s narration, there is not much I can say, that I have not already said in past review of Mr. Bennett’s professional narration works. His narration speed and consistency are on par with many of the best narrators out there. I do not recall any audio issues such as pops, background noise or swallowing. His voicing of characters is consistent throughout the story, and I liked the voices he gave to the main characters. Mr. Bennett gives the characters feeling and depth with his ability to use the right amount of inflection making all characters feel unique.
For parents and younger listeners, the audiobook contains some rather mature subjects including graphic violence, drug and alcohol use, profanity, along with some adult themes. I would not recommend this audiobook to younger audiences due to the subjects to includes.
In summary, the level of constant action is ten out of ten. The audiobooks narration is ten out of ten. The story and action keep me wanting more. There seemed to always be some questions on how our characters will get out of predicaments and would they be able to best their nemesis. If you want to find out, you will have to give the audiobook a listen. I can say that I look forward to another in the future.