THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE WHEEL by R.S. Belcher

Narrated by Bronson Pinchot

     Epic Battle Brewing

Following on the heels of Nightwise this second novel in Belcher’s new series is a pleasant departure from the formulaic Wizard-Detective story depicted in the first book. This sequel expands upon the minor battle between good and evil begun in Nightwise.

 Here we learn of the international network of good guys that have been fighting the forces of evil for generations and their equally organized nefarious foes. I now see the first book, Nightwise, in a different light. The first two books feel like Belcher is still introducing the cast for a grand showdown much later. I feels like the early chapters of Stephen King’s The Stand where the stage must first be set—with all the various characters fully operating in their pivotal roles—before the real story can even begin. The characters in The Brotherhood of the Wheel are much more entertaining than the ones in Nightwise, making this a much more engaging and entertaining novel. Other than a strong sense that something big is brewing I don’t know where this series is heading. I eagerly anticipate the next volume.

Bronson Pinchot’s efforts here surpass even his own stellar standards— putting forth one of the best narration performances I have ever heard. He was wonderful narrating Matterhorn. He was fantastic narrating the Grimnoir Chronicles. And he was amazing in the Dead Six books. His effort here is the equal to any of these. Pinchot’s sense of drama and pacing is amazing. He reads this book better than I could possible imagine it in my own head. One brief example: In the middle of the book there is a minor character, an old woman that has maybe two minutes of air time. Pinchot gives her a voice that made me rewind to hear it again. Later I played this scene to a group of friends and all were left slack-jawed when hearing the authentic voice of an old black woman come out of Bronson Pinchot’s voice box. This kind of dramatic involvement is why I love audiobooks. An audiobook is a collaboration between the author and the narrator. R.S. Belcher has given Pinchot a cast of characters on which he can play with. Pinchot’s performance will be the reason I listen to this again; just to remind myself how good an audiobook can be. 

NIGHTWISE by R.S. Belcher

Narrated by Bronson Pinchot

     Variations on a Dresden Theme

I wanted to listen to this book primarily because Bronson Pinchot is at the top of my favorite narrators list. And, as anticipated, the narration is first rate. Mr. Pinchot always puts on a one man show with his many and varied repertoire of character voices. His voices kept bringing me back onto the story. I can recommend Nightwise for Pinchot if for nothing else.

As for the story, I am slightly less enthusiastic. For those of you familiar with the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher will immediately recognize the main thrust of this story. Like the Harry Dresden books there is a wizard-like central character that tries to rid the world of supernatural evils. Nightwise is a much darker book with less lighthearted humor than the Dresden books.  When I finished Nightwise I anticipated more of the same in the sequel. Boy was I wrong…