Too Many Curses

By: A. Lee Martinez

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

The wizard Margle the Horrendous takes special pride in never killing his enemies. Instead, he transforms them into various accursed forms and locks them away in his castle. His halls are filled with his collection of fallen heroes and defeated villains, along with a few ordinary folk who were just unfortunate enough to draw Margles attention. It's Nessy's duty to tend this castle. Its a lot of work, but she manages, taking pride in housekeeping talents that keep the castle from collapsing into chaos. But when Margle suddenly dies, everything begins to unravel.

Nessy finds herself surrounded by monsters, curses, a door that should never be opened, and one very deadly dark wizardess. Nessy doesnt have might or magic on her side; shes just a kobold: short, furry, and sensible. Her allies aren't much better: a voice without a body, an angry fruit bat, a monster under her bed, a wizard in a jar (or some of him, anyway), and a one-eyed, one-horned, flying, purple, people eater. It would be smarter to walk away, but taking care of the castle is Nessy's job, and thats just what she intends to do.If only she could find time to polish the silver while beating back the forces of darkness.

©2008 A. Lee Martinez (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

cute by a little Juvenile

This is a cute story.
I think it's mostly for teenager or younger.
But well written, well performance and fun.

Decent but...

Well if you know Martinez’s work you know what you’re in for.

This has some really nice and interesting characters. But... the story didn’t really grab me this time and it felt just a little flat by the end. I actually listened to the last half hour twice wondering if I missed something. Nope. It just ends.

It’s not a bad book. It’s just not great either. There’s very little mythology meat to back anything up. All in all a little disappointing. But it’s not awful.

A fun family friendly tale for everyone

I can't say how many times I've listened to this story, let alone read it. I have it on kindle, MP3 CD, and now audiobook. Nessie's story is one of dogged determination, unrelenting optimism, and faith that hard work and a positive attitude pays off in the long run. No matter what is thrown at her, from evil wizardsto unwanted houseguests she sees her way through with gritted teeth and a smile. My kids loved this story, it has incredible characters, fantastic monsters, and a noble heroine. I don't think you could ask for more from a fantasy story. The only downside to this tale is that there is no follow up. Martinez seems to mve on after each of his stories to new lands and characters. My kids and I have enjoyed many of his tales whether it was that of a Nameless Witch and her killer duck, or Never Dead Ned, a fellow who doesn't stay dead for long. His stories all have a bigger picture, and a promise of hope.

The writing is humorous and perfectly paced, there is no slow part, nothing drags, and you really worry about the characters. Nessie the Kobold is probably one of the best fantasy characters ever made. She has a lot of depth, and is a great example of what it takes to be a hero.

The narration is done really well, and Toren plays Nessie and the rest with a vigor and vim that few readers achieve. She really makes you empathize with the monster under the bed, worry for Nessie, and wonder what is coming next. She is a great choice for this part. I bought his on my own, did not get a credit for promotion, nor do I know the author. I just know that this is one of the best books that I have ever read. You will feel the same way. Don't miss out.

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this author is the best!!!

I have little time to read and I love his books so this was amazing to listen to while I was driving or doing stock work. I'm going to get another one!

Required Text

A pretty good story with pretty good narration. Entertaining to listen to, but not particularly memorable.

kobolds do not have fur

its a fine light hearted fantasy novel, but had to take off two stars due to the author not knowing the difference between a gnoll and a kobold.

Cute Story

i found it to be a enjoyable story. tho as you can see its not for everyone.
its hard for me to find a good story i like and got lucky with this one.
try the simple and see if that will help you any.
as for the Narrater i think Suzanne Toren did fine on this kind of story.
everyone has there own likes and dislikes.
i always read the reviews and then the simple to try and get a good ideal what its like.
hope this help you... enjoy.. :)

Fantastic

A. Lee Martinez always creates such wonderful and interesting characters , and settings and this book is no expeption. Suzanne Torn was also a nice treat to listen and breathed life into the characters.

I find Suzanne Toren to be a wonderful narrator...

... and "Too Many Curses" is a wonderful, totally original book. The combination is irresistible and unbeatable. A wizard that bubbles when he talks, a fruit bat with a scottish accent, a purple room that's not purple - Martinez's imagination and Toren's talent and easy-to-listen-to voice. I wish she narrated all his books.

fantastic. even better than the book.

having the narrator read different voices for all the different curses really helped bring this story to life for me. the. the book was great but I believe this was better.