Monday, August 30, 2010

Nathaniel Parker: a review

I'm doing something new. Rather than reviewing a book, I am reviewing someone who narrates an audio book.

I first encountered Nathaniel Parker's narration several years ago. I think that was also when I discovered Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer.

However I first discovered Parker, I have come to associate his voice with the Artemis Fowl series because he tells the story so well. Parker uses a different voice and appropriate accents for each character. I don't consider him the best, but he is certainly very good.

...and even though I am enthusiastic, I'm not sure what else to say on the matter, other than perhaps I cannot stand to listen to the audio book of the most recent Artemis Fowl because it has a different narrator. It is too strange to hear someone other than Parker telling the story. I'm so used to Parker's voice.

Below is a YouTube clip of the first ten minutes of the first Artemis Fowl book. If you're interested, you can see (or rather, hear) for yourself what Nathaniel Parker is like.

Enjoy! :)


7 comments:

Arlen said...

I, too, love Nathaniel Parker's audio performances. In fact, I'd go one step further and say I think he IS the best. However, I haven't heard every single audio performer, so perhaps it's not very 'scientific' to make such a categorical statement. But he is the best of all I have heard, and he surely must be in the ranks of the best overall. He's marvellously able and talented and entertaining.

Thanks for the opportunity to post here!

awesomen2005 said...

I am very biased when it comes to Nat Parker. His voice keeps you riveted to the story, and is very soothing, as well as exciting, in that the manner of speaking gives you the feeling you're in the story. His bedtime stories for children are great also. He makes the story come alive!

Thanks for setting up this blog!

Debby said...

I think Nathaniel Parker is the best for audiobooks. Usually I can't stand audiobooks, but the ones Nathaniel did are a treat for the ear. I recommand The Waterhorse. It is a small audiobook (only 2 Cd's), but Nathaniel does such a wonderful job with this book that I can't stop listening to it.

Dancing With Fey said...

Wow, I'm amazed at all the feedback I'm getting! I'll definitely have to review more narrators.

Arlen -- I think I'd say that Brendan Fraser is the best. But then, I haven't listened to every narrator either. lol

Awesomen2005 -- I totally agree.

Debby -- I'd already been sort of curious about The Waterhorse. I'll definitely have to check it out now, on audio book! :)

Anne said...

Dear Sarita,

It is possible for you listen to Nat Parker's narration of all Artemis Fowl books in the series so far. All of them are unabridged but unfortunately not always first choice with retailers. I have found them all with www.audible.com or www.audible.co.uk.
Hope you'll find and enjoy them!

Dancing With Fey said...

Thanks for the info. My family bought "Time Paradox" done by a different narrator, and it just wasn't the same. I assumed that Nathaniel Parker hadn't done a recording of that book, but I'll have to take another look through the links you've provided.

Thanks! :)

Anonymous said...

I'd like to say how much I love Nathaniel Parker's audio recordings as well. They are compelling, and I never tire of listening to them. Only wish he would, or could, do more. Also try 'The Child in Time' by Ian MacEwan - my favourite, if I had to pick one, of the adult books he has read. As for kids books - I agree with Debby, The WaterHorse is an utter delight. I like Pat's description of his soothing yet exciting voice.

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