Darkfever audio book voice

[-vae-]

Ok, so I was thinking about maybe getting the audiobook of Darkfever, and was looking around to see if I could find a sample of the audio. I did, it is done by Joyce Bean, and while she seems good, I can't get over the fact that her voice (although she has the southern belle accent right on) sounds WAY to mature for Mac. I would love to get the audiobooks,but I don't think that I could get past the maturity of her voice, I guess, b/c I have in my head what I think Mac sounds like to me. I dunno, but anyway, here is a link to the audio sample for those that are interested in them too.

http://www.audiobookstand.com/product.asp?AuthorId=910&Titleid=11698

[jilleb163]

Hmm... I think I know what you mean about her voice sounding too mature for Mac. I can sort of get around the nuances of the voice on an audiobook in most cases but DF is written in the first person so I'm not sure I'd be able to, I don't know, get over it or whatever.
I think in a subtle way it's like when we think about who we'd cast in a movie version of any of Karen's books. We all have these ideas in our minds of what these characters look and sound like. You can still picture them however you want but the voices might not sound right. Am I making sense? I hope so. I'm kind of tired, so I'm not sure. :65:
I can't think of anyone off the top of my head whose voice sounds like I think Mac's does. But I'd have like to have heard DF read by a younger actress, maybe Kristen Bell or Maggie Lawson.
Hey, there's a thread idea. Who would you want to read for the DF, BF or FF audiobook?:33:

[BlueCoyote]

dude she sounds like my GRANDMOTHER!!!

i hate fake southern accents.
real southern people (today) dont sound like that...which is why she sounds like my dad's mom. they just dont talk like "Designing Women" anymore. wanna know what southerners sound like? Listen to Larry the Cable Guy or Ron White or Bill Engval... i mean seriously... yucko!!

i would rather hear a valley girl accent than a fake southern accent.. she's supposed to be young and trendy and while she isnt hip to the paranormal, she is still hip to modern times.

[Karen Marie]

That's the first sample I ever heard, too, and I complained that she sounded like Mac's grandma and the accent was overblown, so they changed it.

The actual recording sounds vastly different than the link you posted. I'm not sure how to upload a snippet (or even if I can) but don't judge it by that recording. While Joyce doesn't sound like I hear Mac in my head, I think she does a fabulous job reading the story aloud, and I think the only person who could do it better is me :) because I know exactly how they all sound in my head. You should probably stay tuned on that score, because we're working on a podcast on the website of me reading something from Faefever in the future.

[irelandcastillo]

ooooh i can't wait! i always wished i could hear the inflections in what people say the way that you wrote them karen. also yeah!!! it's from faefever!!

[Sarah_D]

That's the first sample I ever heard, too, and I complained that she sounded like Mac's grandma and the accent was overblown, so they changed it.

The actual recording sounds vastly different than the link you posted. I'm not sure how to upload a snippet (or even if I can) but don't judge it by that recording. While Joyce doesn't sound like I hear Mac in my head, I think she does a fabulous job reading the story aloud, and I think the only person who could do it better is me :) because I know exactly how they all sound in my head. You should probably stay tuned on that score, because we're working on a podcast on the website of me reading something from Faefever in the future.


Oohh I also can't wait for it--the author is always the best one to read something she/he has written, because like you said, you hear their voice.

[Viking Princess]

That's the first sample I ever heard, too, and I complained that she sounded like Mac's grandma and the accent was overblown, so they changed it.

The actual recording sounds vastly different than the link you posted. I'm not sure how to upload a snippet (or even if I can) but don't judge it by that recording. While Joyce doesn't sound like I hear Mac in my head, I think she does a fabulous job reading the story aloud, and I think the only person who could do it better is me :) because I know exactly how they all sound in my head. You should probably stay tuned on that score, because we're working on a podcast on the website of me reading something from Faefever in the future.

YAY!!!! that will be amazing! I can't wait to hear it :D

[Pyxie]

That's the first sample I ever heard, too, and I complained that she sounded like Mac's grandma and the accent was overblown, so they changed it.

The actual recording sounds vastly different than the link you posted. I'm not sure how to upload a snippet (or even if I can) but don't judge it by that recording. While Joyce doesn't sound like I hear Mac in my head, I think she does a fabulous job reading the story aloud, and I think the only person who could do it better is me :) because I know exactly how they all sound in my head. You should probably stay tuned on that score, because we're working on a podcast on the website of me reading something from Faefever in the future.


oh, I can't wait to hear a podcast that will be great!!! :2v-vi:

[Viking Princess]

You're gonna read something from Faefever right, Karen? Right???? *nudge nudge* :03::03:

[Debbie_D]

...because we're working on a podcast on the website of me reading something from Faefever in the future.

Thanks for the heads up on this Karen because I've never listened to a podcast and wouldn't know how; now I have time to learn... can anyone help?

[Leiha]

Debbie, don't worry, we'll have it set up so that it is very user friendly, similar to how the Neil's I am Not Afraid song is set up, where all you have to do is hit play.

[Debbie_D]

YEAH! Thanks! :2v-vi:

[Sarah_D]

Thanks for the heads up on this Karen because I've never listened to a podcast and wouldn't know how; now I have time to learn... can anyone help?

Here's an example:
http://www.dianagabaldon.com/
Go to the fun section, press "Podcasts" and scroll down. There they are and you just press 'em.
I don't know if you've readen her books.

[bap7249]

Debbie, don't worry, we'll have it set up so that it is very user friendly, similar to how the Neil's I am Not Afraid song is set up, where all you have to do is hit play.
When I read KMM's note about a Pod Cast I nearly died...I have enough trouble navigating thru the forum, but I haven't a clue about a pod cast...thanks to you and KMM for the info, I know that I can click play...btw, I just got my audio of DarkFever and BloodFever and the voice is great...bap7249:2v-vi:

[Mackalena]

A podcast?! Awesome!!
As for the audiobooks -- I am a huge fan of audiobooks and have both DF and BF. There often isn't room in my life to sit and read, but audiobooks on my ipod go everywhere with me. I get the best cleaning/dishes while I am listening!!

The voice took me by surprise but I got used to it quickly. Like a movie version of your favorite book, the performer may interpret things differently than I read them (for KMM I always read the hard copy first). But also like a movie, it brings the story alive in a different way and I enjoy that. Ideally I want KMM to read it!!

Pleeeease read some on your Podcast Ms Moning!!

[BlueCoyote]

A podcast?! Awesome!!
As for the audiobooks -- I am a huge fan of audiobooks and have both DF and BF. There often isn't room in my life to sit and read, but audiobooks on my ipod go everywhere with me. I get the best cleaning/dishes while I am listening!!

The voice took me by surprise but I got used to it quickly. Like a movie version of your favorite book, the performer may interpret things differently than I read them (for KMM I always read the hard copy first). But also like a movie, it brings the story alive in a different way and I enjoy that. Ideally I want KMM to read it!!

Pleeeease read some on your Podcast Ms Moning!!


thats usually why i tend to shy away from audio books. movies i can handle being kinda lame.. i expect that. but i am new to the world of audio books and thats consecrated ground for me lol i know a book is going to be changed by director, editor, script writer... but reading directly from the book and not reacting the same as i imagine? no tanks! :65:

however a librarian was telling me about podcasts when i was there the other day. she said that might end the battle of the lamps at bedtime..
what! and spoil ALL my fun!?!?

[Mackalena]

thats usually why i tend to shy away from audio books. movies i can handle being kinda lame.. i expect that. but i am new to the world of audio books and thats consecrated ground for me lol i know a book is going to be changed by director, editor, script writer... but reading directly from the book and not reacting the same as i imagine? no tanks! :65:

however a librarian was telling me about podcasts when i was there the other day. she said that might end the battle of the lamps at bedtime..
what! and spoil ALL my fun!?!?

I hear ya. I have the same issues with music. Can't watch music videos because it ruins my association with the song. That makes me a bit of a freak in our culture -- but oh well. Music is powerful for me. Now podcasts... can't wait to hear KMM read!

[BlueCoyote]

i'm sorta the same about music videos too.. i'm a music video freak and i HAVE to see the video to see if it matches what i imagine. if it doesnt then i just ignore the fact that the video exists or try to make my own in youtube lol

i dont know how the new voice sounds but i hope its better than the first one i heard lol that was just over the top for me! can you imagine that voice detailing the scene in the burren!?!? ewwwww!!!

nah Mac needs a perky voice..

[Pyxie]

can you imagine that voice detailing the scene in the burren!?!? ewwwww!!!
LMAO! ewwwwww(!!!) is right.

[claudia celestial girl]

I have to chime in and tell you that I have the all the KMM audiobooks, and I TOTALLY love Joyce Bean and her voices - I think she does a credible job on Mac, but she's awesome on JB - he comes across as very sexy - although, of course, that could be the writing. She is great as V'Lane, she is great as Alina (awesome beach scene, and separating the two Lane sisters by voice), she does great as Jack and Rainey Lane, as inspector O'Duffy (doing the English accent), and even as the Grey Man. The only crit I would levy is that she does JB in an Irish accent, and JB has an unplaceable Mediterranean accent. Nevertheless, she does a GREAT JB. I guess I would also critisize her Scottish voice, as Christian MacKeltar does not sound very good.

But all in all, I HIGHlY recommend the audiobook. I personally think she does the male voices better than Phil Gigante (who reads the Highlander books) does the female voices.

At bottom though, it is yet another way to enjoy the Fever experience, so that alone is a good enough reason (in my opinion) for folks to listen to them. :happy_face_waving:

ps - I have a lot of audiobooks ,and I have to agree that one's experience with an audiobook is entirely dependent upon the reader's voice, and if you get a bad reader it can be a bad experience. So I'm with you on sampling and making sure the reader is right for you.

[Deedle Bugg]

Where do u get the audio tapes!!!!!??????? I've been looking everywhere!

[mzapata]

Yea, at first I thought she sounded too old, and that was sooo not what I thought Barrons sounded like.

I'm now in love with both DF and BF on audio. I commute to school 70 miles round trip so these CDs help me pass the time.

I've listened to both over and over and love them even more. I loved the part (in the book) in the grotto when Mac was dying. When listening to it on CD I actually cried.

She grows on you after a while:2v-vi:

[LostFate25]

She sounds like an old lady, lol. ur so right! it sounds horrible... i have a hard time paying attention to it! reading it is 10x better!

[WeeJamie]

Where do u get the audio tapes!!!!!??????? I've been looking everywhere!
I ordered mine from Amazon and Barnes and Noble

[WeeJamie]

That's the first sample I ever heard, too, and I complained that she sounded like Mac's grandma and the accent was overblown, so they changed it.

The actual recording sounds vastly different than the link you posted. I'm not sure how to upload a snippet (or even if I can) but don't judge it by that recording. While Joyce doesn't sound like I hear Mac in my head, I think she does a fabulous job reading the story aloud, and I think the only person who could do it better is me :) because I know exactly how they all sound in my head. You should probably stay tuned on that score, because we're working on a podcast on the website of me reading something from Faefever in the future.
That would great! I've listened to DF and BF and now I have Joyce's voice stuck in my head for Mac and sadly for JB isn't at all how I imagined him but with all that said I loved listening to the audio books. It really helped with the pronunciation. Hope she is saying it right!

[Shewolfe]

Where do u get the audio tapes!!!!!??????? I've been looking everywhere!

Whoa, I just got a hot flash looking at your signature pic. Whew!! Humanuh humanuh... :drool-vi:

[jeant]

That's the first sample I ever heard, too, and I complained that she sounded like Mac's grandma and the accent was overblown, so they changed it.

The actual recording sounds vastly different than the link you posted. I'm not sure how to upload a snippet (or even if I can) but don't judge it by that recording. While Joyce doesn't sound like I hear Mac in my head, I think she does a fabulous job reading the story aloud, and I think the only person who could do it better is me :) because I know exactly how they all sound in my head. You should probably stay tuned on that score, because we're working on a podcast on the website of me reading something from Faefever in the future.


I just came across this thread and wanted to be sure I haven't missed Karen doing a podcast. If it has let me know how to find it or get it, or if it hasn't happened yet, is it still in the works??? Please Karen please???!! I would love to hear you do Mac because she talked (or talks) to you. That would be an awesome treat!! Thanks for all you already do for us Maniacs!!! :2v-vi:

[Ms. Sputnik]

I have both audiobooks and I think she does a fine job EXCEPT I don't care for her personification of JZB. Her Scottish burr is okay, but she sounds a bit like she has inhaled helium. I listen to a lot of audiobooks, however, and my problems with them are nearly always when a person of one gender reads the parts of the other gender. I don't know if you can get around it unless you get both a male and female reader for each book which they do every once in awhile but not often.

[Anita]

That's the first sample I ever heard, too, and I complained that she sounded like Mac's grandma and the accent was overblown, so they changed it.

The actual recording sounds vastly different than the link you posted. I'm not sure how to upload a snippet (or even if I can) but don't judge it by that recording. While Joyce doesn't sound like I hear Mac in my head, I think she does a fabulous job reading the story aloud, and I think the only person who could do it better is me :) because I know exactly how they all sound in my head. You should probably stay tuned on that score, because we're working on a podcast on the website of me reading something from Faefever in the future.


AHH! YEAH! I can't wait!

[Sunbunny]

Good Gravey!!! That women sounded like one of the "Golden Girls"! Blanch to be spacific.Ya, her voice sounded way to old to me (mature) and the Southern accent was a little overdone. I just listened to some of the sample. I am going to finish it in a minute...um...:nah:

[boromirbeauty]

Is the woman who does the audiobook the same woman who does the podcasts? And who is the male host of the podcast?
I'm new here, sorry if this isn't the right place to ask. :unsure:

[RedXava]

Hehehe...this thread is a hoot. I agree, Joyce ain't no spring chicken :smiley_chicken: but my biggest beef with the audiobook is her rendition of JB. He sounds like a leprechaun . The JB in my head has a very deep, sophisticated voice and doesn't roll his r's.

I think Joyce has watched Steel Magnolias and Gone With the Wind too many times. I would guess that she has never even visited the south. Despite all this though, I still plan on listening more. Maybe her voice will grow on me. This is my first time listening to an audiobook and I like the fact that I can do other things while listening.

[aprilmm]

I think Joyce has watched Steel Magnolias and Gone With the Wind too many times. I would guess that she has never even visited the south.

:biglaugh: That's so funny, I thought the same thing. As soon as she started talking the image I got of her was Scarlett O'Hara. lol Like you, I'm still gonna keep listening.

[janna7]

The more you listen to the podcast the more you get used to Joyce's voice as that of Mac - her southern accent isn't really that bad. I have lived in the south all my life, but my southern accent is much difference than the deep south southern accent - so there are many different southern accents - I am used to it. We all drop the g in words ending in ing, we all say ya'll, we all drawl out our words - but just a little differently depending on the southern region. (ha!)

I am having a harder time getting used to the other characters being spoken by her, too. I would have rather had a male voice do the male voices and Joyce do all the female voices. I can't imagine how hard it must be to try to do a male voice when you are a woman. But that is growing on me too.

Janna

[Kathryn]

I thought the same thing at first, but then I remembered that the whole story is being told after it happened, as more of a remembrance. She says it is one year after she first arrived in dublin when she first starts narrating, so we know she's looking back and reliving the moments, not telling them as they happen. Perhaps the events of that year mature her in many ways, including vocally.

[Celia]

I agree about Mac sounding a bit older than her 22 years -- the voice is one I would imagine for her mother. She is great as Fiona though - she's nailed the Irish accent.

Even though Joyce Bean doesn't sound very much like the Mac most of us have come up with in our imagination, when I listen to the podcast, I think of other voices that I would have heard read the Fever serier. My "imagined voice" (so far) is a mix of Kyra Sedgwick and Julia Roberts, and I end up hearing that voice instead of the one on the podcast! I'm still working on the voices for Jericho, Barrons & V'lane, they're ever-changing. With the podcast being broadcast in installments, I'm end up thinking more about the story and really using my imagination.

Karen, thank you so much for the podcast & the Bloodfever excerpt! Even though I had already read the books, it i still wonderful and exciting the second time around. I can't wait for Faefever to be delivered (except I pre-ordered it from Amazon, so they don't ship it until the 16th :( I may have to go to the bookstore here and have 2 books! Not so bad. I also ordered Bloodfever for a refresher course!

[ManyMusings]

I completely agree that it sounds more like Mac's grandmother! lol
I am having some issues listening to it. Seriously, she sounds like she is in her 50's or 60's!

Not how I could hear her inside my head while reading. hehe

I almost picture a Reese Whitherspoon like character as Mac.

That's the first sample I ever heard, too, and I complained that she sounded like Mac's grandma and the accent was overblown, so they changed it.

The actual recording sounds vastly different than the link you posted. I'm not sure how to upload a snippet (or even if I can) but don't judge it by that recording. While Joyce doesn't sound like I hear Mac in my head, I think she does a fabulous job reading the story aloud, and I think the only person who could do it better is me :) because I know exactly how they all sound in my head. You should probably stay tuned on that score, because we're working on a podcast on the website of me reading something from Faefever in the future.

[Putergrl1]

I used to travel 45 min to work in the a.m. and usually the same drive took me nearly 2 hours at night so I got into listening to audiobooks. At the time, my tastes leaned toward romance, some mystery and more romance. Audiobooks and some of the awesome readers (you definitely develop your favorites!) got me into reading books I never would have picked up given the time constraints of my job and my hobby of cross-stitching. At that time, I also grew away from watching TV as a lot of good shows had ended and nothing exciting interested me either so I listened to more audio at home. My husband started traveling farther with his job...Christmas came and we gave him an iPod for listening to his audiobooks. His tastes ranged from Sci-fi to Westerns to Political thrillers. Audible has better and longer previews to listen before buying. They also have options for getting 1 or 2 a month at a reduced cost. Being a member of their "club", you get an even further reduced rate and lots of sales. My husband and I love having this in common. Now, we just argue which books to buy each month! Our tastes have completely flipped (except the westerns). He reads the romances and I read the sci-fi/paranormal and thrillers. :wlaugh:
Mac has grown on me tho. At first, I thought she sounded old but I read all three books one right after the other twice and now I can't imagine her any other way.

[Surfie]

I almost picture a Reese Whitherspoon like character as Mac.

That's what I was thinking too. I'd even be able to see Reese as Mac in the movie. For anyone who has only seen her as the sweet girly type as she is in many of her movies, I'd suggest renting Freeway. That was the first Reese Witherspoon movie I ever saw. Very different character than most of her movies!

Did anyone ever answer if the woman doing the podcasts is the same person as the one reading for the audiobook? I only listened to the first few minutes of the first podcast, so I do hope her voice grows on me more. I think if Mac was telling the story when she was in her 60's or so, like maybe she could be telling her kids or grandkids or something, than it would be much more suited. I haven't heard her do any of the other voices yet, so I can't comment on them. Another thing that my brain doesn't like is hearing someone else read the story with a different inflection and different delivery than I hear in my mind when reading the book. I keep re-saying the lines in my head the way my brain thinks they "should" have been delivered. Again, I hope it's something I can get past, because I've always wanted to get into audiobooks so I can get chores done and "read" at the same time!! I would LOVE to listen to a book while out on a nice long walk. And some of the scenes would certainly help me keep up a fast pace!!

I wonder if I would enjoy it better if I hadn't already read the book first.