Jungle of Stone by William Carlsen Book Review

Jungle of Stone is an intriguing adventure of John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood in the deep jungles of what is now Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras for the search of the lost civilization of the Mayans. Dripping with grave details of the adventures of Stephens and Catherwood, you will easily feel as if you are discovering the ancient ruins yourself.

Jungle of Stone is put together extremely well and is based off of research from Stephen’s well detailed journals and Catherwood’s amazing illustrations of the journey as well. The simple concept of wondering into an aggressive jungle in the mid 1800’s to look for a lost civilization is either mad or brave. William Carlsen does an excellent job of surrounding you in the depths of the jungle. Carlsen quickly has you feeling every emotion that the adventurers felt and you can’t help but feel inspired by their determination.

Paul Michael Garcia does a wonderful job as the narrator. Garcia quickly sets the tone of the adventure and also changes it up to have you feel every emotion that Carlsen is attempting to portray. Again, Garcia does a wonderful job of separating each and every character and is flawless with giving the appropriate accents.

If you’re a fan of adventures, lost civilizations or even South America in general, get this book! You will not be disappointed. The only complaint I have is towards the end of the book. I understand what the author was attempting to do by giving a sense of closure and updates about Stephens and Catherwood’s life after the jungle discoveries. However, the closure drags on way too long in my honest opinion.

Story: 4/5

Narration: 5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

Pros: Great detail of the environment and of the adventures.

Cons: The ending drags on too long.

You can obtain the audiobook from downpour.com by clicking here.

The Cartel by Don Winslow Audiobook Review

Don Winslow does it again! He delivers a direct punch to your gut with the brutal realities of the brutal war on drugs against the Mexican Cartel. Dragging you by the back of your shirt throughout the entire book and then throwing you out the door when you’re done.

The Cartel continues off of Don Winslow’s book, The Power of the Dog. Winslow has you follow DEA agent Art Keller and his obsession to take down the drug lord, Adan Barrera. Winslow also has the reader/listener follow Barrera’s side of the war as well. Creating an excellent view of both sides of the war. Is Keller obsessive compulsive on taking down Barrera? Or is he so “institutionalized” in the war on drugs that he does not know how to get out of government work?

Ray Porter narrates the audiobook and does an incredible job as always. I may be a little biased since Porter is definitely one of my favorite narrators. Regardless of my favoritism, Porter does an excellent job of giving each character their own voice and he also nails the accents of the many characters within the book.

Don Winslow plays out the drama of the battle between Art Keller, Adan Barrera, government red tape, corrupt governments, and the drama and stress that each character is going through. There are a few slow parts throughout the book. However, they do not last long and Winslow hits you with more excitement quickly.

My only complaint about the book is that is seems as if the ending was somewhat rushed for a conclusion. Other than the ending, if you’re a fan of special agents, special forces or government drama. You need to read or give this book a listen immediately! You will not be disappointed!

Story: 4/5

Narration: 5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

Pros: Fast paced story with a very interesting cast of characters.

Cons: A few slow parts (nothing bad) and (what feels like) a rushed ending.

You can obtain the audiobook, DRM free from downpour.com by clicking here.