Demon Cycle Audiobooks
I never used to be a big audiobook listener. Up until a few years ago, the only audiobook I had ever owned was The Gunslinger, by Stephen King, which someone gave me when I was a kid and bedridden with the flu. It was on cassette tape, so you can imagine how long ago that was.
The Gunslinger was read by Stephen King himself, and in the introduction, he commented on what he saw as the value of audiobooks being read by the author. This was something that stuck with me.
Many years later, when I sold the audio rights to my first novel, The Warded Man, to Recorded Books, I remembered those words, and told my agent that I would like to narrate the audiobook myself. I’ve been told I have a good reading voice, and I already knew how to pronounce all my made up words. I knew which words to emphasize to get the most out of each sentence, delivering it to the listener just as it was in my head when written.
Both my agent and Recorded Books were a bit taken aback by my request. This was not at all the norm, as standard practice was to hire professional voice actor to do narration. But I stuck to my guns, and RB agreed to let me come in to they NY sound studio and audition. It was weird, having to auditioning to narrate my own work, but I went in full of confidence, and delivered a stellar audition.
Or so I thought.
A couple weeks later, they got in touch thanking me for my audition, but telling me they were taking a pass in favor of Broadway actor Pete Bradbury.
Grrr. Who was this Pete Bradbury, and what made him so darn special? I was annoyed, but my agent convinced me to let it go in the interests of delivering the highest quality audiobook possible. I was given audio samples of Bradbury’s work, and couldn’t deny the man was talented.
Soon after, RB got in touch again. Pete had read the book, loved it, and sent a LONG list of words he wanted proper pronunciation for. Character names, Krasian words, stuff I made up, etc.
I was somewhat mollified. If it wasn’t going to be me pronouncing everything, at least they were working with me to make sure it was done right.
A few months later, the 18 hour audiobook was sent to me for a quality check. I hadn’t listened to an audiobook in years, but I am a firm believer that everything with my name on it is part of my global brand, and I want to make sure it is all of the best quality possible. I started listening to it while going for long walks in the park.
I was immediately taken in by Bradbury’s rendition. I had been afraid he would be tempted to overact, making up voices, creating fake accents, and speaking in falsetto for the female characters. Instead, Bradbury made subtle changes in tone and inflection as he read, making it clear who was speaking without resorting to excess theatrics. His voice is deep and rich, with just a touch of gravel. I felt like a kid sitting by the fire as my grandfather read me a book.
I shifted overnight from being annoyed at Pete to one of his biggest boosters, recommending the audiobooks enthusiastically, and listening to them multiple times to help me refresh myself on events when working on the next books. I also became an audiobook fan in general, and have listened to quite a few books by other authors/narrators since then.
Some months later, I learned quite by accident that there were UK audiobook versions of The Painted Man and The Desert Spear on sale. I had known the rights sold in the UK, but had assumed that the producers there, like the ones in the US, would be in touch during production.
On request, I was sent copies of the UK versions of the first two books, but was disappointed to learn upon listening that, having not been consulted, the new narrator, Peter Joyce, mispronounced most every name and made-up word in the books. Statistically, you would think they would have guessed right a few times, but alas. It was difficult for me to even listen.
It wasn’t a matter of the narrator, precisely. While more theatrical than I prefer, Peter Joyce is unquestionably talented, and lord knows we Americans are used to narrators with a British accent. I just felt quite strongly that it was not presenting my work properly and consistently.
This was in 2010. After some discussions with my agents, I requested that the UK license the author-approved Pete Bradbury version of the audio moving forward, to maintain consistency and quality control for the global brand. The decision was mine, and mine alone. The Daylight War was still years from completion, though, so it seemed a distant prospect.
Fast forward to the present. The Daylight War has launched in both countries, with Pete Bradbury as the worldwide audio narrator. I realize this comes as a jarring transition for some UK audio fans who had become accustomed to the Joyce performance, a few of whom have posted their feelings on the blog and on audible. I do apologize for that. However, I continue to believe that Bradbury puts forward the best performance in line with how I want my work presented. Given the chance, I honestly believe he will win over any doubters.
I am currently in talks with Voyager, my UK publisher, in hopes of making the Bradbury versions of the first two books available in the UK as well, so there can be consistency moving forward. I was delaying this post until I had a clear plan on that front, but sometimes these things move slowly.
If you’re interested in a more theatrical performance of the books on audio, I recommend giving the Graphic Audio productions a try.
With original music and a full cast of incredibly talented voice actors, Graphic Audio has really created something special and unique that I endorse fully. GA is contracted to produce the entire series, including the novellas. So far they have The Warded Man and The Desert Spear up for sale, but they will be adding The Daylight War, The Great Bazaar and Brayan’s Gold shortly. If you are outside the US, you can visit their international page.
Is much as I hate to admit it been listing to bradders for a while now getting use to it but haven’t gone back to book 1 yet I think you should get us the first 2 books free for all the people conned out of the Joyce version that brought Joyce is there a decent bone in you peat
I still can’t bring myself to re listen to it as its just not the same book now. It’s lost it’s shine and I’m not alone in thinking this. There are so many people asking for Peter Joyce on iTunes and they all feel gutted. You just have to read the reviews to see it with your own eyes!
hi,
I’d really like to cut to the chase with this now, and sorry to be blunt but are you willing to allow a version read by Peter Joyce or not?
All we want now is a straight Yes or No.
I really love the books but I’ve tried the other version and it doesn’t work for the UK market.
Not to pressure you or anything but… if the answers no then please bear in mind that it will feel like youve ignored the feedback from the people who help put money in your pocket…
Your first book the painted man is the first book I have ever bothered to finish . I have brought the 2 nod as audio book but I find reading it so much more fun using my imagination . It shouldn’t matter who reads your work on audio book it’s how we interpreted it that’ matters so to any one moaning . Pick up your book and let your own imagination set free x thank you for such a wonderful and fantastic world to escape too x you should be very proud x
Craig I think you are missing the point that not everyone can read the books! Me I have them on while I’m at work or driving. Other people are hard of sight or blind and that is what the audio book market is amed at. To have a change in narrator mid books for us just kills the flow of the book as we have build up our world in our head and its changed.
Most of the guys on here are asking peat to change his mind as we feel invested in the book that we have already.
nice to see you’re taking notice Mr Brett… ah, you’re not are you?!? my mistake. let me apologize and please rest assured I won’t bother you with silly things, like buying anything with your name on it ever again. I won’t put you to the trouble of taking my money . so sorry for bothering you… opps , there I go again forgetting you couldn’t give a [insert offensive word of choice]
PS. if your bothered about how your work is represented in the media you may want to have a think about how ignoring your fans looks. To me, it makes you look like an arrogant fool.
Thanks to those of you who have been supportive and shown a mature understanding of the situation. I truly appreciate it.
There appears to be a belief among some that I can simply wave my hand and make the publisher do as I wish with regards to the audiobooks. Let me assure you this is not the case. I have been in talks with them on this issue for months, and as with all things in publishing, these things take time—especially in subjective situations like these, where the right answer is not entirely clear. A great many people have enjoyed the Bradbury reading of Daylight War. Another change would jar them as much as the switch from Joyce did some here.
You can all be assured I have taken everyone’s opinions into account, even those delivered in rude manner. Work is ongoing to come up with a consistent performance ongoing and hopefully back-dated to the previous books. It is not entirely up to me, as either buying old masters of Bradbury or recording a new narrator both come with considerable expense to Voyager.
No doubt that whatever the outcome, some people will not be pleased. I apologize for that, as of course I want to make all my listeners happy, but this is one of those situations in life where pleasing everyone is impossible.
As the Brits have had peter Joyce from the start and the expense was ok then why can’t he finish it?
It was only by chance that you found out that he was doing it and it all had been fine till then. Let Happer Collins pick up the bill over here as thats who are publish it here.
There are so many people that enjoy the books and asking for this to be sorted so they can enjoy them again.
We start with…
“Strong opinions about how my work is presented in all media”
and
“I requested that the UK license the author-approved Pete Bradbury version of the audio moving forward”
We move on to…
“the right answer is not entirely clear”
and
“It is not entirely up to me”
If you get bored with being an author there’s always politics, you appear to have a knack for distancing yourself from your decisions.
Man up and admit you could have handled it better when you work was mispronounced, or that maybe, just maybe you made a mistake. If Microsoft can do it…
Such a cope out response. So let down.
This diatribe is totally inappropriate. Peat has decided to simplify the audiobook issue but maintaining a consistent narrator, who doesn’t just make up pronunciations for names. I admit I love Peter Joyce as a narrator but his pronunciations are pretty bad, Royae instead of Rojer? I mean on people, I understand why it is a bit of a problem for some people but suck it up. Peats the writer, not the supreme overlord of publishing; sounds a tad ungrateful if you ask me.
For us peter Joyce would have been consistent and not changing to pete Bradbury!
You only have to hear how we talk and you will get words sounding different.
It’s all to do with Vowels and Consonants. The each side of the pond emphasis them in a different way.
At the end of the day the listening public are asking for peter Joyce.
well L. J. Fielding, while I may be bitter I’ve not been abusive and neither have the vast majority of the fans on here. unless you count suggesting Mr Brett go in to politics 🙂
I find your suggestion that we should suck it up and accept what we’re given offensive. This is a place for us to feed back and express our feelings on this subject. Too many people have fought for, and defended our right to freedom of speech. if you don’t like it can I suggest you keep that to yourself.
Mr Brett is not the overlord of publishing, he’s then person who stepped in and stopped the Peter Joyce version of the daylight war, and probably the only one who can do anything about it. Its his mess (sorry, that’s just how I feel) and he should clean it up.
Mr Brett has not simplified anything or introduced consisstency , he’s done the opposite for the UK.
Luke nice painting of pete!
Well Chris,
Firstly you politics comment is a non-sequitur.
Secondly, nowhere did I say that other people shouldn’t comment or quash freedom of speech, frankly I find that allegation absurd.
I was merely giving my opinion and your assessment of it utterly hypocritical! You encourage ‘feedback and expressing out feelings’ on here, then you proceed to say ‘keep that to yourself’.
Back to the actual point, Peat has the right to do whatever he wishes in regards to his property. I would love to have Peter Joyce back on the audiobooks but it would be mere common courtesy to consult Peat when it comes to pronunciation.
Lastly, thanks Chris 😀
crap i meant David. Damn these contact lenses.
And pete should trust the people that know the markets where his books as released to know what works. The majority of people here and on other reviews i have read are asking for peter Joyce to carry on the uk vursion.
I know that we would all like to move on from this and get back to how good the books are.
Come on pete give us what we have been asking for.
Shattered – it’s not that I dislike the new narrator it’s that you can’t start a serious with one voice and set of characters than change them – I’m Australian and only lasted 30 sec into the book – than tried 30 min and gave up – real shame as I loved it – returning it today – thanks for the ride Peter ill wait a couple of years and read the ending ………
You just have to think of the markets that the books are targeted at. Me personally I cringe every time an American says the word ” aluminium”! There are so many words they change from how we say them!
How would the French take it if an American did the audio book for them.
Come on pete see where we are coming from and sort out. You are cutting your nose off to spite your face. We are all trying to get more people to listen to your books and this is coursing a bit of a road block to moving forward!
That’s a really nice, succinct analogy Chris.
Well done 🙂
Ps. Hope I spelt your name correctly, really sorry if not :p
David I see where you are coming from m8 as do so many others that have taken there time to post reply’s to pete. After all we all have one thing in common, we like the book!
I’ve generally been inclined to leave all the comments relatively unmoderated on this thread so people feel they have a place to air their grievances, even when they are being rude about it, or trolling.
However, my website is not a forum for personal attacks between commenters, and I am going to start deleting those.
I continue to work with Voyager to find a way to have consistency in narration, but those pressing for a return of Peter Joyce are apt to be disappointed in that regard.
We can always hope peat!
Just a brief note on Peat’s mispronunciation of a word that is not his own. In a reading from The Daylight War Peat repeats po-teen. We all know its Irish/Celtic origin and correct pronunciation of po-cheen. By the way, even J.R.R. Tolkien was known to mispronounce some of his own words. All a bit churlish really. (I have no interest in audio books; as another commentator stated, the pronunciation in my head will remain correct to me.)
I wish you the best of luck for your future protjects. This is where my own particular journey in your world comes to an end.
I cannot bring myself to invest in someone who appears to me to have no interest in treating the UK as an independent entity. As someone else said, you’ve not treated the narrators for other countrys in the same way.
This will have all the impact of throwing a pebble at a mountain, I know, but as there is no other avenue of expressing my discontent its the one i will follow. With the exception of Unfrettered I will not be purchasing any of your work.
If you ever feel like treating us like something other than the 51st state I’ll be back with coffee and doughnuts. Until then, so long and thanks for all the fish.
Dear Mr Brett
Whilst I am certain you are sick to death of reading comments on the change in narrator I am moved to add my own comments which are few and pointed. I was not a huge fan of Peter Joyce’s delivery but at least I could understand him.
When I started listening to The Daylight War I thought there was something wrong with my speakers. The nasal mumble from Mr Bradbury is incoherent. I shall not listen any further and will attempt to obtain a refund.
Yours sincerely
Jane McKay
That was the worst decision you have ever made. You are a great writer but a dead set fucking idiot. You have ruined the 3rd book for me!
Whoa there Tim. While I completely understand your feelings of disappointment , and the whole ‘What the f…’ slap in the face, kick in the jewels 95% of us still feel I’m not sure that language will help get anything changed. In all honesty I dont think anything will help Mr Brett understand what his decision actually means to people in the UK but I do keep checking back here on the off chance the penny drops and the right decision gets made.
On the plus side you’re not alone in the way you feel. Also, if you got it fron audible youve at least got a money back guarantee
You would think that the publishers would have given him feed back asking him to change his mind!
This is a complete waste of time. He obviously is not going to change his mind no matter what we say. To be honest, I don’t even know why I keep checking back here. I wish I had never purchased any of the audiobooks.
Actually, there has been something in the works for a long time, but I have been holding off the announcement until it is locked in.
Hi Peat, that’s good to hear. Still waiting patiently and look forward to the news.
Another week of hope starts again!
Yey go Peat I keep checking this blog every once in awhile for a change although I have listened to Bradbury and have forced my self to manage it only cos the story’s so dam gd Grrrr. when I start from book one and then get to book three it’s always aannoying and then I normally check the blog to see if anything has changed or if there’s any thing on book 4 fingers crosses people’s ps Chris nice to see you hanging on in there my son keep up the Good work
Colin it looks like there are a number of us that keep checking in, just goes to show how we all feel about it!
Right on brother
I’m a late comer to Peter V Brett’s books and this blog post. I just finished the second audiobook and was shocked to find that the third had a different narrator.
I understand where Peter is coming from in his desire to have his work sound like he imaged, but the decision to change at this point in the story completely breaks all immersion in the tale. It’s like watching the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, only to find all the actors had been switched in Return of the King. It wouldn’t matter if all the actors were better quality, or better suited to the roles. It just breaks the verisimilitude.
I’m so disappointed.
I guess my opinion won’t count for much since the decision has long since been made, but I hope those involved with making it realise just how much this has affected our enjoyment of the series.
P.S. Peter Bradbury sounds like a good narrator from the sample I’ve heard, and this is nothing against him.
We know matt Dobson we know I feel your pain when I first went the buy the third audio book I was proper gutted
I have had to try 3 times now to listen to it. I’ve only made it to the end once and have not been able to bring my self to listen to it again! 🙁 the other two book ive had on more than any of my audio books.
It’s just such a shame.
Hi there! Just finished both Peter Joyce readings and really looking forward to The Daylight War. Please, please tell us that there will indeed be a UK version featuring Peter Joyce coming (& when!!).
I’m afraid that I too fall in the same category as so many others that are bitterly disappointed and stunned at this decision. whereas I understand Peters reasons, I can’t help but feel that an entire demographic has been rolled over in order to mollify or someway compensate for the fact that Peter was not consulted in the first place regarding the UK audio rights.
By Peters own admission he had not listened to Audiobooks in years and after listening to the 18 hour Bradbury rendition was sold. I can’t help but wonder how this would have panned out had he listened to the Joyce version first? and having done so, how he would have felt subsequently then listening to the Bradbury edition.
Peter also goes on to describe his disappointment at the Joyce version; this disappointment by virtue of the fact he will not allow a UK version [the decision was mine, and mine alone] he now revisits on every unsuspecting new UK listener!! loyalty works both way Pete.
This is not about your vanity, ego or the representation of your work; it is about a mistake that was made in publishing in the early stages of your career pure and simple. A mistake that your now trying to repair…. to our detriment!
Peter do the right thing!
Hey Peat…
Just checked back into this blog post. It seems that you may have some news for us!
Sounds exciting – i’ll pop back soon.
All the best,
Ollie
Soon. Very soon. Waiting on final confirmation…
Time to dust of the painted man again then!
Hey Pete…
I at first was really miffed with the decision to replace Peter Joyce but having read you reasons behind the change I can fully understand your view point on looking after your brand. I was just wondering if there is any way of getting hold of the Peter Bradbury audiobooks in the UK for the Painted man and Desert spear as I would like to listen to them first before getting daylight war. Keep up the good work as your books awesome
I noticed after researching other sites all the negative reviews of this book are from paperback readers only *** this audiobook read by Peter Joyce ** (not read by Pete Bradbury) is amazing and same with the follow up ‘The Desert Spear’ I highly recommend it – the most entertaining audiobook i have heard. But be-where because the 3rd book is only narrated by Pete Bradbury and it will destroy your enjoyment of the series – I still recommend the Peter Joyce narration of the book because i know it will change your attitude of audiobooks and if enough people get on side, hopefully the author will realise the importance of keeping Peter Joyce as a narrator for the British audience. the difference to the listener is unbelievable – Joyce makes this book epic and so exciting you get drawn right in – ‘The Desert Spear’ is the same just try it once (it may not be as cheap as the paperback but it is worth every penny if you compare it to going to the cinema to watch an epic movie which would only last 3hrs max) i am a complete convert, i rarely read books, i used to love the movies but they get a bit boring these days – but a few audio books out there read by the right narrator change the whole experience of entertainment from the page. – i believe the main problem is most paperback readers scan over and miss out bits or even pages unless the story is gripping 100% of the time – difficult to produce – but the right narrator delivers entertainment that makes or breaks a story. This book is a perfect example of that fact, just read the reviews of people that fell in love with this book narrated by Peter Joyce and now are devastated stuck with the Pete Bradbury 3rd book, why do that to yourself?…. because nothing will change unless enough followers create enough noise! it does blow me away noticing that a lot of American reviewers love Pete Bradbury’s narration too but it does become obvious after reading their reviews. They lack passion and they just love the book as another fantasy story rather than an epic adventure that you get addicted to. Night! i better stop rambling…
You are spot on simon!
is anyone else seeing a pattern in these comments :p
come on Mr Brett so teasing with hints and let us know if you’re listening to us 🙂
do the right thing and I’ll donate the cost of two decent coffees and a dozen crispy creame doughnuts to the charity of your choice. Or FedEx them to your agent. Your choice 😀
There is no teasing and no “right thing”. When there is a signed deal, I will announce the plan. I’m not holding anything back, but I know many of you fear change, so I want all the facts straight…
Change!!! go. Obama !!!
OK… guess that’s me told… 🙂
Would it be fairer to say I hope you do what many of us in the UK believe is the right thing to ?
I have no wish to offend and so will take the hint and say a final goodbye to Arlen. One day I’m sure I’ll find out how it ends but it won’t be from Mr Bradbury , who I do genuinely believe to be talented. Or from reading any more books in the series.
PS. if anyone in the Manchester area in the UK is after a set of first editions including an illustrated copy of Brayans Gold ( imported at no small cost :)) you may want to check out your local charity shop. All mint condition and I’d like to think they’ll find a good home with someone who’ll care.
Luckily enough the new Scott Lynch audio book is out soon. very soon… 🙂