From Library Journal

This recording, based on a Nebula Award-winning sf novel, centers on the moral dilemmas created when a bioengineered breed of humanoid workers are considered capital assets. The narration is shared between Michael Hanson and Carol Cowan, who handle the male and female roles, respectively. The narrators attempt to give each character a unique voice, and although they succeed, the subtle nuances of a single reader are absent. Perhaps more disturbing is the lack of messages instructing the listener on such things as when to turn the cassette over and when to insert a new cassette. The packaging is also a problem, as this reviewer cut his finger on two separate occasions while trying to extract a cassette. Regrettably, not recommended.?Ray Vignovich, West Des Moines P.L., Ia.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

A good audiotaped version of the unabridged Bujold novel. Bujold's best work in my opinion. -- Science Fiction Chronicle, July 1996

An engineer sent to an orbital habitat to reach free-fall welding to genetically altered space workers finds his work goes far beyond teaching skills when his discovery involves him in life-and-death scenarios on the station, and in issues which challenge moral and ethical philosophy. Enhanced by a dual narration by Michael Hanson and Carol Cowan, this unabridged science fiction thriller is remarkably engrossing. -- Midwest Book Review

Bujold's literary style is militaristic, scientific and well suited to the audio format. As narrated by Michael Hanson and Carol Cowan (he does the male points of view, she the female) the characters are lent a strength and presence they might not legitimately have in print alone.

Like the slogan on the cassette box says, Falling Free is a "good story well told." Hints of what it might be like living in null-G are well-integrated into the plot, and the story itself arises fairly believably out of mostly-believable characters.

I'd never before experienced a book on audiotape. I was doubtful of the enjoyableness of the experience, but am now a complete convert. It's a great, rewarding medium, and not just for folks with eyestrain. -- Science Fiction Weekly, June 1996

Enhanced by a dual narration by Michael Hanson and Carol Cowan, this unabridged science fiction thriller is remarkably engrossing. -- Reviewer's Bookwatch, July 1996

First I want to tell you that the awards you have received are well deserved! NOBODY can tell a good story like Carol and Michael. The performances are exactly on par, if not better than, the works of art that are read. Audio book companies should place THE READER'S CHAIR as their goal. -- M. P., 8/1/98

I am anxiously awaiting the release of Lois McMaster Bujold's "The Vor Game". I have listened to "Barrayar" and "Warriors Apprentice" -- loved them both; and have just ordered "Falling Free" and "Shards of Honor". Thank you for supplying such a superior product! -- glaboy, 03/05/98

Michael Hanson's and Carol Cowan's narrative talents mesh nicely, creating distinctive voices for the Nebula Award-winning novel's characters through pacing, tone of voice and emotional shading. This production shows dual narrators can enrich the listening experience. -- AudioFile, Nov/Dec 1996

The performance of Michael Hanson and Carol Cowan in this Nebula Award-winning novel is the kind of work you would like to hear with all audiobooks. These two readers among the best of the current crop of narrators. -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 6, 1996

The story and interpretations are great. -- KLIATT, November 1996

The unique format, in which Hanson takes on all the male roles and Cowan the female, is very effective. The story itself is an exciting and imaginative science fiction tale. Highly recommended. -- Billboard Magazine, July 27, 1996