Rating: 
Summary: a disappointing sequel
Review: I liked The Tree People, however, I was sorely disappointed with the Listening Ones. I agree very much with the customer who described the book as rambling and disjointed. Since the murdere was completely obvious in the first couple of chapters I spent the rest of the book wondering how the main character could be so dense. The subplots were left largely unfinished and unexplored and never interacted with the main plot. While the decriptions were beautiful and the protaganist was as likeable as before, the book was overshadowed by the everpresent almost pointless violence. People did not simply die; they were murdered or tortured in bloody ways involving all sorts of body fluids. The plot was sacrificed on the altar of violence! I learned nothing new about Native American culture or Northwest forests that wasn't in the last book in exactly the same way. What a shame!
Rating: 
Summary: Terrible ending for a great book
Review: I was seriously disappointed in the ending of this book. I couldn't wait to turn every page and find out what was going to happen next, although I was completely mystified as to why a Siberian tiger was left on the island and who put it there (I assume it was Lima, but that was never confirmed). I was also disappointed with the way the murders were "solved" (was the little girl's murder ever solved?). The imagery Ms. Stokes creates is undeniably spectacular, however, there were too many loose ends left at the end of this particular novel, and it seemed like she just got tired of writing and ended it too quickly, with not enough explanation. I must have told at least six people what a great book I was reading, and they all wanted to borrow it when I was finished; now I'm not sure I even want to lend it out! I haven't read the Tree People yet; I will though, as I would like to know if all her books end in a similarly disappointing fashion - I sure hope not! The Listening Ones sure had great potential, but the ending fell totally flat.
Rating:
Summary: Terrible ending for a great book
Review: I was seriously disappointed in the ending of this book. I couldn't wait to turn every page and find out what was going to happen next, although I was completely mystified as to why a Siberian tiger was left on the island and who put it there (I assume it was Lima, but that was never confirmed). I was also disappointed with the way the murders were "solved" (was the little girl's murder ever solved?). The imagery Ms. Stokes creates is undeniably spectacular, however, there were too many loose ends left at the end of this particular novel, and it seemed like she just got tired of writing and ended it too quickly, with not enough explanation. I must have told at least six people what a great book I was reading, and they all wanted to borrow it when I was finished; now I'm not sure I even want to lend it out! I haven't read the Tree People yet; I will though, as I would like to know if all her books end in a similarly disappointing fashion - I sure hope not! The Listening Ones sure had great potential, but the ending fell totally flat.
Rating:
Summary: A little bit to fast
Review: It was very nice to meet again some characters from Naomis first book. The subplots were promising, but then she closed them much to fast - it's almost like the author missed her deadline and suddenly had to finish the book, which should have had 200 pages more, in one night. By the way, Naomi, just in case you should read this review: Please go on, I can't wait to continue with the adventures of Joan Tidewater and her friends, but - PLEASE! - meake it less violent next time, I really dont need to read EVERY detail of a brutal murder.
Rating:
Summary: A real mess . . .
Review: Ms. Stokes first book, The Tree People, showed real promise ... and several problems common to a first novel. I looked forward to her evocative description of the Pacific Northwest and the Quinault culture along with an improved novel structure. To say I was disappointed is a gross understatement! Absurd plot elements (spontaneous human combustion, serial sex abuse, murder and patricide, Siberian tiger catnapping, even a bizarre battle between Orcas and the tiger) overwhelm what could have been an engaging story of Jordan Tidewater's shamanistic "coming of age" and her growing relationship with the mysterious and disturbing Lima Clemente. Ms. Stokes -- what on earth were you trying to do here???
Rating:
Summary: A real mess . . .
Review: Ms. Stokes first book, The Tree People, showed real promise ... and several problems common to a first novel. I looked forward to her evocative description of the Pacific Northwest and the Quinault culture along with an improved novel structure. To say I was disappointed is a gross understatement! Absurd plot elements (spontaneous human combustion, serial sex abuse, murder and patricide, Siberian tiger catnapping, even a bizarre battle between Orcas and the tiger) overwhelm what could have been an engaging story of Jordan Tidewater's shamanistic "coming of age" and her growing relationship with the mysterious and disturbing Lima Clemente. Ms. Stokes -- what on earth were you trying to do here???
Rating: 
Summary: Somewhat creepy - rambling and disjointed
Review: Somewhere between mystery, shamanism and science fiction, this book has a strange plot of overlapping mysteries, a completely obvious pair of murders, and a rather gratuitous amount of gore. Oh - and it finishes off with a fight between a killer whale and a Siberian tiger. (? ) The heroine, Tribal Sheriff Jordan Tidewater, is strong, interesting and likeable, the imagery is beautiful, and the supporting characters are the strong point. Unfortunately, the plot never really comes together in any meaningful way.
Rating:
Summary: Not as good as her first book, The Tree People
Review: The encompassing attractiveness and appeal of her first book, The Tree People, severly diminished the impact and effectiveness of the second book here. If you liked this book then you will certainly enjoy the first, and if you thought this book was lacking a little certain something, then the first book is defintely a recommended read that will enthrall you entirely, however if you havent yet read the first then this was most likely a decent read as well. The Tree People however was the most mystic and consciousness altering semi fictitious books I have had the privilege of reading thus far. Very stimulating and mesmorizing even. The Listening Ones, I must concur with other reviews, felt somewhat rushed and lacking in certain areas of the plot. However, to the defense of the author, it already was a fairly long book at about 500 pages, so she fit a significant sized plot into the sequel, maybe just a little too big however considering the areas that felt incomplete with detail. But if there is a third book released pertaining to this native peoples and their land, I will most assuredly make it my next read.
Rating:
Summary: Not as good as her first book, The Tree People
Review: The encompassing attractiveness and appeal of her first book, The Tree People, severly diminished the impact and effectiveness of the second book here. If you liked this book then you will certainly enjoy the first, and if you thought this book was lacking a little certain something, then the first book is defintely a recommended read that will enthrall you entirely, however if you havent yet read the first then this was most likely a decent read as well. The Tree People however was the most mystic and consciousness altering semi fictitious books I have had the privilege of reading thus far. Very stimulating and mesmorizing even. The Listening Ones, I must concur with other reviews, felt somewhat rushed and lacking in certain areas of the plot. However, to the defense of the author, it already was a fairly long book at about 500 pages, so she fit a significant sized plot into the sequel, maybe just a little too big however considering the areas that felt incomplete with detail. But if there is a third book released pertaining to this native peoples and their land, I will most assuredly make it my next read.
Rating: 
Summary: suspensful and intrigueing
Review: The story is average, but the descriptions of the places are outstanding. The author writes well of what she sees. An average mind can take some interesting 'armchair hikes' with this book only to be stimulated to see the reality of it. My wife and I went twice last year and will return in May...
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