A review by fulltimefiction
The Original by Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal

4.0

3.5 star

I have mentioned several times in my reviews that I have a difficult time reading fantasy audiobooks. I was hesitant to listen to this audiobook -although I knew it was made to be an audiobook- but figured since it’s a short book, I’ll try. Luckily, I didn’t have any difficulties listening to this audiobook. I also feel stupid because I’ve listened to many books now narrated by Julia Whelan and while before the voice was vaguely familiar, it was only this audiobook I know this narrator (sadly, I don’t remember their names). And to my surprise, this is my 5th audiobook by her. She’s a very talented narrator indeed and definitely made it to my favorites (not that I have a list).

The book is a sci-fi mystery combination. It tells the story of a clone in a futuristic world where people can set a theme and experience whatever they wish to. She was created to hunt down her “original” for killing her husband. Their husband. If she fails, she’ll die.

The Original had a top-notch world-building for a short book, like always for Brandon Sanderson. It also focused a lot on what Holly was feeling and going through. Although understandable since she’s an edited copy of her original, it got a bit too much.

The book is told from the 1st perspective and is fast-paced. I admit though that some descriptions were kind of too much. It’s not my favorite book by Sanderson by far nor I felt attached to the characters like I usually do.

The Original is not perfect by any means. Nonetheless, Brandon Sanderson and Mary Kowal wrote an enjoyable novella that can be finished in a few hours (less if reading). The book also had some nice sound effects although they were higher than the narrator's voice a few times.I’d recommend the audio if you’re an audiobook fan and want to listen to a fun short story.