Audiobook Sample
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- Title: State of the Union
- Author: Brad Thor
- Narrator: George Guidall
- Length: 11:46:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 04/01/2011
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Suspense, Political Thriller, Espionage
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
As someone who’s spent countless hours listening to audiobooks while traversing everything from the Andes to the Australian Outback, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for narrators who can transport you completely. George Guidall’s performance in Brad Thor’s ‘State of the Union’ is exactly that kind of magic.
I remember listening to this thriller during a particularly tense train ride through Eastern Europe, the snowy landscapes outside my window mirroring the cold war tensions in the story. There’s something about political thrillers that pair perfectly with travel – perhaps it’s the way both make you see the world through different lenses.
Guidall’s voice is like well-aged whiskey – smooth with just enough bite. He brings Scot Harvath to life with a perfect balance of military precision and human vulnerability. When he voices Russian agent Alexandra Ivanova, there’s no caricature, just authentic characterization that respects the complexity Thor wrote into her.
The story itself unfolds like a high-stakes chess match across continents. Thor’s research shines through in the authentic details – from the tactical operations to the geopolitical nuances. As someone who’s witnessed firsthand how cultures collide and cooperate, I appreciated how the narrative captured the delicate dance of international relations.
What makes this audiobook special is how Guidall handles the pacing. Action sequences have you gripping your seat (or in my case, the train armrest), while the quieter moments of strategy and diplomacy feel like you’re being let in on classified briefings. His timing reminds me of that Oaxacan grandmother’s storytelling – knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement and when to slow down for impact.
The production quality is excellent – no distracting background noises or inconsistent volume levels that sometimes plague audiobooks. This is crucial because Thor’s plot moves at breakneck speed across multiple locations, and any technical hiccup could derail the tension.
If I had one critique, it’s that some of the geopolitical scenarios feel slightly dated now (the book was published in 2011), but this actually adds an interesting layer – listening to it today provides a fascinating ‘what if’ perspective on how global threats have evolved.
For fans of the genre, this is a masterclass in espionage storytelling. It stands up well against contemporaries like Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp series or Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon books. What sets it apart is Guidall’s narration – he doesn’t just read the story, he embodies it.
As I stepped off that train in Budapest, the final chapters playing through my headphones, I found myself walking differently – standing straighter, more aware of my surroundings. That’s the mark of a great thriller audiobook: it doesn’t just entertain you, it temporarily changes how you move through the world.
Until next time, may your journeys – whether through pages, headphones, or distant lands – be filled with discovery. Remember what we travelers know best: every great adventure begins with the courage to take the first step… or in this case, press play. Happy listening, amigos.
Marcus Rivera
