Making Connections discussion

This posting is to ask your opinion of AI narration of audio books.

Recently, Amazon invited co-author Richard Starks and me to use a beta version of its AI narration program to produce an audio edition of our novel, 'In A Town Called Paradox'. We took Amazon up on its offer (with some reservations), and in just 15 minutes we had an audio version of our novel posted on our Amazon page.

Here's the link to the free excerpt of the audio on the 'In A Town Called Paradox' Amazon page.
http://www.amzn.com/B08LG9XZL9

What do you think of it? The narration is not perfect, but do you think it's acceptable to readers? Perhaps you'd like to post your opinion here. Thank you.

Not bad at all. I might try it.

I expected it to sound worse - pleasantly surprised.

I'm personally not a fan of AI narration. It's not that it sounds bad so much as AI does not have the personality and adaptability of a live actor or narrator. It lacks the ability to adjust for voices or adjust pace and pitch as effectively to convey the story, because AI can only rely on what it is given.

I listened to the excerpt provided and I stand by that statement.

The main problem is the inability to understand nuance. For example, "If the Chief gets back." Emphasizing different words gives the sentence different meanings. The AI cannot account for this.

I've really really tried to listen to an AI narration, and it was torture. I had to spend too much energy interepreting nuances that the AI butchered. It just kept pulling me out of the story. I am not a fan at all.

It’s a no from me. Sorry. I need real people. Not even considering the fact that voice actors will be out of their jobs. Replaced by emotionless computers. There are so many stories that have come alive with amazing performances from these real life narrators. I love audiobooks but I won’t be purchasing or listening to any that use AI.