Audible Book Review: Kindred by S.J. West

This is interesting fantasy, but a romance that drags.
Kindred
By: S.J. West
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley

Series: The Watcher Chronicles, Book 2
Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
Release date: 11-01-16
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
In the second book of The Watcher Chronicles series, Jess finally learns where her father has been since the Tear first opened. While Mason tries to keep his distance from her, Jess continues to search for the other vessels with Chandler by her side.
This series is intended for a mature audience. Recommended for ages 17 and older due to sexual situations and adult themes.
If I were to use the movie rating system, I would rate this series an R.
©2013 S.J. West (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Jess has met her father and learned more about the history and workings of the Tear. Jess is looking for more of the special guardians, like Chandler. They each have a crown, a special artifact and an angelic being who is their guide. They need to find all seven in order to have a chance to close the Tear.

Meanwhile, Jess wants to continue her growing friendship with Mason, but he is convinced that he will only put her in danger so he stays away… until he accepts that she will be in danger with or without him. Maybe he can help protect her.

I do enjoy the underlying storyline, but the romance is pervasive and just too frustrating. It detracts from the story. I’m not sure why the author says this would be rated R as there is no active sex. However, there is description of sexual abuse in the past. There is intrigue that ends this story and leads to Book 3, Oblivion. I may pick that title up in the future. Like Book 1, Broken, I recommend this to fantasy readers who like slow building romance.

Audio Notes: Brittany Pressley continues to do a nice job with the narration. I am glad I had the story on audible.

Source: May 2023 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2023Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Broken by S.J. West

I found this fantasy engaging and will continue the series.

Broken
By: S.J. West
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley

Series: The Watcher Chronicles, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins
Release date: 11-01-16
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
 

Publisher's Summary
At the tender age of seven, Jess Riley's parents were ripped out of her life by the Tear, a ripple of white light in the sky which randomly transports people from Earth to alternate realities and distant planets once a year. On the night the Tear first appeared, the Watchers, a mysterious group of men possessing supernatural powers, made their presence known to the leaders of the world, earning their complete trust to deal with the turmoil the Tear caused.
Now 22 years old, Jess is an agent working for the Watcher Agency searching for a way to bring her parents back home. When the leader of the Watchers, Mason Collier, recruits her to join his team, Jess quickly discovers she is meant to play a major role in sealing the Tear forever. Mason and Jess instantly find themselves drawn to one another but they both resist their mutual attraction for different reasons. Broken by past events in their lives, they each struggle to overcome their fears and find the strength to take a chance on one another.
©2013 S.J. West (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Jess lost her parents when a ripple of light in the sky opened up a portal to alternate worlds. This became known as the Tear which returned once a year. Random people, like her parents, would leave Earth, and others would arrive. Jess was convinced that her parents would return one year. When the first Tear appeared, Watchers, men with supernatural powers, also appeared. At age 22, Jess became a Watcher Agent hoping to find a way to get her parents back.

An event on a Tear night brings Jess to the attention of Mason Collier, the leader of the Watchers. He explains that they are seeking a way to seal the Tear and it is apparent that Jess has a role to play. This is even clearer when Jess meets the dark opposition to the Watchers.

Jess and Mason are drawn to each other but they both have suffered huge pain and loss in their pasts that make it difficult for them to come together. Their histories are disclosed as the story moves along. The story progresses with the two dancing around each other. The ending has a surprise that leaves the story open to book 2.

I found the story engaging although the relationship between the lead characters is a bit frustrating and annoying. I had to remind myself that Jess is young and has a tragic history. Especially with the surprise as the end, I did want to read the next book in the series and was glad it was available. I recommend this to fantasy readers who like a slow building romance.

Audio Notes: Brittany Pressley does a really good job with the narration. She provides clear and distinct voices for the characters and conveys the emotional turmoil. I’m glad I had the book on audible.

Source: 9/27/2022 Audible Plus. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.