Audio Book Review: Hunted, A Seventeen Series Novel Book 1, by AD Starrling

This is full of action and I liked it.

Hunted
A Seventeen Series Novel Book 1
By AD Starrling
Read by Michael Bower

Run Time 10h 2min
Release Date: July 21, 2015
Publisher: AD STARRLING
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

After over a century being hunted, Soul, a half-breed of two immortal races, treks across the world to uncover the mystery behind the target on his back. Can he stop a terrible war before he dies his seventeenth — and last — death? An action-packed, heart-pounding listen!

Review:
Soul is a half-breed of two immoral races. The races, Bastian, his mother’s family, and Crovir, his father’s clan, have been at war for hundreds of years. Soul has already spent 350 years running from Hunters as the clans hate him as a half-breed and because he is one of the few known immortals who can permanently kill other immortals.

Recently, the Hunters have found Soul again and an attack has resulted in Soul's 15th death. Since the immortals only get 17 deaths before being permanently dead, Soul decides to turn on the Hunters and find out why they are after him again. Soul is joined in his quest by his friend and human PI business partner Reid, a former US Marine.

The investigation takes Soul and Reid racing from New York to Paris, Prague, and more, ultimately planning a raid on a private Mediterranean island. Soul is searching for a professor who was studying immortality and a female companion. Soul and Reid are one step behind the Hunters who set up scenes to make Soul and Reid appear to be murderers. As Soul finally catches up with those he is seeking he faces revelations about his own past and they uncover a diabolical plot that could wipe out the majority of the immortals leaving only a tyrannical elite to rule the world.

I enjoyed the action and intrigue in this story. There is plenty of violence and there are twists that keep the reader moving forward in the suspense. I had previously listened to one of the short stories and I may pick up more of the series in the future. I recommend this to fans of suspenseful fast-paced action.

Audio Notes: Michael Bower does a good job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and empathetic energy. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source 2019 Chirp Purchase. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Extreme Medical Services Box Set Vol 1 - 3 by Jamie Davis

I enjoyed book 1 although it isn't exactly gripping.
Extreme Medical Services Box Set Vol 1 - 3
Written by Jamie Davis
Narrated by Roberto Scarlato

Run time: 20 hours and 16 minutes
Release Date: August 15, 2018
Publisher: MedicCast Productions
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher Description
Monsters, Paramedics, and Street Medicine.
New paramedic Dean Flynn is fresh out of the academy. When he gets assigned to the unknown backwater ambulance Station U, he wonders what he did wrong. Then Dean learns that his patients aren’t your normal 911 callers.
Dean and his partner Brynne Garvey serve the creatures of myth and legend living alongside their normal human neighbors in Elk City. With patients that are vampires, werewolves, fairies and more, will Dean survive his first days on the new job? Will his patients?
Not all is well on the streets of Elk City either, and some humans are striking out at their mythical neighbors. Dean soon finds himself in the middle of a series of attacks on his patients, attacks that implicate a former member of Station U.
Come along on this ride with “Extreme Medical Services” - part one of the series by the same name, a paranormal medical thrill-ride with the paramedics of Elk City. Described by one fan as “like Grimm, but

with paramedics” this book is brought to you by best-selling author and real-life paramedic Jamie Davis. He crafts a book called an accurate, interesting, & fabulous page-turner.
Jump on the ambulance with Dean, Brynne and the rest of the team.

Review:
Dean Flynn is excited to be a new paramedic as he graduates from the academy. He knows he is a top student and expects the pick of assignments. He is therefore surprised when he is assigned to Station U, an unknown backwater ambulance station. It only takes a day to learn that Station U has “Unusual” 911 callers living in Elk City. They are creatures of myth and legend including a werewolf (struggling to maintain human form), a water fairy, a vampire (who reacts badly to sunscreen and glitter and has a jealous girlfriend), a siren (with a mesmerizing voice), and a deteriorating zombie.

Dean is trying to cope with all the newness he is experiencing and then he and his partner learn that someone is targeting the Unusual patients. The likely attacker clearly has information about the paranormal community which implies it may be a former employee.

The creatures are ‘fun’ and Dean’s reactions interesting. The mysterious attacker doesn’t stay hidden too long… at least from Dean. But there may be a larger group behind the attacks who will endanger Dean and his Station U teammates. These features provide engagement. There are flaws that detract a bit including too much telling and repetition of mundane actions. There is also a lot of diagnosis and treatment detail which is realistic and perhaps engaging, but a bit much for those of us who are mostly ignorant in the medical field. I think the telling instead of showing and repeated details made this a bit flat for me.

I am glad to have the boxed set, but I am not rushing back to continue the series as I like to vary my reading. I would recommend this to fans of paranormal stories and especially if the reader likes the medical input.

Audio Notes: Roberto Scarlato did a good job with the narration. He provides entertaining voices and does the best to give more life to the flat dialog and reading portions. I am glad I have the stories in audio format so the narration can add to the reading.

Source: 4/23/2020 Chirp $2.99. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Marked in Flesh, The Others, Book 4 by Anne Bishop

This is another engaging story in this good series.
Marked in Flesh
A Novel of the Others, Book 4
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris

Length: 15 hrs and 21 mins
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Alternate History, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Fourth in the "flawless" (The Reading Café) New York Times best-selling series from the author of Vision in Silver.
For centuries, the Others and humans have lived side by side in uneasy peace. But when humankind oversteps its bounds, the Others will have to decide how much humanity they're willing to tolerate - both within themselves and within their community....
Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn see the new closer companionship as beneficial - both personally and practically.
But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don't realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others - and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs....
©2016 Anne Bishop (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Review:
Meg Corbyn is a cassandra sangue, a young woman who was trained to cut herself to bring forth prophesies. She managed to escape her handlers and stumbled into the Lakeside Courtyard. She was given shelter and a job by the community leader, Simon Wolfgard, a wolf shifter. The local shifters and elementals (the Others), like Meg and her ‘human’ presence has brought a favorable situation for other humans in the town.

There has been a power-hungry group of humans who want the land and control that have been kept from them by the Others. They have stirred up public sentiment dividing the humans between those who will live peacefully with the Others and those who want to boycott and harm the Others. The radical, hateful humans conspire to attack the Others not realizing the hidden forces that will be impacted and angered. The elementals and hidden forces have to decide ‘how much humanity they are willing to tolerate’. This has several meanings but the most dangerous will be the response triggered when the humans poison the sharks in the ocean and slaughter a pack of wolf shifters as a show of force.

Running in the background of the conflict between the humans and Others, Meg and other cassandra sangue are looking for a way to produce their prophesies without cutting themselves. Sometimes the prophesies are unclear and can be misinterpreted. The young women are finding ways to communicate with each other, as one is drawing images. Meg, with local human friends, realizes that she (as the recognized pathfinder) may be able to develop cards, similar to a tarot deck, for use by herself and others. This developing modification is needed to protect the young women and I like how it is changing through the books.

I enjoy the positive relationship between the Others and the humans in Lakeside Courtyard and the handful of other communities that are cooperative. The racism and hate of the radical group is horrendous. The story has good suspense that kept me interested and engaged. I highly recommend this book in the series. I do recommend reading the series in order to get a clear picture of the nature of the Others, elementals, and the variety of humans.

Audio Notes: Alexandra Harris continues to do a wonderful job on the narration. The voices and characters are clear and distinct. She conveys the emotions of the characters. The audio experience adds to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 8/14/2021 July Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Elemental Thief by Rachel Morgan

I enjoyed the magic element but didn’t find this fantasy compelling me to the next book.
Elemental Thief
Written by Rachel Morgan
Narrated by Arielle Delisle

Series: Ridley Kayne Chronicles, Book 1
Run Time: 7hrs 46
Release date: 02-05-19
Publisher: Rachel Morgan
Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher Description
She’s a thief with forbidden magic. He’s the guy she just stole from. Now they’ll have to work together.
In a city where magic is outlawed, teenage thief Ridley uses her special powers to steal from the rich and give to those in need—until the night someone follows her home after a heist and ends up murdered outside her apartment. When her best friend is accused of the crime, Ridley is determined to prove his innocence.
But things get messy when the artifact Ridley stole turns out to contain secrets that could endanger many lives. Forced to team up with wealthy Archer—the guy she stole from—Ridley must hunt down the artifact before it winds up in deadly hands.
Which means following a trail into the hidden parts of the city …
… and hopefully not winding up dead.

Review:
Ridley knows that it is dangerous to use her magic skills, but she justifies it by ‘doing good’ – stealing from the rich to help the poor. Her latest assignment has her taking a particular statute from a rich family that she happens to know. She thinks she has completed her heist undetected but then she realizes someone is following her. She does some twists and turns to get home to her father and their antique shop. From her window she spots her pursuer in the alley but then witnesses his murder.

Initially, Archer, the rich young man she stole from, is accused and Ridley knows that he will wiggle out of the charges. She is surprised when Archer coerces her to help prove his innocence. They are both after the rich mayor’s son who is apparently willing to use magic for personal gain.

Ridley and Archer have an interesting childhood connection and they are both hiding secrets. I enjoyed how their relationship changed as they worked against each other and finally together. I also enjoyed their journey through a hidden community where Ridley had to use her unique magic skills.

There are interesting twists, good action, and pacing but the book does end with a cliffhanger and lots of unresolved issues. As I note these things I liked, I can’t pinpoint why the completion left me with an “okay” feeling rather than a “must read on” inclination. Ridley is a little immature in her behaviors which makes the character less engaging and Archer’s “Trust me, but I can’t tell you why” got to be a tiring refrain. These, plus the disappointment at the end may have caused my reaction. I still would recommend this to readers who enjoy paranormal fantasies, and I would recommend the Complete collection with all three books.

Audio Notes: Arielle Delisle provides a fitting narration. Her voice sounds like a young, emotionally struggling heroine. The male voices aren’t strong, but they are sufficiently distinct.

Source: 10/10/19 Chirp $.99 purchase. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Swing Shift by William D. Arand

This is a fun paranormal crime thriller.
Swing Shift
By: William D. Arand
Narrated by: Andrea Parsneau

Series: Swing Shift, Book 1
Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins
Release date: 07-09-19
Publisher: William D. Arand
Genre: Crime Thriller, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Reports to write, forms to fill, coffee to drink, leads to run down.
Gus’s life was a tedium and boredom he’d grown comfortable with. One that he sought out after he’d come back from his tour of duty.
A detective in the paranormal investigations department. A job he could work day in and day out in relative peace. One cold and forgotten cup of coffee at a time.
It was an environment that made some sense to him. At least in comparison to civilian life where almost nothing did. On top of that, it gave him a chance to hide what he was from the rest of the world.
An apex predator that made the entirety of the paranormal world fear him. His very species was often killed as soon as they were found out.
By government and citizen alike.
He’s a Boogieman.
A name that made humans laugh, and vampires curse. It was a strange life to be sure.
Now though, Gus’s stable non-life is about to be kicked over. Whether he likes it or not, he’s about to be handed a case that’s going to mess up his already screwed up life.
©2019 William D. Arand (P)2019 William D. Arand

Review:
Gus is a unique character...after all there are very few Boogiemen left in the world since they tend to stir up hate when they are exposed. Gus works the swing shift – the day shift for the paranormal – and waits for something to happen between cold cups of coffee. Normally things are quiet but then he gets called out to a crime scene where a Troll has lost his enchanted mask (masks hide the paranormal from human sight). Worse, the Troll has gone berserk. This is alarming particularly since an attractive human detective, Vanessa, has tagged along. That problem will be solved when she gets her mind wiped later by an Enchanter.

Once the crime team (Enchanters) arrive, Gus and Vanessa are dismissed. Vanessa shows up at Gus’s home since she has nothing else to do for the day and is curious about this new world she knows nothing about. They both figure it won’t hurt for her to learn more since they’ll be wiping her memory anyway.

They are called on to start investing the mask failure. When they arrive to check out the Troll’s home, they interrupt someone. Gus sets off to chase the young woman even as he realizes she is a powerful Contractor. When he catches Melody, she is shocked and intrigued that he was able to track her. Gorgeous Melody is a hyper personality whose pushiness is hard to resist.

Melody attaches herself to Gus and Vanessa to continue the investigation as other paranormal beings lose their masks and go aggressive. The three are gathering clues and racing to stop a major ‘terrorist’ attack even as Melody is pushing to get Gus to agree to contract with her (marry) and to have Vanessa join them. Before they save the paranormal community a third beautiful, young woman, Trish, aka the office cleaning lady who is really an Elven Dryad Sorceress, is added to the team.

I was curious why the cover was a pretty woman when the main character is a guy. Once you meet all the different characters it becomes clear. Gus is a solid character and the women are a handful of crazy. Admittedly, I am not into menage relationships. However, although these characters end up in cozy settings, this book doesn’t get to real sex scenes.

The story is wonderfully busy with a good blend of relationship humor and suspenseful action. I enjoyed the plot and race to stop the bad actors. I recommend this to readers who enjoy fun paranormal.

Audio Notes: Andrea Parsneau does a good job of narrating the energy and characters. Gus shares quite a bit of internal thought and I was able to follow that with the effective narration. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 12/1/2019 Audible Sale for $5.00. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: The Black Wolves of Boston, Book 1, by Wen Spencer

I totally loved the friendships developed in this story.
The Black Wolves of Boston
By: Wen Spencer
Narrated by: Ian Alan Carlsen, Corey Gagne, J. Paul Guimont, Jennywren Walker

Series: The Black Wolves of Boston, Book 1
Length: 18 hrs and 15 mins
Release date: 02-21-17
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Vampire, Werewolves
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
From the Romantic Times Sapphire award-winning author of the internationally best-selling Elfhome series.
Rebuild a life, save a city
Silas Decker had his world destroyed when he was attacked by vampires outside of New Amsterdam. He has rebuilt his life a dozen times in the last 300 years - each time less and less successfully. Now he lives alone, buried under a hoarding habit, struggling to find some reason to wake up with the setting of the sun.
Eloise is a Virtue, pledged to hunting evil. What she doesn't know is how to live alone in a city full of strangers who know nothing about monsters.
Seth is the 16-year old Prince of Boston, ward of the Wolf King. Now he is left in a city that desperately needs his protection with enemies gathering all around.
Joshua believes he is a normal, college-bound high school senior. His life is shattered when he wakes up in a field, covered with blood, and the prom committee scattered in pieces about him like broken dolls.
These four must now come together to unravel a plot by Wickers, witches who gain power from human sacrifices and have the power to turn any human into their puppet. Four people who lost everything struggle to save Boston by saving each other.
©2017 Wen Spencer (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Joshua senses his dreams of college are disappearing as he ran away from home after being bitten by a werewolf. He knows that his new strength is posing a danger to his family and neighbors, so he has followed whispered advice to ‘go to Boston’s Prince’. He finds himself alone, homeless, and hungry running into trees as he chases rabbits in the woods of Boston at night. He soon realizes he isn’t alone when a young man challenges his bizarre behavior. Joshua doesn’t recognize his new friend, Silas Decker, as a vampire until Joshua joins him to help Elise, a Grigori Virtue (a magical religious guardian/assassin) fight off a huntsman and hounds. This all takes place in the first chapter and the book takes off from there.

Decker and Elise decide they need to protect this new wolf who has no idea what is going on. Decker’s home is a tightly held secret, so Joshua goes home with him where he discovers his new friend is a serious hoarder who has given up interest in life. As Joshua plans to clear out the trash and newspapers, Decker finds that he is thrilled with the adorable new werewolf pup.

Meanwhile, the Prince of Boston, 16-year-old Seth, has just arrived in New York looking for the rest of the wolf clan. The wolves have not been in Boston for years due to dangers of magical breaches allowing other monsters into the area. Seth has a sad childhood full of loss and responsibility. He is torn in his duties to protect his clan and to take care of a newly formed wolf.

This story does have a somewhat convoluted history of the wolves and the Grigor joining as allies against enemy witches or Wickers who created stick and vine constructs using human hearts and parts. The history of the conflict unfolds between the action-packed scenes where the protagonists are fighting for their lives. The story is told from the different viewpoints of Joshua, Decker, Elise, and Seth. The author uses this style to keep interest and move the story along at a good pace. There is humor and warmth as the friendships among the characters develop. All four of the protagonists have a reason to be seeking the comfort of family, even if it is one made of friends.

I stumbled on this book in an Audible sale, and I am so glad I chose it. It fulfilled my expectation as a good fantasy with a vampire, wolves, and magical hunter working together. My only disappointment is that there aren’t more books in the series. I will be hunting for other works by Ms. Spencer. I highly recommend this story to fans of urban fantasy with characters you care for.

Audio Notes: The work is performed by multiple talented narrators: Ian Alan Carlsen, Corey Gagne, J. Paul Guimont, Jennywren Walker. They shared the characters with empathy and humor. I totally enjoyed the audio and will look for other works performed by these narrators.

Source: July 2021 Audible Sale for $6.00. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Tracking Magic: Rylee Adamson, Book 0.25 by Shannon Mayer

This is a quick prequel to help me decide on the series. The use of foul language overshadowed the story line for me.
Tracking Magic: Rylee Adamson, Book 0.25
By: Shannon Mayer
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

Length: 1 hr and 4 mins
Release date: 01-19-21
Publisher: Podium Audio
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
My name is Rylee, and I am a Tracker.
When children go missing, and the Humans have no leads, I'm the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot. A missing girl and a deadly item belonging to a power-mad demon need to be found before the killing begins.
The problem? This is my first salvage. And I have no idea what I'm doing. These were the moments that began to define me, my skills, and my drive to face down the darkest side of the supernatural in order to bring children home. This is where my journey began....
Tracking Magic is a prequel to the Rylee Adamson series.
©2015 Shannon Mayer (P)2021 Podium Audio

Review:
Rylee is a 17 year-old was put out by her parents who blame her for losing her little sister, Burget. Rylee is living with her mentor, Giselle, a witch who is trying to train Rylee until they can determine what her skill is. A man breaks into their house seeking a special stone that Riley doesn’t have. An FBI agent arrives determined to prove that Riley killed Burget. Rylee believes she can find her sister and senses she is out in the community. When Riley and Giselle go looking, they come across a young witch, Millie, who is wearing the magical stone. Millie is enslaved by a demon who first threatens to kill Rylee and Giselle but then changes his punishment.

I understand this prequel was written after several of the main books were released. I have not read any of the other stories, so all characters are new to me. So, we meet some primary characters, but it seemed disjointed to me and did not help me to understand what is anticipated. Perhaps it is not a good place to start the series after all. I like the premise of the tracking skills but my interest in learning more about the characters was diminished by the foul language, particularly the “F” word, that was used too much, IMO, especially since the series appears to target a younger audience. At some point I may try book 1, but if this is a taste of the series, I am not going to be rushing to read more.

Audio Notes: Lauren Fortgang does a fine job with the narration. She provides appropriate voices and energy. Unfortunately, the good narration did not help my feelings towards the book.

Source: 7/19/2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

Audio Book Review: Cloak Games: Thief Trap by Jonathan Moeller

This is a good mix of mystery and magic.

Cloak Games: Thief Trap
Written by Jonathan Moeller
Narrated by Meghan Kelly

Series: Cloak Games, Book 1
Release Date: May 13, 2019
Publisher: Azure Flame Media, LLC
Genre: Alternate History, Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher Description
In 2013, a gate to another world opened, and Elves used their magic to conquer Earth, crushing all resistance before them.
Three hundred years after the Conquest, the exiled Elven High Queen rules an orderly but stagnant Earth, with humanity forced to fight in the High Queen’s war against the traitors on the Elven homeworld.
Nadia Moran doesn’t care about that. She doesn’t care about the High Queen, or the Rebels seeking to overthrow her. All she cares about is getting her baby brother the treatments he needs to recover from his potentially fatal disease…and those treatments have a steep price.
Fortunately, Nadia has magic of her own, and she’s a very, very good thief.
Unfortunately, the powerful Elven lord Morvilind has a hold on Nadia. If she doesn’t follow his commands, her brother is going to die.
Of course, given how dangerous Morvilind’s missions are, Nadia might not live long enough to see her brother’s death…

Review:
In the world Nadia Moran has grown up in, Earth is governed by the Elves. Nadia’s father was an elemental wizard in the Queen’s Wizards’ Legions. While only a child, Nadia lost her parents to a deadly virus which also struck her infant brother. A powerful Elven lord appeared at the hospital indicating he could save the child but only if Nadia went with him and trained to do his bidding for twenty years. Nadia has trained and attained skills, including some simpler magic spells. She has become a valuable thief, but the missions might not allow her to live the full twenty years.

Nadia’s current ‘job’ is to steal a highly important, ancient book for the Elven Lord. The man who supposedly has the book is a wealthy human who has the protection of another Elven Lord. He lives in a secure mansion which will pose challenges. Nadia has planned her ‘break-in’ but her plans are interrupted by a strange man. Is he an enemy or a temporary ally?

I liked Nadia’s sharp tongue, skills, intuition, and perseverance. There is good intrigue in the plot and engaging adventure and action in stealth and battles against unnatural creatures. I appreciated Nadia’s reluctance to align with an unknown force and I enjoyed how the author handled the situation. The story is set 300 hundred years beyond 2013 so it is a bit out of sync that the technology of the world is the same as today. However, this is explained due to impact of magic. This isn’t a big issue, I recommend this urban fantasy, and I look forward to reading or listening to more in the series.

Audio Notes: Meghan Kelly does a good job with the narration. She provides distinct voices and energy that maintains the pace of the story. I would like to listen to more in the series.

Source: 4/18/2020 Free at Chirp. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop

This is another engaging listen in this urban fantasy series.
Vision in Silver
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris

Series: The Others (Bishop), Book 3
Length: 16 hrs and 4 mins
Release date: 03-03-15
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Alternate History, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
The New York Times best-selling author of The Black Jewels Trilogy transports readers to a world of magic and political unrest - where the only chance at peace requires a deadly price....
The Others freed the cassandra sangue to protect the blood prophets from exploitation, not realizing their actions would have dire consequences. Now the fragile seers are in greater danger than ever before - both from their own weaknesses and from those who seek to control their divinations for wicked purposes. In desperate need of answers, Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter leader among the Others, has no choice but to enlist blood prophet Meg Corbyn’s help, regardless of the risks she faces by aiding him.
Meg is still deep in the throes of her addiction to the euphoria she feels when she cuts and speaks prophecy. She knows each slice of her blade tempts death. But Others and humans alike need answers, and her visions may be Simon’s only hope of ending the conflict.
For the shadows of war are deepening across the Atlantik, and the prejudice of a fanatic faction is threatening to bring the battle right to Meg and Simon’s doorstep....
©2015 Anne Bishop (P)2015 Penguin

Review:
Meg’s new friends among the Others helped to free the cassandra sangue in Book 2, Murder of Crows. Unfortunately, the fragile blood prophets are struggling to survive without the controlled settings they have been raised in. The call goes out to Simon seeking help so Meg, who has managed to find a place, work, and friends in the Lakeside Courtyard, is asked to provide guidance to help the other girls. As human friends help Meg develop a guidebook, they begin to recognize that she has her own fragility, risks and triggers. Meg knows that each prophecy slice brings her death closer, but there are pressures that make cutting urgent to the shock and disapproval of her friends.

Simon’s community at Lakeside is one of the few communities that is having success combining humans living with the Others. The community is purchasing homes to accommodate human workers while humans and Others are joining on field trips. Meg’s prophecies come just in time to protect a human family and to give a warning to Simon and a group of the Others and humans out for a shopping adventure.

Meanwhile, an opposing faction is creating difficulties between humans and the Others. That faction thinks they can cut off lines of supplies to the Other communities, but they failed to think it through since the base resources are in the control of the Others. Certain leaders in the Humans First and Last Movement are also convinced that there are jewels that have been stolen and are in the hands of one of the human officers friendly to Lakeside. Once the jewel issue is faced, there is still a threat that could intensify the already high tensions between humans and the Others.

As offensive as the cutting may be, it creates an interesting element of Meg’s growth including both confusion and emerging confidence. I enjoy the conflicted relationship between Meg and Simon which has its own sweet aspect. I am still impressed by the author’s good blend of character development and plot adventure. I look forward to listening more in this series.

Audio Notes: Alexandra Harris does a wonderful job narrating this series. She provides distinct voices and the emotions that add to the energy of the story. I plan to continue to listen to the series.

Source: 12/16/2020 November Audible Credits. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, 2021Alphabet, and 2021Color goals.

Written in Red: A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop; My Rating: 5.0.
Murder of Crows: A Novel of the Others, Book 2, by Anne Bishop; My Rating: 4.75.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: The Library of the Dead by T. L. Huchu

This is a fast paced, fun YA fantasy and mystery with ghosts and magic.
The Library of the Dead
by T. L. Huchu
Narrated by Tinashe Warikandwa

Series: Edinburgh Nights, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Ghosts, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Sixth Sense meets Stranger Things in T. L. Huchu's The Library of the Dead, a sharp contemporary fantasy following a precocious and cynical teen as she explores the shadowy magical underside of modern Edinburgh.
When ghosts talk
She will listen
Ropa dropped out of school to become a ghostalker - and they sure do love to talk. Now she speaks to Edinburgh’s dead, carrying messages to those they left behind. A girl’s gotta earn a living, and it seems harmless enough. Until, that is, the dead whisper that someone’s bewitching children - leaving them husks, empty of joy and strength. It’s on Ropa’s patch, so she feels honor-bound to investigate. But what she learns will rock her world.
Ropa will dice with death as she calls on Zimbabwean magic and Scottish pragmatism to hunt down clues. And although underground Edinburgh hides a wealth of dark secrets, she also discovers an occult library, a magical mentor and some unexpected allies.
Yet as shadows lengthen, will the hunter become the hunted?
A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books

Review:
Ropa lives in a distressed part of a Edinburgh that includes supernatural elements. Ropa dropped out of school to earn money to take care of her grandmother and younger sister. She earns money as a ghostalker, sharing messages between the living and the dead for a fee. One ghost asks for help to find her missing son, noting that other children have disappeared too. Ropa tries to avoid the woman, who can’t pay, but other events keep bringing her back to the problem.

When Ropa begins to investigate, she finds out matters are worse that she thought. Her research leads her to an underground occult library where she is identified as having magical abilities. Ropa gets help from an old childhood friend, Jomo, and a new magical friend, Priya, as she steps into one scene of danger after another. She walks into a trap and now has to find a way out if she wants to save herself and other children.

I liked Ropa as a determined young lady and I appreciated her wise grandmother. I also really liked Priya who is wheelchair bound, a medical student and a more advanced magic trainee. Oh, I like the fox pet, River, and the surprising gift too.

The dystopian world-building is well done with two systems of magic that Ropa gets to blend. She uses music in her grandmother’s Zimbabwean magic that helps her enter the everyThere to meet with ghosts. After entering the Library of the Dead she begins to learn the more common Scottish nature of ley lines, earth elements and spells.

The story moves at a good pace as Ropa follows clues to unravel the mystery of the missing and abused children. Don’t be misled by the “horror” label. I did wonder if this might be too dark for my tastes, but not at all. It has ghosts and evil but it isn’t really horror. There is a little bit of YA recklessness, but I enjoyed the YA enthusiasm as well as the ghostly elements. I will look forward to reading more in the series and I recommend this to readers/listeners who enjoy urban fantasy.

Audio Notes: Tinashe Warikandwa is a new to me narrator and I think she did a spot-on job with this performance. I can’t say if any of the accents are accurate but they worked fine for me. Tinashe captured the youth and bravado of Ropa. I am glad that I was able to listen to this entertaining story.

Source: NetGalley 2021. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley goals.

Audible Book Review: Murder of Crows: A Novel of the Others, Book 2, by Anne Bishop

This is a series which I really enjoy.

Murder of Crows
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris
Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
Release date: 03-04-14
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy, Paranormal Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Return to New York Times best-selling author Anne Bishop’s "phenomenal" (Urban Fantasy Investigations) world of the Others - where supernatural entities and humans struggle to co-exist, and one woman has begun to change all the rules.…
After winning the trust of the terra indigene residing in the Lakeside Courtyard, Meg Corbyn has had trouble figuring out what it means to live among them. As a human, Meg should be barely tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more.
The appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the humans and the Others, resulting in the murder of both species in nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in the snow, Simon Wolfgard - Lakeside’s shape-shifting leader - wonders if their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or a future threat.
As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now, the Others and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet - and stop the danger that threatens to destroy them all. ©2014 Anne Bishop (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Review:
Meg Corbyn has found a mostly safe haven in the Lakeside Courtyard where she works as the human liaison with the Others, Terra Indigene natives who are supernatural, shape shifting entities. Meg, a human with special abilities, has created her own small human pack whom the Others are willing to work with and protect. Lakeside communities are recovering from the overwhelming winter storm brought about by angering the Elementals (Written in Red, Book 1). Now the authorities have discovered that two addictive drugs are causing violence in many human cities, causing the deaths of humans and Others and increasing tensions.

Meg has a dream about black feathers and bloodied snow. As she and friends try to puzzle these images, the urge to cut herself for prophesies becomes overwhelming. Simon Wolfgard, Lakeside’s shape-shifting leader, and Meg’s friend and guardian, has been trying to protect Meg from cutting. He inadvertently becomes entangled with her blood which results in confusion and a strain on their friendship.

Meg is able to warn the Lakeside Crowgard before they fall victim, like regular crows, to a local attack. Now Simon finds himself working with local law enforcement even as he calls together distant clans of the Terra Indigene. Now that they know the source of the poisonous drugs, they need to find the creator and remove the threat.

This second book introduces more communities including an island that serves as home to some humans with heightened intuition and home to others who wish to live apart and simply. It also introduces new Other characters (Owlgard) from other communities and furthers the involvement of some primary humans interacting with the Others. I really enjoy the primary characters and the creative plot-lines in this series. There is a good meld of character development and action suspense. The friendship between Meg and Simon is warm but faces difficulties. It will be interesting to see where the author takes them as the series continues. There is also the interesting tension in the conflict among the humans and the Others with a range from reluctantly co-operative to murderously hostile.

I am looking forward to continuing this series. As a caution - there is description of abuse in the nature of sex trafficking; there is some disturbing violence; and there are violent threats even by the primary characters. I recommend this series to readers who like action, paranormal, and urban fantasy genres.

Audio Notes: Alexandra Harris does a spot-on job on the narration. She provides distinct voices and conveys the emotions of the characters. The audio experience adds to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 8/8/2020 July Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Smoke Bitten: A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 12 by Patricia Briggs

I was in the mood for werewolves and this installment in a favorite series hit the spot!

Smoke Bitten
A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 12
By: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
Release date: 03-17-20
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Action, Adventure, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, faces a threat unlike any other in this thrilling entry in the number one New York Times best-selling series.
I am Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman.
My only “superpowers” are that I turn into a 35 pound coyote and fix Volkswagens. But I have friends in odd places and a pack of werewolves at my back. It looks like I'm going to need them.
Centuries ago, the fae dwelt in Underhill - until she locked her doors against them. They left behind their great castles and troves of magical artifacts. They abandoned their prisoners and their pets. Without the fae to mind them, those creatures who remained behind roamed freely through Underhill wreaking havoc. Only the deadliest survived.
Now one of those prisoners has escaped. It can look like anyone, any creature it chooses. But if it bites you, it controls you. It lives for chaos and destruction. It can make you do anything - even kill the person you love the most. Now it is here, in the Tri-Cities. In my territory.
It won't, can't, remain.
Not if I have anything to say about it.
©2020 Patricia Briggs (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Review:
Mercy, our coyote shifter heroine, has her hands full with community and spousal stress. In book 10, Silence Fallen, Mercy claimed the Tri-cities areas under the protection of the local Columbia Basin werewolf pack led by her Alpha husband, Adam. The pack has its share of danger balancing issues among the local vampires, witches, werewolves, and fae, while protecting the humans from those with supernatural powers. Of course, this sets up a chance for various outside groups who feel they can challenge the pack while it is spread thin. There is a rogue group of werewolves, led by a dangerous assassin, who think they can take out the edges of Adam’s pack and then challenge him.

Before they even know about the rogue werewolf threat, Mercy finds her elderly, sweet neighbors murdered. Mercy is bitten by what appears to be a wild rabbit until they learn it is an evil, mind controlling creature who has escaped from Underhill into Mercy’s own backyard. Fortunately, Mercy is saved with the help of a creepy ‘stalker’, but it makes her realize that something is wrong with her mate bond with Adam.

Adam has been acting tense and standoffish and Mercy begins to wonder and doubt the strength of their relationship. Will she be able to face the wolf, or worse, and still keep their unique bond? As noted, there are at least three threads of suspense moving in this book. Ms. Briggs presents her impressive creativity with fast paced action and tension. I like how she weaves in a touch of fairy tale classic into the fae situation. The author also has built a strong emotional relationship between Mercy and Adam and she makes it real to life stresses. I love this series and highly recommend it. I do suggest starting from the beginning not only to get to know the characters but also to enjoy the entertainment!

Audio Notes: Lorelei King is a superb narrator and does a wonderful job with this series. The characters come to life with all their energy and stresses.  I’m sure the story is good if read in print/ebook, but for me it is a great listening experience.

4/13/2020 Audible March Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: Carniepunk: The Demon Barker of Wheat Street by Kevin Hearne

I enjoy the Iron Druid Series and the short novellas that add to the series.

Carniepunk: The Demon Barker of Wheat Street
By: Kevin Hearne
Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 4.7
Length: 1 hr and 4 mins
Release date: 09-09-14
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Genre: Short Story, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 3.75.
#Fraterfest

Publisher's Summary
From the New York Times best-selling author of Hounded comes an Iron Druid Chronicles short story in the captivating Carniepunk anthology.
The ancient Druid Atticus O’Sullivan gets more than greasy corn dogs and flat soda when he visits a carnival in Kansas to which his apprentice, Granuaile, drags him. He runs across a barker with a strange power over the crowd: attractive women leave their men and disappear into an unmarked tent, never to be seen again, and the men wander away, forgetting that they ever had girlfriends or wives. When Granuaile falls under the barker’s influence and enters the tent, Atticus isn’t about to forget it and move on. He and his Irish wolfhound, Oberon, pursue her and discover the horrifying secret to the carnival’s success.
©2014 Kevin Hearne (P)2014 Simon & Schuster Audio

Review:
Atticus has been busy training his apprentice, Granuaile, after faking her death a few years earlier. Granuaile is concerned how her mother is doing and convinces Atticus to go with her to her home town in Kansas. Atticus is originally reluctant because he last left Kansas on tense terms with the underlying elemental whom he calls “Amber”. There is no telling what might occur to Atticus.

Once Granuaile has confirmed that her mother is fine, she drags Atticus to a local carnival. At first things seem fairly normal until they come upon a tent where the people seem to enter and disappear, leaving, friends behind with a sense of confusion. Granuaile rushes in before Atticus can warn her that he has recognized danger in the booth. Atticus’ faithful wolfhound, Oberon, also realizes there is danger but by the time he tries to pull Granuaile away, she is mesmerized and unresponsive to him. Will Amber help Atticus in his desperate efforts to reach Granuaile before she is destroyed by the evil that has taken over?

I enjoy the Iron Druid series and it is always fun to get the adventure and danger in a short bite novella between the full stories. The usual sass and snark between the characters is present and makes the story the fun I expected. I recommend the short story to fans of the series or to readers who might want to test the waters in the Iron Druid series.

Audio Notes: I have to say that I was disappointed in the audio. The quality was fine and the narrator, Kirby Heyborne, did an alright job, but he is not Luke Daniels. Those of us who have listened to other full stories and novellas in the series which have been narrated by Daniels are clearly aware of the difference in voice and not too happy about the different narrator. It did jolt even my equable senses. I was glad to have the listen for my air-flight but to true fans I might suggest reading this one.

Source: 12/13/2019 Audible Member Sales $.94. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook goals and #Fraterfest event.

Audio Book Review: Dead Rising (The Templar Book 1) by Debra Dunbar

This is a knight story with vampires, necromancy and a twist.

Dead Rising
The Templar, Volume 1
By: Debra Dunbar
Narrated by: Elizabeth Phillips

Format: Digital Audiobook
Run Time: 8h 50min Release
Date: August 22, 2016
Publisher: Debra Dunbar
Genre: Necromancy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Vampires
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Solaria Ainsworth was born a Templar, destined to take up the mantle of responsibility and duty as her family's Order had done for hundreds of years. Except she refuses to take her Oath of Knighthood.
Barely making ends meet in Baltimore, Aria finds it difficult to obtain gainful employment with no work experience and skills in jousting and swordsmanship. Just before she's served an eviction notice, the Mistress of the local vampire family offers her a job - to research a magical symbol. It's an easy task for a woman who has spent every moment of her life either in armor, or with her nose in ancient manuscripts. The money's good, and the seven day deadlines should be no problem. But when her research reveals a sordid connection between the vampires and a mass murder, Aria needs to decide who is in the right and worthy of her protection. Modern Templars believe only God should judge, but Aria must do exactly that, or watch the Baltimore streets run red with blood.
©2016 Debra Dunbar (P)2016 Debra Dunbar

Review:
Solaria, known as Aria, is a daughter of the Templars who are trained to protect others. But Aria has resisted her parent’s expectations to take the Oath of Knighthood and begin her duties. Her jousting and swordsmanship skills don’t help in finding work so Aria struggles to make ends meet as a waitress. She is surprised but pleased when the Mistress of the local vampire family offers her a specialized job researching a magical symbol. Aria doesn’t realize that when she accepts the assignment it comes with an ‘escort’, handsome vampire Dario, and the threat of death if she fails.

The assignment turns out to be not so simple, especially when the research reveals a connection between a vengeful necromancer and the vampires over a mass murder many years before. Templars are taught that only God should judge, and the Templars protect those who need protection. But Aria has to decide who needs the protection as dead spirits brutally attack the vampires.

Aria is a 26 year old woman still trying to find her place in life. I wasn’t particularly pulled in by her character who often acted like a self-absorbed teen. I liked Dario’s loyalty to his family and enjoyed his bantering friendship with Aria which is a cautious relationship as there is a taboo between the vampires and Templars. In addition to Aria finding herself, the plot involves an interesting mystery, danger and action. I may not be rushing out to get the full series (although I’d snag them on sale), but I enjoyed the overall story. I recommend this to fans of urban fantasy, vampires, knights and mysteries.

Audio Notes: Elizabeth Phillips does a good job with the narration. She brings distinct voices and good energy. I enjoyed the audio presentation of the story.

Source: 7/28/2019 Chirp Deal $.99. (Hard to resist an audiobook for $.99.) This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Siege by Larry Correia

This is another action-packed, intense adventure.

Monster Hunter Siege
Monster Hunter, Book 6
By: Larry Correia
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Series: Monster Hunter, Book 6
Length: 15 hrs and 33 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-01-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Number six in multiple New York Times best seller Larry Correia's Monster Hunter series.
Go big or go home.
When Monster Hunter International's top hunter, Owen Zastava Pitt, was given a tip about some hunters who had gone missing in action, he didn't realize their rescue mission would snowball into the single biggest operation in MHI's history. Their men are being held prisoner in a horrific nightmare dimension, and the only way to reach them is through the radioactive ruins of a monster-infested war zone.
As if that wasn't bad enough, it's also the home base of the powerful creature behind the devastating attacks on the Last Dragon and Copper Lake. It turns out ancient gods of chaos really hate trespassers. But this god picked a fight with the wrong crew, and now MHI wants payback. Calling on their allies, a massive expedition is formed, and with the odds stacked against them, a legion of hunters goes to war.
It's D-Day at the City of Monsters.
©2017 Larry Correia (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Many hunters were lost in the Las Vegas battle (Monster Hunter Legion) with seven who disappeared into the nightmare realm presumed to be dead. Two were from MHI and five others were from rival companies that were involved in that nightmare battle. Owen received a secret message that has led him to a new information source who reveals that there are seven hunters alive in the nightmare dimension – far away and nearly impossible to enter. But Owen is of the genre that won’t leave a man behind.

Owen talks the boss into allowing him to lead a rescue mission. The other companies who have lost hunters are invited and readily join the highly risky mission. This mission takes months of planning trying to find a way to reach the prisoners who are held in the radioactive ruins of a monster-infested, abandoned city in Siberian. The huge endeavor will have to get permission just to step foot, or boat, in Russia.

The city where they have to go has a strange tie with Owen’s father. This brings in some history of Owen’s family just at a time when Owen is facing becoming a father himself. The stakes are even higher since Owen as “the chosen one” may have to face the newest evil alone and there are predictions of death.

This may not be as strong as some of the prior books and is more focused on Owen rather than a broader range of the characters. It still has plenty of action and the underlying snarky humor that the series is known for. There is some craziness – but that shouldn’t be surprising considering that a good part of the story takes place in a nightmare realm filled with skeleton and other nightmarish monsters. There is some foul language that I don’t like but realize is expected from ‘Bad A’ warriors.

The ending leaves an open segue to the next book which is now in my Wish List. I recommend the series from book 1 and this installment to fans of the series.

Audio Notes: Oliver Wyman is the voice of this series. I felt comfortable as soon as I heard his voice and was glad to have his energy in the presentation. I do enjoy this series on audio.

3/17/19 February 2019 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia 4.75
Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Vendetta by Larry Correia 4.5
Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Alpha by Larry Correia 4.75
Audible Book Review: Monster Hunter Legion: Monster Hunter, Book 4 by Larry Correia 4.5
Goodreads Review: Monster Hunter Nemesis (Monster Hunter International #5) by Larry Correia 4.25

#NetGalley Book Review: The Wolf at the End of the World by Douglas Smith

This is a wonderful shapeshifter, urban fantasy.

The Wolf at the End of the World
by Douglas Smith

File Size: 5454 KB
Print Length: 353 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Spiral Path Books; 2 edition (October 15, 2013)
ASIN: B00FXGJMU0
Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifter, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

A shapeshifter hero battles ancient spirits, a covert government agency, and his own dark past in a race to solve a murder that could mean the end of the world.
The debut novel from the multi-award winning author that Library Journal describes as "one of Canada's most original writers of speculative fiction."
"I can’t remember the last time I read a book that spoke to me, so eloquently, and so deeply, on so many levels. ... I’ll be rereading it in the future because it’s that sort of book. Richly layered and deeply resonant. An old friend, from the first time you read it." —Charles de Lint, World Fantasy Award winner
The Heroka walk among us. Unseen, unknown. Shapeshifters. Human in appearance but with power over their animal totems.
Gwyn Blaidd is a Heroka of the wolf totem. Once he led his people in a deadly war against the Tainchel, the shadowy agency that hunts his kind. Now he lives alone in his wilderness home, wolves his only companions.
But when an Ojibwe girl is brutally killed in Gwyn's old hometown, suspicion falls on his former lover. To save her, Gwyn must return, to battle not only the Tainchel, but even darker forces: ancient spirits fighting to enter our world…
And rule it.
Cree and Ojibwe legends mix with current day environmental conflict in this fast-paced urban fantasy that keeps you on the edge of your seat right up to its explosive conclusion.

Review:
Gwyn Glaidd is a Heroka – a human/wolf shapeshifter. The Heroka are humans with “extra” – sort of superhuman. They try to live alone and in peace, often dwelling with native tribes like the Ojibwe and Cree. But there are those who fear the Heroka and others who want to study them. The Tainchel is a shadow government agency that has captured and tortured the Heroka, trying to learn their secrets. Years ago the Tainchel came in force against Gwyn and his community. Gwyn decimated the hunters, including the leader’s son, and Gwyn has lived in seclusion since.

When a young woman in the Ojibwe tribe is killed in a brutal and unexplainable fashion, Gwyn is asked to return to the tribal grounds to investigate. Also, to prove that his ex-girlfriend, another Heroka -- of the cat totem-- is innocent of the murder. Initially, Gwyn wants to refuse until Tainchel hunters arrive at his secluded location and kill his friend. Gwyn is visited by the great wolf spirit of his ancestors and told that he must save the world with ‘the boy’. Gwyn is left in charge of a seventeen-year-old troubled teen, Cas – a Heroka of the rodent clan (specifically the otter family).

Running from the Tainchel at his lodge, Gwyn knows he is taking his companion dog and his new ‘ward’ to danger filled with unknown evil. But he doesn’t realize he is also delivering them into a confrontation with the head of the Tainchel. It’s hard to tell which is the greater danger – the spiritual threat or the relentless revenge of a father who lost his son. And there is a big surprise for Gwyn when he meets the young blind boy who will play an important part in the upcoming battles.

I enjoy shapeshifter stories and I always like the Native American (Canadian) connections. The characters are well developed with strengths and weaknesses. The leader of the Tainchel is presented as a zealous and delusional Christian, which didn’t thrill me, but he is clearly over the edge. The world-building is wonderful and the mysteries kept me glued with effective surprises. There is plenty of action and good pacing. When I read the author’s notes I learned that there are earlier short stories introducing the Heroka and Gwyn in particular. I hope to read those. I recommend this to fans of shapeshifter suspense.

Source: Title from the publisher and NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020NetGalley goals.

Audible Book Review: Written in Red: A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop

This is very good so now I will be into this series.
Written in Red
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris

Series: The Others (Bishop), Book 1
Length: 18 hrs and 33 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-05-13
Language: English
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Shape Shifters, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
No one creates realms like New York Times best-selling author Anne Bishop. Now in a thrilling new fantasy series, enter a world inhabited by the Others, unearthly entities - vampires and shape-shifters among them - who rule the Earth and whose prey are humans.
As Cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut - a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg's Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard - a business district operated by the Others.
Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she's keeping a secret, and second, she doesn't smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she's wanted by the government, he'll have to decide if she's worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.
©2013 Anne Bishop (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Review:
This unique fantasy takes place in a world where humans and Others have negotiated a truce after years of battling with the humans suffering as ‘clever prey’ under the view of the Others. The Others consist of non-human beings like vampires, elementals (Winter, Air, etc) and many shape-shifter creatures from birds to bears, horses, and wolves. The humans are now living mostly securely on certain lands known as "reservations while the Others live in Courtyard communities observing the ‘prey’.

Meg is a rare Cassandra Sangue, a blood prophet who is able to see the future when her skin is cut in precise control. She has escaped from the very secret owner/organization who exploits these women, keeping them in confinement and limiting their knowledge except as needed to make profit from selling their prophecies.

As she was fleeing in a snowstorm, Meg stumbled into an Others Courtyard. The Others district leader, Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard, is reluctant to give shelter to a person on the run but the community desperately needs a Human Liaison. Simon recognizes that Meg is not just ‘prey’ like normal humans. He decides to give Meg a trial run especially as it helps him avoid the pestering of a young woman who keeps throwing herself at him and begging for the job. To everyone’s surprise, Meg quickly shows that she cares about the postal office job even as she tries to learn how to act in society. The humans are comfortable with her professional approach to the clerical (but important) task and the Others are entertained and cheered by her friendliness and caring gestures. The Others come to care for Meg and are determined to protect her especially as they learn that outside, human forces are intent on kidnapping her.

Although some might see Meg as frail, she has an inner strength that is revealed as events unfold. She may be cautious of the clearly powerful Simon, but she won’t kowtow to even him. She has seen visions and knows that danger is imminent. Meg is intent on protecting Simon’s damaged but emerging nephew, “pup” Sam.

I like stories with ‘otherworldly’ creatures and they abound in this story. I loved the relationship between Meg and the Others. There is no overt romance but clear budding friendships that may have future growth.

The world-building is wonderful and the story full of tension and suspense. The characters are engaging and even the villain is well developed. This first volume has a logical conclusion spot but clearly, there is plenty to come. I'm a few years behind getting to this series but now I’m hooked. I will be continuing with the series and I recommend this to readers who enjoy intriguing urban fantasy.

Audio Notes: Alexandra Harris does a very fine job with the narration. She provides different accents for the many characters and her voice for Meg fits well. The narration carries through on the good pacing and emotion. I enjoyed the audible performance.

Source: 4/28/19 Audible Whisper Sync title for $7.95 less $5.00 Credit so it cost me only $2.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Nice Dragons Finish Last by Rachel Aaron

I did get to really enjoy this story with a nice dragon who has to prove his worth.
Nice Dragons Finish Last
Heartstrikers, Book 1
By: Rachel Aaron
Narrated by: Vikas Adam


Length: 13 hrs and 31 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-18-14
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Cyberpunk, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Audie Award, Fantasy, 2016
As the smallest dragon in the Heartstriker clan, Julius survives by a simple code: keep quiet, don't cause trouble, and stay out of the way of bigger dragons. But this meek behavior doesn't fly in a family of ambitious magical predators, and his mother, Bethesda the Heartstriker, has finally reached the end of her patience. Now, sealed in human form and banished to the DFZ - a vertical metropolis built on the ruins of Old Detroit - Julius has one month to prove he can be a ruthless dragon or kiss his true shape goodbye forever. But in a city of modern mages and vengeful spirits where dragons are considered monsters to be exterminated, he's going to need some serious help to survive this test. He only hopes humans are more trustworthy than dragons....
©2014 Rachel Aaron (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
Julius is the youngest and smallest dragon of the Heartstriker clan. He has stayed out of the limelight for his 24 years, hiding in his room, trying to stay out of the way of his tyrannical mother and playing online games with humans. Dragons are magical predators who don’t mix well with humans. But Julius is not aggressive and has no inclination to seek domination over humans. His mother, Bethesda, has had enough. She binds his wings with magic and drops him in the middle of the DFZ, ruins of Old Detroit, where dragons aren’t welcome.

Fortunately, Julius has many brothers and sisters, some of whom are willing to give him a little direction and help. Jessica provides at least a place to sleep for the first night. The eldest, rather strange brother, Bob, who is the clan sear, sets up a bank account with almost $100.00 bucks in it, provides a cell phone and provides advice for the day. His extremely successful brother, Ian,
then offers Julius a job. He is tasked to locate and return a young runaway dragoness, Katya, from a rival clan.

As Julius waits to locate Katya he is approached by a human mage who offers her services to help Julius. Julius hesitates but soon realizes that he can help Marci and maybe she can help him. With illusions provided by Marci’s skills, the pair visits a mage party trying to locate Katya. Before they get to Katya, Julius is threatened by his sister, Chelsie, the very scary clan enforcer, and gets help from his clutch mate, Justin, who is a large warrior dragon. And all along, crazy Bob shares cryptic advice. Even with help from some of his family will Julius be able to pass his mother’s test and stay alive?

I had a little trouble getting unaccustomed to an underachiever protagonist. However, once Marci joined the team, their camaraderie and collaboration pulled me into the story. I liked how Julius revealed his worth in a different way from his clan. I was impressed with the clever, creative imagination Ms. Aaron brings to her characters, world-building and the plot. There is a good mix of humor and danger that make this a good story. I plan to pick up more in the series and recommend this to readers who enjoy a fun, urban fantasy.

Audio Notes: Vikas Adam does a good job with this narration. He provides seamless shifts from the mild voice of Julius, the imperious arrogance of Bethesda, the nervous eagerness of Marci, the craziness of Bob and all of the others. I enjoyed the audio entertainment and will get the next books on Audible too.

Source: 10/30 Audible Daily Deal $4.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goal.

Audio Book Review: The Journals of Octavia Hollows: Books 1-6 by Stacey Rourke

This is a very fun listen!

The Journals of Octavia Hollows: Books 1-6
by Stacey Rourke
Narrated by: Brenda Scott Wlazlo

Series: The Journals of Octavia Hollows Series, Book 1-6
Length: 14 hrs and 22 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-22-19
Language: English
Publisher: The Audio Flow, LLC
Genre: Cozy Mysteries, Supernatural Thriller, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

With a touch of her hand, Octavia Hollows can restore life. Yet, she couldn’t save the man she loved from the horrific accident that stole him from her. Octavia thought she could outrun the pain, but ghosts from the past refuse to be silenced. Out of options, she chooses to retrace her wayward journey across the country in search of answers. Surrounded by baffling mysteries of the undead, what she learns about herself along the way might become her greatest weapon.
This six novella series chronicles Octavia's adventures in:
Wake the Dead
Dead Man's Hand
Caught Dead
Drop Dead Gorgeous
Dead Ringer
Dead as a Doornail
"This is Rourke at her finest: sassy and completely unapologetic. Proving again why she's a powerhouse in this industry."
-USA Today Best Selling Author Rue Volley
"This book has it all: a kickass heroine, loads of action... and a pig named Bacon."
-NYT & USA Today Best Selling Author Karen Lynch
©2019 Stacey Rourke (P)2019 The Audio Flow, LLC

Review:
Octavia is a gutsy young woman with special gifts. She is a necromancer who can restore life and she has a little bit of magic learned from her witch coven friends. Still, she never felt like she belonged or had a family anywhere.

One of her special restorations is her sidekick and constant companion, a miniature pig she named Bacon. Octavia is distressed that she wasn’t able to save her boyfriend, Elba, from a tragic accident. But someone has hidden his body so she is retracing her steps to try to find him. In each episode, Octavia faces a challenge of death and learns more about herself along the way.

Wake the Dead
Octavia starts off in Seattle. She is surprised to be contacted by a couple desperate to hire her to help their baby son. Although waking the dead is frowned upon, Octavia uses the resources she has available and that means waking the nurse who was present in the hospital room when things went wrong for the family. Can Octavia banish the creature that has taken control of the children?

This story introduces the reader to Octavia, Bacon some of Octavia’s history and her friendship and strained relationship with her coven mentor, Dina. The snarky fun is obvious from the opening pages.

Dead Man's Hand
Moving on to Las Vegas Octavia visits her old boss to make inquires. They open a tool cabinet to discover a charred body and a huge stack of cash. Octavia thinks she can help by waking the man to ask him what happened. Soon she is dodging the law and hiding from the mob while she tries to figure out the mystery. This time she faces a monster who is willing to grant her deepest wish. Can she resist?

Caught Dead
Next Octavia stops in Galveston, Texas. By this time she knows that someone is shadowing her as he drops a burner cellphone in her lap and she learns a man has been asking about her.

While she tries to figure out who would stalk her, Octavia is witness to the arrest of a woman accused of murdering her husband. Octavia slips out in the dark to hunt for clues and is confronted by a strange creature from Davy Jones Locker. The creature is threatened when others start rushing to the area to investigate strange noises. Octavia manages to whisk “Squidface” away to hide him in her motel room. This becomes a sweet character but faces danger when Octavia confronts a Siren who is causing murders along the beach.

Drop Dead Gorgeous
From the blurb for book 4:

“Campsite; Middle of nowhere
Abducted by a pod of sirens claiming to hold secrets to her past, Octavia is forced into the hell that is the sequin and taffeta lifestyle of a traveling pageant circuit. But this tour is leaving a trail of deception in its wake. Stumbling onto a double homicide, Octavia must choose a side in a decades old rivalry.
Will she use her gifts to unveil the killer, if it means sacrificing her chance at freedom?”

This situation reveals alarming facts about Octavia’s birth parents. Octavia has to find a way out of her predicament before Squidface, Bacon, and Octavia herself lose their freedom, if not their lives.

Dead Ringer
Octavia returns to another former employer in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. Octavia is worried about the members of her coven who have gone missing. She fears they have been lured out by her stalker and she is close on his heels. But before she can find the stalker, Octavia meets a handsome boxer, Reid, who has a unique ability – he can’t die. As usual, Octavia steps into the ring (literally this time) to lend a helping hand, punch or kick.

There is fun chemistry and banter between Octavia and Reid to the point that she has to remind herself that she is still hunting the body of her “ex” boyfriend, Elba. Will Octavia allow Reid to tag along when she follows the next clues to find Elba and the stalker?

Dead as a Doornail
Octavia finally returns to Tallahassee, Florida where the love of her (Elba) life died. Time has come to face the stalking menace who is out for revenge. He is vicious and holds the tricks: he has the body of Elba and has kidnapped her coven members. Elba is materializing as a ghost trying to help protect Octavia from the stalker and maybe from Reid as the two “men” face-off.

Octavia will need all the help she can gather to fight this threat from her past. Octavia is willing to offer an apology and forgiveness as she continues to mature her emotions and confidence, standing firm to face the enemy.

Boxed Set:
The whole package is a great ride of snarky fun with lots of action and unusual paranormal characters. There is some language and a small bit of crudity that was unnecessary for me. But as stated in the Tour Blitz, if “you like urban fantasy and snarky heroines…. you'll want to meet necromancer Octavia Hollows and her sidekick Bacon.” Do you like urban fantasy and snarky heroines?

Audio Notes: Brenda Scott Wlazlo does a wonderful job delivery the energy and fun of these stories. I am thankful to have received the audio to enjoy the listening fun!

If you haven’t checked out THE GIVEAWAY yet, you still have today, November 6, 2019.

Source: Audio provided for Tour Blitz on 10/31/19 hosted by Caffeinated PR. This qualifies for 2019Audiobook goal.

Audio Blitz with Giveaway: Journals of Octavia Hollows

I have had fun listening to novellas 1 through 4 so far. Octavia is snarky even as she struggles to recognize the extent of her abilities. Bacon, is a cute, albeit unusual, pet who draws the loyalty of her human. I'll be posting my review by next week, as soon as I finish the final two adventures.

Do you like urban fantasy and snarky heroines? Then you'll want to meet necromancer Octavia Hollows and her sidekick Bacon.

We are celebrating the release of The Journals of Octavia Hollows by Stacey Rourke on Audio. This collection features all six journals in the series and was published by The Audio Flow. Come fall in love with this feisty heroine, her pet pig, and the brilliant narration provided by Brenda Scott Wlazlo.

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ The Journals of Octavia Hollows ⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

Grab your copy: Audible | Audible UK

With a touch of her hand, Octavia Hollows can restore life. Yet, she couldn’t save the man she loved from the horrific accident that stole him from her. Octavia thought she could outrun the pain, but ghosts from the past refuse to be silenced. Out of options, she chooses to retrace her wayward journey across the country in search of answers. Surrounded by baffling mysteries of the undead, what she learns about herself along the way might become her greatest weapon.

This six novella series chronicles Octavia's adventures in:
Wake the Dead
Dead Man's Hand
Caught Dead
Drop Dead Gorgeous
Dead Ringer
Dead as a Doornail

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ Listen to A Sample ⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ About the Author ⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

Stacey Rourke is the award winning author of works that span genres, but possess the same flare for action and snarky humor. She lives in Florida with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant dogs. Stacey loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Audible

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ Giveaway ⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

One lucky US winner will receive a signed paperback copy of the Journals of Octavia Hollows collection. The book will be signed by author Stacey Rourke and narrator Brenda Scott Wlazlo.

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