BOOK REVIEW: Of Triton UNABRIDGED by Anna Banks

• "Combing old world kingdoms with modern sensibility"

  
  

  Overall

  Performance

  Story

  Over halfway through the story you will become hooked. I say halfway because that is about how long it takes before I got used to the characters and fell in love with the romantic YA tale of the deep.
  
  This is a Triton + Poseidon modern kingdom tale of mermaids known as the Salina. It's a story of love, family, betrayal, survival, and togetherness.
  
  
  The narrator's voice is so breathy, not from breathing hard, but a sound like someone who just finished kissing. It's deeper than 1950s actresses but has the same heady quality, like she is trying to seduce you.

Book Review: Gay Dinosaur & Unicorn Erotic Fiction #books

This is another book series that I HAVE NOT READ. I'm not sure I ever will, but it was referred to me after my last post on the book about the demon vagina (seriously, it's weird and the description is worth reading - the book itself I can not speak for). I had a good laugh and then reread the description once or twice.

BOOK REVIEW: The Haunted Vagina by Carlton Mellick III

I've *NEVER* read this book. I'm a member of a lot of book clubs, so I get random recommendations a lot. Recommendations from authors I follow online, publishers, and even Facebook. This book was a Facebook recommendation that I still can't bring myself to read, but the description itself is too hilarious not to read once. I get very invested in books and the description makes me laugh/cringe simultaneously.

CONTEST GEEK RIDDLE: WHO AM I? #geekriddle

Legendary are my Movements,

Smooth as silk they are,

With subterfuge I allay strangers,

Bold strength and speed make me hard to catch.

The company I keep likes to roam,

We dabble afoot near green orchards to gaze or dream amongst the stars,

Forbidden are my dreams,

Deadly are my movements,

With my flood of tears a bringer of death I will be.

Mischief may bring my tears but dancing to another tune is what brings the worst fates,

A melody to glide to,

A touch to belie to,

A moment of spying,

The magic brings my death or yours.

Who am I?

Book Review: Beautiful Bastards #books

"Steamy Modern City Romance Stories with Sexy Narrator Duos"

Overall

Performance

Story

I LOVE this series. Sebastian York and Grace Grant are by far two of my all time favorite narrators. If you like audio books, are over 18, and like romance novels. This modern novel series of love and lust is addictive. Christina Lauren are the author duo that created this series. The authors are on Twitter and write fabulous updates.

BOOK REVIEW: Witch Child by Celia Rees

"History Comes to Life with Real Magic near Salem"

Overall

Performance

Story

A story of the narrow minded. Bless her for keeping a diary, I wonder how much of it is true.

It's a beautiful thing to imagine how harmonious Indians where with the land. Varied culture has been greatly lost with the advent of pop culture, mainstream media, and corporations. The world is similar inside any border these days, this story gives you insight into a different time. Sad to think that people would give up so much to cross oceans for freedom only to find a worse kind of stifling terror because of childish boredom.

BOOK REVIEW: Endless Knight UNABRIDGED by Kresley Cole

"You will be surprised who you love & who you hate."

• Overall

  Performance

  Story

  The ending makes me sad. Full of unanswered questions but too many assumptions. It's interesting and odd the turns the story takes in this section of the series. I'm at once riveted by the love story (very pg 13) and saddened by choices made. The story lets loose some of its edginess, and deftly turns into a triangle of sorts.
  The first book in the series, "poison princess" had a Texas chain saw massacre meets zombie apocalypse with a touch of shady back country southern swagger.

BOOK REVIEW: Princess Academy: Princess Academy, Book 1 UNABRIDGED by Shannon Hale

"Finished in One Night."

• Overall

  Performance

  Story

  This story was entertaining, but be forewarned in between each chapter is weird singing. The narrators have nice voices but the music is horrible. For me, it didn't hurt the book. I still enjoyed the story and the singing is very short lived (thank God). The singing & intermittent music is the only reason I took one star away from this book.
  
  
  
  As my headline says, I literally finished this book in one night. I got attached to the story and intrigued by the little princesses. They are definitely underdogs.

GEEK RIDDLE CONTEST: #geekriddle

Vin Du Rhône lips, 

Beauty like Dita Von Tease, 

Skin of a china doll, 

Hair darker than charcoal, 

And a heart of gold,

Who am I? ‪#‎geekriddle‬

GEEK RIDDLE CONTEST: #geekriddle

Beauty disguises my true nature: 

Stealthy, hungry & evil 

I creep inside your home 

Invading where you feel most secure

 Who am I? ‪#‎geekriddle‬

GEEK RIDDLE Contest: #geekriddle Who am I?

Think comic book or fairy tale ...it's a geek riddle.

Fiery, Fair, and Voluptuous,

An envy among her peers,

The eyes of all who see her stuck like glue through all her years.

Through Ice and Fire I may endure,

Elegant and slender I may be,

My whits may enchant you,

I'm not a real person.

I'm infamous to those who know me,

Rough and hunted for murder,

My body may not be what is slender,
 though I am light and may be graceful.

I need no hero to save me.

BOOK REVIEW: The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic UNABRIDGED by Emily Croy Barker

"Hours of Entertainment that will Fly By on Magic"

• 
  

  Overall

  Performance

  Story

  
  

  Noami is a sad somber character in a normal gray world dropped out of the fictional boredom into a Wizard of Oz style version of Pride and Prejudice. The story will set you up with tid bits to be explained far later, which is the best part. I promise my analogies will not ruin the story for you or give you any insights what-so-ever.
  
  This is a love tale awry. The puzzle of Naomi's life smoothly cleans up in a way you wouldn't expect as the story progresses. Unlike many modern magical tales this author, Emily Croy Baker, does a good job of not leaving you hanging at the end.

BOOK REVIEW: Born Wicked: The Cahill Witch Chronicles, Book One UNABRIDGED by Jessica Spotswood

• "So Good I Went to the Library for the Next Book"

  Overall

  Performance

  Story

  This series has a second book that is not yet available in audio, sigh, but I was so addicted to the story I couldn't wait and wait to the library to get the next book. The young narrator gives life to this story and depth to the character's enchanting lives.
  
  To enjoy this book you will need to enjoy stories of enchantment, duplicitous mystery, and a setting back in time. This is an old world tale from when witch hunts, burning, and magic ruled. Well in this story, the order of the brothers ruled with an iron clad fist. This is not a historical tale that will give light to a witches point of view in the 1800s, its fantasy brought to life in a parallel world with a similar feel to that time.

Free Book: The Unfinished Song Book 1 by Tara Maya

Free book from author Tara Maya@taramayastales

Over 100 4 and 5 star reviews on Amazon.

Download Initiate for #free! https://ow.ly/FoNCt #fantasy #kindle

I'm extremely excited to read this book. Expect a review soon. I love the cover photo!

Book Description

A DETERMINED GIRL...

Dindi can't do anything right, maybe because she spends more time dancing with pixies than doing her chores. Her clan hopes to marry her off and settle her down, but she dreams of becoming a Tavaedi, one of the powerful warrior-dancers whose secret magics are revealed only to those who pass a mysterious Test during the Initiation ceremony. The problem? No-one in Dindi's clan has ever passed the Test. Her grandmother died trying. But Dindi has a plan.

AN EXILED WARRIOR...

Kavio is the most powerful warrior-dancer in Faearth, but when he is exiled from the tribehold for a crime he didn't commit, he decides to shed his old life. If roving cannibals and hexers don't kill him first, this is his chance to escape the shadow of his father's wars and his mother's curse. But when he rescues a young Initiate girl, he finds himself drawn into as deadly a plot as any he left behind. He must decide whether to walk away or fight for her... assuming she would even accept the help of an exile.

DEADLY INITIATION

Publication Date: December 22, 2010

BOOK REVIEW: A Few of My Favorite Genres, Books, Authors, and Narrators of all time (as of today)

What kind of books do I normally read or listen to?

Books I read Monthly, but in Small Doses

I try to read religious and business books in paper form, mainly so I can take notes and because it's a struggle. They're not exactly addictive. I also enjoy gardening, language learning, interior design, web design, fitness, aviation, and craft type books that lean towards a how to perspective.

BOOK REVIEW: Storm Glass UNABRIDGED by Maria V. Snyder

"Love the Author, Confused by the Narrator Switch"

Overall

Performance

Story

Summary:

Keep in mind, I have over 250 books in my audible library alone. I have listened and read many more books than that. So I am comparing this author, story, and narrator to EVERYTHING in my past experience.

The narrator is above average. I wouldn't award her a prize for this reading, but I would recommend her to you. She has become one of my favorite narrators.

The story is engaging. It could have gone further, but was well written. Maria is an engaging author. By the end of the story, you may even want to look up the author and narrator to see similar books they have produced.

BOOK REVIEW: The One (A Selection Series Book) by Kiera Cass

Original Review December 12, 2014

Originally updated January, 26, 2015

Follow up to Review February 14,2015

The One

December 12, 2014

January 26, 2015 (updated review)

Overall

Performance

Story

This is part of a series. "The One" is a compelling drama. Think futuristic version of "The Bachelor" that's what this is. It's a young adult fictional love story.

The book has a hardened King, a hopeful set of wannabe princesses, and a possessive set of suitors. America is the main character, she is obtuse, exhausting, secretive, rude, an idealist, and full of head games. Her secrets have secrets. It's annoying.

The main character is always trying to do the right thing at the expense of logic, reason, or strategy. From the first book to this one I don't know whether to root for her, the rebels, or her love interests. Every book expands on the characters and flushes out their various secrets.

BOOK REVIEW: Matched: Book 1 UNABRIDGED by Ally Condie

"Interesting Narration Style & A++ Story"

• Overall

  Performance

  Story

  
  

  This book reminds me a lot of the book, "The Giver" about a boy in a rigidly controlled society of structure and health. If you enjoy this book I recommend reading that one. You will not have ruined either book for yourself if you've already read one of them. They are completely different authors with very different endings just similar plots.
  
  
  
  Matched seems all too close to home in a society slowly moving closer and closer to excess control, cameras, mandated health care, and food control.

BOOK REVIEW: Study Guides in Astrology: Predictive Astrology: Love and Relationships: Indicators of Togetherness and Separation UNABRIDGED by Lauren Delsack

"Horrible listen only for astrologists"

Overall

Performance

Story

She jumps right in telling you what "clients" will be looking for and never explains any terms or phrases just assumes you know how to read them and just need explanation. I listened for 14 minutes before shutting it off. The background echos and sounds like a lecture.

BOOK REVIEW: One Good Knight: Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, Book 2 UNABRIDGED by Mercedes Lackey

• "Addictive Series comparable to Once Upon a Time"

  Overall

  Performance

  Story

  If you've seen the new TV show Once Upon a Time with all the most well know old fables and stories, and you liked that you will love how Gabra Zackman brings this series to life. Mercedes writes a good story but most of her books are read by terrible narrators (I found that out trying to listen to a couple others and then reading all the reviews).
  Not to worry in this series, because you have Gabra Zackman. After this series I fell in love with Gabra's reading style and went so far as to follow her on Facebook, as well as look up other stories she has read. Most of my favorite audible books now are read by Gabra.

Book Review: A LITTLE NIGHT MAGIC

"A surprise. A story of Magic and Betrayal."

Overall

Performance

Story

This story will take you by surprise. Trust no one. The main character is innocent, bright, and full of dumb decisions. The villain will be someone she least suspects, you may or may not see it coming. This is a short tale of mystery, a fun sort of wistful magic, and a few moving life lessons of friendship & bad decisions.

This is a modern tale of a waitress coming into her own.

The Iron King: The Iron Fey, Book 1 by Julie Kagawa

BOOK REVIEW: The Iron King

The Iron Fey Series

by Julie Kagawa

"Surprised and Enthralled. Lovely Modern Fantasy."

Overall

Performance

Story

I got the first book in this series during one of Audible's many buy one get one events. As an avid Audible addict, I've listened to literally hundreds of books (nearing 300+ at the time of this review). As the old saying goes, don't judge a book by it's fairy cover; ok I added the fairy part. At first glance The Iron King my look child-like and whimsical; which in a lot of ways is something I like, plus I love getting into series because it's more entertainment with characters you've already built a good rapport with. As long as the author throws in some variety to their writing style and doesn't beat a dead horse into the ground reviewing the same materials, not to worry that is not a problem in this series.

BOOK REVIEW: The Iron Daughter: The Iron Fey, Book 2 | [by: Julie Kagawa]

"Technically book 3. Another great Read. Onward!"

Overall

Performance

Story

If you like these books I recommend reading my review of book 1, for more references to similar books that might interest you.

I say this is book three because the author has half versions, or mini books to give you an update between books. It's kind of a cheap ploy to make more money, but they are all worth reading, plus if you get them during an audible discount period they will only cost you $2/each. Just buy them that way and get the books over $10 using your credits.



In this book Megan starts to come into her own and really starts to understand herself, her prince, and the other fey better just as everything begins to unravel around her.

BOOK REVIEW: Winter's Passage UNABRIDGED by Julie Kagawa Narrated by Khristine Hvam View Series

"Julie loves her mini books! Great teaser."

Overall

Performance

Story

Don't forget this is book 1.5 but before this is book 1.25 the first kiss, a free 8 page mini book on scribbed of Ash's point of view of the ending scene of book 1. It's free and will take you less than 10 minutes to read. I created a short link to get you there of you can google for it bit.ly/JHUONc not sure if audible will allow that.

Secondhand Spirits: A Witchcraft Mystery, Book 1 by Juliet Blackwell

BOOK REVIEW: Secondhand Spirits

A Witchcraft Mystery, Book 1

by Juliet Blackwell

"Give the book at Least a Hour Before You Give Up"

Overall

Performance

Story

Agree with other reviewers the book starts off slow, but since it is a series I listened all the way. You don't get addicted or find a hook in this book until almost the end of the book. I wonder if the rest of the series follows from the first so if you get past this one, you will already have the gist and plenty more books to entertain you for hours. The narrator has a definite accent but since the main character has one too I suppose it's suppose to fit.

BOOK REVIEW: Sex, Murder, and a Double Latte UNABRIDGED by Kyra Davis

"Not My TYPICAL PURCHASE.. But still.. Not Bad"

Overall

Performance

Story

I originally got this book because I adore Gabra Zackman. She is an amazing narrator. In this book she gives herself an east coast accent that I was not expecting since I got the book without listening to a sample. Plus I'm not normally into murder mysteries but Gabra made this book for me.

Fated by Alyson Noël

BOOK REVIEW: Fated

The Soul Seeker Series, Book 2

Author: Alyson Noël Narrated: Brittany Pressley

"Enchanting and Sad"

Overall

Performance

Story

This book has some very lovable and hate-able characters. I love the native american influences and magical intrigue. This book doesn't seem to end the series, just wish I'd know that first, so I could have waited before starting a series with no ending. I'm a little shocked and confused by it. The is a teenage magic love mystery. You will likely be confused until about 30 minutes into the book, stick with it. Feel sorry for the characters and move forward. It will all make sense.. eventually.

TIP: If you don't want to listen to the boring descriptions of what animals mean to the author, skip the first 5 minutes and 17 seconds of both books!

Purchase

  

Fated

UNABRIDGED

by Alyson Noël

Narrated by Brittany Pressley

View Series

Reviewed: 9/9/13

About the Book

From the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Immortals, Alyson Noël, comes Fated - a breathtaking new saga brimming with magic, mystery, and an intoxicating love story that will steal your heart away.

Meet The Soul Seekers.

Strange things are happening to Daire Santos. Crows mock her, glowing people stalk her, time stops without warning, and a beautiful boy with unearthly blue eyes haunts all her dreams. Fearing for her daughter’s sanity, Daire’s mother sends her to live with the grandmother she’s never met. A woman who recognizes the visions for what they truly are - the call to her destiny as a Soul Seeker - one who can navigate the worlds between the living and dead. There on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico, Daire sets out to harness her mystical powers. But it’s when she meets Dace, the boy from her dreams, that her whole world is shaken to its core. Now Daire is forced to discover if Dace is the one guy she's meant to be with... or if he’s allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.

Editorial Review

"Alyson Noël paints a magical New Mexican landscape."

–New Mexico Style

"Noël does a terrific job of slowly unspooling secrets and motivations with writing that is both charismatic and spunky."

–LA Times

"A rush of romance will sweep you away in this hauntingly mystical read. I'm already as addicted to Daire and Dace as I was to Ever and Damen. Next book please!"

–Janet, teen reader from Kentucky for Justine magazine

"An adventurous page-turner. Dreams and reality bleed into each other in this dangerous and edgy romance. Another home run series for Alyson Noël!"

–Anna, teen reader from NY for Justine magazine

"Emotional, fast-paced, romantic. I love Alyson Noël’s lushly descriptive writing –I could hear the beating of the crow’s wings, feel the blue-eyed boy’s embrace and smell Paloma’s coffee in this new Soul Seekers series."

–Catherine, teen reader from Florida for Justine magazine

"With fantastic characters and an amazing plot,　Fated will suck you in and leave you breathless.　Noël is a master with words…with passion and thrills around each corner, this book is a must read."

– Romantic Times (Top Pick!)

"Atmospheric and enjoyable...Noël's　many fans will be eager to find out what happens next."

–Publishers Weekly

"Readers will feel the pull of Daire's quest just as forcefully as Daire herself does, and will count the days until the release of Echo."

–Shelf Awareness, Maximum Shelf

"A fast and enjoyable read...with some very unique plot twists and balance among the romance, conflict and family relationships."

--Deseret News

"Two boys, one light and one dark, factor heavily into the intriguing, twisting story line, which is sure to draw Noël’s numerous fans."

–Booklist

"Another captivating series from Alyson Noël. Fated did an excellent job setting up everything for the next books in the series. …I’m really looking forward to seeing where this series goes!"

–The Story Siren

"Fated reads very well and the descriptions set the scene perfectly. Noel takes the time to set the story up right so it never feels rushed or that any details were missing. …I’m glad there’s not too long to wait for the sequel – Echo is due out in November of this year."

—The Reading Date

"If you're looking for a new series to get stuck into "The Soul Seekers" is out of this world."

–Dark Readers

"I found myself unable to put this book down, completely captivated by　the narration and the beautifully crafted world. It was a refreshing YA fantasy with new elements I’ve never before."

–Love, Literature, Art and Reason

"A superb thriller. The key to this absorbing tale is the heroine who makes the Noël mythos seem genuine as she enters the underworld while wondering who she can trust. Filled with twists, this is a winning opening act."

– Alternative Worlds

"This book has it all—magick, spookiness, cute boys, a little romance, danger, fun and light-hearted moments, some mystery, and there's even good/evil twins (cute ones, too!) What more can you ask for? I am very intrigued by this new world that Alyson has created, and I cannot wait to read more about Daire and her friends in the future."

–Once Upon A Twilight

"Noël has surpassed all of my exceptions with a new world filled with magick, trust, and love. . . . It just mesmerizes me how [she] can create a world filled with fast-pacing, heart-breaking plots along with awesome characters and such a magical world."

—Cover Analysis

"I loved this book. All the characters were beautifully developed including some of the minor characters. . . I for one had high expectations of this book because of Evermore and Fated defiantly met those standards."　

—Flamingnet

"The world-building in Fated is fantastic. …The plot is amazing and the rich Native American history along with the supernatural elements of the book, just made it even better...Fated is a story of pure magic—breathtaking and wonderful, all at once." 　

—Kindle & Me

"Fated was absolutely original in its own way! From the vivid descriptions to the spiritual world the author, Alyson Noël, has cleverly created, I was so intrigued and stunned by this book that I can't wait to see where Noël takes this series to because she sure as hell has a winner right here!"

—Tales of the Inner Book Fanatic

"This novel is something different than anything I've encountered. Fated has a rich mythology, full of spirit animals, spirit journeys, fate, soul-seeking, and of course, good and evil."　

—Thirteen Days Later

BOOK REVIEW: Winds of Fate: The Mage Winds, Book 1 UNABRIDGED by Mercedes Lackey

Overall

Performance

Story

I'd like to start off saying, I love this author. Maybe it was the narrator or just they style of writing. Mercedes Lackey did another book series called the five hundred kingdoms and it was beyond addictive.

If I actually tried to READ this book (instead of listen) I never would have made it and found my self rewinding multiple times. I think the story was there but either the narrator missed the mark (there where lots of distracting sound effects and voices used with whistling sounds and lisps) or it was the old english that was randomly interspersed. Can't tell but I don't think I will finish the series.

Like my book reviews?   Connect with me online! Winds of Fate: The Mage Winds, Book 1 UNABRIDGED by Mercedes Lackey Narrated by Karen White View Series Reviewed: 9/9/13   AUDIBLE

Magic Study (SERIES) by Maria V. Snyder

BOOK REVIEW: Magic Study (SERIES)

Study Series #2

Author: Maria V. Snyder Narrator: Gabra Zackman

"Two Words: ADDICTIVE SERIES"

Overall

Performance

Story

I listened straight through. The narrator was easy to listen to, the story had me hooked. You feel yourself drawn in and loving the characters. There are some books that pull you into another word, another land, another place or time; and this is one of them.

I ADORE Gabra Zackman's narrations and have recently sought out more of the books she reads because she is just sooooo easy for me to follow along. She uses light voice changes to change between characters, but nothing distracting. Maria Snyder NAILED IT with a variety of characters, magical plot and a whirlwind romance that is not over done. GET ALL THREE BOOKS.

Just wish audible would label the book numbers better on the mobile app.

 

Purchase

Magic Study

UNABRIDGED

by Maria V. Snyder

Narrated by Gabra Zackman

View Series

Reviewed: 9/9/13

  

About the Book

So far, I've managed to survive. You would think after being kidnapped as a child, imprisoned in my teens and released to become a poison taster, I would have endured enough. But no. The discovery of my magical abilities—powers forbidden in Ixia—has resulted in an execution order. My only chance is to flee to Sitia, my long-lost birthplace.

But Sitia is unfamiliar. I'm treated like an enemy—even by my own brother. Plus I can't control my powers. I want to learn about my magic, but there isn't time. A rogue magician has emerged and I'm targeted as his next victim.

Will my magical abilities save me…or be my downfall?

With her greatest enemy dead, and on her way to be reunited with the family she'd been stolen from long ago, Yelena should be pleased. But though she has gained her freedom, she can't help feeling isolated in Sitia. Her Ixian background has changed her in many ways, and her newfound friends and relatives don't think it's for the better.

Despite the turmoil, she's eager to start her magic training, especially as she's been given one year to harness her power or be put to death. But her plans take a radical turn when she becomes involved with a plot to reclaim Ixia's throne for a lost prince, and gets entangled in powerful rivalries with her fellow magicians.

If that wasn't bad enough, it appears her brother would love to see her dead. Luckily, Yelena has some old friends to help her with all her new enemies.

Magic Study is the sequel to Poison Study and our Editors' Pick for Romance. Find out what else made Audible's Best of 2006 list.

Editorial Review

"Poison Study is a nifty little tale of intrigue featuring a worthy protagonist that makes for a commendable debut."

-- SF Reviews

"Poison Study is a wonderful and lively read. Highly recommended!"

-- Kate Elliott, author of the Crown of Stars series

"Be prepared for an exhilarating adventure of danger and romance as our heroine battles for her life against rebel forces . . ."

-- Dark Realms magazine

"Enchanting . . . I absolutely loved it. Poison Study is a wonderful trip into fantasy."

-- Heather Graham, New York Times bestselling author

"Maria Snyder has created an engaging and entirely original new fantasy, fascinating in its rich detail."

-- Mercedes Lackey, New York Times bestselling author

"Maria V. Snyder makes readers believe in her world and the characters she creates, a writer's form of magic."

-- The Best Reviews --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Maria V. Snyder is the New York Times bestselling author of the Study series, the Glass series, the Healer series, Inside Out, and Outside In. Born and raised in Philadelphia, she earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Meteorology from Penn State and a Master of Arts degree in fiction writing from Seton Hill University. Unable to part ways with Seton Hill, Maria is currently a teacher and mentor for the MFA program. Find her on the Web at MariaVSnyder.com.

Similar Books