Book Series Review: Until the End of the World

I'm not typically a fan of horror, zombies, or books that mess with my emotions as broadly as this book did. That being said, all four books in this series where addictive, well written, kept me guessing, and thoroughly had me on edge in one way or another.

The author of Until the End of the World, Sarah Lyons Fleming, has a way with words that is not only unique but makes her one of the better authors I've discovered in 2015. If you choose to listen to this series instead of read it, the Audible version read by Julia Whelan is an excellent choice. She adds to the characters with her tone, pitch, and pauses.

Book Review: Arcadia Falls

This murder mystery is a sad tale that merges real life mysteries from the past with the present. Most of the magical twists and turns are nothing more than personal secrets bottled up like a volcano and presented with beautifully written descriptors.

I enjoyed this short book. It immediately pulled me in and moves along at an even keel. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance novels, murder mysteries, or stories about people discovering their genealogy.

Written by: Carol Goodman

Narrated by: Jen Taylor

My latest book purchases

Reviews coming soon!

Purchase Summary

Arcadia Falls

Written by: Carol Goodman

Narrated by: Jen Taylor

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What Every BODY Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent’s Guide to Speed-Reading People

Written by: Joe Navarro, Marvin Karlins

Narrated by: Paul Costanzo

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Body Language for Dummies

Written by: Elizabeth Kuhnke

Narrated by: Kate Harper

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Effective Communication Skills

Written by: The Great Courses

Narrated by: Professor Dalton Kehoe

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Your Deceptive Mind: A Scientific Guide to Critical Thinking Skills

Written by: The Great Courses

Narrated by: Professor Steven Novella

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Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior

Written by: The Great Courses

Narrated by: Professor Mark Leary

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The Runaway Princess by Hester Browne

The Runaway Princess

Book Author: Hester Browne

Romantic Comedy

Overall

Performance

Story

A modern day prince charming story. Hapless princess goes through some of the craziest dating twists that only the rich might run into. It's cute and silly. The story leads you on and has you on edge laughing. I love Hester Browne. She is one of my favorite authors, which is why this book earned not only my favorite author award, but also favorite story award.

Honeymoon Hotel by Hester Browne

Honeymoon Hotel

Book Author: Hester Browne

Romantic Comedy

Overall

Performance

Story

This book reminds me of the 2001 movie of Jennifer Lopez as The Wedding Planner. It's a light hearted novel of love, marriage, and silly fun. Like most of Hester Browne's novels, this book is love-able chic literature.

I first fell in love with Hester's books with the Little Lady Agency series. The characters and story plot are very similar. Both books involve strong, independent, silly women who fall in love with men who need to grow up.

I recommend this book if you are looking for an easy-read to pass the time.

Swept Off Her Feet by Hester Browne

Swept Off Her Feet

Book Author: Hester Browne

Romantic Comedy

Overall

Performance

Story

Swept Off Her Feet is a quick read. This book is full of quippy honest humor. The book is engaging and quirky, a typical fun Hester Browne love-struck comedy.

I first fell in love with Hester's books after reading the Little Lady Agency series. All of her books are fun, easy to read, and hilarious. If you are looking for a happily-ever-after tale, this is the book for you.

Little Lady Big Apple by Hester Browne

Little Lady Big Apple

Book Author: Hester Browne

Romantic Comedy

Overall

Performance

Story

Little Lady Big Apple is the second installment of the Little Lady Agency series. The love-able protagonist, Melissa, travels with her boyfriend and they are confronted by a number of obstacles. Jonathan forces the lead to leave her business, the business she loves, and goes from a fan-favorite to a hard to love character, and back to love-able in the span of a few pages.

This book will make you laugh, smile, and pull your heart around with ink. I love the British accent throughout the book and silly use of 'arse' throughout. I highly recommend this book for a light-hearted read.

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.

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