Lisa

Many emotions to work through. Obstacles to overcome. Can love of friends grow into another love?

Revisado: 02-05-22 El oyente recibió este título gratis

This story is full of so many emotions; retelling months and years, lifetimes really, in a few hours. The will theys or won’t theys keep you on edge through this slow intense burn of best friends with tragic pasts that tie them together but threaten to break under the strain of the past, the future, and the very present scorn and judgement of an overbearing Barron family and an overly worried mother.

Liam Barron has plenty on his plate. From his twin sons just nearing school age and his grandma who raised him to working far away from home and spending weeks at work just to make ends meet and provide for his family. Juggling a side business, fixing up the old farm house and shop, maintaining the property and fence lines, and about a million other things he could probably think of to do he’s added one of the most challenging responsibilities the last couple of years.

What’s a man to do when his best friend, who was also his cousin, dies young and leaves a brokenhearted widow behind? Step up and be that best friend she needs. Be that guiding light in the dark. Be the reminder to do the simple things, the daily things, take care of herself, and then challenge her to challenge herself. Then challenge her to live again. To not forget her husband, to not forget the past, but honor them and still find her new joy. And, maybe, just maybe, he could find a new joy for himself.

Kennedy has been through rough times. Growing up a sickly kid limited so many things and gave her the support of a hovering mother… who admittedly smothers a bit in her mothering. She married her high school sweetheart, got her teaching degree, and enjoyed teaching children at the local school; until her world crashed with her husband. His young life ended all too soon with an aneurysm and Kennedy forgot not only her joy, but so many things without him; including her responsibilities. His best friend, Liam, becomes her reminder. His father, working through his own grief, also becomes her rescuer, but struggles to let go when she doesn’t need rescuing anymore.

Both Kennedy and Liam need to find balance in their lives. I recommend reading or listening to this book to find out what tips the scales and changes their lives once again.

I did, very frequently, want to give the main characters a supportive push to speak up for themselves more, but without their doubts and concerns there wouldn’t be the story. Liam wasn’t a weak man, as someone said, but he focused on what was important, did the right thing, and admittedly let others say too much and treat him awfully for too many years. His growth through the story is hard earned. Honestly Kennedy should have been less soft spoken about many matters, for years. But again without lessons learned this story would not have been the same. Folks do this in real life; be hesitant to talk about matters for fear of what will happen or what others will think.

I was pleased with this book, even though I don’t love it as much as “King’s Country” and all the Oil Kings series, but I am looking forward to the next Oil Barrons book and hoping for cameos. I do think the biggest thing is all the burdens and hurdles our characters have to overcome; it’s a lot. So prepare for those emotions.

As a side note, I was also pleased that I guessed a key to Laney’s backstory.

I have both the Kindle version and Audio Book version via Audible. The narrators for the audio do a fine job, though you may need to make volume adjustments if you are listening quietly when switching between them. That’s because Tyler Darby has a much deeper voice…and it’s very nice and very appropriate. Lee Daniels has an emotional range as well. Both narrators do variations when different characters speak. The performance is well done and brings the story to life. For someone whose main reading method is audio books good narration is essential. And this is narrated very well.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Caught up in the emotions of Emotionally Charged

Revisado: 03-28-17

Natural disasters can create chaos amidst destruction. They can bring out the best in good people and the worst in bad people. On the day a sleeping fault line awakens near Livvy's hometown, her life changes, and the earthquake's aftershocks aren't the only things she feels. She sets out to help others. Discovering she is an empath who has powers generated by emotions may just be a dream come true. Energy, healing, strength... all seem like the key ingredients of her dreams of being a hero. A series of bad judgment calls leads her on a whirlwind journey where she needs to take a step back to think things through rather than relying on emotions to lead the way; easier said than done when she encounters other, more experienced, empaths and a blocker who can shut down all their powers.

The story is a fast paced one and a lot happens in a matter of days and somehow fits in less than three hours of audio! Like a good movie, it seems longer than three hours because of all that happens, yet I was ready for more. Personally, I would have loved a longer, more detailed story, but if this is leading into a more detailed series it was just right.

The story is told in first person and the reader encounters things as Livvy does and shares her thoughts, perspectives, and emotions as she goes on her journey. This is both a boon and a burden, because there are a number of moments where the reader wants to jump into the story and tell her not to do something.

Em Eldridge is the narrator, and one of my favorites. In this book she portrays American Accents for the characters. I loved her readings of the entire "Memory's Wake Trilogy" and hope she will continue for any and all books added to this series. She does distinct voices for each character, emphasizes feelings in conversations, and brings the story to life; all while clearly narrating each word.

As a special note, Selina must like the word "Amazeballs" because it makes an appearance in this book. For readers of her "Memory's Wake Trilogy" this will bring a smile to your face. I wonder if this was a nod to Memory. ;0)

I am curious to see what is going to happen in the series. This could, essentially, be a standalone book or the first in a series. I do have many questions and ideas about what could happen next, and quite a few about things that did happen and more explanations. I hope the next books are more detailed.


*** Spoilers below ***



I liked Livvy, the main character, but I so wanted to yell at her and remind her to pay attention to her conscience..."you know that thing telling you 'this is a bad idea!'"... because she repeatedly kept ignoring it. But apparently the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Livvy's parents let her walk, by herself, to her school which is being used as a shelter and check on her mom's store on the way... even though they are made aware of looters by a police friend. I found it ridiculous that the mom would allow her teenage daughter to check on her store for her, with looters a known issue, because she had just too much to do at home. However, people make stupid decisions like this all the time in real life, even without a disaster nor empath powers in the mix. I am curious though, if it will be revealed in following books if Livvy was inadvertently using her empath powers to influence her parents into allowing her to go. She was unaware of her powers at the time. Her other decisions, later on, were kind of more forgivable because she was, unknown to her, being influenced by the other empaths and then she was scared. She really had to learn, the hard way too, to pay more attention to what is going on and think of others. She still has a lot to learn, but she is getting there.

I like Dean; he is trying to work through a tragic history. To me he seems like the hero here. He saved Livvy, in more ways than one. He has a truly rough life, but he was also trying his best to work and muddle through. He needed Livvy to give him some hope, and here is where I really wanted more to the story. Their friendship was given time and scenes, but I would have liked a bit more details here to support the foundations of that.

There was one issue I had. As someone who has a different perspective, Livvy stating that Dean's mother was a hero for taking her own life, in hospital no less, after becoming terminally ill and the father losing their home and everything trying to save her, was the problem. I can sympathize with Dean, when he immediately grows cold after her saying that. People who do this terrible thing are not in their right minds, are not strong, and do not truly think of what is best for others. As someone who has lost someone this way... a small thing like that is not a good example. I understand why Dean is so troubled by it. Though it is no excuse, because he should try to be a good example for his son, it completely messed up his father. It would have been better, for the characters and readers, if Livvy would have changed her thinking a bit and her statement to saying that Dean was the example of a hero... by keeping going, trying to take care of his father even when his father wouldn't let him, working, and so on as well as saving her. This may seem like a small part to some, but since this is such a large part of shaping Dean's character and Livvy's...I would have made a few tweaks. Little things can influence people; in good and bad ways.

I am curious to learn what happens next. How is Livvy ever going to explain what happened to the police and her parents? Will she use her powers to do so? I am sure Emma is eventually going to be a problem. I wonder, since Dean brings up this question, does an empath affect others by using their emotions to generate powers? Will the other three empaths recover in any way?

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Prepare to get swept away, caught in the adventure

Revisado: 02-02-17

Selina Fenech weaves a story worth staying up late for! I have been following her artwork for years, and her storytelling creates Memory's Wake through words like her paintbrush creates a portrait on canvas.

Since being swept through a veil door into the worlds in this trilogy with the turning of those first few pages, the lines of words guiding the adventure, I have become a “Memory’s Wake” Collector. I have the Kindle versions, Nook books, and Audible Audio Books as well as the Omnibus versions for all three. Told ya I was a collector. I also recently added the “Memory’s Wake Companion Guide” Hard Cover Book to my collection and it will be a treasured keepsake in my library, not least of all because of the fantastic illustrations! Word has it Selina is going to release a Coloring Book as well!

I was captivated by every story in each book of this trilogy. I missed the adventure and was so sad to leave Avall and all the characters behind that I have I reread or listened to the whole set multiple times. I had waited, initially, to read the stories until I could read them all in a row, and have the option of audio. My latest ventures were into both the Kindle and Audible Audio Book versions of this “Memory’s Wake Omnibus.”

I am so grateful the whole Memory’s Wake Trilogy is available as audio books. I have health trouble that makes reading and holding books difficult, so I rely on audio books. This set is wonderfully done and enjoyable, so it's twice as nice.

Em Eldridge does a fantastic job narrating this book…. She reads all three books if you get them individually or all together in this combined omnibus. A great reader makes or breaks an audiobook, and Em Eldridge was a wonderful choice for the important job of narrator. She creates individual voices for characters and vividly acts and tells Memory's Wake most enjoyably. You can tell who is speaking just by hearing the voice she gives them. You’ll find yourself listening, or imagine listening, for sounds like doors closing, footsteps on stone, and so forth because the reading draws you in like a dramatization or radio show. I recommend this version even to folks who have read the printed or Kindle books, as well as new readers.

The omnibus audio file is huge. If you live in the country like me, it may take a while compared to the individual audio books. ;0)


Now about the stories:

Let me just say, that I love and so gratefully appreciate that these stories are told in third person. So many books these days are told singularly through the limits of first person, which always takes me longer to get into. Selina has chosen the right way, from my perspective. It is more enjoyable, and we still get to hear Memory's thoughts and perspectives...as well as the other main characters'. We can journey with each of the main characters while they are apart and find out what is going on at the same time, rather than only learning about it later, if at all. Best of all perspectives.

I highly recommend this trilogy, and this audiobook set, for anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, mystery, and a spark or two of romance.

Each book in the trilogy may focus on the same characters, but those characters are not the same in each tale; they grow, they learn, and they change in unexpected ways. Every story in each book is connected, though we are left guessing and surmising till all is revealed near the end, but each story is unique in its own way and completely different while keeping the essentials the same. This is reminiscent of chapters in life; they are connected but different: many stories all part of one great story.

Selina’s storytelling skills create magic and each book is a portal through the veil and into Avall. Em Eldridge voices the characters into life and with a bit of imagination any reader can find themselves in the world of “Memory’s Wake.”

I encourage you to view Selina’s book trailers, complete with illustrations and music, for the Memory’s Wake Omnibus and the individual books of the Trilogy, on her YouTube Channel. There is a video previewing the Audio Books as well. You can find them via her website or her Channel, just look under Selina Fenech.

I recommend getting this set and then the hard cover Memory's Wake Companion Guide so you can see all the beautiful illustrations!

I also, wrote my thoughts about each story in a review for each book. If you are interested and a little adventurous….remember Spoiler Alert, don’t say I didn’t warn ya….

* * * Spoiler Alert * * * Hints at Spoilers * * *

~Memory's Wake~

From the first page we’re immediately caught up in the unknown with a girl, who is falling, in pain, and with no escape till she is pulled into a place by someone; another girl with a fair complexion, who talks of strange things, impossible things, like magic.

The blond girl says her name is Eloryn and that they should both flee; but who do you trust when you don’t know who you are, let alone who anyone else is? Cue a dragon, wizard hunters, a wild man of the woods, a chase, and the adventure is off to a harrowing start.

Eloryn gives her promise to help this lost girl she brought out of the veil find answers and gives her a new name, Memory. They travel together, not sure if they can trust each other but sure they cannot trust anyone else. Before long they encounter strange creatures and stranger humans. A handsome rogue crosses their path, and a simple act might be the first step to changing all their lives.

Eloryn keeps safe many secrets, Memory doesn’t even remember hers, and this new young man, Roen, may have his own ideas and lead them down the wrong road and into worse dangers…but that’s a chance they may have to take.

Meanwhile, a tall shadow of a man follows their trail, with sprites, watching their journey. The wizard hunters, by order of the king no less, and with a dragon at their call haunt the land searching for anyone using magic. They’ll stop at nothing to find what they seek and do not care who gets in their way. The dragon is massive, terrifying, and seems to appear out of nowhere with little warning. And when Memory finally meets the king, his hand starts glowing as if they have a connection somehow.

Step through a veil door, and join Memory on her journey, with Memory’s Wake.

*

~Hope's Reign~

We join Memory, Lory, Roen, and Will as they all adjust after the events in Memory's Wake. A kingdom needs managed, there's the Fae to contend with, a deposed king, and the council. Our main characters are trying to find themselves, how to best do what needs done, all without losing each other along the way. And someone is trying to ruin things and drive friends apart to achieve their own gains. Sound nerve wracking...it sure is!

Memory has been piecing together a new life for herself and trying to find where she fits in. She has this enormous well of magic within her, and no control of it nor idea of how to use it. She needs guidance and seeks it in a way that counters Avall’s old fashioned traditions. Things are just looking up with a series of events sets everything back. When her old life and memories collide with her new ones she finds herself lost again, feeling alone, and distancing herself from her friends.

Eloryn is so busy with duties, overwhelmed by her own thoughts and responsibilities, and so desperate for any help she can get she puts her own future and the future of Avall into jeopardy by relying on another instead of her own heart.

Roen is haunted by his past. With no hope of what he would like the future to hold, he tries to go a new way and things get rather confusing to all involved. A simple misunderstanding could ruin any future he might have.

Will remembers who Memory was, but he has to learn who she has become, and how he can be her friend once again. As he tries, he has to contend with all these other people around after 16 years of living in the woods with only Mina and the other sprites for company.

Just so you know, there are a couple of rough spots due to situations the characters encounter. They are written well, just tough situations our characters have to deal with. Memory's past is told tastefully, but she had a bad time in the regular world.

The hardest one for me was a suicide and an attempt. This never used to bother me, however after losing someone close to it, I really don't like to read about it, I don't even like the word. However, I certainly did not want to miss out on the rest of the book just because of this! As they are caused by magical influence from an evil character it was much easier to read those parts of the story. This is no reflection on the story, it's just me. I'm just putting this forewarning out for any reader with a similar perspective.

The author, gratefully, warns of triggers like this at the beginning of the Kindle Book.

I loved meeting new characters, and their added banter. Wait till you meet Clara, Waylan, the Wizard’s Council, Peirs, Erec, Maeve and the children, and the Fae Royalty of the Seelie and the Unseelie Courts.

I was secretly making mental notes about figuring out who was going to be a nasty in the end. I was on edge, waiting to hear what happened next, hoping for the best, laughing at other bits, and smiling through many moments.

*

~Providence Unveiled~

The very foundations of Caermaellon Palace, Avall, and the souls of our main characters are thoroughly shaken, and threaten to crumble from the changes, deceptions, misunderstandings, and forces both from within Avall and from the outside world.

Memory finds herself in a new position with a crown of responsibilities left into her care and with no magic to help her. To keep the peace she has sworn an oath not to intentionally use the magic dwelling inside her. She is unsure of herself, but she has her friends beside her, their support, and their love. She has many lessons to learn and even a few to teach.

Eloryn and Roen finally get their act together, as Memory would put it, but their future is uncertain by the cruelty of a former trusted ally and all the dangers that have been secretly setting the stage for the end of Avall.

Will works to adjust to the life and people that surround Memory, but he is still tied to Mina and Mina is keen to tell everyone that Will’s life belongs to her. When he is taken his friends will risk everything to find him again.

We meet again with many old friends from the stories past and some enemies as well. Clara, Erec, Peirs, Shonae, Nyneve, and Maeve may be secondary characters, but each has their own story, provides their own lessons, and their actions help shape the events.

Providence revealed what she is when she escaped at the end of “Hope’s Reign” but her identity is kept secret, making the humans wary of the Fae and wondering who to trust. A glamour could be hiding any face.

To make matters far worse children are still missing and as time passes so does hope at finding them. And someone is draining humans of blood; a nightmare brought to life in the shadows. Everyone tells Memory that there are no such things as vampires, but then who is doing such a ghastly thing?

Love is tested, friendships are betrayed, lessons are learned, lives are lost, and the world and Avall will never be the same again. Everything will change.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 5 personas

Avall and Memory will never be the same again.

Revisado: 02-02-17

I sort of patiently waited for “Providence Unveiled” to be released on audio book. After being swept into the story of “Memory’s Wake” I avoided sleep and scorned chores till I had read the whole series. I had originally waited until all three books were published, I think the patience thing…not wanting to wait for sequels… was my main reason.

Audio books are my main reading method, reading the usual way results in a headache, so I was excited that Em Eldridge was returning as the narrator and characters. It is a magnificent collection when one narrator reads all the stories and voices the characters the same throughout. Each character has their own definitive voice. Audio books are a unique way to act out a story, and Em Eldridge is wonderful.

If you haven’t read “Memory’s Wake” and “Hope’s Reign” yet, please do before reading the rest of this review. ;0)

Selina, the author and artist, created a wonderful book trailer video which is available on YouTube, just search for her channel under Selina Fenech.

* * * Spoiler alert * * *

The very foundations of Caermaellon Palace, Avall, and the souls of our main characters are thoroughly shaken, and threaten to crumble from the changes, deceptions, misunderstandings, and forces both from within Avall and from the outside world.

Memory finds herself in a new position with a crown of responsibilities left into her care and with no magic to help her. To keep the peace she has sworn an oath not to intentionally use the magic dwelling inside her. She is unsure of herself, but she has her friends beside her, their support, and their love. She has many lessons to learn and even a few to teach.

Eloryn and Roen finally get their act together, as Memory would put it, but their future is uncertain by the cruelty of a former trusted ally and all the dangers that have been secretly setting the stage for the end of Avall.

Will works to adjust to the life and people that surround Memory, but he is still tied to Mina and Mina is keen to tell everyone that Will’s life belongs to her. When he is taken his friends will risk everything to find him again.

We meet again with many old friends from the stories past and some enemies as well. Clara, Erec, Peirs, Shonae, Nyneve, and Maeve may be secondary characters, but each has their own story, provides their own lessons, and their actions help shape the events.

Providence revealed what she is when she escaped at the end of “Hope’s Reign” but her identity is kept secret, making the humans wary of the Fae and wondering who to trust. A glamour could be hiding any face.

To make matters far worse children are still missing and as time passes so does hope at finding them. And someone is draining humans of blood; a nightmare brought to life in the shadows. Everyone tells Memory that there are no such things as vampires, but then who is doing such a ghastly thing?

Love is tested, friendships are betrayed, lessons are learned, lives are lost, and the world and Avall will never be the same again. Everything will change.

I was captivated by every story in this book and so sad to leave Avall and all of our characters behind I reread the whole set as soon as I had finished this one. Each book in the trilogy may focus on the same characters, but those characters are not the same in each tale; they grow, they learn, and they change in unexpected ways. Every story in each book is connected, though we are left guessing and surmising till all is revealed near the end. Each story is unique in its own way and completely different while keeping the essentials the same. This is reminiscent of chapters in life; they are connected but different: many stories all part of one great story.

Selina’s storytelling skills create magic and each book is a portal through the veil and into Avall. Em Eldridge voices the characters into life and with a bit of imagination any reader can find themselves in the world of “Memory’s Wake.”

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

It's official, I want my own spirit guide

Revisado: 01-23-17

It's official, I want my own spirit guide....a Kestrel would nice or a Sheltie Collie. :0)

Dolmarehn is the second book about the Otherworld and Meghan's story by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson.

The story is told in first person from Meghan Elam's perspective. I'll admit it, I love details, but I also want to kick Meghan's backside a few times..... however I'll also admit that I have a tendency to hash over things in my thoughts a lot too. Oops. Sadly, no spirit guide though, but I do have a puppy...who by the way also loves listening to audio books and listened to all of these with me. Seriously, she made a point to be close by and not with the rest of the family when the story was being read.

Warning - if you haven't read Faelorehn yet stop here, there be hints at spoilers ahead.

Meghan Elam's first trip through the Dolmarehn into Eile in Faelorehn was a disaster, a trick of The Morrigan and now her protective geis is broken. The Otherworld Faelah can harm her and Meghan, under the distant guidance of Caeden MacRoich and protection of his spirit guide Fergus, must learn how to protect herself, why The Morrigan wants her, and the place and people she came from all those years ago.

The journey during her senior year of high school is not an easy one. She has to recover from her attack, avoid Faelah, and practice her archery. Cade is far away most of the time, fulfilling punishment for breaking his own geis. Meghan wishes they were closer and hashes over her feelings and every which way she can guess about his when he's not there. Fergus protects Meghan, but then he's not protecting Cade. That's when Meridian arrives from Eile and Meghan's life changes again.

Cade takes Meghan through the Dolmarehn to try to recharge her glamour after living in our world most of her life. Amidst trying to understand herself and her world, Meghan tries to discover why Cade keeps distancing himself and what secrets he's keeping from her.
In Eile we are introduced, with Meghan, to a few vastly different characters that will shape the future and each in their own turn guide Meghan into who she will become. She's grown so much already but there's so much for her to learn and to do, and there's still The Morrigan waiting in the shadows for the proper moment and when she strikes lives will be lost and the Elam family will never be the same again.

I started out with the Kindle version and also bought the Audible audio book version (audio my preferred method) and acquired the rest of the stories available. I took a road maybe a little less traveled and read Faelorehn (Book 1) then Dolmarehn (Book 2) which are both told from Meghan's point of view. Then I couldn't resist and read/listened to Ghalien then Ehriad (Books 4 & 5) which are told from Cade's point of view...some of the events from the first two books from his perspective plus new adventures. Then I read Luathara, which is actually Book 3.

I recommend all of these books. I own the Kindle and Audible versions of each and will be rereading/relistening to them again. The same narrator reads for all three of the Otherworld Trilogy books about Meghan. This is great because we get to "stay in character" so to speak as the story unfolds. She also does different voices for each character and does even better on book two than she did with one. Due to physical limitations audio books are my main method for reading. I sincerely appreciate the author creating unabridged audio books AND equally as important choosing a decent narrator.

Next journey to Luathara...

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

An invitation to travel through the Dolmarehn

Revisado: 10-25-16

I discovered Faelorehn during an online reader event and having never read any of Jenna Elizabeth Johnson's work before I didn't know what to expect. I figured it didn't hurt to give it a try, after all the Kindle version was free on a sale at the time. I'm so grateful I participated because one never knows the treasures they'll find. I ended up getting the Audible audio book version as well.

The story is told in first person, which always takes a bit for me to get into as we are taken into the story from one perspective and without the luxury of others' thoughts. This is no reflection on the story just my reading habits.

Right away we're taken into a dream or is it a memory of teenage Meghan Elam, a mysterious adventure that is just a piece in the puzzle of her life. She feels very different, always has, from the way her eyes change color to odd visions and the uncanny way she hears trees sometimes...

As her day starts we're introduced to her family, including her mom, dad, and five younger brothers...including her special connection with Aiden who has Autism. Then we meet her friends...who she kinda annoyingly analyzes a bit as she explains them...but that's teenagers. Once we arrived at school I found myself kinda relating to her friend Robin, as I never tolerated bullying of anyone, let alone myself or friends and was hoping Meghan would stand up for herself. Well she does, it does just take longer than it should.

Before long she starts encountering all sorts of startling things; not least of all an over-sized Raven with red eyes who seems to be watching her, freaky gnomes in the swamp, and a white wolfhound who lures her into the night. Cue Cumorrig and a really tall and immensely strong stranger and yikes, what on Earth is going on.

Cade MacRoich says he has some answers for her, but she's not sure she wants to ask those questions... once she does it seems there's no turning back nor away. Then again, with stray Faelah creeping into her neighborhood she couldn't avoid them nor this Otherworld Hunter anyway. Of course, he talks like he's from an age gone by and his smile would melt butter on a frozen winter day....what were we talking about....oh but he keeps disappearing and seems to be keeping secrets from her...maybe some deadly secrets.

I'm sorry, am I annoyingly just giving you faint hints at the story without actually explaining it to you....good because I highly recommend you read this series yourself and be prepared to get caught up in the adventure and follow Meghan into the Dolmarehn to find out what happens!

I did. I started out with the Kindle version... which I stayed up far too late and left many tasks undone to finish reading. Then I moved to the Audible audio book version (audio my preferred method) and acquired the rest of the stories available. I took a road maybe a little less traveled and read Faelorehn then Dolmarehn which are both told from Meghan's point of view (Books 1 & 2). Then I couldn't resist and read/listened to Ghalien then Ehriad (Books 4 & 5) which are told from Cade's point of view...some of the events from the first two books from his perspective plus new adventures. Then I read Luathara, which is actually Book 3.

Be forewarned, though, it seems to start off slow... or rather starts off intriguing, gets a bit slow and gives just glimpses into adventure before taking off... this is just first person storytelling...we get the events as they happen and many of the thoughts in between.... and then it ends all too quickly it seems like just after we're getting to the good stuff....but don't worry you can snatch the sequel right away like I did.

The narrator, Christine Papania, does a good job, do not let the preview/sample deter you. It did hinder me for a while, seemingly almost a little monotone and different. I am so glad I bought it and gave it a chance, it was well worth it. The main narration/character do take a little getting used to, however she does voices for each character... an essential key ingredient to a great audio book. And her reading for Cade is pretty cool, they should have totally used that for the preview! She also reads Books 2 & 3, so sticking with the same narrator is nice as well.

I recommend all of these books. I own the Kindle and Audible versions of each and will be rereading/relistening to them again. This series will probably join my annual reread shelf of Tolkien, MacDonald, McKinley, Fenech, and more.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

The Adventures Continue...and Troubles are Brewing

Revisado: 04-03-16

The Memory's Wake Trilogy is a fantastic series of adventures by Selina Fenech. Em Eldridge is back for narrating the story and voicing the characters in Hope's Reign: she does another wonderful job telling the story.

We join Memory, Lory, Roen, and Will as they all adjust after the events in Memory's Wake (the first book of three). A kingdom needs managed, there's the Fae to contend with and the council. Our main characters are trying to find themselves, how to best do what needs done, all without losing each other along the way. And someone is trying to ruin things and drive friends apart to achieve their own gains. Sound nerve wracking...it sure is!

Just so you know, there are a couple of rough spots due to situations the characters encounter. They are written well, just tough situations our characters have to deal with. Memory's past is told tastefully, but she had a bad time in the regular world.

The hardest one for me was a suicide and an attempt. This never used to bother me, however after losing someone close to it, I really don't like to read about it, I don't even like the word. However, I certainly did not want to miss out on the rest of the book just because of this! As they are caused by magical influence from an evil character it was much easier to read those parts of the story. This is no reflection on the story, it's just me. I'm just putting this forewarning out for any reader with a similar perspective.

I loved meeting new characters, and their added banter. I was secretly making mental notes about figuring out who was going to be a nasty in the end. I was on edge, waiting to hear what happened next, hoping for the best, laughing at other bits, and smiling through many moments.

Thanks for the story Selina, and especially for making it available as an audiobook. Can't wait for Providence Unveiled to be available too.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Prepare to get swept away and caught up in this adventure

Revisado: 04-03-16

Selina Fenech weaves a story worth staying up late for! I have been following her artwork for years, and her storytelling creates Memory's Wake through words like her paintbrush creates a portrait on canvas. I started out with the ebook and thoroughly got swept into The story I couldn't get enough and accomplished little till I read the whole series.

I am so grateful this is available as an audiobook. I have health trouble that makes reading books myself difficult and I rely on audiobooks. This one is wonderfully done and enjoyable, so it's twice as nice.

Let me just say, that I love and so gratefully appreciate that this story is told in third person. So many books these days are told singularly through the limits of first person. Selina has chosen the right way, from my perspective. It is more enjoyable, and we still get to hear Memory's thoughts and perspectives...as well as the other main characters'. Best of it all.

Em Eldridge does a fantastic job narrating this book. A great reader makes or breaks an audiobook, and Em Eldridge was a wonderful choice for the important job of narrator. She creates individual voices for characters and vividly acts and tells Memory's Wake most enjoyably.

I highly recommend this book, and this audiobook, for anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, mystery, and a spark of romance.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A Classic Adventure Charmingly Narrated

Revisado: 04-03-16

One could easily imagine being told this story by a grown up Irene. Brooke Heldman does a fine job, creating a voice for each character, and clearly narrating the sentences between. I have trouble reading books myself, from headaches to dyslexia that have only gotten worse over the years. So my childhood copy of this book sits on the shelf, but I will be listening to this version again and again.

The Princess and The Goblin is one of my rereads.... Stories I reread at least once per year....though this one usually gets re-listened to more often. I love following Curdie into the mountain and the Princess up the stairs to meet her many greats, very old, grandmother who let the princess have her name and shines a moon like light to guide wayward travelers and birds alike. A timeless tale for all ages.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Great Narration of a Favorite Classic

Revisado: 04-03-16

Rosamund Pike narrates this story wonderfully. She creates voices for each of the characters, bringing the story to life, as well as clearly narrating all the words between. I think this audiobook version of Pride and Prejudice is now my favorite. With audiobooks my main way to enjoy reading, due to health problems, and a love for the good ones, I have listened to several versions of this book.

Once upon a time Rosamund Pike played a charming and beautiful Jane on film...one of my favorite adaptations by the way. Through Audible she plays Jane, Elizabeth, Darcy, and all the rest most agreeably. I'm hesitant to even delete this from my device, even though I have finished it and could redownload, because I think this will be one of my "re-listening" books for when I am unwell, working on something, or just want to venture back into the story.

Thank you Audible, please have Rosamund Pike read more stories into life.

If you like, or love, Pride and Prejudice in book or film then I think you shall enjoy this version. If you have never read the story, then what are you waiting for, start the journey today.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña