KM

Can't Wait For The Next Installment!

Revisado: 05-17-23

Give this one a chance -- it was slow to grab me but once it did, I had a hard time putting it down. I am seldom this eager to spend a whole credit, or when a title isn't for 2-for-1 sale. As soon as I finished this book, I looked for the next in the series -- drat! At the time I read this (about a year after its release), this title was still too new and there is nothing listed yet for book two, so I can't even wish list it (which is what I normally do). It ended on a cliffhanger, so I'm going to have to suffer a bit while I wait to find out what happens next...

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Great story, but narration and production lacking

Revisado: 01-23-22

The story is interesting and the characters compelling. I enjoyed the alternate version of this story ("Of Sea And Shadows") enough to take a chance on this. However, two issues really got in the way of enjoying it as thoroughly as I might have otherwise.

1) There is ZERO pause or transition between changes in character perspective. If we were reading a paper or electronic book, we'd get a space, a divider, some kind of visible break to let us know the scene had changed. There is nothing in the production of this audiobook to indicate when the scene changes UNLESS the break comes with an entire chapter. There's no extra pause, nothing to indicate that a change has taken place, It's illogical and does a disservice to the story and the storytelling. So, for example, you'll be following an intense battle scene between two characters and in the very next very breathy whisper, hearing narration about a character that's in an entirely different part of the book, doing different things, sometimes at a different point in time. It's absolutely confusing and jarring, and it's not the fault of the author, unless the author follows one sentence immediately with another from a completely different character's point of view and setting (which I doubt). It's a narration/production issue. When this happens (and it happens during the entire reading whenever there's a change in scene without a subtitle such as, "Ten Years Earlier", I have to pause the book and scroll back and try to figure out what the hell is going on and how these two characters seem to suddenly be sharing the same space. This is definitely an editing and production issue plaguing even the most popular audiobooks here and it's something that really ought to be addressed.

2) The narrator, while popular on Audible and in the credits of a number of titles in my own library here, "reads" by whispering loudly and intensely (and that's the best way I can describe it) -- EVERY. SINGLE. WORD. That is, except when she's supposed to be screaming in anger or terror or is voice acting the part of a child, and then it's a kind of high-pitched shriek that is practically cartoonish and sounds like an adolescent with a head cold, so that the words become distorted and it's honestly hard to not stop the book right there. I cannot adjust my phone speakers or car stereo enough to adjust for it. It's like static. Really, really irritating static. I have intentionally avoided buying books here for this very reason. Tried this one because it was offered free for a short time through Audible Plus.

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I Had To Pace Myself...

Revisado: 08-09-21

Whenever a new MJS title comes out, I do three things: 1) Pre-order; 2) Vow to not binge read it in a single day; 3) Kind of end up doing that anyhow. Naturally, it happened again, despite my best intentions. Do I regret it? Heck, no.

If you're unfamiliar with some of the characters mentioned in this series, it's not a problem. It's easy enough to follow along and pick it up. To be honest, though, You might want to start reading Age of Myth, Legends of the First Empire first. Otherwise, you'll get spoiled in a big way. That being said, three years ago today, I finished reading Age of War. On that day, I was in tears. -- that heartbreak that comes when you're emotionally invested and the trials of the characters destroy you inside. I think every reader experiences this from time to time. With Nolyn's ending, I was smiling. It's a book that feels good to finish, and I have hope for good things to come with these characters, despite ominous noises in the wings...

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Lots of twists and turns in this one!

Revisado: 07-31-20

I love these Soulwood books, enjoy the characters and the settings in which the novels are set, and Nell and the gang have become beloved friends for me at this point. It might be the book buzz speaking, but having just finished this latest installment, I think this is my favorite in the series to date. What I get with these is so different from much of the paranormal fare out there, and I believe it's because Faith Hunter knows her way around thrillers and crime novels. Her experience writing both fantasy and thrillers works with this series. It's a winning combo for me.

You get the feeling of a solid police procedural with this book, but with unique twists and new takes on otherwise familiar routines that gives them a totally new feel. As for this book in particular, there were some completely new developments in the overall story arc that I couldn't put it down, but I think it would stand pretty well on its own even if this was the first Soulwood book you've read. I do think, though, that for the best experience and most thorough understanding, you'd cheat yourself as a reader by not going back to the first book in the series and starting from there. The character growth and maturation of a few key players in Spells for the Dead made for everything from teary-eyed moments to nail-biters. I did not want it to end.

Now I have to wait for the next installment (it's going to be so hard!) and I am really excited to see what happens next. This is so good!

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Super-sweet

Revisado: 04-01-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

It’s a special day in the life of a girl who is nervous and scared and decides to make herself vulnerable enough to risk getting hurt, because it opens things up to the possibility that it could also be the start of something wonderful. It made for a sweet break from all the scariness in the world right now.

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A Different Perspective (And Plenty of Twists)

Revisado: 02-28-19

Nell has really started to grow on me - no pun intended. There's conflict at work and at home that pulls her in different directions, but she's well-grounded (that one might have been intentional) enough to use her connection to Soulwood to get her through the worst of it. Book 3 was a nail-biter. Book 4 made me sigh with relief. This sassy heroine is vulnerable and strong at once, and that's all part of what makes her such a wonderful character.

I'm a huge fan of both the Soulwood and Jane Yellowrock series. That being said, with this fourth Soulwood installment, you really get an interesting take on characters from the JY books, since the story arc in this book touches back on the events in JY book 12 (Dark Queen). If you''re up to date with both series, this is gravy. It's not necessary, however, to have read the Yellowrock books to enjoy the Soulwood novels. They'e incredible books with a storylines and a main character distinct and separate in every way that matters. Different characters come with their own histories and personalities, and, as such, their perspectives on characters and plot points they share makes for an interesting reading experience. It's like artists in a room sketching the same still life and coming up with different pictures. I appreciate that. It adds to my enjoyment and the deftness with which the author writes well-rounded characters.

What I love about this series is that Nell grows and evolves just as her story does. She's flawed, she has weaknesses, she discovers strengths she learns to use to her advantage, and she continues to forge a new future for herself as she finds her place. It's really a story about making your way in a world that sometimes pushes back.

I've fallen in love with a few of the main players, and this novel gave them a bit more exposure, which I was delighted to discover. It was hard to put this book down once I started listening.

Keep 'em coming, Ms. Hunter. I love the world she's built with her Soulwood series, and I can't wait to see where she takes it next!

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History of the Magic of the Harry Potter franchise

Revisado: 10-04-18

This was something of a disappointment for me -- and I own every single book in the series in three different, complete sets. I pre-ordered this book based solely on the promotional video on the very first day the book was available to me to pre-order; the video made it seem like it would, indeed, be something along the lines of Quidditch Through The Ages or Fantastic Beasts (in other words, I imagined myself like a real-life Hermione Granger, devouring the book "for a little bit of light reading"). Such was not the case. Don't expect Bathilda Bagshot here. You won't get it. It's more like a collection of essays and anecdotes, reflections on the characters and props and window dressing, and what helped shape the world of Harry Potter -- specifically, the Harry Potter books and movies. It's a documentary in book format. This is not fiction, but was marketed and widely promoted as such at the time I ordered it.

There are interesting anecdotes about the inspiration and publication of this book and the relationship between the elements and people that brought it all together, but it is most decidedly NOT a collection of "historical" magical chapters that I expected. It's not unlike any number of interesting but been-there, heard-that books ABOUT Harry Potter. I've got a number of them sitting on my bookshelves, all interesting in their way but not A History of Magic so much as a history of the magical franchise.

I'm really quite disappointed. While many fans will likely find this a fascinating book, I feel a little hoodwinked by both the title and by the pre-order video narrated by Natalie Dormer. This is NOT a book of fiction; rather, it's a book about fiction, and, specifically, about the fictional world of Harry Potter and what inspired it.

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Some Big Changes for Jane and Company!

Revisado: 05-06-17

I'm a big fan of this series and was hoping for not just new story line developments, but I wanted to see some real growth and changes in the main characters, and, in particular, the protagonist, Jane. It didn't disappoint.

The tone of this book is different from other JY books. The bones are all still there, the core of the main characters is the same… but I think you’ll only appreciate the changes if, a) you’re familiar with the rest of the series, and b) you’ve also read the Soulwood series, a secondary story line with a few overlapping characters but a different primary protagonist.

The reason for the change in tone: the perspective of the main players is ever-so-slightly wrong-footed by choice and circumstance. Hunter draws on a theme of renewal and rediscovery — interpersonal and personal — and she’s very adept at introducing this with established characters with histories closely enmeshed with past story arcs. That’s a tricky thing to do and not come off like you’re recreating or rewriting their histories. It works because Hunter knows her characters inside and out and has worked out these many issues from an empathic perspective. In doing so, we get new language, new attitudes, and a different view than we formerly had of Jane and other key players, but not irrespective of their past. It’s at once familiar and fresh, but it adds a depth I think only contributes to the series overall.

A few issues with the narration weren't enough to spoil what still comes off as a really great performance. The series wouldn't be what it is without Hvam's work, and I especially love what she did with Beast's voice in this novel.

Great read, and I'm excited for the next installment already.

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Finally, a History of The Average Joe (and Jane)!

Revisado: 06-01-16

Biographies of famous historical figures, while interesting, are a dime (or Audible credit) a dozen. What I really wanted to learn about were the daily routines and slice-of-life narratives about regular people who inhabited the world during ancient times. That is precisely what this book delivers.

It's honest, raw, humorous, and somehow still sensitive in its delivery. There's a huge scope of material being covered here, and it works with the presentation. Each chapter is a sort of snapshot in time, a day in the life of someone with whom I can identify, because Professor Garland makes each accessible and understandable to the layperson. You don't have to be a student of history, art, or science to find this book interesting and understandable.

I purchased this book as one of two audiobooks to take with me on a trip to Europe. I'm so glad I did! I was able to connect some locations I visited and artifacts in a museum to the faces of individuals conjured in my mind by his vivid descriptions and the humanity he brought to his subjects.

I'm pleased with this purchase and consider it one of my favorite Audible books.

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Totally Irreverant, Hysterically, Delightfully So

Revisado: 06-01-16

As wonderfully wicked as this audiobook is, it's transformed into a must-have (freebie or not) solely by virtue of the perfection it attains by having Adam Baldwin as its narrator.

It's positively wonderful how many genre greats, pop-culture references, certain *coughFANTASTIC-BUT-CANCELLEDcough* TV series, authors and contemporary celebrities are subjected to snarky treatment here. Nothing is sacred.

If you took Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Dave Barry, Terry Pratchett, Monty Python, Harry Dresden, and a few super-cheesy pulp-fiction novels, threw them together and let the fallout assemble itself into a story, you'd get this. It's fast, silly, and highly entertaining, especially if you enjoy low-brow humor and happen to be a total sci-fi geek and enjoy laughing at Bear Grylls.

Some profanity, so not family-friendly.

It's the perfect listen for a road trip, or anyplace you don't mind getting weird looks for barking out in uncontrollable laughter.

Also, I think I'm adding Adam Baldwin to my list of dream dinner party guests, just because.

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