Dan Mackison

Author changed a good story to become great

Revisado: 04-22-25

This book could easily have been something very different. On his 14th birthday, Jake Ellis is chosen by the goddess of the night to be her champion against the adult champions of the other gods and given cards which give him cool powers. All the ingredients of a YA book are there: parents dead, cool aunt who teaches him combat basics but doesn’t know the cards nearly as well as Jake, creepy new best friend / bodyguard who can come back to life after being killed, possible mentor hero who can no longer fight, and his cute and popular 16-year-old granddaughter…

What we got instead was a story with all those ingredients told from the viewpoint of the aunt, Dania Ellis, who is trying her best to be a good mom for Jake, and despite doing a great job in difficult circumstances still worries (like most parents). What could have been offhand tropes are instead treated in an adult way and with realism. For example, Dania still has PTSD-related nightmares, but it is obvious she has received therapy, they don’t ruin her life, and she can speak with authority with Jake about dealing with everything happening to him in a mature and healthy-as-possible way.

This is an uncomplicated action story in an urban fantasy world with realistic stakes, plenty of danger, plenty of thrills, and a group of people doing their realistic best in difficult circumstances.

My personal favorite was the monster Hush, who didn’t stop being a monster just because he liked Dania. I was reminded of the t-shirt some of my old military friends wore (paraphrased): in the valley of death I will fear no evil because I am the scariest thing in here.

The narrator does a great job, but struggles a bit with male voices.

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Great Book, Even Better Audiobook

Revisado: 08-25-24 El oyente recibió este título gratis

As a Patreon perk, I got to experience the pleasure of this book all over again listening to Jeff Hayes as Adair Finch and Annie Ellicott as the bright and determined 12-year-old Bree Blackstone and the faintly snarky adult narrator (which reminds me of Emma Thompson's performance in Stranger Than Fiction). I didn't know both voices were the same actress until I looked up their names for this review.

I consider this book to be among Shami Stovall's best, if not the best she has ever written. The audio performance, particularly the scene at the long stoplight, matches that high bar.

For me, the key to this amazing story is the chemistry between Bree and Adair, something Jeff and Annie capture very well. She's determined, a naturally pleasant person, and Adair sees a lot of his brother in her. Everything isn't sunshine and roses – they are both grieving in their individual ways – but Adair helping Bree helps himself even more.

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esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

An index short of five stars

Revisado: 08-25-20

Great material read by the author in a clear voice. Very well done, but I suspect the formatting is a bit dated.

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