KatG

Welcome to the Top 5 Fantasy Ranks

Revisado: 01-17-23

Meg Anne artfully balances this specific books story line while closing any lingering subplots that carried over from the other books to a full close. Her high energy writing doesn’t falter and maintains it’s pace through out, even to the ending. Personally, I found that the romance and comedic elements to the story line helped keep a high tempo pace, slowing down the action just enough so that we as an audience, were not overwhelmed all at once. It allowed us to process the information enough that we wouldn’t feel those mic drop moments, because like with any Meg Anne book, mics. were. dropped. That made those moments all the more potent, since we were lulled into a sense of safety before having that pretty glittery rug pulled. I was also satisfied with the endings that each character got. In some cases, I felt that a certain character’s endings couldn’t end any other way, especially since the book itself took care of telling us as readers why it needed to end that way. I also really liked how certain characters had to earn the ending that they got. For me that was key. When I finished, I felt quite emotional, but very much at peace and fulfilled.

Favorites from the book:

Would it be too cheesy to say the whole book itself is a favorite? Yeah well sucks, because I loved the entire thing but if I must give some highlights:

- Characters: One of my favorite things about Meg Anne’s books are the complex characters that she writes, even for characters that aren’t playing a major role. As readers we never know whether or not they will end up becoming stars in their own books or maybe even spin offs. Speaking of characters:

Sebastian Villehardouin of Colvers: This character became an ABSOLUTE favorite of mine. He inserted himself in my heart and has refused to let go of the perch he now holds. I loved that this book really shed light on the character depth I knew he had and was present in the other books, only now we could see the hints for what they were. His story line was heartbreaking and boy did I freaking cry like a baby when he had his ‘prepare to die” moment.

Reyna : This character will forever stick with me. I have felt a strong connection with other female protagonist before but there was something about Reyna that just spoke to my soul in a different way. I loved seeing the “Reyna” side to her in this book. She had some moments that made me go weak in the knees, like swooning in Spanish telenovela style. She kicked ass this book

Ronan: He really did break me this book. Seeing his character go through what he did, broke my heart because I was not used to seeing a character like his go through that brokenness and then come out swinging. Ronan is the type of man who would quite literally walk through death to get to you. That dedication, hell, if it ain’t like that I DONT WANT IT

The Dreamer: If you know you know but like I said they earned what they got in the end and I loved it for them.

Caly: I freaking love Caly and have one of the biggest girl crushes on this pirate. I mean clearly I am not the only one. Several of the other characters have a hard on for her and I dont blame them. She is intelligent, sassy, and oozes this bad girl persona. I mean if we can have a thing for bad boys, we can certainly have it for bad girls.

- Bromance/ Girlmance: The bromance in this book was STRONG and I loved every single second of it. Im not just talking about Ronan and Bast btw. Those moments where Bast and another character bickered were giving me life. Not to mention that girlmance between Caly, Reyna and the two other female characters… ugh… my girl crush was real!

- Vows: Prepare thy tissues… that is all

- Battle of the Lorelei : Don’t have anything near you when you get to this, and just remember to breathe through it.

- Captains Quarters: Prepare thy fan… that is all

- The comedy, romance and action: each one of these elements were top notch. I cackled and snorted at various points with different characters, I swooned, I cried and I felt like my heart was suspended and on baited breath as action unfolded.

Narration Review

I was lucky enough to get the printed copy before listening to the audio and when I say that my inner Stella, James and Shane voices did not do these narrators justice as I read through the book would be a complete understatement. Their performances in this book are a master class on what it means to bring writing to life. They made me feel like I was reading the book for the first time all over again, and hell it was a beautiful thing. Now onto a few highlights of their performances

Stella Hunter:
- That voice that she gave Caly, gave me the biggest girl girl crush. I mean damn, it was soft, lyrical, entrancing but most of all BRITISH! No wonder Bronn and Drake were enthralled with Caly if she sounded like that. My god.
- The Vows: Oh I was ugly crying as soon as those vows began. The raw emotion that was behind the performance really brought the words to life, some points had such a vehemence that I swear I felt them in my soul. Anyone who hears them, RIP your heart.
- One thing I loved about this book is that we are able to see Reyna as herself, the Forsaken Queen, and you can feel that power and regal quality in the narrative voice that Stella gives Reyna. She infuses it in her voice, without pushing it too hard, and it makes you feel those goosebumps when she delivers those lines. It a beautiful balance and it can be down right freaking scary.
- Some of the lines that had me cackling on the floor were delivered by Stella as various characters. They always felt on time with her scene partner and the voices she gave the characters for certain performances just added to the hilarity.
- Stellas vocal range in this book was epic. There were so many different female characters within the same scene, and she kept each distinctive and we as readers immediately knew who was talking. Not once did I have to wonder who was saying what and the accent work .. Chefs freaking kiss

James Joseph:

- I place 50% of the reason I’ve had a hard time FULLY hating the baddie in this series on Meg Anne and the other 50% on James Joseph. It is down right criminal how he can make a sadistic evil GOD sound so freaking sexy. James gave Erebos a hypnotic quality that you really couldnt help but just melting into. It was honestly an experience where I truly would forget what the hell he had done until post his lines and other characters would react. Bravo.
- I was so amazed at his performance as Bast in this book. He carried that humorous/ caricature quality to him when it was needed, but being in his POV we saw a different depth to the character, that I felt James wove into his performance through out the series but was fully able to play and explore in this book. I love those tender moments, the moments of focus and they made all the more impact because of how well he built up his Bast character. Also props to James for keeping that accent and then switching into the different characters with such ease, or at least it felt like ease. It never faltered.
- There is another character who I briefly mentioned but wont go more into depth for but you could completely tell the difference between who we originally saw when this character was introduced and the influence a certain someone had over him and when it snapped vs who he really was, and it was beautiful to see that distinction.

Shane East:

- Shane East broke me a little as Ronan this book. Spherically during one of the Erebos and Ronan scenes. I had never really heard such brokenness from this character and the way that delivered it just had me weeping in a little ball. It wasn’t overly performed, it was subtle, soft and just raw. It was a stark contrast to the normal Ronan, and even the vulnerable Ronan we had seen thus far.
- There is only so much swooning that a person can do and boy, Shane just makes your naturally swoon, especially when he is playing Ronan. That moment between him and Reyna in the captains quarters, or even when they were alone. Seriously heart failure, but we knew that. He played up that flirty quality to his voice, but he also infused with a deep sense of caring.
- The moments of Bromance between Ronan and Bast and even the moments of two other characters with Bast were epic. I was dying half the time because you could hear the exasperation in the vocal performance and yet you could slightly also tell that they found joy in poking each other.

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I need the next book STAT!

Revisado: 11-30-22 El oyente recibió este título gratis

ALC REVIEW

I felt like this book hit me more than the first one. In QOWAM, the story picks up literal seconds after the ending of the first book. Shadow makes the choice not to eliminate Ronan, and that sets of a chain reaction of events. This book feels like the rising action and tip of the climax of the entire series and also the character driven plot lines. Everything begins to really unravel and you can feel the momentum of the high stakes from the first chapter to the final line in the book. A match has been lit and it is heading straight toward the finish line. QOWAM felt like a pirate adventure, and really gave me that Princess Bride feel, not to mention the references were GOLDEN! I did not want the book to end and I was captivated from the second the story started. Also I have to say, that even though I knew that this was the second book of the series, I didn’t think it would end the way it did, though in retrospect i totally should have seen it coming. Did I feel my heart drop? Yep I did, and then Meg Anne had to truly end the book the way she did. My goose were bumped and anxiousness to get the final book has been HIKED UP TO 100% I am so excited to see what the next installment brings. I know I wont be ready for it.

Ps. Side note: Bast and Ronan are bestie endgame and I will not hear otherwise.

Highlights: There are far too many in this book but here are just some of my tops

- Shadow really spoke to my soul on another level in this book and she is by far one of my favorite Meg Anne characters I have read. No matter what story I read, Shadow will forever stay with me. She is so strong and fierce and such a bad ass independent woman who does not need anyone to rescue her, but there is a sense of loneliness to her, which is a consequence of bottling up who she is for fear of getting close to people and because of the trauma she experiences with Erebos. I really loved her character development in this book and fork if she didn’t make me cry.
- Ronan: I really loved seeing a much more playful side to Ronan. We have seen it before, when he is being cheeky but we really get to see him as he was a little more before the events of this series and perhaps even in the Keepers. There is a true sense of levity and just beautiful vulnerability that he has not just with Shadow, but with Bast as well. Also, this man has a mouth that would make any seasoned girl blush. My gawd Meg Anne he needs a warning label, my knees went weak like if I did not have any iron in my system.
- Bast: There is WAY more to this character than meets the eye. On of my favorite things is seeing a character who brings so much levity be serious and deliver a fantastic speech. It makes it poignant and hit home.
- The pirates: I really loved the new characters. Im so girl crushing on Calypso. She totally reminds me of the captain from Treasure Planet.
- The Great Pillow Wall: That scene was just.. perfect. The fact that shadow really thought a pillow wall would keep either of them from each other was so cute.
- Chapter 17 - Be sure that you do not have any sort of liquid or food in your mouth when you read/ listen to this chapter. You will choke, not because its spicy but because the hilarity of it all will catch you by storm. Oh man, epic, the lines that these characters have here are EPIC.
- The Oasis: Please be sure you have a fan, a chair, tissues, and water all at hand. You will need them at various points. This chapter is the culmination of a long journey and it was placed at the most perfect moment in the story. It changes many things, and just beautifully written.
- The final line of the book.


Narration:

This trio keeps on proving why they are a dream team. Their chemistry once again flies off the page, not just with the main characters and our baddie but also the various characters that they voice. They always bring Meg Anne’s characters to life making it so believe that these characters exist, even with all the magical components.

Some quick highlights of their performances:

Stella Hunter just made me cry this book. Though it was Meg Anne’s words, the life she gave to Shadow/ Reina really touched my soul, in a way that it would if I was watching a touching scene of a movie. There is a specific moment where Shadow has a revelation and it is almost as if you can see it in your minds eye through her voice, the proverbial blindfold being lifted from the eyes. I also loved the depth she brought to that loneliness shadow feels. It doesn’t feel fake, but instead it felt raw and deep. Stella always captures emotions so well not to mention those comedic zingers. I also really loved her portrayal as Calypso, Oooo did that voice she give her made me have a girl crush on the Captain? Yep! It did. There was a sense of mystery bottled with sternness, a hint of cheek with her and I loved it. Oh and that final line of the this book. Stella will give you chills, because you feel it on a visceral level.


Shane East just made my knees buckle and my cheeks blush. The way that Ronan says kitten should be illegal, my gawd. It is like having someone whisper on your skin with a grin and then taking pleasure of seeing you squirm. If you can imagine that, then you have the voice that Shane did. Also, I liked how Shane slightly altered his vocal performance as Ronan to display a lighter side to the character. I also really enjoyed hearing the ranges and accents for the other characters that he played. In particular that softer but still strong voice he gave to jagger gave me the sense that the character had been through many trials and that we were only scratching the surface. His comedic deliveries were also on point.


James Joseph keeps on killing it as Erebos and Bast. Like I know for a fact I am not supposed to want Erebos but if we are not supposed to want him, why make his narrator JJ. He brings a depth to this character that I feel is present in the writing, but it just blossoms under JJ’s vocal talent. Seriously he makes me want to be in a closet with an evil deity psychopath! Now as for Bast, JJ’s portrayal as Bast has been such a gift. Like with Erebos, he manages to bring a whole another level to a character whose primary function is to bring comedic relief and pull a softer more vunerable side to Ronan. Like damn. In this book, there were various moments JJ drops the mirth in his voice, which kind of slaps you in the face and makes you realize something is serious. Just hands down chefs kiss

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Came in Swinging and never stoped: ARC/ ALC Review

Revisado: 11-02-22 El oyente recibió este título gratis

ARC/ ALC Review

Review for Prisoner of Steel and Shadow

In terms of the story, Meg Anne does a beautiful job laying down the foundation of the main story line, and subplot to Ronan and Shadow’s story. These two plots, DO NOT COMPETE for our attention, rather they are complimentary in nature. It was well paced, with one two punches of serious moments, mixed with humor and a cliff hanger (via the falling action) that will leave you anxiously waiting for book two.

Highlights
Humor: The humor in this book was amazing and perfectly timed. It provided the levity to the story without detracting from the seriousness of the emotional or dramatic beats. A lot of the humor came from the interactions between Ronan and Bast but others had some sprinkled in

The characters: Ronan and Shadow quickly rose to the top of my favorite pairings of the Chosen Universe. Ronan is quite literally the love child of the Dread Pirate Roberts and Geralt. He is flirty, witty with sprinkle of bad boy. If I could picture a smirk, his would be deadly. Shadow is a badass assassin queen. She is intelligent, fiery but just overall sure of herself in many ways, but she isn’t without fault. Again, I love it when a female character has strength, without loosing their vulnerability that we as a reader get to see. It is what I love most about how Meg Anne writes her heroines. Now someone who stole the show for me was BAST. He is just a favorite plain and simple. He has humor, he is honest… ish…and is overall a sass pants.

That spicy scene. Just have a fan ready because oh man, Ronan has a mouth on him, and I am here for it.

Okay, the villain. Let’s just say it. Meg Anne rights hot asshole villains so well. Like I can’t blame the villain’s counterpart whatsoever for wanting to either strangle or sleep with the man.

Narration Review:

Audiobook Magic. That is what happens when you put Stella Hunter, Shane East, and James Joseph in a book together. They have such good chemistry as narrators, and play off each other’s performances, no matter the pairing. For me that elevates not only the writing but also the individual narrators themselves. It makes it impossible for the reader to tune out because they are so captivating.

Stella: What I love the most about Stella voicing the FMCs, particularly in Meg’s world is how well she embodies the character. Her performances elevate the nuances of Meg’s writing for the female character. Some standouts this book: 1) Stella as the judge of the contest between Bast and Ronan. Omg the way she played the floored, enamored and just fawny character had me dying of laughter 2) The moment between Shadow and Ronan, in the alley. Oh how I loved the quick wit in her voice when she ripped him a new one. Fantastic 3) The last two chapters. The vulnerability and just devastation in her voice as Shadow my heart in shambles. Also that sultry voice she used as Luna toward one of the characters… DAMN, it just made what she said all the more potent.

Shane: I think one of the main reasons, aside from the writing, that I fell so hard for Ronan was Shane’s performance. While Ronan does have a hard exterior, he is literally a marshmallow, one that can kill you, but you can tell that he loves hard. To infuse and evoke this type of emotion through a vocal performance, is extremely difficult and it is something that Shane does so well. Some highlights: 1) The bar scene. Drunk Ronan… EPIC. 2)That speech Ronan gives to shadow, broke me sir 3) That hallway scene, was there really a need to go that low and growl?? Blushing doesn’t even begin to cover it.

James: I’ve been having a hard time trying to articulate exactly how I feel about James’ performance simply because it was jaw dropping. He stole the show as Bast. From the accent, the pure sass, and the joie de vivre that he infused in the performance was a highlight for me. Also, James does an amazing hero, but as a villain he is fantastic. Highlights 1) The scene when he wakes up Ronan, favorite thing. It’s the way he is outraged for me. 2) The scene with Erebos and Luna. The way that James lowered his tone… its no wonder Luna wants to throttle and kiss him at the same time! 3) The accent. PURE MAGICK

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Beautiful conclusion to Effie’s Story..That ENDING

Revisado: 10-13-22 El oyente recibió este título gratis

ALC REVIEW

Keeper’s Vow was a beautiful ending to a Effie’s journey. After the massive cliffhanger and the end of Keeper’ Retribution, I was wondering how in the world Meg Anne would close out the story and I have to say she did not disappoint. In this book we get to spend a little more time with Lucian and see him fight to get Effie back. Although I missed Effie, I loved seeing his perspective and his character growth. It also made me as a reader fall just a little harder for the guardian who keeps a lot of secrets. In terms of story, all the breadcrumbs leading up to the big reveals in the book are paid off. I also particularly loved the cameos and the connections in this book. I started jumping up and down when I realized a character was connected to another character in Megs world (if you know you know).

Lucian’s character growth wasn’t the only one I loved in book. Effie’s came a long way. She was much more confident in herself, and it was almost as if she needed to shed the skin of her old life to begin anew. It was quite touching. I also really loved seeing a lighter Effie, one that had embraced feeling happiness and knowing she deserved it.

As for Kieran, here is the thing, Meg Anne did such a wonderful job pulling us through a journey with this character. At the start of the series, particularly in his prequel, it seemed like he was the one to root for, but as the series continued, so did he. It wasn’t a drastic 180 that gives whiplash but one that you see build, and given the ending of this book EVERYTHING with him clicks into place. Was I surprised, yes l, but at the same time I picked up on Meg’s hints along the way.

Stand outs
- The cameos, and the characters interaction with Effie
- THAT ENDING… wow way to wrap up a story but also lead into a new one. It should be criminal to write villains that good, we are NOT supposed to like them Meg Anne and yet somehow I do
- The speech that Lucian gives Effie when she becomes part of a certain thing that I don’t want to spoil. It definitely got me in my feels
- The major reveals, they were done so well!
- The spice. I know I didn’t talk about it above but damn that was NOICE


NARRATION

I could not imagine anyone playing Effie, Lucian and Kieran other than Stella Hunter, Shane East and James Joseph. This trio is amazing. They brought such depth to each of the main characters they portrayed that you really couldn’t help but feel sucked in. What I also loved about their narration was how they were able to bring the nuances in Meg’s writing with finesse and care. It made it feel like they took immense care in understanding the writing and the character development and arc. Also their chemistry, all three of them, was off the charts. It definitely felt like they played off of each other’s performances.

Some individual narration standouts:

Stella Hunter as usual brought Effie to life, and I am not just talking about the Effie we know. That other one gave me GOOSEBUMPS! Like if you are listening to this in the dark when Stella is the other Effie good luck trying to sleep without thinking someone will pop out of the darkness. Also flirty Effie….. I will say no more.

Shane East is one of those narrators, that you will need to be sure that your heart is healthy. The emotion he puts behind his performances, particularly those that involve heightened scenes (fighting, loosing someone etc) will make your heart beat a little faster. Lucian had a couple of those this time around and lets say my iwatch clocked the increase of heart rate. Not to mention when he lowers his voice.

Whose ever idea it was to put James Joseph as a villain, can I please have your P.O. Box? I would like to send you a box of a damn chocolates. Like I know there is something sinister about a character, but the way he delivers lines… I just forget it that this guy is a VILLAIN! Also those switches is accent cause whiplash, in a good way.

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The start to a great series! 4.5 Stars!

Revisado: 09-23-22

ALC Review - In the Keeper's Legacy we meet our main Heroine Effie who has moved her entire live to come study at the Citadel to help interpret her visions. Meg Anne focused a lot on the character journey and world building that 'something wicked this way comes'. As someone who had not previously read the books in the first series, I found it quite easy to jump into Effie's story without feeling lost in what is going on in the world, but also the rules about the world itself. What I really loved was Effie as a character. There is a fire to prove herself and to battle her inner demons. She is quite a strong female protagonist, but she is still flawed. I appreciate that Meg Anne didn't shy away from showing that side to Effie. It allows the reader to see that just because there is strength to the Heroine it doesn't mean they aren't perfect. To me, it makes her seem more rounded as a person and someone I can relate to as a reader. As for the other characters and the romance, we can begin to see her relationships with Lucian and Kieran develop. While Kieran, seemed like the ideal front runner, in the Dreamer, you begin to see the breadcrumbs that Meg laid out in come to fruition, and show that perhaps Kieran is not exactly who we thought he would be. Suffice to say, we see the evolution of who is the hero and who is the villain.


Holy hell. Book me a one-way ticket to audiobook land please. Stella Hunter, Shane East and James Joseph in your ears, is spectacular. Stella Hunter dominates in The Keeper's legacy and is the perfect Effie. As Effie, she manages to bring out that fierceness in Effie’s character but not to the point where we lose that vulnerability and character flaws that Meg Anne depicts in her writing. There is this steel that Stella puts behind her voice, and she cranks up the dial when as Effie, she needs a character to pay attention, or tones it down when Effie has a moment of self-deprecation or heartbreak. It is a fine balance but Stella straddles it perfectly. Something else to note, is her pacing in this book. It will make you feel like you are in a thriller, particularly for the parts that are meant to be suspenseful. All I can is I got the heebie jebbies and felt like I was on edge for some chunks of the book. Shane East should come with a warning label, and no I am not laying it on thick. He can make you jump out of your skin one second and then swoon the next, especially when you hear the Scottish brogue. One of the biggest standouts of Shane's performance, was how he was able to convey a character's motivations through tone and inflection, even if it was not readily apparent in the text. This can definitely be seen for characters like Lucian, and Smoke. Lucian is very much meant to be stoic and reserved, so the subtle ways that he provides the audience with an insight to his mind is fantastic. Not to mention that sense of mystery and foreshadowing that he provides for both Smoke AND Lucian all through the narrator's perspective.
James Joseph, really has this inhumane ability to make me battle what I know I should be feeling toward a character and what I am actually feeling toward them. It was an inner war I was not expecting to happen. James, who also voices Kieran in the Dreamer, keeps the aristocratic tone to the character, while having an underlying wounded vulnerability that sucks you right in. However, what I noted throughout his performance in the Keepers Legacy was the subtle way he alters his tone, and even delivery of lines to show the evolution of his character till you are faced with the truth at the end. Also the range in his voice, is jaw dropping, it will take you a hot second to realize it is him.

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