Audio Book Review: Burning Bright

Burning Bright

By:  E.J. Stevens

Publish Date:  June 17, 2014, Audiobook Release October 20, 2015

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 32 mins
Narrated By:  Melanie A. Mason & David Wilson Brown

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  3rd book in Ivy Granger series; 1st Book ~ Shadow Sight, 1.5 Novella ~ Blood and Mistletoe, 2nd Book ~ Ghost Light, 2.5 Novella ~ Club Nexus

First Impression:  A UF adventure through Harborsmouth where debts are paid and friendships tested.

Synopsis:
Burning down the house...

Things are not going well at the offices of Private Eye. Jinx is having demon problems, the city is overrun with pyromaniacal imps, and Ivy's wisp powers are burning out of control, attracting the attention of both the Seelie and Unseelie courts.

Along came a faerie queen... It's the worst possible time for the Green Lady to call in a favor, but Ivy's bound by her deal with the glaistig. Too bad there's no wiggle room in faerie bargains.

Ivy must rid the city of imps, keep Jinx from murdering her one solid link to Hell, and fulfill her bargain with the Green Lady—with sidhe assassins hot on her tail.

Just another day's work for Ivy Granger, psychic detective.

First Sentence:
Ever play wack-a-mole with a jincan?

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I requested to review a copy of this audiobook for an honest review from the author.

Ivy's debts have to pile up, and suck her friends into the dangerous webs with her. Jinx is... spelled. She woke with glowing kisses on her and growing more and more tired as the minutes pass. Ivy wants to find and stop who's draining her dearest friend's energy. But her debts to the Green Lady and the Vampire leader are called upon and she is compelled to take care of those first. One is harder than the other, and she is going to lose a friend today. One way or another. But maybe, just maybe, these debts can be used to get what Ivy wants. There is always a twist to the fey way, and with her friends, Ivy starts to see a path of how to take care of everything, while she works with Ceff to stop the fire imps starting fires throughout her home town.

I liked this story better than the previous books for a few reasons. The story was a little bit more complex with more than two things happening, tying it all together. And this duo of voices fits for me much better.

I've been listening to this series, and I continue to do so. This novel is narrated by the duo that also voiced a novella. They are Melanie and David. And I do enjoy having both of them for female and male characters. Melanie has the emotions to go with the words as she speaks, and she's not overly bubbly for Ivy. Melanie sounds down to Earth and more real to me for Ivy. Melanie also does an accent from the old world for the Green Lady, a lilt to her words. David is a lovely addition to Melanie's female readings, giving us all the male voices to complement her characters. David's voice for Forneus reminds me of Jack Nicholson. There is one sentence that is repeated, missed in editing. But overall I enjoyed their interpretations of the characters. I do like the slight enhancements such as the sounds of a character on the phone and the echo of a ghost talking!

There is a refresher of what happened previously up front and at the very beginning of the story. As it's nice to be reminded of past events and where everyone stands in at the start, I don't think it's as needed. E.J. does a wonderful job of blending these tidbits in as the story goes. It fills in gaps and continues the three dimensional feel of the world and characters.

The story feels well put together. We have a few troubles happening at one time, and can piece it all together as we go through. I really enjoyed the story here and the avenues it took. I did feel there were a few weak moments in the book, like Torn always bargaining for a deal in his favor and he misses a prime opportunity for one. I can't see him doing that. And with Ivy's power, when she touches someone she sees visions, and once releases that touch to later touch again she's to see visions again... That's forgotten about as when she touches someone again, it's not mentioned of seeing visions again. These are tiny items in a whole novel as a whole. I do enjoy the story and adventure Ivy goes on here.

The characters are fun in the mix too. Ivy is growing as a character. I don't seem to remember Ivy swearing as much, as she does in this book, in previous books. Mind you, it's not as heavy in swearing as other UF books I've read, but more for Ivy. Ivy still has a habit of 'saying' she's not soft of heart, stubborn, or a smart mouth. This always seems to rub me wrong when I hear/read it. She says it, but I don't think I see it as much in her actions. Now when others say it or she does do something, it's okay, it's just when Ivy thinks she's being stubborn after she's being stubborn that feels repetitive for me. E.J. has a way of writing in puns, little jokes, and thought from Ivy that are play on words. They are fun at times, and also a few that have you roll your eyes because it's corny. lol.

Oh! Sparky! He sounds like a cutie. Really. Adorable little thing (that could grow to be so big!). And Forneus. I knew Ivy couldn't keep him away forever. lol. Torn is a fun rival for Forneus and loves dangerous adventure, so he fits so well.

There are many great friend moments in this book. Moments that show how important those you keep near are and how you can help them. Ivy gives some great advice in this book, and learns a few things about those she judged harshly. I liked the advice she gave to Arachne and having to face what she did. We don't get to search for Ivy's dad just yet, even though she's trying and wants to. There's a reason for it. Ceff points out that Ivy's search for her father could be used against her, and him, with the war brewing in the supernatural world. All could want him as their secret weapon against all others. Also, the fey courts have caught wind of Ivy and her inability to control her powers around humans. Not a good thing. This is something that leaves a little curiosity in our minds. War brewing. Her father. Hmm. What's to come next?

This is a light Paranormal/Urban Fantasy read. It's easy to follow and quick reading.