Audio Book Review: Obsidian

Obsidian

By:  Kimberly Loth

Publish Date:  February 17, 2016, Audiobook Release April 16, 2019

Format:  Audiobook - 6 hrs 5 mins
Narrated By:  Angela Rysk

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  1st in The Dragon Kings series

Impression:  A young girl's love for dragons could save them.

Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Aspen is a skydiving, rock climbing, adrenaline junky. All her life, she’s been fascinated by the dragons who roam near her home in Yellowstone Park. Yes, Dragons. Though no human has ever gotten close enough to touch one.

Except Aspen.

While most people avoid the national parks because of the resident dragons, Aspen spends most of her free time in search of the feared and misunderstood creatures. For her, studying the dragons is a way to escape a painful past and avoid getting too close to anyone.

She’d rather track dragons in the wild and through the lens of her camera than talk to real people. But then Aspen meets a hot new guy at school, Sid King. He’s the one person she’s ever met who shares her obsession with all things dragon. But even as she feels strangely drawn to the mysterious boy, she senses he’s hiding his own set of dark and powerful secrets.

When hikers start turning up dead in the park, everyone suspects the formidable predators. Unless Aspen can prove their innocence, every one of her beloved dragons is in danger of eradication.

After Aspen and Sid uncover a sinister plot behind the brutal attacks, Aspen can no longer deny that Sid somehow knows more about the deaths than he should and the secrets they both keep threaten to rip their lives apart forever.

First Sentence:
Travis Springs usually didn't hike in the national parks.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible   (Box Set of Series)

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Angela Rysk is a new narrator for me. I found I liked her narration as she voiced Aspen and the characters. There are slight differences in tone or attitude, but not drastic shifts. I found I listened to the story more than her voice as I went along. The audio is clear and clean, making it easy to listen to.

Obsidian has to do his ten years as a human, that he's been putting off, now that he's turned to be king. He makes his arrival and finds a young girl that's caught his attention. However, there are people dying in the forest where the dragons roam. Humans view the dragons as dangerous, but now there's one eating humans. To keep the fear of the large, mysterious beasts at a minimum and keep people from attacking, Aspen is determined to prove that the beautiful, majestic dragons are not dangerous. Obsidian, as the king, wants to find the killer. Aspen's love for the dragons brings her to meet Obsidian.

The story is easy to follow. I found the story went the path I sort of figured it would. Which isn't a bad thing, I got what I expected from the characters as the story went. And no great surprises hit me. I have a few questions at the beginning. One of them being the tattoo, but it gets answered. Another question was more a 'I can't believe a mom would do that' moment. I know I'm not a perfect mother and I don't want to question others and their ways, but I can't understand why Aspen's mother would spike her ice cream with Valium. That feels a bit extreme when she didn't even know what was going on with Aspen.

I like Aspen. She seems like a smart girl. I think she pieced things out early on, but then was mislead by Sid to not know the truth. Aspen's a bit of a dare devil, but I got the feel she likes the excitement. Maybe an adrenaline addict or one with lack of fear with what she enjoys - propelling and other activities, along with pushing her limits with dragons. Aspen loves dragons, which are not known about and are feared by the majority of humans. Aspen's got a bit of past that she's not shared with anyone, abuse from a boy. This is important in Aspen's character and comes into play with what's happening.

Sid is an interesting character. I do like him though. He seems to know how things are going to eventually end for him, but he doesn't care.

A few small things had me curious though. I'm curious as to how Sid was able to easily fall for another after all the years with Skye. He seemed to genuinely care for her, maybe even love. But then things change in an instant. When Aspen started spending more time with Sid, did she still go out to see Obsidian? It seems as though her nightly visits with Obsidian ended, but I don't know. And Sid is to be watched closer because of who he is to be. But it felt as though he wasn't really watched at all. Sure there was Theo and Pearl on occasion, but that felt to be it. I thought there'd be more stopping by to check in on him. Although... maybe.... Hmmm. If that's who I think it is that might explain why Sid is so free to do as he wants.... Yep, you have to listen or read the book to piece that one together. I'm hoping the next book will answer some of these holes for me.

This book can be read by Young Adults and Adults alike. However, I do want to mention there is a memory of a terrible night for Aspen. There is hinting of and mention of rape. I want you to be aware. There is death in the book as well. There feels to be little emotion from the characters other than Aspen or others not allowed to go hiking.

I enjoyed the idea of the book, but it could have used some help with the holes in the events and emotions. The way the story ends, I have to go to the next book to see what happens to Aspen. Ugh. It is a cliff hanger ending. But all the books are out and ready for you to read or listen to.



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Audio Book Review: Mad God's Muse

Mad God's Muse

By:  Matthew P. Gilbert

Publish Date:  July 23, 2019, Audiobook Release July 23, 2019

Format:  Audiobook - 13 hrs 27 mins
Narrated By:  Ralph Lister

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  2nd in Sins of the Fathers series; 1st Book ~ Dead God's Due

Impression:  Moving characters to where needed.

Synopsis:
The fate of the world rests on his shoulders. Will he crumble?

Ahmed’s faith is strong, and so is his sword-arm, but as for details, those were for his fallen master. Now, he must somehow rise to the task of leading his men and, by Ilaweh's grace, thwart the Dead God's apocalyptic prophecy.

But how can he command hardened veterans of war, men with much blood on their hands, when he has accomplished so little in his young life?

If Ahmed can earn their respect, there might still be time to do as his master had hoped--ally with the sorcerers of Nihlos. They are dangerously unpredictable and capricious, perhaps even mad, but their power is undeniable.

Ahmed will need that power. For he knows something even his master never guessed: their ultimate destination is the true heart of darkness. An ancient city of evil and death that none survive.

First Sentence:
Am I a god?

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Ralph Lister is the narrate the story once again. He's created the voice of the characters along with the pronunciations and continues with it here. As in the first book, Ralph's work is clean and clear. He's easy to listen to.

This book shows some of the magic the Meite's possess. We get to see them in action, implying their power and control. This gives a nice fantasy feel to them and the book.

We dive deep into the politics of the Nihlos in this book. There is corruption and games played by all in the council and high seats. It can get confusing at times because people play both sides of the fence to get what they want. There are moments where I'm confused as to what is going on or why people are saying what they are saying. I think that the conspiracy found in what people are saying and how they are acting is not as clear in audio at moments. When people say one thing and do another it's hard to pick up as well.

I found this book slow moving. This book is one that places people in places. Some of the events to get to these places are interesting but I felt there was a lot of filler to detail out Nihlos and the characters more. Much of this was what made the story slow for me. It felt as though this book is a transition, creating a reason to move the players where they need to be and removing others that stand in their way.

In the end we get a quick glimpse of where we will be heading next. I'm hoping things move along faster to this new place as I'm looking forward to going there and see what comes to be.



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Audio Book Review: Death's Mantle

Death's Mantle

By:  Harmon Cooper

Publish Date:  September 25, 2019, Audiobook Release December 17, 2019

Format:  Audiobook - 10 hrs 25 mins
Narrated By:  Andrea Parsneau

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  1st in series

Impression:  Light and dark in gamer view.

Synopsis:
Lucian North is supposed to be dead.

Suffering from a rare heart condition that doctors say should have killed him over a year ago, Lucian is playing a video game when Death finally comes.

Rather than give in, Lucian pulls a gun on the Grim Reaper.

As the two stare each other down, terrible demons known as injuresouls swarm into the room in pursuit of Death.

Summoning courage he never knew he had, Lucian comes to Death's aid. And for his troubles, he is awarded Death's Mantle.

Transported to a spiritual world he could have never fathomed, Lucian finds that he is instantly powerful, able to conjure weapons from scratch and perform incredible feats. He introduces game mechanics to his new role, develops a carefully curated inventory list, and modifies a HUD system that allows him to better track his targets.

It isn’t easy being Death, and Lucian will need just about everything he can get as he faces off against fallen angels, appalling parasites, demon-born injuresouls, and savage Death Hunters.

Regardless of his sudden strength, his newfound enemies, and his gamer ingenuity, Lucian can't communicate with the living, which wouldn't be a problem if he hadn’t discovered something terrible about his family...

Lucian’s brother is scheduled to die, and only Lucian has the power to do anything about it.

Death’s Mantle is a dark fantasy GameLit novel that LitRPG, metaphysical fantasy, occult sci-fi, and thriller readers will love. Death’s Mantle is written by Harmon Cooper, bestselling GameLit author of Way of the Immortals, House of Dolls, Cherry Blossom Girls, The Feedback Loop and Monster Hunt NYC. It was inspired by the anime Parasyte, the comic book series Sandman and Spawn, the books On a Pale Horse and the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

First Sentence:
Any day could have been Lucian North's last day on Earth.

Purchase At:
Amazon   

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Andrea does a great job of voicing each character with different voices. Wow. There's great differences and great detail in each characters voice. I enjoyed the variety found between the characters. I did listen at 1.4 speed, which felt to go well with the narration. The audio sounded clean and clear and full of life with the characters emotions.

Lucian has a rare heart condition. He's lived beyond his time the doctor gave him, and his last day arrives. When he sees Death's arrival he is ready to stand up to him, and ends up helping to save Death. Lucian is the given Death's position. Now Lucian gets to help people pass on by removing the parasite that's feeding off of them and prolonging their life.

This is a very interesting concept! I like learning the basics with Lucian as he learns what Death does along with those that will try to kill Death. The twist of being Death and seeing things as a gamer's view is very interesting. I really enjoyed this creation.

The story starts right in with Lucian and how he gets to the LitRPG world. No delay in learning, we get there ASAP. There were moments I wasn't sure where the story was going as we see Lucian visit his family and go through moments with them as he's in his new position. I know he's worried about his brother, Connor, and wants to help him. But I feel as though we are living through life's moments and not in a story. We then get direction, to help Connor and to find Old Death and bring him home.

Along the way, Lucian powers up and learns about the parasites in the world. Lucian also learns about other beings; Deaths, Lifes (angels), Fallen Angels, and more that can harm him. Lucian has a way about him to make a few friends along the way too. I enjoy these friends and what they bring to the story with information on how things work.

As I listened to the book, I started to feel as Lucian does about death. I understand his questions, and I had my own start to pop up about the position of death and details. It felt like death was turned into a job and wasn't personal, or even a game. When I started to think about this I wondered if the gamer style detail view Lucian makes is what brings it to feel this way. Maybe the gamer view isn't the best for something that feels so personal.

I found I wanted to be with these people in their last moments, as they pass on. It feels like death is so lonely.

I liked the concept of using a gaming system setup with what is a reality for the character. If there's more in the world, I'd be curious to see where things go with all the characters.



About the Author:
Harmon Cooper is a prolific Amazon best-selling author of 50 science fantasy books and counting. He was one of the earliest authors to bring GameLit to the West. His most popular series include Way of the Immortals, House of Dolls, Cherry Blossom Girls, The Feedback Loop and Monster Hunt NYC. Originally from Austin, Texas, Cooper was a musician before transitioning to world traveler and writer, spending five years in Asia honing his writing skills, wanderlusting, studying languages, and teaching English. He now lives in New England (and loves it!) with his wife. www.harmoncooper.com.

Audio Book Review: Darklands

Darklands

By:  M.L. Spencer

Publish Date:  June 22,2017, Audiobook Release February 22, 2019

Format:  Audiobook - 11 hrs 30 mins
Narrated By:  Simon Wright

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  2nd in The Rhenwars Saga series; 1st Book ~ Darkmage, Prequel ~ Darkstorm

Impression:  Return to the Rhen, with a different view of the "enemy."

Synopsis:
Compelled to obey the dark god he pledged his soul to, Darien finds himself tasked with delivering the people of the Black Lands from under the curse of darkness which shrouds the skies. With the enemy mage Azár, Darien sets out across a barren darkscape to assume his place as the leader of a people who despise him.
As he journeys deeper into the shadowed waste, Darien is confronted with difficult truths that force him to question every loyalty he has ever held. For there, in the brutal proving grounds of the north, Darien will be inexorably forged into the most dangerous adversary the Rhen has ever faced.

First Sentence:
The old man wandered the dark corridor toward his death, the girl trailing after him.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Simon returns to voice the second book. Yes! I've found he fit Darien and the other characters for me in voice and accent. I do enjoy listening to him vocalize the story here.

Two years since the Well of Tears was opened and closed. And the Well is opened again, to help a people raise to the place they should be.

We get the story from a few different POV's, which is great as there are things happening around The Rhen at the same time. We see all the actions and events unfold. One of the characters we get to spend time in their head is Meiran. Hmm. I liked her. Wanted to like her more. But she shows a prejudice that rubs me wrong. She doesn't want to believe what Darien or Quinlan have to say, because they are demons. She doesn't want to be open to what could be possible with a nation of people either. She feels as though she is a hypocrite in what her power focus is and what she won't do, heal. I like that she's written this way. She has seen different things than Darien has seen, and that affects her differently.

We get a view of a different part of the world compared to the first book. And of the people that were seen as the enemy in the first book. There is more to the world and story than what people believe or know. We get to see that.

We see how the actions taken in the first book leave relationships and the consequences that need to be faced. It's interesting seeing the Well of Tears opened for what was thought to be the enemy in the first book. This "enemy" has been suffering for a thousand years with the curse created in the prologue story.

I was surprised to see Darien and a few others return in this book after the ending of the first book. I was thrilled to see Darien back though. There are moments in the book that I wasn't 100% sure as to why something was happening. This could be because it's audio and I missed it, or maybe not clarified yet. I'm not sure which one.

We learn of why the Well of Tears was created in the first place. There is a new danger for all things made of magic, and that includes the mages. Darien also gets placed with the people he saw as an enemy due to the way he was raised. Darien sees how the others live, and has to defend and help them.

I'm ready to journey with our characters to see what the outcome is with the magic and the people in the darklands.



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Audio Book Review: Three O'Clock Seance

Three O'Clock Seance

By:  Joanne Pence

Publish Date:  January 12, 2016, Audiobook Release June 6, 2019

Format:  Audiobook - 5 hrs 33 mins
Narrated By:  Kristi Burns

Genre:  Cozy Mystery

Series:  3rd in The Rebecca Mayfield Mysteries series

Impression:  Short cozy mystery story.

Synopsis:
San Francisco Homicide Inspector Rebecca Mayfield has vowed to have nothing more to do with mystery man Richie Amalfi, but when he tells her about the strange deaths of clients of a local psychic medium, her decision changes. Rebecca has always been intrigued by the paranormal and, despite her logical and practical nature, she can't resist looking into the deaths.

A handsome medium, a tormented ghost, and the FBI lurking around because of their interest in Richie and some stolen ancient artifacts, show Rebecca that the dead don't always stay dead and buried. And her emotions can't be buried, no matter how hard she might try. But following both just might lead Rebecca straight to the Great Beyond ... permanently.

First Sentence:
On Tuesday afternoon San Francisco Homicide Inspector Rebecca Mayfield did something completely out of character.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Kristi Burns is a new narrator for me. She voices the characters with slight tone differences or enunciation patterns that would fit the characters if we meet them in person. The book has sections that are from Rebecca's POV and then Rickie's POV. In doing this there is a slight shift her her persona and tone to differentiate the characters.

I'm, again, reading or listening to a book out of order in it's series. It's okay though! This book has it's own story that starts and finishes here. There are some growing arcs between the characters and their relationships that are growing as the books go, but you don't feel lost in that arc. You learn where the characters have been and how they feel now.

Rebecca Mayfield is a nice character to read. She's not buffaloed by things but she stays calm and investigates. She does have an attraction to another in the story, which I think I really like. Rebecca feels like she could be a real person in her feelings and reactions.

There are several others mentioned in the book that Rebecca works with in the homicide unit. We don't get to spend much time with them here, but they fill out the world making it feel full and three dimensional. The one that Rebecca does spend time with, and is on a case because of, is Rickie. I found I liked Rickie. He's a bit of a bad boy feel but he's so much more. There's a feel of romantic tension between Rebecca and Rickie, but they both fight it as there is implications that each aren't good for the other.

The case here... A man claiming to be a medium is taking retirement money from his older clients. And, maybe even killing them... Rickie's worried about his mother who's now drawn into the medium's web with her friend. Rebecca doesn't want to look into it, but Rickie asked and she doesn't have much else going on at work.

This is a short cozy mystery story. It's something you can relax with as there's danger but nothing high octane. And there's a blooming romance as we get the thoughts of the two characters that are attracted to each other. A nice mystery story to relax by the fire with.

I enjoyed the story and will keep the series in mind for the future.



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Audio Book Review: Dead God's Due

Dead God's Due

By:  Matthew P. Gilbert

Publish Date:  June 25, 2019, Audiobook Release June 25, 2019

Format:  Audiobook - 10 hrs 34 mins
Narrated By:  Ralph Lister

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  1st in Sins of the Fathers series

Impression:  Introduced to two worlds that need help, but could be enemies.

Synopsis:
The end of the world approaches. The people don't believe. They don't even remember.

Yazid Valerion is alone with the truth, but his warnings fall on deaf ears. His people are far more concerned about the wars of today and tomorrow than those of the past.

Eons ago, the Dead God promised a world of ash, and the time of that prophecy is now at hand. His only hope is to cross the sea with his few followers in search of ancient enemies, the Meites, and pray he can sway them to his cause. But the Meites are no mere mortals; they are powerful sorcerers prone to outbursts of destructive terror. Even if he can find them, there's no guarantee they won't slaughter him and his men upon first sight.

Perhaps there is no way to change the prophesy of a god. If not, then Yazid will die well. For a warrior knows, it is better to die fighting than trembling in fear of the final blow.

First Sentence:
The monster simply would not die.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Ralph Lister is a new narrator for me, and I'm thrilled I listened to him! He has a rustic, husky voice that fits for the characters in this fantasy world. He vocalizes each character with a slightly different tone and personality. The emotion and feelings each character is feeling in the moment comes through as well. He laughs where laughing is mentioned, too. This all brings the characters to life for the story.

The prologue tells us what happened and the prophecy that's going to be a problem. I know some people don't like prologues, but I don't mind them. It sets the stage for the worlds history and why there could be trouble in the future, or the now when we get into the book.

We start with the characters in their lives, seeing how they live and what they know. We learn about the stations and standings in the world.

Yazid goes looking for help for a greater evil that's to come, but what he finds is not healthy for him. In search of Meites, Yazid finds a city where there's a terrible unease in the people's social structure and political structure that will grow to more trouble.

The upset in the political structure of one culture brings a new struggle in the process. The terrible political games of life and death could bring new battles to the doorstep of Nihlos, when Yazid and his crew had come in peace. This book tells what Yazid and his men had to live through along with the conspiracies of Nihlos, where Yazid hoped to find allies. There's going to be a long road to get to the great evil that's coming.

We are seeing how the different groups of people live, and how things are falling apart. Everyone has different beliefs and systems in pay, but each system has it's flaws and the flaws seem to be evident. The political structure in Nihlos is on shaky grounds with the Empress and the games people play. We see it crumble more.

I was curious if I was under the proper understanding when the book started as we spent most of the book in the political structure and battles of Nihlos rather than on the path Yazid set forth on. I'm glad the end of the book came back around to what Yazid was talking of and looking for in the beginning. In the end, I realized this book was to introduce us to the cultures present and show that nothing is ever easy.

There was something about the book that held me, had me keep going. At the end, seeing what happens and the tie to the worlds and potential troubles to come, I'm curious to follow on to the next book.



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Audio Book Review: Hook: Dead to Rights

Hook: Dead to Rights

By:  Melissa Snark

Publish Date:  September 25, 2018, Audiobook Release April 15, 2019

Format:  Audiobook - 4 hrs 18 mins
Narrated By:  Natalie Naudus

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  1st in Captain Hook and the Pirates of Neverland series

Impression:  Captain Hook as an adult, and there's more between her and Peter Pan.

Synopsis:
Neverland is a wondrous isle of adventure.

Neverland is a cruel lie.

Children follow Peter Pan believing their dreams will come true—to never grow up.

Surprise, surprise... they never will. The children Peter Pan abducts are murdered or meet a grimmer fate.

I'm the child who escaped Peter's treachery. I've made it my life's calling to rescue the Lost Boys, even those who don't wish to be saved. Now Pan has a schooner he's using to steal even more children. I'm the only one who can stop him.

Call me Hook. I am the master and commander of a pirate ship, and I'll have my revenge on Peter Pan if it's the last thing I do.

First Sentence:
I am ink.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Natalie Naudus is a new voice for me. I found I enjoyed her character from the start and how Natalie voiced her. She put a touch of emotion into the words which made it easy to picture the character and her feelings with her actions. I enjoy this when the voice goes with the actions of a story.

The story feels as it's a grown-ups version of Hook and Peter Pan, or maybe a continuation. Where do all the children go when they are Lost Boys of Peter Pan? This story has a darker version of the tale, yet is it a cover up for Captain Hook to do what she must to help the lost children here? Maybe Peter Pan is the one that's of the darker side... I don't know!

The story is short and starts quick. We get a great feel for Captain Hook with her crew and the world in the beginning then dive into the story. I was curious about Captain Hook and Peter Pan's relationship along with seeing how things pan out here in this world that has a different feel than the Peter Pan tale from my youth. The story tells of the big picture plan for Captain Hook, kill Peter Pan. There is a feel as there is more to Peter Pan and his taking of children, and even to the history with Peter Pan and Captain Hook. But a specific mission appears when Captain Hook sees Peter Pan has a girl on his ship, she decides to act and save the girl when she can't kill Peter Pan.

Captain Hook wants to act fast, before Pan grows tired of the girl or the girl ages much more. There's a reason for the worry over a girl as girls time is measured differently here than with boys, she'll change faster than the boys will. (I know, that last sentence is vague yet sounds like it should be wrong. Head over to the book to get the details.)

There's a deeper feeling to Captain Hook and her connection to Peter Pan. We get hints there was more there. There is something up with Peter Pan as well, from the hints we get and what Captain Hook perceives each time we get close to Peter Pan. I'm looking forward to future books to learn all I can.



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Audio Book Review: Villains Deception

Villains Deception

By:  M.K. Gibson

Publish Date:  November 3, 2014, Audiobook Release March 25, 2019

Format:  Audiobook - 9 hrs 6 mins
Narrated By:  Jeffrey Kafer

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  3rd in The Shadow Master series: Book 1 ~ Villains Rule, Book 2 ~ Villains Pride

Impression:  Fun adventure through sci fi with Jackson.

Synopsis:
Jackson Blackwell, the Shadow Master, returns. And lo, the multiverse shall tremble. Why? For someone dared to kidnap his daughter.

In this third installment of the multiple award-nominated Shadow Master novels (which we perpetually lose), Jackson and his crew of malicious malcontents are going on a road trip! Er, well, space . . . trip? Look, this time we’re mocking sci-fi, so you know, just go with it.

While on a consultation trip to a sci-fi dimension, Evie Blackwell is taken by hired mercenaries, and Jackson is stranded on a remote planet. Using all of his devious and deadly tricks, Jackson must escape, assemble his team, and travel through space and time to find those responsible. Jackson will stop at nothing to prove his commitment to his family while wreaking his patented comedic havoc in a way that only a man-turned-god can.

Follow this thrilling, hilarious, and yes, oddly touching book, as Jackson hops dimensions, fights the forces of light and shadow, and even confronts an entire pantheon of pissed-off gods.

Won’t this be a hoot?

First Sentence:
In the vastness of space and time exists a hidden dark place.

Purchase At:
Amazon   

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Jeffrey does a great job following up with the characters. In the audio book we get a walk-on voice for one of the characters by R.C. Bray. We get a fun back and forth with R.C. Bray and Jeffrey Kafer! It's a great extra to have in the story. They made me laugh.

Oh how M.K. Gibson makes jokes of Jeffrey. lol. It's funny the way he writes in the narrator and about the narrator in the book. It fits so well to Jackson's character and with the book theme.

Someone took Evie! Jackson is on a job in a space universe and has his daughter, Evie, with him. But when he's attacked, his daughter disappears. Who took her? Jackson will track that person down and they will pay...

I find humor in the minor details of the world. The small explanations given and the short stories that go with things make me smile. This grows the world and Jackson's character with how he reacts to things.

Jackson is not a fan of space operas or space genre at all. I get a kick out of how he points out how space books, or his journey, is similar to other genres in books. He points this out as though it's science fiction space books ripped off other genres, but then finds there are small pieces he likes from classifications he likes. So could Jackson come to like space operas...?

Jackson has a lot of contacts in the worlds. He's had many, many clients over the years that now lend to Jackson's plans, even if they don't know it.

Okay, is M.K. Gibson a stand-up comic? LOL! I really had fun with this story. And the best part is M.K. also has a great story to tell, and the ending may be a surprise for you. lol. The ending is the part that made the books for me. Well, not 100%. I love Jackson's humor and actions. The ending was well fitting for a Jackson book. lol. We were told in the beginning, and it all comes back around at the end. Fun twist!



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Audio Book Review: Child of the Ghosts

Child of the Ghosts

By:  Jonathan Moeller

Publish Date:  January 14, 2014, Audiobook Release October 28, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 13 hrs 52 mins
Narrated By:  Hollis McCarthy

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  1st in The Ghosts series

Impression:  A young girl finding her way in the hidden world.

Synopsis:
When her life is torn apart by sorcery and murder, young Caina Amalas joins the mysterious Ghosts, the legendary spies and assassins of the Emperor of Nighmar. She learns the secrets of disguise and stealth, of assassination and infiltration.

But even that might not be enough to save her.

For the evil that destroyed her family seeks to devour the entire world...

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This is a first for me with hearing Hollis McCarthy narrating. I know Caina is young in the books, but I'm Hollis's voice for her sounds off and too small for me. The audio is clean and clear to listen to.

I struggled with the first two flashbacks, to when Caina is 11 years old then when she was 7 years old. At eleven Caina doesn't understand why her mom hates her so. But in the flashback to when she was seven, her mother then her father tell her why. As a reader, I wonder if these sections have the wrong ages in them.

I'm divided on the beginning of the book. I understand the need for it, to create the character background of Caina and those that impacted her in her early years. But, part of me wants to say the background isn't as needed as it's detailed out instead of implying by just actions with her family. The nice thing is it's quick, and into the story we go.

This story is the beginning of Caina and her mission in life. This book sets up Caina with her training and how Maglarion grows in what he wants. Caina is a studious girl, loving her books and to learn. This book is Caina learning many things. Caina needs to grow and learn to do what she wants, which will come in time.

We see much of the way the world is on different sides as The Ghosts have friends and allies in all classes of the world. The Ghosts are the hidden police that are also assassins that work in the shadows of the world.

There was something about this book that felt simple, nothing hidden behind the words spoken. Yet I felt drawn to keep listening even if I didn't have to guess as to what will happen. It was more a relaxing read for me.

In finishing the book, the story is complete but Caina has a life to live and figures out what she wants to do. Caina will and, from looking at Goodreads, has many missions to go on in her life. I'm curious to follow her along in the books.

The book reads and feels like it's written for young adults, though there are things that are a little more than for younger readers. I would say for a teenager and older.



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