Audio Book Review: War and Wind

War and Wind

By:  Alex Lidell

Publish Date:  May 18, 2017, Audiobook Release April 27, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 9 hrs 5 mins
Narrated By:  Kaitlin Bellamy

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  2 in Tides series; 1st Book ~ Air and Ash

Impression:  Secrets are catching up with Nile and the war.

Synopsis:
A cowardly captain. An incompetent crew. A mission she can't fail.

Nile and her small band of loyal midshipmen saved the ship, and Captain Rima might just kill them for it . . . one young officer at a time. No one and nothing on the Aurora is safe anymore, least of all Nile’s explosive secrets or her connection with Domenic, which vibrates between them like a cutlass speared into the deck.

When the shifting tide of war suddenly turns Aurora’s backwater outpost into a vital battleground, Nile faces an impossible choice between duty and freedom. In a cascade of violence, gunpowder, and lies, Nile will soon discover who has her back and who wants to stab a dagger in it. To save the ones she loves, Nile may have to sacrifice everything.

First Sentence:
Captain Ral Quinn of the Tirik Ship Hope, The People's Republic of Tirik Navy, knew his good fortune would run out at some point.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

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

The book starts a few short hours after Air and Ash ends. It's a continuation in the time line. We do get drops of what has recently happened on the ship and who is where and what they've done, but it's brief and quick to get back into the flow of the story. This is book two of the series, and you really should start with book one.

I'm thrilled Kaitlin returned to the series as the voice of our characters. She has become Nile, in voice, for me. Kaitlin continues with the personalities and voices of all the characters we got to know in the first book. The story is brought to life by Kaitlin with emotions and pacing that fits each action or event of the story. Once again, the story flows smoothly and voiced with feeling.

The beginning is bringing us back into the world, raising our awareness of all that is happening around Nile. It grows the worry that she'll be found out, or punished or worse, and spark the flame between Nile and Dominic.

There are many worries we feel for Nile as she went on this venture. We know them and still worry as things start to surface and seen by others. There are new worries that slowly grow here, and potential worries that could go either bad or good for Nile.

We have a new POV that's added into the story through out. Captain Ral Quinn. The story starts with his POV and picks up with him off and on through the book. I like this addition as he sheds some light on a few things, and opens up some possibilities for the gifted along with worry for Nile. A worry Nile doesn't even know about, but also something that could help her in more ways than one.

There is a war between nations in this book. Something we are not front and center at seeing. But it's important as it motivates the movements of all in the world. And, eventually, it becomes something Nile is drawn into and becomes more active in.

We more new characters here. Ones that I quickly came to love. Would I have loved them as much had we met them before all the events in the first book... I don't know. But I love them now. They will become important in Nile's life and how she'll live her life.

We have our characters we know... Dominic, Captain Rima, and many others. I still love Dominic and those that Nile has come close to on the ship. I still hate Captain Rima. lol. That is all credit to the author. She has written a bad person in a wonderful way to have me hate him so. And, there is a character that my thoughts shift some on. You'll know who it is as you get back into the world.

I'm sorry if I sound vague in my descriptions, but this book follows close to book one and I don't want to give any spoilers or details to the story. If you enjoyed book one, keep on sailing through as you'll enjoy this one as well.

I will be watching for the third book in audio too!



****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Audio Book Review: Power of Five

Power of Five

By:  Alex Lidell

Publish Date:  May 4, 2018, Audiobook Release May 29, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 5 hrs 27 mins
Narrated By:  Victoria Mei

Genre:  Paranormal Fantasy, New Young

Series:  1st in Power of Five series

Impression:  Delicious connection that draws sexual tension and questioning magic's choice.

Synopsis:
Four elite fae warriors. One mortal female. A magical bond they can’t allow—or resist.

Orphaned and sold to a harsh master, Lera’s life is about mucking stalls, avoiding her master’s advances, and steering clear of the mystical forest separating the mortal and fae worlds. Only fools venture into the immortal realms, and only dark rumors come out... Until four powerful fae warriors appear at Lera’s barn.

River, Coal, Tye, and Shade have waited a decade for their new fifth to be chosen, the wounds from their quint brother’s loss still raw. But the magic has played a cruel trick, bonding the four immortal warriors to... a female. A mortal female.

Distractingly beautiful and dangerously frail, Lera can only be one thing—a mistake. Yet as the males bring Lera back to the fae lands to sever the bond, they discover that she holds more power over their souls than is safe for anyone... especially for Lera herself.

Power of Five is a full-length reverse-harem fantasy novel.

First Sentence:
"No," River told the magic pulsing through the wet earth beneath his palm.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Alex Lidell. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

I've not listened to Victoria as a narrator before, but I hope she continues with the series. Wow. She did great with voicing the emotions of all present. This is extremely important for a read as sensual as this. The tension and emotions have to be there to make it believable when voiced. And she did. Oh her accents. She gave the men their own voices with accents, as they are fae.

I will say, the story starts off quick. It's a shorter story, so each word is important. We get to see our four male warriors and get brief information about the world. It's worded to give us info with their actions but doesn't bog down, we move swiftly to make us curious and drawn in.

There is an instant attraction between the men and Leralynn. It seems to be the magical bond is what intensifies these feelings. And I had no problem with the attraction that's present. It felt to fit the characters and the feel of the story. And it never let up. There is always something there. And it felt to be deliciously written! Beware, this book is hot with sexual tension and more details.

With the magical bond, all are attracted to Lera, and Lera to them. Although, by the details of the males, they would be hard to NOT be attracted to. There is many sensual moments with Lera so near the fae men. Be prepared for the attraction to grow stronger from page one. This is a reverse harem fantasy story, one woman and four men.

I like romances that are written with a story and plot entwined with the growing sexual tension. And this story has it. There is more to why this Quint is together, we haven't learned the reason yet though. Magic has called them all together to fight the nightmares of Mor that escapes into the fae realm, before they hurt anyone or get to the human realm. Though, when first learn of a female mortal being their fifth, the male fae think this is wrong. They will learn there is more to what they think is a frail human female as they face challenges on their way to the Citadel where the Elders are. We get to see how and what they fight, a glimpse here which prepares us for what could be seen in the future.

Also, Lera is strong. She resists the attraction to the men at the beginning. I actually enjoyed her and Shade, in wolf form, as he tries to claim the bed as his and she won't give it up the first night they stop at an Inn.

All are damaged in their own ways. Each of the four males have something they are working through. Well, Tye doesn't seem to have anything, but there is something there that we learn about toward the end. Lera along with the men are damaged inside, whether from death of their fifth a decade ago or to their family history, or what they lived through before coming to the Quint. All have a side they are working to forget or get past.

We get most of the book from Leralynn's view point but there are chapters sparsely throughout the book from one of the male fae's view. Oh to see how they feel and what they are seeing. This is a great way to show the attraction from their side as well, to show what is meant in their actions and why they are doing what they do.

Did you ever want a fae man of your own? Well, you'll want ALL four of these. I know I do.



****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!



About the Author:
Alex Lidell is the author of Amazon best sellers AIR AND ASH and WAR AND WIND (Danger Bearing Press, 2017) and an Amazon Breakout Novel Awards finalist author of THE CADET OF TILDOR (Penguin, 2013). She is an avid horseback rider, a (bad) hockey player, and an ice-cream addict. Born in Russia, Alex learned English in elementary school, where a thoughtful librarian placed a copy of Tamora Pierce’s ALANNA in Alex’s hands. In addition to becoming the first English book Alex read for fun, ALANNA started Alex’s life long love for YA fantasy books.

Website⎮Facebook

Audio Book Review: Tracing Shadows

Tracing Shadows

By:  Alex Lidell

Publish Date:  April 8, 2018, Audiobook Release May 21, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 6 hrs 21 mins
Narrated By:  Hayden Daviau

Genre:  Fantasy, New Adult

Series:  1st in Scout series

Impression:  A female scout living two lives to learn information.

Synopsis:
To protect the throne, seventeen-year-old spy Kali must play a male guardsman trainee by day and royal lady by night.

Orphaned and trained on a spymaster’s remote estate, Kali is a scout who works alone in the shadows. But when a terror group threatens the Dansil throne, the king forces Kali to accept a mission at the palace or forfeit her sister’s life.

Suddenly thrust into the light, Kali must infiltrate high society as the royal Lady Lianna while penetrating the servant ranks as Kal, a male guardsman trainee. It doesn’t help that Trace, the harsh and enigmatic captain of the king’s guard, is soon assigned as both Lady Lianna’s palace escort and Kal’s commanding officer.

As Kali edges closer to the truth behind the violent group’s identity, she uncovers dangerous secrets that could bring her mission to a brutal end. A scout’s job is to observe and report, never to engage . . . but if it means saving her sister and kingdom, Kali may have no choice.

First Sentence:
"Would you like to buy a light crystal, young master?"

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

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

Hayden is a new narrator for me. She speaks with a pacing which I do not need to increase the speed of the book. Which is nice. This pace blended with Alex's writing of constant movement, keeping the story moving forward. There was one section that seemed to be a longer pause, which I'm not sure if it was meant to be there because a break in the section of the book or the audio part. At times, though, it feels as Hayden speaks fast to get through the book in a limited time frame, too fast. She does seem to fit the personality of Kali vocally though.

It's of a female playing a part of a Lady in royal court and as a guard trainee, as a male. It's a common story with two parts focused on one outcome. I listened on, and the more I did I liked the book. I'm curious as to what will happen in the next book with where we're left in a bit of an uproar and things that could happen.

The story is good, but I don't find it as catching as Alex's two other series. In the end we see there is something special going on with Kali but don't know exactly what yet. I think the catch of the story is the magic used with crystals and that Kali is something else in the magic spectrum. Also we have the kingdom the midst of rebellion with how things are going for their lives and the area they lost to another empire decades ago.

We get most of the story from Kali's view as she lives as Lady Lianna and Kal. There are moments added in from other characters. Violet is added in to give a view from her side, though the first section by her feels to introduce the fact that she likes to cut herself to take the emotional pain away. At first meeting, it felt as though Alex had to have something in the story that is emotional and catching. As the story line moves on, we see how Violet falls into a group, where they comfort her in a way she needs emotionally, who are against what the King is trying to do. It's easy to do when there is a void in one's heart, like Violet feels. The first meeting of Violet set this up for us to see.

As the story goes on I started to understand the troubles in the Dansil kingdom. They are struggling with baring children. Many woman are having still born children or dying in birth with the child. This is affecting the kingdom and people in it. They are not thriving as they should to survive as a kingdom. They need help.



****If my thoughts helped you, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Audio Book Review: Air and Ash

Air and Ash

By:  Alex Lidell

Publish Date:  May 2, 2017, Audiobook Release September 8, 2017

Format:  Audiobook - 6 hrs 57 mins
Narrated By:  Kaitlin Bellamy

Genre:  Young Adult, Fantasy

Series:  1st in Tide series

Impression:  High seas adventures to learn about life and herself.

Synopsis:
Master and Commander meets Tamora Pierce in a seafaring adventure of duty, love, magic, and a princess’s quest to protect her kingdom on her own terms.

After a lifetime of training, seventeen-year-old Princess Nile Greysik, a lieutenant on the prestigious Ashing navy flagship, sails into battle with one vital mission—and fails.

Barred from the sea and facing a political marriage, Nile masquerades as a common sailor on the first ship she can find. With a cowardly captain, incompetent crew, and a cruel, too-handsome first officer intent on making her life a living hell, Nile must hide her identity while trying to turn the sorry frigate battleworthy. Worse, a terrifying and forbidden magic now tingles in Nile’s blood. If anyone catches wind of who Nile is or what she can do, her life is over.

But when disaster threatens the ship, Nile may have no choice but to unleash the truth that will curse her future.

First Sentence:
I fall to my knees as His Ashing Majesty's Ship Faithful's mainmast breaks in two and crashes to the deck.

Purchase At:
Amazon

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

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

The story starts fast with battle at sea with Nile Greysik part of the crew. There is mention of a decade war and that the ship carries a code book of the enemy which could help end the war. However, things fall apart and Nile's ship, Faithful, and crew takes the brunt of it.

Kaitlin is a new voice for me to listen to. She starts off strong with there being a battle at sea. She picks up on the quick thoughts and actions voicing it all so we are in that chaotic moment. She also voices different characters with adjusting her voice and tone so each sound to match the characters age and personality. Yes! She had my attention from the get go. Solid start! Kaitlin felt to be Nile in this book, which is a great feeling for the listener. The story comes to life and the narrator is part of it.

This book is Young Adult, but it reads stronger than that. I love how Nile speaks of many aspects and dynamics in honest and forward way, as she's dealt and talked about it openly her life so far. The relationship of men and woman on a ship and what happens to people that are Gifted. She doesn't shy from many topics, making them matter of fact feeling.

The Gifted. This is a special magic that comes out in some people in the world. It's based on elements and controlling them. But, there is great consequences that comes from having this ability. Heavy drawback on the body for being Gifted. I like the price for the ability, though no one has a choice to be gifted or not.

It felt that Nile's drive is true, and there are added reasons for that drive that affect her as well. Of course she runs for one reason, but her true desire was stated before that and is what becomes her main goal. I really like how these topics are written to overlap and the world and events drive her to do what she may not have done, or doing sooner than would have.

Alex has created an enticing story with Nile and her world. The way the story is told, there is much that can happen on the ship with the crew present. Nile's views of how things are handled in the world are firm, and there is much happening in the world to fight against. This is a huge story in it's own. It's also a stepping stone for Nile to get to where she wants to be, but has to do her time. Great blend of ultimate goal with immediate obstacles.

This is a storyline and characters I'd love to follow the story along when the books come out in audiobook in the future.



****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the Author: Alex Lidell
Alex Lidell is the author of Amazon best sellers AIR AND ASH and WAR AND WIND (Danger Bearing Press, 2017) and an Amazon Breakout Novel Awards finalist author of THE CADET OF TILDOR (Penguin, 2013). She is an avid horseback rider, a (bad) hockey player, and an ice-cream addict. Born in Russia, Alex learned English in elementary school, where a thoughtful librarian placed a copy of Tamora Pierce’s ALANNA in Alex’s hands. In addition to becoming the first English book Alex read for fun, ALANNA started Alex’s life long love for YA fantasy books.
Website⎮Facebook⎮Twitter

About the Narrator: Kaitlin Bellamy
​Kaitlin Bellamy is a freelance performer and acting coach residing in Central Florida, with a theatrical history spanning more than twenty-five years.

Since relocating to Orlando in 2012, she has worked at multiple theme parks and various theatrical venues, in a career style she calls “Buffet Performing:” or, the idea of keeping several jobs active at any given time, so she may pick and choose where to work, and life never gets boring. Her specialties include Shakespeare, Voice Acting, and Puppetry. But above all, she is passionate about the performing arts, and all they stand for.
Website⎮Facebook⎮Twitter⎮Instagram