Audio Book Review: The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook by Matt Dinniman

The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook by Matt Dinniman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

#1 I'm really enjoying this world.
#2... Hold on. Back to #1. There's SO MUCH to this world that's available to play with. There is just so much there! It can make for humor. It can make for sad. It can make for friendships. It can make for ALL the worse things that could happen. Just so much potential. And I'm really liking this.

#2 I'm going to repeat this with every book. The Narrator. The Narrator. THE NARRATOR! I've loved Jeff's work for years. This is the one he shines like a huge dimond in. (Really, all his work is amazing.) Everyone he brings in with him is amazing. (This book has 1 guest voice join him. He does all the rest of the voices!)

I enjoyed this book. But...I struggled with this book at the same time. I did the audiobook, which I HIGHLY recommend, but maybe reading it would have given me a chance to see and try to grasp what was happening with the trains... or maybe not. I'm thinking this was intentionally made to be confusing, even for readers. I was trying really hard to visualize the train track system. It's confusing! Even Carl in the book's confused about it. And a few others too. At least one or two got it and solved it. At one point in the book, I was like don't worry about the train system, the author will get it all worked out. I put my faith in Matt Dinniman for this.

This then opened up my mind to focus on all the other things happening in the book. Katia becomes important as to how she plays into their team and battles. Which then ties in other characters in their path... Hekla, Donut, and other teams. So much.

This is a must listen/read. Must. Must.
Onward to the next book!

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Audio Book Review: Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman

Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another fun run with Carl and Donut. There's some big bosses to go against and things are starting to get complicated with the businesses.

Carl has his enemy created in the previous book. Now it's Donut creating enemies. Donut sometimes speaks before she thinks...or does she know what she's doing? It would make for a great show. But, there could be one, maybe three, new allies made in this book. Or at least someone that could help once to return a favor.

I'm seeing how these attacks and bosses are getting harder already. I'm starting to wonder how Matt's going to elevate each book as I know there's many more to come. Although, I do think there's going to be something with Bea. And it seems as there's a chance of questioning loyalties to come in the future too. Which, both of these ideas, hurt my heart before they even come up.

And lets talk about Donut. I do love her. She's great for a show. And she is smart. Which is fitting for a cat, cunning. She's watched a lot of shows before the dungeon, so she has a lot to work with to know what people want to see and add to her craftiness.

I knew it was going to come into play, and this book has done it. Carl and his boxers. The power to them. That was a crafty thing, which I figured was coming to prevent him getting pants to cover them. lol And playing to getting him out of the boxers. lol.

This was another fun book with the great voice of Jeff Hays as the narrator. He's perfect for these fantasy settings.

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Audio Book Review: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had so much fun with this one! Jeff Hays does amazing vocal work with the characters and bringing them to life for us. Highly recommend audio!

There's so much more to this world than we know. I know there's more books, but there's lots of hints here for plot yet to come!

I really liked how the world has come to be in a dungeon setting, and a game scenario. This was a crafty way to get to it.

I had fun with Carl's relaxed personality. I love that he took on the foot! lol. And Donut. Oh Donut! Lol. She makes me laugh. Sharp cat there.

This was definitely an adventure as we get introduced to the dungeon with Carl. I look forward to the AI detailing achievements and explaining loot boxes. Such a quick wit that's fun. I do agree with Carl being a pet to the AI. Especially for the love of his feet. lol.

Carl's ways of taking care of bosses with items he comes across is great. He's got a great mind to adjust and use what's on hand.

Great adventure while fighting battles and so much world that's entertaining.

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Audio Book Review: Magic and Misrule by K.M. Merritt

Magic and Misrule by K.M. Merritt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just starting out to earn her shield, Vola is looking for a mission with her teacher Henri. As half orc, people are stuck on their prejudices of her being a monster. Coming into a small town she's guided to a place by her goddess for a mission, to find out what's going on with some of the people in town.

This story is a story of learning about yourself and learning how to work with others along with failure doesn't have to stop you.

Vola finds herself a mismatched group of people to become a team as they work on solving what's happened to people in the town. Those in the group have their own flaws, but they seem to be working well together to cover for each other. Vola has to realize that she's not just there to lead by doing, but to do together to get further and succeed.

I love seeing how each has what others may perceive as a flaw. But it makes them who they are and unique.

The setting is fun as I love fantasy and gaming themes. This isn't based in a game but has the group feel to the team.

Kristin James is one of my favorite narrators. I love listening to her bring the characters to life. She puts emotion into their voices. And the transitions are clean and clear.

I'll gladly listen to the rest of the series!

I received this audiobook at no-cost from AdoptAnAudiobook.com. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

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Audio Book Review: Uncontrollable by Sean Oswald

Uncontrollable by Sean Oswald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Crafty play with Roll Playing rules in this story.

I really liked the play with words and creating the ephemeral theme. Ever changing. This would be something interesting to try to play out as a character. And with it being a story, it's all a strange shock to the main character, Tim.

Tim doesn't have any friends in the world he just woke in. Making friends can be a little complicated if you look different today as you did yesterday. This is what he rolled, ephemeral, and he's trying to make his way in the world with it.

Tim's at the center of what's happening. For the good or for the bad? I'm not sure. I bounce back and forth depending on the god we see interact with Tim. He's over powered yet has so much to learn. The events in this book are getting Tim ready for what's to come. So what's to come?

There's more going on in the world. With the gods and rulers. They haven't told Tim yet, but we see it in the Prologue and Epilogue. I'll be listening to the next books as this is a fun idea and I'm curious as to what's happening that we aren't seeing, yet.

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Audio Book Review: Dungeon Lord: Otherworldly Powers by Hugo Huesca

Dungeon Lord: Otherworldly Powers by Hugo Huesca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There's always something new to do in games, especially if you're a Dungeon Lord. And Kharon has deals with others you can help with...

Ed is working on upgrading his haunt when Kharon asks...throws him through a portal to help a female thief. And comes face to face with undead and a wraith along with other thieves that now want him dead. This side excursion will bring bigger troubles to Ed's doorstep, and threaten those that have become his friends.

Everyone thinks that Dungeon Lords are bad people. But Ed is one of the exceptions, most of the time. Ed's creating new bonds with creatures and people that aren't usually associated together, and more than not are enemies. This is interesting to see how they can work together and become stronger.

It's something to see how Ed, unlike other Dungeon Lords, is showing his people how to grow and be better and even defend themselves. It all comes to fruit in the end too.

Kharon returns in the epilogue to give us the breakdown on a few things that happened. This is interesting.

I enjoy the adventures Ed and his minions go on and what they've created. Ed has a creative mind and does things a little differently. In listening to the audiobook I feel like I get a feel for Ed's personality along with all the characters. I look forward to listening to more books in this series. I'm looking forward to more of Ed's craftiness.

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Audio Book Review: Echoes of the System by Carrie Summers

Echoes of the System by Carrie Summers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Devon has a number of things happening in game, like finding Stonehaven and then a new boss arrives that only she can solve, while also dealing with people in person. Emerson has asked if she wants to move to his area, she has a surprise visitor that's not really welcome, and her friends want to meet. A lot for someone that's not really a people person.

I love the beginning! I took a break between books and the author did a great job of weaving past events into the story happening. Because the characters are all still a little shellshocked. Great catchup with not retelling the story. It all plays into what's happening now.

The game world and characters created there are amazing. I love how the NPC's have become friends and important in everyone's life, especially for Devon.

This is a great story of events and happenings for the characters in game and in life. I loved the way it was all done. This book ties a lot of things up. Almost a finally, as there's not another one. (Yet?) We still have the looming possible threat of more demons, but in a game there's always something to come.

This series is definitely worth a listen or read.

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Audio Book Review: Throne of the Ancients by Carrie Summers

Throne of the Ancients by Carrie Summers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Devon continues on with Stonehaven...knowing Demons are camped and barely held off by Owen's magic.

Devon is a gamer and her job is playing in the gaming world. The NPC's and the world have come alive for me as much as they have for Devon. They do seem like real friends at times. And Devon is determined to take care of them all.

Devon has to find a way to keep the players and NPC's safe when the pattern changes and the demons attack. What Devon doesn't know is there's another enemy on it's way as well.

Devon is forced to take the town people and players into Ishildar for protection. And she needs to figure out how to activate the protections of the ancient city. The game has seen it fit that Devon should marry... A potential prince arrives... Fabio. lol. So funny. How will Devon react to that?

A few other things come to light for Devon. Her friend Haley has a...situation and some struggles that she wants to talk to Devon about. We know what it is from the last book. Emerson is hot on Haley's trail knowing something isn't right. What will happen when people find out?

I love this series. There's no denying that there's a real world and a gamer world. Devon has her first dates in the real world and things are awkward. It makes me smile hearing how the dates go. lol.

Even though the gaming world is definitely a game, it's fun and the consequences feel real for them other than the players respawn at their star born point. Devon really does care for her town and she has to make tough decisions for it. There are others that are starting to get the feel that the NPC's are more in this game than they usually are in other games.

There's a big event at the end of this book and it leaves me curious as to how it'll be fixed. I'm looking forward to listening to more of this series.

The narrators are great. Annie does most of the voices as the main narrator. Jeff joins as the voice of the male characters. They do give all the characters their own voices. Always great listening to them.

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Audio Book Review: Dungeon Lord by Hugo Huesca

Dungeon Lord by Hugo Huesca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I totally agree with Edward's playing ethics.

Edward had me on his side from the beginning when he was gaming with his friends and another who's a little self centered in the game. (There's always that one.) This person, Ryan, invited himself to their group and...is Edwards boss at work. Not a good combo when Edward makes the decision to help others and save the team to win the battle.

Things get a little heated at work and Edward gets mad enough to do something he wouldn't normally do. This leads Edward down a path where he's intercepted by another and escorted to the game world, that's another world.

Edward has a LOT of up leveling to do. lol. He's seen as dangerous by the residents of the world, but he isn't like the other Dungeon Lords. He thinks things are a little off after what he went through with his bargain, and he's determined to not do what the god wants.

Things happen quickly in the beginning with getting Edward into the game. I liked this. The time in the world with Edward is interesting. We are learning with Edward about things and his abilities, as he acquires them. There are twists of words used and a fine line to walk in deals. This is fun to see.

Jeff Hays is one of my favorite narrators. I enjoy hearing the many voices he creates. And I'm super glad he paired up with Annie Ellicott for her to voice the woman voices. Fun! They make it so easy and fun to listen to the audiobook. I can differentiate the different characters easily.

And we have more to come! I'm looking forward to following Edward and his minions in the series. There's a fine line for a Dungeon Lord to walk, and Edward's going to figure that out, while helping the people of the land.

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Audio Book Review: Vials and Tribulations by S.L. Rowland

Vials and Tribulations by S.L. Rowland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Esil had no desire to compete in another tournament. He did not want to be in the spotlight again. But when he goes to the orphanage he grew up in to talk to the kids about hope, he saw what he remembered feeling in their eyes. One kid wasn't as receptive at first, and Esil shared what he knows and experienced. In helping the kids, he becomes closer to this kid, Dean. And when no one else will take a chance to work with a kid from the Boxes, Esil steps in to help him see there's more and to give Dean a chance.

I liked seeing Esil stand up for what he believes in with the Boxes and needing a chance for better living, homes, and so much more. I loved that Esil stepped out of his comfort zone to help Dean. And they really become a team.

I did find at times the story slowed for me and I was thankful I was listening to the audio book. The changes in voices with having 2 narrators was great and kept me interested. I was hoping for a little more with the emersion world Esil worked in for book 2, but we didn't get much there. We did see a glimpse of it. And at the end we heard there was more happening. So...I guess Esil's okay with it and they do remember him.

I like the theme of the story. Friends and family. Esil has created his own family with his friends. And he's determined to help them.

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Audio Book Review: Magic and Mayhem by S.L. Rowland

Magic and Mayhem by S.L. Rowland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We return to the world with Esil as he starts his new job and has moved out of the boxes to the town with so much more to offer.

Esil sees how many here live and how everyone he knows lives in the boxes. He wants to help them all. He does start saying things to people, hoping and wanting to make a difference for so many. He starts to see that he can't help the masses at once. He starts with those he knows and can move from there to help everyone as he learns more.

This is a book where we are in the gaming world. Esil's new job is a new set up for gaming... He's in a tank of nanites and gel/liquid to make a full emersion experience in a new world. Esil can feel things in the world like real. When he gets hit, he feels that pain. The world is directed by his actions and the AI adapts to his responses and action, creating the world, quests, and events around him. The NPCs he meets feel like friends and he wants to help them as thing change in the world.

The way the story is written, it feels like Esil does see them as friends, and they to him.

I listened to the audio of this book. I really enjoyed it. There are 3 voices to add depth and life to different characters. We also have light sound effects when things happen. They add to the story and I really like that they are light in the background, that way they don't distract from the story telling. Well done! And fun! The audio brings the story and characters to life for us.

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Audio Book Review: Vault of the Magi by Carrie Summers

Vault of the Magi by Carrie Summers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was thrilled to get back into this world. We had solved for Owen's being stuck in the game in the last book. This book we know the demons will come, but when.... And Devon has the last relic to find. Hopefully before the demons attack.

Stonehaven is growing and buildings are expanding. Devon has a lot to watch over and tend to with her town needing to grow to protect, her friend joining her, and the expected demon attack on it's way. But, who would have thought Vaya would have started brand new players at her walls too?

There's Owen we are curious and concerned about as well. Is he okay? Then Hayley....we get to see how her real world life is going....and hints at something more happening. I'm looking forward to learning more about both these characters as we continue into the next books.

Then there's Bob! I'm very curious to learn more about who he is or what he belongs to. It seems like he's helpful.....but is he? Who is he?

I'll have to wait a few months for credits to continue the series, but I'm totally looking forward to it! I'm hooked here!

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Audio Book: Citadel of Smoke by Carrie Summers

Citadel of Smoke by Carrie Summers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm enjoying how this story is written with the troubles with the AI and how they tie into the real world for the players. Devon needs to help her friend through the game, but has to trust in herself to do what needs to be done. And, thankful for friends who can help her along too.

I'm enjoying these books. Venturing through the gaming world that's become like a second home to the players. Devon has started to expand her friend circle, from the village she's creating with NPC's to those she once was in a guild with in another game, to new players arriving at her village, as well as new players she meets and knows in the real world. Devon is normally an introvert, but she's learning to trust in others and herself through these adventures.

I love how Devon uses her abilities to her benefit. She's true to herself and makes it work out. Great going!

It's always neat to see the new area to be explored for the next relic. This relic... finds it's way to Devon in a different way. I really liked this! It's showing how things are adjusting and growing. And to see that an AI is what created this world and nuances, as we see Emerson experience it all for the first time. He's surprised and impressed!

The voices. Love listening to these narrators. They adjust the voices to fit the characters in tone, accent, and cadence. And, when there's a demon talking, there's a difference to the voice for that too.

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Audio Book Review: Cavern of Spirits by Carrie Summers

Cavern of Spirits by Carrie Summers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can't wait for more to see Devon become the champion with finding each relic and for Stonehaven to grow! Oh, and what's the new happenings with the demon side of things? I'm looking forward to starting the next book SOON!

This book felt to happen fast. There's lots going on everywhere. It's well written to balance the struggles in game and the real world for Devon. I wanted to know how it all worked out as I listened. The new mission, the search for stone mines, the growth of Stone haven, the players that are staying to protect the little village, and what all is going on with straightening out the servers with Zaa and the demons...

I really enjoyed the audio version of this book! It's fun getting all the voices and feelings through audio. We get a second narrator for the male voices. I had fun when the characters were in battle and we got sound effects like in the game. Love it!

Devon's a little nervous about her shadow abilities. She's nervous about leaving the village she's created as there's people who will come to raid and destroy her little home. Though, there are loyal players who stayed to protect the town.

Things are moving along for Devon, though there are many stumbles along the way. She's creative enough to figure out how to move around or past the obstacles. I have fun seeing her do her thing in these moments.

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Audio Book Review: Fortress of Shadows by Carrie Summers

Fortress of Shadows by Carrie Summers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this one. I love how the game is a game to the players, but it's becoming more each day. They have a "real" life outside of the game, but the game is starting to feel more and more like home with the NPCs they meet along with other players that don't live close to them.

I listened to the audio book. I really enjoyed the narrators in this one. I liked there was a female narrator for female characters and a male voice for male characters. As there are narrators that can and do amazing jobs differentiating characters, this was nice to get a different voice to help with that. You get a different feel from different people, which is great when you have a nice size cast of characters.

There were problems in game, but they 'seem' to be better. Was Devon the only one feeling it??? Devon learns more when her old team mates come her way... about the nerve sensors, about needing friends, and how other CAN help.

It seems the "God," or the AI running the game, has directed her friends to her with their missions.

New problems rise...landscape's changing and animals are scarce...all part of Devon's mission. And a new enemy arrives. There's no knowing if it'll attack or where or tracking it... I love how we learn about this enemy. It's affected by the real world events and in game events. I had a feeling it was something along these lines with where things were going, but to see it come together is always great.

I really like the village Devon is creating and I'm worried about it's safety too!

In the real world, I've really found the troubles Emerson has unearthed with the system on the players very interesting. I'm looking forward to learning more about what he'll do now. But, the world of Big Business... so much to fight against.

I want more!
To see what comes of Stonehaven, Devon's guest, and Emerson with the Big Company. I even wonder if Haley will find her own piece of the world and the team will come out at the very end ruling it all.

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Audiobook Review: Temple of Sorrow by Carrie Summers

Temple of Sorrow by Carrie Summers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook version. I found in the prologue that I loved listening to Annie narrate! I love her enthusiasm in narration and voicing the female characters. And, nice to hear another voice for the male characters.

I really enjoyed this story. A female gamer and she wants to do more than slash and kill. (A girl after my own heart!) Great! I want to see more in a world like here. And there's more with the tech. There's something going on with the creation...and only a few people are seeing it or believing it's happening. There's two sides, and we get small glimpses of the other side's character. I love all that Devon's creating, but I worry about it in the future.

I'm interested and looking forward to the next book and series.

I love how things have become like "real" to Devon, the character, and even me. I had a few good chuckles at the events, like the tattoo billboard and type of tatts displaying. lol.

So much fun and one that's on my radar now.

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Audio Book Review: A Thousand Drunken Monkeys by Eric S. Nylund

A Thousand Drunken Monkeys by Eric S. Nylund
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the series, and I'm looking for the third!

Hektor is starting to question how the game works...

Hektor is a fair person. He works his way through the game with more than slashing and fighting, though he does that when the moment calls for it. He makes plans on how he's going to play the game, but then wonders how things are going with other characters.

I do enjoy the adventure that happens in this book. And I love the surprises we get along the way! This book sets us up for book three and I'm curious to see how it all will play out!

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