ABR Review - The Girl at the End of the World by Richard Levesque

The Girl at the End of the World

Written by Richard Levesque

Narrated/Performed by LC Kane

7 hours and 59 minutes

Unabridged audio

Genre: Teens, Sci-fi, fantasy

My rating on Audio Book Review 4.5 stars

Currently to date with ABR posting to Audible 6 out of 6 find this helpful

How would you feel if you were in Scarlett Fisher? Celebrating her 15^th birthday with her dad and his family at a baseball game. When all the sudden you think the man behind you is so drunk and worried about your half siblings. Repeating over and over again the same thing, “Foul Ball!” Her dad was getting worried about his family as well as other fans around them over this guys’ outburst. Then all of the sudden the man falls over dead and these plants come shooting out of his nose and mouth. A puff of a cloud she thought was smoke. Scarlett was not sure or her family. Then all around them more people were going delirious. Then falling over and plants of some kind came shooting out of them. Scarlett’s family rushing to leave as everyone else to get back to the safety of home.

Getting home and doing what was suggested by taping all the windows and any way for whatever this was out. But, then Scarlett is worried as well about her mom and sister calling them. Only to one moment hear them and later receiving a message of don’t come here. Then her Dad and his family. Her best friend and her family. But, not her. Why not her?

What was happening to everyone? Why all of the sudden were homes bursting into flames. Scarlett not really knowing what to do after her own family dies. She gets some supplies from her dad’s home. then, she heads for her friends’ home only to a short time later the whole family dies. She takes her friend’s parents car even though she has no idea how to drive. But, she gets out of there and fast. Scarlett just kept on driving till she was clear of the town she knew so well.

Coming into an area Scarlett knew she had to get more supplies. She spots a sporting goods store. Perfect. For what she had was barely enough for one or two days. She heads for it and trouble. This is where her adventure really gets started. Will Scarlett meet more like her not effect by this virus. That they were calling it before no one else was transmitting the air waves? She does meet others and not on so friendly terms. What do they want?

Well, this is a well written book by Richard Levensque. Thought the way it started here we go again another apocalypse type book. Don’t get me wrong love apocalyptic books. However, this had a different twist on it. From a young girl’s point of view.  A virus. Where did it come from? Warfare, an experiment that went wrong and got out. It was not hard to envision the plants exploding out of the bodies of people. For the narrator LC Kane was exceptionally great at conveying the feelings of Scarlett. A narration within a narration. Richard wrote the fear of the ones effected, the dread on their faces as they watch others die only to do the same. LC Kane conveyed it. The fear of Scarlett when she delivers a baby. Why she was only 15, how in the world is she going to deliver this baby? When she hadn’t been on a date yet! How when Scarlett comes across the bad guy! Yes, you know that there will be the bad guy. How her and the other capturers plan their escape. It was a standalone read. So no worries if you are afraid this is it and you will be left hanging. He does end it with an update in future years. Is it just Scarlett or did they all survive? Something you will have to listen for yourself.

LC Kanes performance of Scarlett was really good. She had the perfect voice for a young girl. She does the accents well for a couple of the characters and okay for Chad with that young male voice. Setting aside the voices, it was the performance of the book that brought Richard’s story to life. The drama of the scenes from the fear, anger and concern in her voice for the characters. I will look forward to other books narrated by LC Kane.

This book was provided by Audio Book Reviewer for an honest review. All thoughts on the book are solely mine and no way effected by other reviews or comments. Please comment below if this review was helpful or not helpful. Thank you for your time.

Where you can find Richard Levensque

Audible - Amazon - Goodreads - Facebook - Website

Other 6 books performed/narrated by LC Kane on Audible.

Follow her on Twitter

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Have a Great Week and Happy Listening

Joan

TOPSY TURVY THURSDAY - TEDDY BEARS IN WONDERLAND By Justin Sloan

NEW!!! TOPSY TURVY THURSDAY

TEDDY BEARS IN WONDERLAND 

By Justin Sloan

Performed by Michael Gilliland

2 hours and 59 minutes

Genre: Kids 8-10 years old and young at heart

Unabridged Audio

4.9 stars Audible

5.0 Stars from me!

Book Blurb from Audible

Publisher's Summary

A teddy bear must travel into the land of monsters to rescue his boy who was taken in the night. In the process, he discovers a much larger plot that threatens all children everywhere.

Welcome to a world where teddy bears come to life at night to protect the children, and shadow monsters are controlled by goblins and orcs.

The first book in the Teddy Defender series will entice young readers that enjoy fantasy and adventure in the style of Pixar or Disney, as well as older readers who enjoy parallels to the tales of Orpheus or Dante's Inferno.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

©2014 Justin Sloan (P)2015 Justin Sloan

My review Now on Audio Book Reviewer (ABR)

Teddy Bears in Monsterland: An Urban Fantasy Novel: Teddy Defenders, Book 1.Series: Teddy Defenders. Written by: Justin Sloan. Narrated by: Michael Gilliland. Length: 2 hrs and 59 mins. Kids 8 to 10. Any age would enjoy this book from Parents listening with kids to Grandparents with the grandkids. As a reviewer and listener this was a cute and different take on a hero that you will not expect. A great short trip listen to keep the kids from wriggling in their seats!

Justin Sloan has written this cute story about a young boy Rick and his teddy bear Ari. Rick and Ari enjoy each other’s company. Rick loves watching monster shows with his bear Ari at bedtime. Rick pretending that he is fighting monsters using that “Hi Ya” saying as he karate kicks at the pretend monsters. Or are they imaginary? One night Ari hears something and wakes up and sees these glowing eyes. Before he could help Rick a monster starts pulling his boy Rick under the bed and they disappear. What can he do? Since his boy’s mom did not know that teddy bears come to life at night. Thought she will now, he had to save Rick. So as fast as he could make his little legs run to her bedroom door. Knocking as hard as his little paws could. Then all of the sudden he hears Rick’s sister calling out and as Ari enters her room and sees her being dragged under her bed and unable to save her as well.

What is Ari going to do? The mom could not hear him knocking on her door. He needed Rusty the old bear in the living room to help him. After begging for his help, Rusty pulls off his one loose eye and hands it to Ari and tells him that he will give this to a bear that will help him. He will know when he gets to the other side. That he needs to go through the attic to get to Monsterland. Pretty intense huh! It can be a bit scary so I would recommend that young children really should listen this with an older sibling or adult.

They will love to follow Ari and his rescue mission into Monsterland to save his boy Rick and his sister. Ari meets many characters throughout from the bears that just seem to care to others that do not care for humans. To the monsters that have not only Rick and his sister but, many other children. What are they doing with these kids? Can he and with the help of other bears save the humans? What does that button that Rusty gave him mean to the bear that it belong to? Will Rick and his sister make it back in time for Thanksgiving?

Michael Gilliland did an amazing job with his performance of storytelling and character voices. He made each scene come alive with the way he presented his voice. The concern, the silliness, the growling voices of the monsters to the fun voices of the bears. I hope to see that he will be the continuing narrator for this series. Just like adults, children bond with the voices that they listen to and want to hear them in the future of this series.

The cover of the book is really cute. Fits the story on how some of the bears have the blue glow coming from their paws.

Please like and leave your comments below. Love to hear from you.

Where you can Find Justin Sloan

Audible - Amazon - Goodreads - Twitter - Google+ - Website

What books you can also hear Michael Gilliland perform/narrate

AND

Where you can find ME! 

Please comment below! Go to the left side of the page and follow my blog,
So you don't miss the My Tweets on Twitter, 

Facebook Group join today!, GooglePlus+ (NEW)
Goodreads profile, Audible profile for new reviews and 

Audiobook Reviewer under Joan Pavlick!

Want to see something added to my format - send me a message to 

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Have a Great Week and Happy Listening

Joan

AudioBook Reviewer - Ennara and the Fallen Druid by Angela Myron

AudioBook Reviewer 

My Review Posted March 29, 2015

Ennara and the Fallen Druid 

by Angela Myron

Narrated by Crystal Marcano

5 hrs 13 mins

Kids - 8 -10 years old to 80 years old reading to grandkids

4.5 stars on Audible

Book Blurb from Audible

Publisher's Summary

Ennara and the Fallen Druid is a 2013 winner of the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards.

Eleven year-old Ennara Gaern has a serious grudge against the dragon on her right hand.

Born with a mask that foretold magical powers, she was immediately inked with the fiendish, fire-breathing tattoo that forces her to study boring texts, cover her hand continuously, and worst of all, keeps her from visiting the beautiful capital city, Dordonne. But her quiet life changes when one night she is attacked by a shadowy demon.

Tork, an old friend and wizard, is enlisted to help. But when he arrives, he informs Ennara's parents that she is her world's only hope of finding the legendary Sword of Gisilfrid, which is needed to destroy the curse that is creating the demons. Ennara doesn't want to leave on the dangerous quest, but when she learns the curse threatens her world, she reluctantly agrees.

Ennara and the wizard begin a perilous journey to the Sunken City, pitting them against dangerous oceans and pirates intent on claiming Ennara's magic as their own. With only her friends at her side, including the intelligent, aquatic cat Smoos, Ennara must defeat monsters guarding the sword and servants of the Fallen Druid. When her world is covered in darkness, will she know how to dispel the curse?

©2013 Angela Myron (P)2014 Angela Myron

My Review as posted by Audio Book Reviewer to Audible and ABR

Ennara’s story is a wonderful story by Angela Myron and listen that is narrated by Crystal Marcano. I find that this is a great long trip listen for the whole family. At 5 hours and 13 mins. This is great for those that love paranormal stories filled with wizards, witches and we cannot forget the dragon. The wait of each action scene is “Can Ennara do it?” “Can she get them out of this?” leaves the reader asking this throughout the book.

So wait! Getting ahead of myself! Angela Myron has all the important ingredients to the plot of this story. Young characters that young readers/listeners can relate to. Starting with 11 year old Ennara and her friend Kithe. Ennara bears a tattoo of a dragon on her wrist. Which she is always told not to reveal it. Under her Aunt’s guidance of teaching Ennara the trade of being a witch. That someday she will save the world. Something that Ennara found so farfetched that she can do such a task. The time period is of the Druids. Traveling by horse, boat and by foot.

Under the guidance of a Wizard and friend named Tork. The two of them set out on a journey to retrieve the sword called “Sword of Gisilfrid” to destroy the curse that is creating demons called Shadowspawn. In this quest it is predictable as with most stories the friend always ends up following and ends up in the adventure. Kithe is no different. However, what I do like about this character as not seen with many sidekicks. Kithe even at the young age the author has him at has a clearer and much stronger head on his shoulders. So that when Ennara seems to drift towards the bad he helps her stay on a steady course. Ennara has two sides to her magic, good and bad that she is not under full control of yet. Both sides of the magic however, helps in saving them all for the most part throughout the story. However, Tork reminds her to be mindful of not using the bad magic. The travel to the city of Dordonne with Tork, Ennara and Kithe to get supplies as they leave to the Sunken City to retrieve the Sword. An apothecary where they are picking up some of the supplies they will need for the trip. A shop keeper ask Ennara to retrieve a bracelet that she tells her is of no importance. Kithe is an important part to the scene is all I will tell you.

Along the way Tork encounters trouble with a Shadespawn and goes into a deep sleep. Braving pirates and the rough seas as the try to get to the Sunken City. It is now up to Ennara and Kithe to not only save Tork but everyone. Adding to the twosome is 2 more important supporting characters. A young boy a bit older than them named Gavin and a special marine cat named Smoos.

Yes, this book is predictable. But, it is geared towards 8-12 year olds. However, anyone older will also enjoy the listen. The narrator Crystal Marcano did an amazing and believable job with each of the characters and their voices. The only voice that seemed really young was Tork. Being an older man he seemed to be their age. I did enjoy the accents since it was more of a Scottish placed story.

A bonus to the listening of this first book is that the author included a bit of the second book. I would have missed it if I did not shut off my kindle I was using to listen to the book. So keep going as you get to the end. Needs a bit of editing in my opinion to say, “Now for a preview of the upcoming book! “Ennara and the Book of Shadows” It gives the listener something to look forward to. Then give the credits at the end

As others that have read the book. I have to agree that there is a bit of a Harry Potter feel to the story with the main character being a girl. Something I enjoy seeing is a strong female character and I have been seeing a lot of that lately.

The cover of the book is simply delightful. Fits the characters perfectly. I look forward to the release of the 2nd audio book.

Where you can find Angela Myron

Audible - Amazon - Goodreads - Twitter - Facebook - Website

What other books Crystal Marcano has narrated on Audible

AND

Where you can find ME! 

Please comment below! Go to the left side of the page and follow my blog,
So you don't miss the My Tweets on Twitter, 

Facebook Group join today!,
Goodreads profile, Audible profile for new reviews and 

Audiobook Reviewer under Joan Pavlick!

Want to see something added to my format - send me a message to 

sapphirereader25@gmail.com

Have a Great Week and Happy Listening

Joan

LONDON WARRIORS by Paul Rudd

London Warriors by Paul Rudd
The Authors' Twitter page

5 stars on Audible

So this is my newly published review as seen on Audio Book Reviewer (ABR)!

Please leave a comment here but, most of all click on the link above and comment on ABR. Follow my other reviews by clicking on my name. 

London Warriors by Paul Rudd was by far one of the most complex listens I experienced. This 10 hour and 24 minute book was so jammed packed with events throughout. I was completely surprised it did not split at the seams with all the action throughout the book. I enjoyed this book immensely.

Filled with reality, fantasy and apocalyptic scenes in an environment that has gone amok! He has built an enormous cast of characters. With the story opening in the year 2013 in London. The thought that these events can possibly be a reality as Paul Rudd has written in London Warriors. He has filled it with some amazing legendary creatures appearing after the first third of the book right to the end. The ending has a twist I did not see coming. One I am sure the reader/listener will gasp at!

Gangs begin forming and money seems not to serve a purpose for many. It is the power to survive and rule. A Super Solider Serum which is called G-meth is having adverse effect on people. Something that was not its original purpose. Now it has caused rioting throughout the city. It is splitting the city in half. Moving 3 years into the book it is now 2016. Three survivors that will be the main characters with a few others throughout the book. Roman, and brother and sister, Johnny and Eden. Caught up in just surviving the mayhem.  When during a scuffle with a gang they are nearly being killed. It is when they meet Jaeger that has comes in to save them with other soldiers. The trio are now recruited into PEPZ (Perimeter Zone Eradication Police). Now moving into 2025 and years of training they become top soldiers. Roman and Johnny in London and Eden moves to commanding her own squad elsewhere. In the meantime, the Prime Minister Winston has now moved to taking more drastic measures to take back the city. Ordering the PEPZ squad on what they are to do. Not setting right with Jaeger or Roman. Roman who was imprisoned for hitting Jaeger. Is now given a second chance to locate the serum. A Super Solider Serum that has been taken and is somewhere in the Inner Sanctum of London. It will be up to Roman and a ragtag team of misfits to retrieve it.  In comes Demiuge a self-proclaimed demi god enters the picture. Ruthless and has a following that would scare the strongest willed person.

Paul Rudd takes this story into another dimension. I felt in the beginning that it was going in different directions. However, once into the flow of the book all the pieces began to fall into place. He has built up a cast of characters that you can’t help hate and love at the same time. The way he keeps to a minimum details without going overboard with each place or action scene that you can’t help but envision what is going on. He does mix in some not to over the board sex scenes. He stays focus on the story at hand.

Narrator, Fred Wolinsky did an amazing portrayal of each of the characters. I have listen to Fred on other occasions and he really got me into each characters head in this book. He hit the female characters quite nicely in this book. The favorites of the male characters were Jaeger, Demiurge, Max and Pulse. I guess it was the unique voices he lends to these characters that kept my attention throughout the book. He and Paul has made it that I want to sit down and read the book itself.

After listening to the book the cover which would draw me in the first place by the artwork to listen. Then as the character comes to life makes the cover even more fitting.

This book was provided to me by Audio Book Reviewer. All views are my own and not influenced by outside influences. Please comment and let me know if this review was helpful to experiencing this amazing ride of a book!

Happy Listening! Joan

Let's Get Started and Listen to some Audio books!!!

Audio Book Reviews

How fun they are - listening to Audio Books. They are for every age from an infant to the very old that are young at heart!

I started my venture into doing Audio Book Reviews. I ask to bear with me. My grammar may not be up to par but, it will improve over time. So besides that small inconvenience as I precede to load up the past book reviews have submitted initially on Audible. Now I am a full fledged reviewer for Audio Book Reviewer (ABR) you will be able to check out the many reviews that are posted. However, I will be placing all the ones I have completed.

You will see my reviews tagged in categories from children, Young Adult (YA), sci-fi, paranormal, romance, historical romance, scary, mystery and so on!!

I leave just about no book genre no touch for the most part. I will link you to audible so that you can enjoy the sample of the narrator. I have become friends with so many authors, narrators and publishers. 

So sit back and read my blog on a weekly basis with all the wonderful books out there that your are so missing as you sit and read a book page by page! Let your imagination really spark with the help of some amazing narrators. Yes, there will some bombs in the narration or writers world and I will let you know them as well!

So until we meet again this week! Tell your friends, family to follow me on blogger for the latest in audio books! Not only the ones I have reviewed but also my reviewer colleagues!

Can't wait to see my postings - Check out my review profile now on Audible! 32 wonderful reviews! More to come!  

Happy Listening! Joan