Followers

Showing posts with label Audio Book Reviewer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Audio Book Reviewer. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

AudioBook Reviewer - Ennara and the Fallen Druid by Angela Myron

AudioBook Reviewer 
My Review Posted March 29, 2015

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

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 profileAudible 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

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

The Bones of Odin: Matt Drake, Book 1 by David Leadbeater

The Bones of Odin: Matt Drake
Book 1
By David Leadbeater
Check out the Author's Site

3.8 star rating on Audible

The Bones of Odin: Matt Drake, Book 1 by David Leadbeater. Narrated by Nigel Patterson. I just have to say right out of the gate I was hooked. This book is right up my genre alley! Knew when I was given the opportunity to listen to this for an honest review that this book would affect me. Now it will have me sizing other books of this type against others. I was so enthralled with the action, the humor and a bit of romance. I don’t know why some readers seem to find that there was so many pot holes throughout the book. THIS IS A FANTASY READERS! They need to listen to the book for the context that it was written in. (Did purchase the book to read it as well and Whispersync) Found this is in the style of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child using an artifact or myth as the base of the book. 

Matt Drake a retired SAS officer just trying to have a near normal life. Working as a photographer for the fashion industry. His roommate Ben, a computer geek and assistant is on a photo shot. Models under the staging of Odin’s shield. Then he hears the thunk, thunk of the blades. Some kind of publicity stunt was Matt’s first thoughts. When their world is turned upside down when helicopters come in and start to land in the middle of his photo shot. Not just any helicopters but, Apaches. Soldiers dropping down from them. Guns. First what Matt thought was a promo turns out to be as real as the Germans that were coming off of them. 

Let me back up first! Prologue – a myth behind the story. Odin is a god from the Viking era. (I was hook from this point) and the search for the 9 parts that are thrown to all points of the wind. Then the author proceeds throughout more time periods surrounding the myth of the pieces of Odin. Then the book starts bringing in more gods throughout out history. I just love this stuff. Blend of history with myth.

Now returning back to the body of the book. So now Matt wants to know what is going on. At a bistro he discusses this with his roomie Ben. Being overheard pulls in the next character of the book, Kennedy Moore, NYC cop that is on a force leave. She interrupts the conversation between the men. Asking questions that only a cop would do. Hesitant on Matt’s part. Wondering if she is someone that was planted. Questioning her and before she and even Matt realizes is now a part of the team. Wait, the last thing Matt wants is to be drawn into anything that he so wanted to leave behind. His former military life. Or is this something that he never left? Calling and confirming with his contact at the SAS slowly, they get him involved. No book spoilers here! Once you start to listen you will not want to pause it for a moment. 

This story is very fast pace with an evil doer that wants all nine pieces of Odin. That “I want to rule the world scenario”. 

What I love about David Leadbeater is he throws in the humor with the Ben’s character throughout the book. His parents always calling him at the wrong time.  Gun fight, crawling thru caverns, and planes. Yet, this character does show other emotions showing him as a real person. Matt Drake and Kennedy are as driven as their past/present careers would have them. Yet, they find themselves re-evaluating those careers. About their slow moving attraction to each other or is it just a close building friendship. 

What I would have love to seen was a timeline throughout the story. I think it was needed it. It was a driven story and the pace was quick throughout. Had that in one book I listened to and the real time at the beginning of each chapter made it like the show 24 hours? The additional cast of characters all seem to have some connection to Matt or Kennedy. It now has me wanting to listen to any of the other books that he has written. Now in my wish list.

The narrator Nigel Patterson did an excellent job acting out the parts of the book. Really after years of listening to audio calling the narrators is not really the correct term in my words. It is not like a documentary. It is a book with a cast of characters that relies on acting them out. That is exactly what Nigel did. A bit week on the female voices. Most men do and it is understandable. However, I did like Kennedy’s voice reminded me of my New Yorker friend. Real Manhattan voice. Well done! Mr. Leadbeater and Mr. Patterson!

This audio book was provided to me by the narrator Nigel Patterson for an honest review. All the views above are strictly mine and in no way was I influenced by others. I encourage you to leave a comment if you found this review helpful or not.

Happy Listening
Joan

Saturday, March 28, 2015

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