Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

The accolades, money, and fans are some things that Jason missed the most, but that is all in the past now. He had just left rehabilitation, but even his brother didn't want him close to his family. He didn't want to call, but the urge was too strong; maybe this was who he was. Tanna is a first-year medical student keen to prove herself to the extent that she decides to access the anatomy laboratory during unauthorized hours. What does she find in her dissections that leads to the death of Crystal? Dr. Emerson is a brilliant scientist working on groundbreaking work in genetics in the Second Nature program. He has been doing work since his mentor, Dr. Solomon, left. Is Dr. Emerson ethical, and does Dr. Solomon want to help Tanna and Jason, or is he self-serving? Get a copy of The First Harm by Steven Piskula to find out.

This was my first experience with an audiobook, and The First Harm by Steven Piskula didn't disappoint. The fast-paced narration and the flawlessly flowing plotline kept me entertained and intrigued. I loved how Steven utilized suspense, and the twists and turns as the story unfolded kept me on edge. The characters are also well-developed, contributing greatly to the book's overall appeal. I also found it to be thought-provoking. There are so many advancements in microbiology, biochemistry, and others. The book got me thinking about the moral responsibility of scientists and the balance between doing good and preserving the integrity of human beings and medical ethics.

Sarah Van Beckum did an excellent job narrating this book. She brought the story to life with her melodious voice and changed intonation wherever necessary. She did such a good job that it is hard to imagine that only one person narrates the book. I cannot wait to listen to something else narrated by this voice performer.

Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite

The Wolven Mark is the first book in the 6-part University of Sorcery Series by Megan Linski. Emma is thrust into the magical world of Malovia after having lived her whole life with no knowledge of her magical abilities as a sorceress. Ethan is the heir apparent of Malovia and is at the top of the social structure before he loses his father and his leg in an attack. Grieving from the loss, he must find his mate in four months to participate in the King’s Contest. Black Claw, a rebel faction, has amped up their efforts to cause unrest in the kingdom and there is a vigilante on the loose who has taken up the cause to bring the rebels down. As new alliances are being built and new friendships formed, will Emma and Ethan be able to work together to win the contest?

I was introduced to Megan Linski’s Academy of Magical Creatures series last year and I still remember the angst I felt while reading what the characters went through in each of her books. The Wolven Mark didn’t miss the mark with that expectation. As a fan of Megan’s previous series, I loved the way this series started. This book has set the characters who would play a prime role in this series. Each of the characters has their quirks and abilities and you are part of the group as you participate in this adventure. The narrative is fast-paced, with unexpected twists which only add to the suspense. If you hate cliffhangers, get a copy of the whole series before starting this book, because once you start reading, I’m sure you’ll want to know where the adventure leads Ethan, Emma, and their friends.

Maxx Pinkins and Liana Walsh have brought this narrative to life in the audio version. They not only clearly distinguished between Ethan's and Emma’s perspectives but were also able to bring their emotions to life, making me laugh and feel like biting my nails, along with the characters. I liked how Liana used distinct vocal inflections to bring Emma’s friends to life and this enhanced the audio experience.

Reviewed by Justine Reyes for Readers' Favorite

The Day of the Martians: The Martian Diaries Volume 1 is H.E. Wilburton's sequel to The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. The story takes place ten years after the events of The War of the Worlds, when readers are introduced to the narrator and his wife. The pair is having breakfast when something in the newspaper catches their eye. A Martian cylinder has been uncovered in the Welsh mountains and was transferred over to London to be studied and displayed along with other Martian artifacts from the initial attack. Ogilvy, the scientist in charge of the display and study, explains to the narrator that he has put the Martian paraphernalia on display to remind the public of the Martian attack and the high probability that they will return some time before Christmas. Could his prediction be correct? You'll have to listen in to find out.

The audio book was unexpected and a great touch. After all, The War of the Worlds had been infamous for starting a mass panic when it was broadcast on American radio for an anthology series known as The Mercury Theatre on the Air. Listening to The Day of the Martians had me awestruck; the atmospheric music, the ambiance, the narration, and above all the story itself. It takes place in 1913 when science and speculation about aliens was still a bit of a niche interest. The Day of the Martians will capture listeners' imaginations and wonder. It certainly captured mine. I implore fans of H.G. Wells and fans of the science fiction genre to listen and savor the adventure which H.E. Wilburson has given us. I greatly appreciated Terry Thompson and Harry Preston's astounding performances. This was more than an audio book. This was, in many ways, a wonderfully executed tribute to H.G. Wells.

Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite

The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper by Mary K. Savarese is a most intriguing romance that includes time travel, adventures in both worlds, and the marrying of historical events to the present without drastically changing history as a whole. The characters in the story come to life beautifully both in the present and in the past; Taylor, Dante, Lily, Megan, and Patrick the Celestial cat who is the catalyst that will put things to right and along the correct path in both worlds. The author makes good use of her characters as she weaves a fascinating story linking two different worlds.

In The Girl in the Toile Wallpaper by Mary K Savarese, the characters take the reader on a journey both in the present and in the past in the most delightful way. The introduction of Fabricio and his cats is the secret that is slowly revealed to be the most important part of this wonderful story and introduces a historical fact that started during the colonization of America and is still very much part of the 21st century. The story is brought to light most delightfully, taking the characters on a journey of discovery and adventure that changes only a small part of history for the better, leaving the rest of history the same.

This audiobook is read by Laura Schreiber. She has a lovely voice and managed to interpret the characters wonderfully and bring them to life vividly. The quotes before each chapter are so beautiful and form an important part of the story. Laura Schreiber read these quotes most eloquently and with depth. Laura read the entire book clearly and the audio quality was clear. Unsurprisingly, this book received the International Dragonfly Award for Fantasy Adventure. It was a pleasure to listen to this book and it is well worth a second listen.

Reviewed by Olga Markova for Readers' Favorite

Master of Music by Marla Himeda is a remarkable fantasy that takes us to the imaginary Bardic Isles. We meet Kaelin, an eleven-year-old orphan. Kaelin has a magical musical gift, but he is scared that his compositions will harm other people. So, he only plays to himself, hiding in the woods. One day Kaelin hears a visiting Master Bard playing Kaelin’s composition in the village. Kaelin dares to follow the Master Bard and ask him to accept Kaelin as an apprentice. The Master Bard instantly recognizes Kaelin’s unique musical talent and takes Kaelin on a trial basis. What is special about Kaelin’s musical gift? Why is he afraid of harming others with his music? What will Kaelin learn under the Master’s tutelage, and will he pass the trial?

I am delighted to have discovered Marla Himeda’s Master of Music. It is one of the best fantasies I came across recently, and it reminded me of my favorite Harry Potter novels. Even though I am four decades older than the eleven-year-old Kaelin around whom the story revolves, I enjoyed every moment of this entertaining and educational story. I liked that every episode had wisdom to impart. Some educational messages were given by the Master Bard, and others could be gleaned from Kaelin’s actions and their consequences. I also liked how the story portrayed Kaelin’s dilemmas, fears, vulnerabilities, and achievements. In addition, I liked how, through Kaelin, Marla explored the themes important for both adults and children, such as honesty, ambition, humility, affection, and courage.

But what made this story special for me was the audiobook production. Unlike other audiobooks that won my heart with perfect storytelling, Master of Music offers much more than pure voice acting. The flawless narration by the talented Will Hahn was interlaced with awesome musical compositions. What started as shy and short flute, harp, and pipe melodies culminated in amazing, fully-fledged songs, all composed by Marla Himeda. It is the first audiobook of this kind I have listened to, and it made me feel as if I were watching an exhilarating stage play. All in all, this is a brilliant fantasy that offers both children and adults a lot to enjoy and learn and will appeal to everyone who likes fantasy and music. Any chance for a sequel, Marla? I would very much like to hear about Kaelin’s new adventures and achievements.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Nena is a work of fiction in the historical fiction, romance, and interpersonal drama subgenres, and is the opening novel in the Viking Treasure Huntress Series. The work is best suited to mature readers owing to some moderate scenes of sex and violence and some explicit language use. The work was penned by author Ann Boelter and narrated by Georgia Greene for the audiobook version. Set in 900 AD, powerful Viking leader Jarl clashes with Nena, daughter of a regional war chief, under the Middle Eastern sun. Jarl's forces pillage the land near the Caspian Sea, while Nena's tribe fiercely defends their territory. After a grueling battle, Nena becomes Jarl's captive, sparking a clash of wills and emotions. Torn between passion and prejudice, love and obligation, they must question their deepest desires and confront mortal enemies to be together.

Author Ann Boelter has used her research and imagination to craft a truly gripping narrative filled with vivid descriptions and compelling characters. The dynamic between Nena and Jarl is electric as they navigate their conflicting emotions and confront the realities of their divided worlds. I was really impressed by the sharp dialogue that characterizes them and moves the relationship on so naturally without the need for excess prose. Boelter's exploration of power dynamics, cultural differences, and forbidden love is well-balanced amongst a busy, action-packed plot with lots of levels coming together beautifully to enrich the tale.

In terms of its audiobook presentation, Georgia Greene's narration brings the story to life with depth and emotion, immersing listeners in the drama and tension of the Viking era. The clear and crisp narration keeps them focused on the action with no distractions, leaving readers invested and immersed in the exhilarating journey of a clash between two formidable cultures. Overall, Nena is an intense adventure of power, passion, and love that challenges societal norms and delves into the complexities of human relationships, and I would certainly recommend it to historical romance fans everywhere.

Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite

Ghost of the Truthseeker 1 (A LitRPG Adventure) written by Strungbound and narrated by Daniel Wisniewski would appeal most to those who enjoy LitRPG adventure stories. A normal day quickly turns into chaos as aliens bring untold carnage and devastation to Earth. This alien arrival sees Alistair and planet Earth thrown into an empire that is controlled by a powerful AI system. Will Alistair choose to fight for power or to stand against evil?

Ghost of the Truthseeker 1 by Strungbound is a well-written and well-narrated audiobook with an enticing cover image that grabbed my interest the moment I saw it. The cover may have been what first got my attention, but the story itself is what kept me listening to the book hour after hour as I had to keep following Alistair’s journey. As someone who has greatly enjoyed RPG, manga, and anime, I found this audiobook to be a true marvel as the world-creation aspects were beyond what I have enjoyed in the past. I loved how the author was able to effortlessly fuse aspects of science fiction and fantasy together in a way that not only made perfect sense but left me excited for the next audiobook in the series!

Ghost of the Truthseeker 1 by Strungbound is narrated by Daniel Wisniewski. Mr. Wisniewski is an experienced voice actor with many voice acting credits to his name including Gryff the Griffin Rider: Omnibus Book 1-5, Battleborne, and A Neet's Guide to Becoming a God. Mr. Wisniewski’s previous experience with gamer book narration makes him very well-suited for the narration of this audiobook. It felt like he really got into the story, which could be heard by the emotion he put into the characters. Well done.

Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

Mysteries are unveiled and secrets come to life in Eye of the Moon by Ivan Obolensky. Percy and Johnny, men who were once thicker than thieves, find themselves reunited once again at an extravagant party in the notorious Rhinebeck estate. When strange things start to happen, and the circumstances surrounding the death of Johnny’s aunt are brought into question, the plot thickens. What secrets will come to light and to what lengths will people go to hide theirs?

Eye of the Moon by Ivan Obolensky is an intriguing story centered on the mysterious happenings at the Rhinebeck estate. We get to see in great detail the life of the affluent before things are thrown into chaos. I found the story interesting and the characters very likable, albeit many details were centered on the setting instead of the story. While I am a fan of detailed world-building, I feel this leaned more toward overly detailed scene settings, which took away from the overall plotline.

The narration by Carter Roy and Vanessa Richardson was well done, and I think the narrators did a wonderful job of bringing this story to light. The audio was clear, and both voice actors read with good pronunciation and tone. There were times when I felt Roy could have read with a bit more emotion, especially during the more suspenseful scenes, but other than that, I was very pleased with the audiobook quality overall.

Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

Epic adventures and unparalleled dangers exist in Parallax Rising by Christopher Hopper, which follows the adventures of Jericho Fox, the newly appointed captain of the Kogarashi X-10. It is up to him and his crew to test the new ship before it embarks on a journey to a possible new home for humanity. Meanwhile, Dr. Evelyn Park and her team of researchers continue investigating alien transmission.

Excitement, intrigue, and a bit of a thrill are exactly what I felt as I listened to Parallax Rising by Christopher Hopper. It took me a while to get into the story and understand the inner workings of this world since this is the second book; however, once I was clued in, I thoroughly enjoyed Parallax Rising. Not only was the world-building brilliant but so were the characters; the fine details are given just where it was necessary to make the story immersive. This story is layered and multifaceted, showing that Hopper put much effort into this book.

The audiobook, narrated by Rebecca Woods and Daniel Wisniewski, was of the best quality. The sound quality was clear, and the narrators did a brilliant job of bringing the book to life. Each character had a distinct voice, which gave the audiobook depth. The tone and pace of the reading were also perfect, allowing the listener to sit back and enjoy the story.

Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite

Sophia Henley finds herself in a world she never knew existed in The Fire Prophecy (Hidden Legends: Academy of Magical Creatures Book 1) by Megan Linski and Alicia Rades. Finding out you were adopted is enough of a shock, but discovering you have magical powers is on another level. Follow Sophia on her journey as she learns to control fire magic while falling for a guy who is the literal opposite.

The Fire Prophecy by Megan Linski and Alicia Rades has everything a fantasy lover could want—drama, action, and a romance that seems doomed from the start but has you rooting for their love all the way. I loved the concept of the Elemental tribes and the addition of familiars, which added something more to this magical world. Sophia and Liam are wonderful leads, and I loved their POVs. I can easily say this book has become a favorite of mine, and I will add this series to my list of must-read books.

The narration by Jennifer Jill Araya and Graham Halstead was beautifully done with clear and well-paced reading, good enunciation, and just the right amount of emotion sprinkled into the audiobook. Both narrators have unique styles, but I felt they complemented each other and made for a cohesive audiobook. Araya and Halstead allowed me to become engrossed in the story as they carried me through every page, and I found it easy to picture every detail without any awkward breaks. This is now one of my favorite audiobooks.