BookAwards.com
Award-Winning Books from Today's Best Authors
A Free Resource for Book Lovers, Authors, Agents, Publishers and Journalists
Recommend this book:
 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 control...){kind=link}
Ghost of the Truthseeker 1
A LitRPG Adventure
Strungbound, Daniel Wisniewski, Royal Guard Publishing LLC
2023 Finalist
Audio Book
Check current price
Fiction - Audiobook
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Eye of the Moon
Book One
Ivan Obolensky
2023 Honorable Mention
Audio Book
Check current price
Fiction - Audiobook
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Parallax Rising
Infinita Book 2
Christopher Hopper
2023 Honorable Mention
Audio Book
Check current price
Fiction - Audiobook
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
 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 wh...){kind=link}
The Fire Prophecy
Hidden Legends: Academy of Magical Creatures Book 1
Megan Linski, Alicia Rades
2023 Bronze Medal
Audio Book
Check current price
Fiction - Audiobook
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
Cold Solar
A Dark and Gritty Sci-Fi Action Thriller
Anthony Robinson, Alan Medcroft
2023 Bronze Medal
Audio Book
Check current price
Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Cold Solar is the first novel in The Inner Solar War series by Anthony C. Robinson. The story follows four people with different goals and almost the same path. Set in 2048 after Earth has colonized Mars and made slaves of their colonies, four people are fighting for their causes. Bowen wanted to end the war and the only way to do it was by working with Joanna, the personal guard of the princess, who was not interested in working with Bowen. They had their differences and nothing seemed to be working for either of them. Then there is Vladimir, an archer who got roped into fighting the cause to end the war. Low is a computer hacker who wants to end the war between the Martian Empire and Earth once and for all. The four of them are the key to success; all they need to do is keep their differences and chemistry aside. Can they do that?
The story was fantastic, to say the least. Author Anthony C. Robinson created the perfect mixture of politics, science fiction, and romance to give you a little bit of everything while nailing it all at the same time. Each character had a story to tell and all of them had plenty of time to do so. My favorite was Low. She was smart, and cunning, and understood what needed to be done. Vladimir was her perfect complement. Bowen and Joanne got under each other’s skin and irritated each other just for the fun of it sometimes. The dialogues were fun, the plot was outstanding, and the worldbuilding was phenomenal. I would recommend this novel and this whole series!
After listening to plenty of audiobooks, I have decided Alan Medcroft is my favorite narrator of all time. His enunciation brought the story to life and made it possible for me to imagine everything. I felt like the characters were talking to me, the descriptions felt like a motion picture running right behind my eyelids, and I was transported to where Low was or felt how flabbergasted Bowen was with Joanna. Kudos to Alan Medcroft!
Cold Solar is the first novel in The Inner Solar War series by Anthony C. Robinson. The story follows four people with different goals and almost the same path. Set in 2048 after Earth has colonized Mars and made slaves of their colonies, four people are fighting for their causes. Bowen wanted to end the war and the only way to do it was by working with Joanna, the personal guard of the princess, who was not interested in working with Bowen. They had their differences and nothing seemed to be working for either of them. Then there is Vladimir, an archer who got roped into fighting the cause to end the war. Low is a computer hacker who wants to end the war between the Martian Empire and Earth once and for all. The four of them are the key to success; all they need to do is keep their differences and chemistry aside. Can they do that?
The story was fantastic, to say the least. Author Anthony C. Robinson created the perfect mixture of politics, science fiction, and romance to give you a little bit of everything while nailing it all at the same time. Each character had a story to tell and all of them had plenty of time to do so. My favorite was Low. She was smart, and cunning, and understood what needed to be done. Vladimir was her perfect complement. Bowen and Joanne got under each other’s skin and irritated each other just for the fun of it sometimes. The dialogues were fun, the plot was outstanding, and the worldbuilding was phenomenal. I would recommend this novel and this whole series!
After listening to plenty of audiobooks, I have decided Alan Medcroft is my favorite narrator of all time. His enunciation brought the story to life and made it possible for me to imagine everything. I felt like the characters were talking to me, the descriptions felt like a motion picture running right behind my eyelids, and I was transported to where Low was or felt how flabbergasted Bowen was with Joanna. Kudos to Alan Medcroft!
Recommend this book:
Every Saint a Sinner
Pearl Solas
2023 Silver Medal
Audio Book
Check current price
Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed by Brenda Daniels for Readers' Favorite
In Every Saint a Sinner, an audiobook by Pearl Solas, Veronica Matthews suffers the unthinkable. Her son Shaun is abused by a Catholic priest, Father Paul Peña, who is subsequently arrested and imprisoned. Not satisfied that justice has been fully served, Veronica, herself a lawyer, takes on the Catholic Church and experiences its obfuscation, self-justification, and lack of real change firsthand. In prison, Paul not only meets one of his victims but another priest, Father Frank Muncy, who was convicted of pedophilia. What follows is miraculous - a divine intervention that ultimately leads to true repentance, reconciliation, and, unbelievably, a proposal of canonization.
Every Saint a Sinner moves expertly through a range of areas. Legal arguments used by the Catholic Church, psychological differences between hebephilia, ephebophilia, pedophilia, and paraphilia, and the Christian theology of empathic reconciliation. Although Pearl Solas spends more time on the perpetrators than she does on the victims, she in no way undermines the terrible consequences brought to bear on sufferers of abuse. Her text is balanced. Credibly, Solas shows how the media portray child sex offenders as the lowest form of criminal, beyond correction, how God can forgive and restore these criminals, how a meeting of victim and perpetrator can lead to true healing and forgiveness, and what a Catholic Church’s genuine apology could look like. Although it is likely to be contentious, this is one of the best books I have read. It is brave, bold, and brilliantly written. I highly recommend it.
I listened to the audio version of Every Saint a Sinner. Like the writing, the narration by Pearl Solas is clear and careful. It contains just the right amount of expression in a voice that in no way calls attention to itself. I was able to listen without distraction. An excellent experience.
In Every Saint a Sinner, an audiobook by Pearl Solas, Veronica Matthews suffers the unthinkable. Her son Shaun is abused by a Catholic priest, Father Paul Peña, who is subsequently arrested and imprisoned. Not satisfied that justice has been fully served, Veronica, herself a lawyer, takes on the Catholic Church and experiences its obfuscation, self-justification, and lack of real change firsthand. In prison, Paul not only meets one of his victims but another priest, Father Frank Muncy, who was convicted of pedophilia. What follows is miraculous - a divine intervention that ultimately leads to true repentance, reconciliation, and, unbelievably, a proposal of canonization.
Every Saint a Sinner moves expertly through a range of areas. Legal arguments used by the Catholic Church, psychological differences between hebephilia, ephebophilia, pedophilia, and paraphilia, and the Christian theology of empathic reconciliation. Although Pearl Solas spends more time on the perpetrators than she does on the victims, she in no way undermines the terrible consequences brought to bear on sufferers of abuse. Her text is balanced. Credibly, Solas shows how the media portray child sex offenders as the lowest form of criminal, beyond correction, how God can forgive and restore these criminals, how a meeting of victim and perpetrator can lead to true healing and forgiveness, and what a Catholic Church’s genuine apology could look like. Although it is likely to be contentious, this is one of the best books I have read. It is brave, bold, and brilliantly written. I highly recommend it.
I listened to the audio version of Every Saint a Sinner. Like the writing, the narration by Pearl Solas is clear and careful. It contains just the right amount of expression in a voice that in no way calls attention to itself. I was able to listen without distraction. An excellent experience.
Recommend this book:
The Executioners
Jason Cordova and Matt Novotny
2023 Gold Medal
Audio Book
Check current price
Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
Juwan Washington did not expect his foray into the mercenary business to turn out this way. Outgunned and outmaneuvered, his unit is annihilated in its first engagement. He ends up a slave on a distant planet until the day fortune favors him in meeting two peacemakers. They free him and recruit him on their clandestine mission. They are the last of their race and want to find out what happened to the last remaining female of their kind who happened to also be a Peacemaker candidate but died in suspicious circumstances. Their journey will lead them to betrayal and a conspiracy so vast it could topple the entire Peacemaker program in The Executioners by Jason Cordova and Matt Novotny.
The eighth book in the Four Horsemen Universe lives up to its hype with Jason Cordova and Matt Novotny weaving together a storyline that is as deeply emotional as it is suspense-filled. The Executioners has an interesting array of characters whose descriptions are quite vivid, leaving very little to the imagination. I love the way the humorous undertone is maintained throughout the book despite its businesslike flow. The subplots are just as interesting as the main storyline with Juwan's attempts to be viewed as an equal by his new friends despite his human shortcomings being particularly noteworthy. The battles are simply delightful to follow as Cordova and Novotny spare no effort to bring this alien universe to life. The Executioners is a science fiction aficionado's dream. The perfect mix of action, adventure, and drama.
The audio quality of the book is quite clear and simple enough to follow. The way Daniel Wisniewski conveniently transitions from seriousness to dark humor while voicing different characters is impressive. He conveys a wide range of emotions effortlessly in an immersive manner. I was particularly impressed with the sometimes creepy utterances of Larz the Tortantula.
Juwan Washington did not expect his foray into the mercenary business to turn out this way. Outgunned and outmaneuvered, his unit is annihilated in its first engagement. He ends up a slave on a distant planet until the day fortune favors him in meeting two peacemakers. They free him and recruit him on their clandestine mission. They are the last of their race and want to find out what happened to the last remaining female of their kind who happened to also be a Peacemaker candidate but died in suspicious circumstances. Their journey will lead them to betrayal and a conspiracy so vast it could topple the entire Peacemaker program in The Executioners by Jason Cordova and Matt Novotny.
The eighth book in the Four Horsemen Universe lives up to its hype with Jason Cordova and Matt Novotny weaving together a storyline that is as deeply emotional as it is suspense-filled. The Executioners has an interesting array of characters whose descriptions are quite vivid, leaving very little to the imagination. I love the way the humorous undertone is maintained throughout the book despite its businesslike flow. The subplots are just as interesting as the main storyline with Juwan's attempts to be viewed as an equal by his new friends despite his human shortcomings being particularly noteworthy. The battles are simply delightful to follow as Cordova and Novotny spare no effort to bring this alien universe to life. The Executioners is a science fiction aficionado's dream. The perfect mix of action, adventure, and drama.
The audio quality of the book is quite clear and simple enough to follow. The way Daniel Wisniewski conveniently transitions from seriousness to dark humor while voicing different characters is impressive. He conveys a wide range of emotions effortlessly in an immersive manner. I was particularly impressed with the sometimes creepy utterances of Larz the Tortantula.
Recommend this book:
Soulstealer (Book 1 Audiobook)
Nythan
Shane Boulware
2022 Finalist
Audio Book
Check current price
Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed by Jennifer Donovan for Readers' Favorite
Soulstealer by Shane Boulware is a supernatural urban fantasy. Nythan has his future planned out, determined to make a life for himself in the military. Everything changes when he is assaulted and a strange mist leaves his assailant and enters Nythan. From that point forward, Nythan hears a voice in his head urging him to consume the souls of other people. Food loses its appeal as everything suddenly tastes rotten; he will need to either steal people’s souls or slowly starve to death. He goes to great lengths to rid his mind of the intruder, even traveling to a monastery in India. What he doesn’t know is that this voice has an international network of humans who seek to fulfill its plan and another network set on killing it—thereby killing Nythan. He isn’t just possessed; he harbors an entity that has existed for millennia.
There is a lot of exposition in the book where Shane Boulware explains the history of the Soulstealer, whom Nythan names Bane. As Nythan and Bane inevitably get to know one another, we learn about the people who have preceded Nythan, as well as all of Bane’s exploits and the history and traditions of the networks who know of Bane’s existence. A lot more time is spent world-building, which may deter some readers. The book contains a good amount of humor, particularly in the banter between Nythan and Bane. The ending came as an absolute shock, and I’m interested in how the story will progress as the series continues.
Soulstealer was narrated by Daniel Wisniewski who did a phenomenal job of portraying numerous characters. His narration is distinct from his character voices, and he effortlessly transitions between his narration, Shane’s young voice, and the Soulstealer’s deep, sinister one. He also effectively portrays female and male characters, young and old characters, and several different accents. His performance and the production quality elevated my enjoyment of the book, bringing it to life.
Soulstealer by Shane Boulware is a supernatural urban fantasy. Nythan has his future planned out, determined to make a life for himself in the military. Everything changes when he is assaulted and a strange mist leaves his assailant and enters Nythan. From that point forward, Nythan hears a voice in his head urging him to consume the souls of other people. Food loses its appeal as everything suddenly tastes rotten; he will need to either steal people’s souls or slowly starve to death. He goes to great lengths to rid his mind of the intruder, even traveling to a monastery in India. What he doesn’t know is that this voice has an international network of humans who seek to fulfill its plan and another network set on killing it—thereby killing Nythan. He isn’t just possessed; he harbors an entity that has existed for millennia.
There is a lot of exposition in the book where Shane Boulware explains the history of the Soulstealer, whom Nythan names Bane. As Nythan and Bane inevitably get to know one another, we learn about the people who have preceded Nythan, as well as all of Bane’s exploits and the history and traditions of the networks who know of Bane’s existence. A lot more time is spent world-building, which may deter some readers. The book contains a good amount of humor, particularly in the banter between Nythan and Bane. The ending came as an absolute shock, and I’m interested in how the story will progress as the series continues.
Soulstealer was narrated by Daniel Wisniewski who did a phenomenal job of portraying numerous characters. His narration is distinct from his character voices, and he effortlessly transitions between his narration, Shane’s young voice, and the Soulstealer’s deep, sinister one. He also effectively portrays female and male characters, young and old characters, and several different accents. His performance and the production quality elevated my enjoyment of the book, bringing it to life.
Recommend this book:
Maz'hura
Book One of the Twelve Dimensions
Paul L. Centeno
2022 Honorable Mention
Audio Book
Check current price
Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Maz'hura is a work of fiction in the action, adventure, and science fiction subgenres and was penned by author Paul L. Centeno. It is presented in audiobook format with narration by Courtney Holly. The work forms Book One of the Twelve Dimensions series and introduces us to an incredible world where our protagonist, sorceress and captain Shirakaya, encounters a dangerous alien race that attacks her spacecraft. As Shira faces a personal crisis when her powers mysteriously wane, the stakes are raised elsewhere with the fate of not just her loved ones, but the entire universe hanging in the balance.
In terms of storyline and concept, author Paul L. Centeno delivers a sensational work of space opera which perfectly toes the line between science fiction and fantasy, offering a superb dose of adventure. The fantasy-style violence is not excessive, making the book suitable for older young adults as well as adult readers, and Shira’s presentation and emotional journey are highly relatable and with enjoyable aspects. The worldbuilding was also a massive selling point for me, and it already has me intrigued to read more books set in this fantastic alternate universe.
As an audiobook, narrator Courtney Holly reads well with a crisp and evocative voice, whilst also delivering emotion and clear passion as she embodies every moment of Shira’s struggles. The musical additions were atmospheric but not distracting and the overall editing and mastery were of very high quality, allowing for a vastly enjoyable listening experience. Overall, I would highly recommend Maz'hura to any space opera fan seeking a new series to devour. I can’t wait for more.
Maz'hura is a work of fiction in the action, adventure, and science fiction subgenres and was penned by author Paul L. Centeno. It is presented in audiobook format with narration by Courtney Holly. The work forms Book One of the Twelve Dimensions series and introduces us to an incredible world where our protagonist, sorceress and captain Shirakaya, encounters a dangerous alien race that attacks her spacecraft. As Shira faces a personal crisis when her powers mysteriously wane, the stakes are raised elsewhere with the fate of not just her loved ones, but the entire universe hanging in the balance.
In terms of storyline and concept, author Paul L. Centeno delivers a sensational work of space opera which perfectly toes the line between science fiction and fantasy, offering a superb dose of adventure. The fantasy-style violence is not excessive, making the book suitable for older young adults as well as adult readers, and Shira’s presentation and emotional journey are highly relatable and with enjoyable aspects. The worldbuilding was also a massive selling point for me, and it already has me intrigued to read more books set in this fantastic alternate universe.
As an audiobook, narrator Courtney Holly reads well with a crisp and evocative voice, whilst also delivering emotion and clear passion as she embodies every moment of Shira’s struggles. The musical additions were atmospheric but not distracting and the overall editing and mastery were of very high quality, allowing for a vastly enjoyable listening experience. Overall, I would highly recommend Maz'hura to any space opera fan seeking a new series to devour. I can’t wait for more.
Recommend this book:
The Villain Institute
Megan Linski, Alicia Rades
2022 Bronze Medal
Audio Book
Check current price
Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Villain Institute is a work of fiction in the urban fantasy and paranormal romance subgenres. It is intended for the general adult reading audience but can also be enjoyed by mature young adults and was penned by author team Megan Linski and Alicia Rades. In this audiobook format, the narration is provided by Vanessa Moyen and A. J. Carter to bring to life Ava-Marie and Charlie, a pair of supernatural offenders sent to a reformatory. Charlie, a blind orphan, only finds himself stuck at the Institute because Ava shares a soul with him, but when a chance to escape rears its head, the pair must put aside their grudges and work together to win the Darke Games, and their freedom.
In terms of its storyline and construction, there’s plenty to adore in this truly epic fantasy adventure that readers are sure to lose themselves in. Author team Megan Linski and Alicia Rades provide two well-developed characters who each battle with disabilities and challenges that extend beyond their magical capabilities, and this diverse representation is done with genuine emotional resonance, not gimmicks. Charlie and Ava-Marie grow and develop together in both friendship and romance through evocative dialogue and triumphant action scenes that will really have your heart in your throat.
In terms of audiobook presentation, the emotional resonance and high-stakes drama of the plot are only further enhanced by the vibrant narration from both Vanessa Moyen and A. J. Carter. There’s wry, snarky humor to Ava-Marie that perfectly balances Charlie’s tough and reluctant exterior, and the narrators really understand how to complement one another and create sparks between them. Overall, I highly recommend The Villain Institute as an unmissable read for paranormal romance fans everywhere.
The Villain Institute is a work of fiction in the urban fantasy and paranormal romance subgenres. It is intended for the general adult reading audience but can also be enjoyed by mature young adults and was penned by author team Megan Linski and Alicia Rades. In this audiobook format, the narration is provided by Vanessa Moyen and A. J. Carter to bring to life Ava-Marie and Charlie, a pair of supernatural offenders sent to a reformatory. Charlie, a blind orphan, only finds himself stuck at the Institute because Ava shares a soul with him, but when a chance to escape rears its head, the pair must put aside their grudges and work together to win the Darke Games, and their freedom.
In terms of its storyline and construction, there’s plenty to adore in this truly epic fantasy adventure that readers are sure to lose themselves in. Author team Megan Linski and Alicia Rades provide two well-developed characters who each battle with disabilities and challenges that extend beyond their magical capabilities, and this diverse representation is done with genuine emotional resonance, not gimmicks. Charlie and Ava-Marie grow and develop together in both friendship and romance through evocative dialogue and triumphant action scenes that will really have your heart in your throat.
In terms of audiobook presentation, the emotional resonance and high-stakes drama of the plot are only further enhanced by the vibrant narration from both Vanessa Moyen and A. J. Carter. There’s wry, snarky humor to Ava-Marie that perfectly balances Charlie’s tough and reluctant exterior, and the narrators really understand how to complement one another and create sparks between them. Overall, I highly recommend The Villain Institute as an unmissable read for paranormal romance fans everywhere.
Contact Author -
