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Recommend this book:
Last Things
Betta Ferrendelli
2018 Honorable Mention
Audio Book
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Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed By Justine Reyes for Readers' Favorite
Last Things by Betta Ferrendelli is a story about two women who have walked a similar path. We begin with Bridgette, a successful journalist who is in a seemingly perfect relationship. Of course, we soon find out it isn’t so perfect. Elliot, Bridgette’s fiance, doesn’t like the idea that the child Bridgette is carrying has Down Syndrome. He reacts repulsively, wanting her to get an abortion. On top of that, she must make a professional decision that could potentially end someone’s life. Overwhelmed and wanting to end it all, she crashes her car, but miraculously she lives. Through this incident, she meets the other woman, Alexis. Alexis is living the life Bridgette wasn’t brave enough to live. A friendship soon blossoms between the two women, but of course, life isn’t fair, especially to the good ones.
Last Things touches upon the surfaces of several sensitive matters, and Ferrendelli does a wonderful job of executing this with care. Last Things is a cozy novel, one that embraces you and doesn’t let go even when the tears start rolling. The friendship between Alexis and Bridgette was built up excellently; they kept secrets from each other, but that’s what made the story so interesting. Last Things is a novel I recommend to anyone who has ever had a “what if” moment in their life. It is well-written, heart-warming, and full of hope. Gabra Zackman narrates Last Things. I’m not too familiar with her other work, but her performance lends a vividness to Ferrendelli’s already colorful cast of characters; it felt as though I was listening to an old radio drama.
Last Things by Betta Ferrendelli is a story about two women who have walked a similar path. We begin with Bridgette, a successful journalist who is in a seemingly perfect relationship. Of course, we soon find out it isn’t so perfect. Elliot, Bridgette’s fiance, doesn’t like the idea that the child Bridgette is carrying has Down Syndrome. He reacts repulsively, wanting her to get an abortion. On top of that, she must make a professional decision that could potentially end someone’s life. Overwhelmed and wanting to end it all, she crashes her car, but miraculously she lives. Through this incident, she meets the other woman, Alexis. Alexis is living the life Bridgette wasn’t brave enough to live. A friendship soon blossoms between the two women, but of course, life isn’t fair, especially to the good ones.
Last Things touches upon the surfaces of several sensitive matters, and Ferrendelli does a wonderful job of executing this with care. Last Things is a cozy novel, one that embraces you and doesn’t let go even when the tears start rolling. The friendship between Alexis and Bridgette was built up excellently; they kept secrets from each other, but that’s what made the story so interesting. Last Things is a novel I recommend to anyone who has ever had a “what if” moment in their life. It is well-written, heart-warming, and full of hope. Gabra Zackman narrates Last Things. I’m not too familiar with her other work, but her performance lends a vividness to Ferrendelli’s already colorful cast of characters; it felt as though I was listening to an old radio drama.
Recommend this book:
Strain of Resistance
Bixby Series, Book 1
Michelle Bryan - Marnye Young is Narrator
2018 Bronze Medal
Audio Book
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Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed By Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Strain of Resistance is the first audio book in the Bixby series, an unusual tale of resistance and courage after an earth-altering tragedy. The book is written by Michelle Bryan and narrated by Marnye Young. First off, I would like to comment on the narrative — the voice is clear and arresting, coming across as neutral, and the intonation allows the reader to note a comma here, an exclamation mark there, and a pause in the narrative. I couldn’t stop listening to this gripping apocalyptic story as I drove around. That said, let me move on to some of the more interesting elements of the story.
The reader is plunged into a world that is waking up from tragedy — or is it? The narrator is Bixby, a girl who claims that the world ended when she was twelve, and now she’s lost her home, her family, and the man she loved with it. It’s been eight years since the seemingly harmless mist covered the earth and transformed it into a hellhole. The alien parasite that mutated most of the population into bloodsucking freaks is becoming smarter, evolving, and finding new forms of resistance. Follow the gritty tale of Bixby and a few survivors as they hunt and fight against the infected. Bixby is a character that readers will learn quickly to stick with, someone whose childhood hasn’t been filled with great memories, but she is someone who has learned to face reality as it is.
The story is well-paced and readers quickly become hooked on the narrative voice, wanting to know where the adventure will lead them and what will happen next. Strain of Resistance is a compelling narrative with characters that are memorable. Michelle Bryan’s work is original and I loved the fact that the apocalypse doesn’t happen in a brusque and brutal manner, as is the case with most books in this genre. I also enjoyed the pacing and the first person narrative, which is absorbing and which allows the listener to hear, see, and feel what the protagonist experiences.
Strain of Resistance is the first audio book in the Bixby series, an unusual tale of resistance and courage after an earth-altering tragedy. The book is written by Michelle Bryan and narrated by Marnye Young. First off, I would like to comment on the narrative — the voice is clear and arresting, coming across as neutral, and the intonation allows the reader to note a comma here, an exclamation mark there, and a pause in the narrative. I couldn’t stop listening to this gripping apocalyptic story as I drove around. That said, let me move on to some of the more interesting elements of the story.
The reader is plunged into a world that is waking up from tragedy — or is it? The narrator is Bixby, a girl who claims that the world ended when she was twelve, and now she’s lost her home, her family, and the man she loved with it. It’s been eight years since the seemingly harmless mist covered the earth and transformed it into a hellhole. The alien parasite that mutated most of the population into bloodsucking freaks is becoming smarter, evolving, and finding new forms of resistance. Follow the gritty tale of Bixby and a few survivors as they hunt and fight against the infected. Bixby is a character that readers will learn quickly to stick with, someone whose childhood hasn’t been filled with great memories, but she is someone who has learned to face reality as it is.
The story is well-paced and readers quickly become hooked on the narrative voice, wanting to know where the adventure will lead them and what will happen next. Strain of Resistance is a compelling narrative with characters that are memorable. Michelle Bryan’s work is original and I loved the fact that the apocalypse doesn’t happen in a brusque and brutal manner, as is the case with most books in this genre. I also enjoyed the pacing and the first person narrative, which is absorbing and which allows the listener to hear, see, and feel what the protagonist experiences.
Recommend this book:
Satyr's Son
A Georgian Historical Romance
Lucinda Brant
2018 Bronze Medal
Audio Book
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Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed By Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite
The fifth book in Lucinda Brant’s Roxton Family Saga, Satyr’s Son, is actually about the second son of the Noble Satyr. This Georgian historical romance makes a full circle as the son is now the replica of his sire many years earlier. With Lord Henri-Antoine as the second son and fourth in line as a duke, he has the freedom to marry as he wishes. Sadly, he chooses to live a life as the Satyr, a lustful and drunken Greek god. To most people, Henri-Antoine, often called Harry, flaunts his wealth and power through his extravagant clothes and multiple servants that surround him. Miss Lisa Crisp quickly sees through his façade and accepts the affliction he has managed to hide for years.
Personally, I find Lucinda Brant a very skilled writer, mastering the language and making this a very charming love story. Satyr’s Son isn’t about perfect people in a perfect setting, falling in love. It is about discretion and loyalty among friends and family members. Henri-Antoine felt he had to live as a Satyr because he couldn’t trust a woman in the upper class with his secret. Lucinda Brant also writes about love and sacrifice, making the characters come alive as they forgo their own happiness for the benefit of others. Alex Wyndham is the cherry on top of this sweet novel, bringing each character alive as he narrates Satyr’s Son. His skill as an actor is evident as he changes his voice for each person and adds drama when the scenes get intense. This is definitely an excellent combination of written novel and spoken script.
The fifth book in Lucinda Brant’s Roxton Family Saga, Satyr’s Son, is actually about the second son of the Noble Satyr. This Georgian historical romance makes a full circle as the son is now the replica of his sire many years earlier. With Lord Henri-Antoine as the second son and fourth in line as a duke, he has the freedom to marry as he wishes. Sadly, he chooses to live a life as the Satyr, a lustful and drunken Greek god. To most people, Henri-Antoine, often called Harry, flaunts his wealth and power through his extravagant clothes and multiple servants that surround him. Miss Lisa Crisp quickly sees through his façade and accepts the affliction he has managed to hide for years.
Personally, I find Lucinda Brant a very skilled writer, mastering the language and making this a very charming love story. Satyr’s Son isn’t about perfect people in a perfect setting, falling in love. It is about discretion and loyalty among friends and family members. Henri-Antoine felt he had to live as a Satyr because he couldn’t trust a woman in the upper class with his secret. Lucinda Brant also writes about love and sacrifice, making the characters come alive as they forgo their own happiness for the benefit of others. Alex Wyndham is the cherry on top of this sweet novel, bringing each character alive as he narrates Satyr’s Son. His skill as an actor is evident as he changes his voice for each person and adds drama when the scenes get intense. This is definitely an excellent combination of written novel and spoken script.
Recommend this book:
Stray Magic
Jackie Bouchard
2018 Silver Medal
Audio Book
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Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed By Francine Zane for Readers' Favorite
In Stray Magic by Jackie Bouchard, Cara Snow is perplexed when her fairy godfather, Vincent, shows up years after the ball—or in her case, the high school prom—is over. He offers her a chance at love after her marriage ends in divorce and on the heels of her daughter preparing to leave for college. You would think the fae folk would send the best of the best to rectify their mistake, but as luck will have it, Vincent’s botched spell leads to unexpected results. Jackie Bouchard brings new meaning to the word ‘stray’ with her modern day fairy tale, Stray Magic. While the second-rate fairy godfather adds an amusing touch of hilarity to a depressing situation, Cara’s own girl-next-door personality and her love of dogs are the driving forces that carry this romantic comedy into a special class of irresistible.
Aisling Gray acts as narrator for the audio version of Stray Magic. Gray does a polished job of presenting a consistent voice to the story. Her performance stands out as well balanced without interfering with the enjoyment of the star of the story—the plot. The audio book is professionally engineered with no background noise or pacing issues either. I am torn between adoring Cara for the way she bounces back time after time from romances gone astray (there is that word again) and envying her taking her rocky journey into self-discovery with such grace. Had I faced even half the complexities Cara faced, I would have done more than just blamed teenagers on the growing pile of fast food wrappers in the car. I would have curled up on the couch with a gallon of Rocky Road and a blood vow never to date again.
In Stray Magic by Jackie Bouchard, Cara Snow is perplexed when her fairy godfather, Vincent, shows up years after the ball—or in her case, the high school prom—is over. He offers her a chance at love after her marriage ends in divorce and on the heels of her daughter preparing to leave for college. You would think the fae folk would send the best of the best to rectify their mistake, but as luck will have it, Vincent’s botched spell leads to unexpected results. Jackie Bouchard brings new meaning to the word ‘stray’ with her modern day fairy tale, Stray Magic. While the second-rate fairy godfather adds an amusing touch of hilarity to a depressing situation, Cara’s own girl-next-door personality and her love of dogs are the driving forces that carry this romantic comedy into a special class of irresistible.
Aisling Gray acts as narrator for the audio version of Stray Magic. Gray does a polished job of presenting a consistent voice to the story. Her performance stands out as well balanced without interfering with the enjoyment of the star of the story—the plot. The audio book is professionally engineered with no background noise or pacing issues either. I am torn between adoring Cara for the way she bounces back time after time from romances gone astray (there is that word again) and envying her taking her rocky journey into self-discovery with such grace. Had I faced even half the complexities Cara faced, I would have done more than just blamed teenagers on the growing pile of fast food wrappers in the car. I would have curled up on the couch with a gallon of Rocky Road and a blood vow never to date again.
Recommend this book:
The Fog Seller
A San Francisco Mystery
Don Daglow
2018 Gold Medal
Audio Book
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Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed By Benjamin Ookami for Readers' Favorite
Some crimes cannot be solved by the police alone. Don Daglow's mystery novel, The Fog Seller: A San Francisco Mystery, takes the police, for the most part, out of the equation. The murder of an actress and a man who sought to save the homes of many seniors and people with low-income jobs is quite the puzzler. The number of suspects is in high contrast with the number of answers. Captain Kreitzer aims to solve this murder in quite an unusual way: by letting the suspects do all the work for him. One of his suspects is a man named Steve Ondelle, a man who only talks in the present tense and who is "not good with questions." Only time will tell if Captain Kreitzer's plan will work.
Steve has five journals that he allows a woman (as well as the reader) to read. Steve is a shy human being who gets freaked out when people ask him certain questions. The author's portrayal of him was very believable. I liked the fact that Steve had a roommate named Liam who was his direct opposite. What makes Liam even cooler is that he can make a vial of San Francisco fog look like a delicious ice cream cone. The characters in this novel are absolutely amazing. Steve's reasons for solving the double murder are to get his friend Luis's job back and prove his innocence. The real identity of the killer isn't too obvious, so it's quite interesting to find out what the end result will be.
Some crimes cannot be solved by the police alone. Don Daglow's mystery novel, The Fog Seller: A San Francisco Mystery, takes the police, for the most part, out of the equation. The murder of an actress and a man who sought to save the homes of many seniors and people with low-income jobs is quite the puzzler. The number of suspects is in high contrast with the number of answers. Captain Kreitzer aims to solve this murder in quite an unusual way: by letting the suspects do all the work for him. One of his suspects is a man named Steve Ondelle, a man who only talks in the present tense and who is "not good with questions." Only time will tell if Captain Kreitzer's plan will work.
Steve has five journals that he allows a woman (as well as the reader) to read. Steve is a shy human being who gets freaked out when people ask him certain questions. The author's portrayal of him was very believable. I liked the fact that Steve had a roommate named Liam who was his direct opposite. What makes Liam even cooler is that he can make a vial of San Francisco fog look like a delicious ice cream cone. The characters in this novel are absolutely amazing. Steve's reasons for solving the double murder are to get his friend Luis's job back and prove his innocence. The real identity of the killer isn't too obvious, so it's quite interesting to find out what the end result will be.
Recommend this book:
Deadly Peril
A Georgian Historical Mystery, Alec Halsey Mystery Book 3
Lucinda Brant
2017 Honorable Mention
Audio Book
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Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed By Francine Zane for Readers' Favorite
Deadly Peril: A Georgian Historical Mystery by Lucinda Brant features Lord Alec Halsey. When Halsey’s friends are imprisoned by an old adversary, he does what he swears he will never do. He returns to Midanich, which is in the midst of a civil war, to free his friends, praying his past will not haunt him but, more importantly, that he can protect those most dear to him during his mission. Meanwhile, his romance with Selina continues under the watchful eye of Halsey’s godmother, Duchess of Romney-St. Neots.
Lucinda Brant’s Deadly Peril: A Georgian Historical Mystery is a compelling mystery with more twists and turns than a roller coaster. The historical references pull the reader right into the period, and the likable characters make sure not one scene is lacking in ingenuity, compassion, love, or intrigue. Brant shows amazing talent in the way she mixes the historical components with the characters' backstories so well that it is easy to forget how much education well-written historical fiction has to offer. I particularly loved the description of the gaming table.
This is the second A Georgian Historical Mystery by Lucinda Brant that I have enjoyed. Brant consistently offers a magnificent story filled with all the pomp and diplomacy that one would expect from royalty during the 18th century. Her choice of narrator, Alex Wyndham, sets the tone perfectly. His enunciation is spot on, and the pacing is perfect. The production quality is clear and professional. Overall, this audio book rates two thumbs up.
Deadly Peril: A Georgian Historical Mystery by Lucinda Brant features Lord Alec Halsey. When Halsey’s friends are imprisoned by an old adversary, he does what he swears he will never do. He returns to Midanich, which is in the midst of a civil war, to free his friends, praying his past will not haunt him but, more importantly, that he can protect those most dear to him during his mission. Meanwhile, his romance with Selina continues under the watchful eye of Halsey’s godmother, Duchess of Romney-St. Neots.
Lucinda Brant’s Deadly Peril: A Georgian Historical Mystery is a compelling mystery with more twists and turns than a roller coaster. The historical references pull the reader right into the period, and the likable characters make sure not one scene is lacking in ingenuity, compassion, love, or intrigue. Brant shows amazing talent in the way she mixes the historical components with the characters' backstories so well that it is easy to forget how much education well-written historical fiction has to offer. I particularly loved the description of the gaming table.
This is the second A Georgian Historical Mystery by Lucinda Brant that I have enjoyed. Brant consistently offers a magnificent story filled with all the pomp and diplomacy that one would expect from royalty during the 18th century. Her choice of narrator, Alex Wyndham, sets the tone perfectly. His enunciation is spot on, and the pacing is perfect. The production quality is clear and professional. Overall, this audio book rates two thumbs up.
Recommend this book:
Parents for Sale
Dr. Nicole Audet
2017 Honorable Mention
44 Pages
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Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed By Ryan Jordan for Readers' Favorite
Parents for Sale by Dr. Nicole Audet is a short audiobook that plays along with the children's book of the same name. It starts out with a section about Pistachio called Dog for Sale where the parents tell their children, Luke and Lucy, that they are too tired to keep their dog anymore and they are going to have to sell Pistachio. The children plead with their parents to let them keep their pet, but their parents are adamant in their decision. Luke and Lucy decide that it is a better idea to replace the sign with a 'Parents For Sale' sign and sell them instead because of how much they love Pistachio. This, of course, ends up teaching the children a lesson by the end of the story.
The audiobook itself is amazing, and there is a lot of music and other elements in it (dog's breathing, barking, etc.) that really bring the story to life. It tells you when to turn pages in the storybook, so it is an excellent companion to the book itself for children to read and listen to at the same time. It has full voice acting across the entire family with different voices for each one of the characters, and feels like it has a very high production value. The music matches perfectly to the story, and it quickly draws the reader into the world. Parents for Sale by Dr. Nicole Audet is the perfect companion to the actual book and is a real winner in the audiobook category for families that love entertaining stories. The pictures are fantastic and the story itself is unique and clever. Well done!
Parents for Sale by Dr. Nicole Audet is a short audiobook that plays along with the children's book of the same name. It starts out with a section about Pistachio called Dog for Sale where the parents tell their children, Luke and Lucy, that they are too tired to keep their dog anymore and they are going to have to sell Pistachio. The children plead with their parents to let them keep their pet, but their parents are adamant in their decision. Luke and Lucy decide that it is a better idea to replace the sign with a 'Parents For Sale' sign and sell them instead because of how much they love Pistachio. This, of course, ends up teaching the children a lesson by the end of the story.
The audiobook itself is amazing, and there is a lot of music and other elements in it (dog's breathing, barking, etc.) that really bring the story to life. It tells you when to turn pages in the storybook, so it is an excellent companion to the book itself for children to read and listen to at the same time. It has full voice acting across the entire family with different voices for each one of the characters, and feels like it has a very high production value. The music matches perfectly to the story, and it quickly draws the reader into the world. Parents for Sale by Dr. Nicole Audet is the perfect companion to the actual book and is a real winner in the audiobook category for families that love entertaining stories. The pictures are fantastic and the story itself is unique and clever. Well done!
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/clevenger-gold/1&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61l-wzz9v0L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Clevenger Gold: The True Story of Murder and Unfound Treasure by S.E. Swapp is a non-fiction historical account of the Clevenger family from the Arizona Territory and their journey to the Washington Territory. This is a book that would appeal most to a mixed audience of adults and young adults who enjoy true stories, a "wild west" feel, murder, and...){kind=link}
Clevenger Gold
The True Story of Murder and Unfound Treasure
S.E. Swapp
2017 Finalist
Audio Book
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Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed By Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite
Clevenger Gold: The True Story of Murder and Unfound Treasure by S.E. Swapp is a non-fiction historical account of the Clevenger family from the Arizona Territory and their journey to the Washington Territory. This is a book that would appeal most to a mixed audience of adults and young adults who enjoy true stories, a "wild west" feel, murder, and the search for treasure. This book is based on the true events that were documented by journalists in a one-hundred-and-thirty-year period ranging from the 1887 trial to the 1900s. Sam and Charlotte Clevenger hired two men by the names of Frank Willson and John Johnson to help them move, but their destiny turned dark when they least expected it. What caused the Clevengers to move, why did they chose to hire the men they did, and where did it all go wrong?
Clevenger Gold: The True Story of Murder and Unfound Treasure by S.E. Swapp might have been a non-fiction audio book, but it read much like a fictional story, which is what held my attention. The overall feel of the book reminded me a bit of the old Indiana Jones movies. I liked the fact that the author got right into the story and did not dilute the book with pointless or unnecessary details. Overall, I found that I really enjoyed this book and I would love to read more true stories written by S.E. Swapp. The narrator of this audio book was Paul Michael Garcia. Mr. Garcia is an accomplished vocal performer who has narrated many audio books ranging from Starman Jones to Job: A Comedy of Justice. I personally felt that he had the perfect accent for this audio book as his voice sounded very “old west cowboy,” which was just right for this setting and the characters.
Clevenger Gold: The True Story of Murder and Unfound Treasure by S.E. Swapp is a non-fiction historical account of the Clevenger family from the Arizona Territory and their journey to the Washington Territory. This is a book that would appeal most to a mixed audience of adults and young adults who enjoy true stories, a "wild west" feel, murder, and the search for treasure. This book is based on the true events that were documented by journalists in a one-hundred-and-thirty-year period ranging from the 1887 trial to the 1900s. Sam and Charlotte Clevenger hired two men by the names of Frank Willson and John Johnson to help them move, but their destiny turned dark when they least expected it. What caused the Clevengers to move, why did they chose to hire the men they did, and where did it all go wrong?
Clevenger Gold: The True Story of Murder and Unfound Treasure by S.E. Swapp might have been a non-fiction audio book, but it read much like a fictional story, which is what held my attention. The overall feel of the book reminded me a bit of the old Indiana Jones movies. I liked the fact that the author got right into the story and did not dilute the book with pointless or unnecessary details. Overall, I found that I really enjoyed this book and I would love to read more true stories written by S.E. Swapp. The narrator of this audio book was Paul Michael Garcia. Mr. Garcia is an accomplished vocal performer who has narrated many audio books ranging from Starman Jones to Job: A Comedy of Justice. I personally felt that he had the perfect accent for this audio book as his voice sounded very “old west cowboy,” which was just right for this setting and the characters.
Recommend this book:
 by K.A. Finn is a contemporary science fiction audio book that would appeal most to a mixed audience of teenagers, young adults, and adults who enjoy science fiction with romantic elements. Gryffin is a human cyborg hybrid who is the current Captain of the Nomad ship known as Ares; the Nomads are outlaws that practice piracy an...){kind=link}
Ares
Nomad, Book 1
K.A. Finn
2017 Finalist
Audio Book
Check current price
Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed By Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite
Ares (Nomad, Book 1) by K.A. Finn is a contemporary science fiction audio book that would appeal most to a mixed audience of teenagers, young adults, and adults who enjoy science fiction with romantic elements. Gryffin is a human cyborg hybrid who is the current Captain of the Nomad ship known as Ares; the Nomads are outlaws that practice piracy and offer protection to settlements for a price. Lieutenant Terra Rush serves on the Foundation ship Infinity that is tasked with preparing for colonization, but her life takes a sudden turn when she comes face to face with Nomad Gryffin and discovers that he is not the killing machine that the Foundation has labeled him. Do these two have what it takes to do what is right rather than what is easy?
Ares (Nomad, Book 1) by K.A. Finn is a well-produced audio book that was easy to enjoy. I quickly found myself falling in love with Gryffin’s ability to be both human and machine; the battle between his two halves made him a very interesting character that held my attention for the duration of the audio book. My favorite scene was the first meeting between Gryffin and Terra; I loved the way he saved her and then she helped him remove the bullet from his chest. The narrator of this audio book was Keith Michaelson. Mr. Michaelson is an accomplished voice actor who has narrated many audio books including, but not limited to Veritas Morte: A Science Fiction Novella, The Crystal Bridge: The Lost Shards, Volume 1, and Uncommon Purpose: The Hope Island Chronicles, Book 1. Mr. Michaelson's expertise in doing the voices for different characters really showed in his voice acting for Gryffin and Terra. I felt that his voicing of Gryffin really pulled me in with how he changed his voice based on Gryffin’s emotions and mental state. Overall, I really enjoyed this audio book and I cannot wait to listen to book two.
Ares (Nomad, Book 1) by K.A. Finn is a contemporary science fiction audio book that would appeal most to a mixed audience of teenagers, young adults, and adults who enjoy science fiction with romantic elements. Gryffin is a human cyborg hybrid who is the current Captain of the Nomad ship known as Ares; the Nomads are outlaws that practice piracy and offer protection to settlements for a price. Lieutenant Terra Rush serves on the Foundation ship Infinity that is tasked with preparing for colonization, but her life takes a sudden turn when she comes face to face with Nomad Gryffin and discovers that he is not the killing machine that the Foundation has labeled him. Do these two have what it takes to do what is right rather than what is easy?
Ares (Nomad, Book 1) by K.A. Finn is a well-produced audio book that was easy to enjoy. I quickly found myself falling in love with Gryffin’s ability to be both human and machine; the battle between his two halves made him a very interesting character that held my attention for the duration of the audio book. My favorite scene was the first meeting between Gryffin and Terra; I loved the way he saved her and then she helped him remove the bullet from his chest. The narrator of this audio book was Keith Michaelson. Mr. Michaelson is an accomplished voice actor who has narrated many audio books including, but not limited to Veritas Morte: A Science Fiction Novella, The Crystal Bridge: The Lost Shards, Volume 1, and Uncommon Purpose: The Hope Island Chronicles, Book 1. Mr. Michaelson's expertise in doing the voices for different characters really showed in his voice acting for Gryffin and Terra. I felt that his voicing of Gryffin really pulled me in with how he changed his voice based on Gryffin’s emotions and mental state. Overall, I really enjoyed this audio book and I cannot wait to listen to book two.
Recommend this book:
The Legend of Oescienne
The Finding
Jenna Elizabeth Johnson
2017 Bronze Medal
506 Pages
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Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed By Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite
The Legend of Oescienne - The Finding by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson is a fictional audio book that would appeal most to a mixed audience of children and young adults who enjoy the genre of action adventure and fantasy. Humans have been extinct for generations, ever since a curse forced them to live out their lives as dragons. Knowing this, dragon Jaax is astounded when a baby human girl is found in the province of Oescienne, yet he quickly takes responsibility for the young baby. Jahrra spends her time avoiding bullies and seeking adventure without worrying about the secrets her dragon mentor might be concealing from her, yet those secrets are very much a part of her as Jahrra quickly discovers as she fights to earn her place in the world.
The Legend of Oescienne - The Finding by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson has a very detailed cover that intrigued me and offered insight into what some of the characters and settings looked like. The book has a very interesting plot that pulled me in right from the moment Jaax was introduced. The author did a wonderful job of developing both Jaax and Jahrra, but I felt that some of the other characters could have benefited from being developed further. That, however, did not in any way detract from my enjoyment of the adventure that Jahrra found herself partaking in. The narrator of this audio book was Michael Ferraiuolo. Michael Ferraiuolo might be new to the voice acting scene, but you would not know it from his performance in this audio book. I really liked his voice when he was Jaax as it truly allowed me to get into the character’s mind and to understand Jaax as a character.
The Legend of Oescienne - The Finding by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson is a fictional audio book that would appeal most to a mixed audience of children and young adults who enjoy the genre of action adventure and fantasy. Humans have been extinct for generations, ever since a curse forced them to live out their lives as dragons. Knowing this, dragon Jaax is astounded when a baby human girl is found in the province of Oescienne, yet he quickly takes responsibility for the young baby. Jahrra spends her time avoiding bullies and seeking adventure without worrying about the secrets her dragon mentor might be concealing from her, yet those secrets are very much a part of her as Jahrra quickly discovers as she fights to earn her place in the world.
The Legend of Oescienne - The Finding by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson has a very detailed cover that intrigued me and offered insight into what some of the characters and settings looked like. The book has a very interesting plot that pulled me in right from the moment Jaax was introduced. The author did a wonderful job of developing both Jaax and Jahrra, but I felt that some of the other characters could have benefited from being developed further. That, however, did not in any way detract from my enjoyment of the adventure that Jahrra found herself partaking in. The narrator of this audio book was Michael Ferraiuolo. Michael Ferraiuolo might be new to the voice acting scene, but you would not know it from his performance in this audio book. I really liked his voice when he was Jaax as it truly allowed me to get into the character’s mind and to understand Jaax as a character.
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