Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life by Bryan R. Johnson is a book for young readers with powerful lessons. It features stories of seven students at Flint Elementary School and explores very relevant themes, including creativity, teamwork, friendship, bullying, adventure, and the importance of contributing to their society, of being valued, and the sense of belonging. We encounter a wide cast of characters that are elaborately developed: Jefferson, Sebastian, Genevieve, Talmage, Samantha, Alec, and Kaitlyn. The book starts with the story of Jefferson Johnson, a natural painter, who creates a beautiful mural to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the school, with a grand opening in the presence of the townsfolk, including the mayor. Each chapter has a story of each of the characters and the last chapter brings all of them together.

This is a book with great lessons for young readers and most grownups will feel strong resonances as they move from one story to the next and from one character to the next. The plot in each story is ingeniously done and each story has its climax and a satisfactory conclusion. Character handling is impeccable and the writing is tight and suitable for young readers. From the thematic development to the realism infused into the stories, Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life is a work that is exciting and that engages the reader right away.

The narrator did an awesome job and the audio doesn’t fail to capture the excitement of the story, the strong drama, and the humor that sets it apart. The male voice is strong and compelling, adjusting to the characters and the different situations. Bryan R. Johnson is one of my favorite children's authors and I loved how real the stories are as well as their educational benefit.

Reviewed by Sarah Stuart for Readers' Favorite

Trials & Tribulations of Modesty Greene: A Fictional Novel About Harriet Tubman’s Historical Legacy by D W Plato has settings that sweep from a very third-world country to North America, and the huge cast of characters is equally detailed and vivid. The reader experiences eighteenth-century Africa and how “Little Mo” is captured by slave traders and taken to work for the cruel Maryland plantation owner, Robert Banks, chosen at the request of his spoiled lesbian daughter, Ethel. Modesty Greene is “the Massa’s” property – his to force to work by any means, and her body his to rape. How Modesty survives to grow up, marry, and give birth to a dynasty that includes Araminta Ross – Harriet – is an intriguing story.

Trials & Tribulations of Modesty Greene opens with Mo’destee Vert, a young Senegambia teenager, in love and happy. Life as she knows it ends when her beloved father fails to prevent villagers being taken as slaves and shipped to America. At first, Modesty Greene, as she is now known, appears to be lucky, befriended by Ethel, Robert Banks’ daughter, but she is hated by her fellow slaves who assume she gets special treatment. A Muslim, she is at prayer when her master first rapes her. In Trials & Tribulations of Modesty Greene, D W Plato has written a worthy tribute to the real Harriet Tubman and I recommend it to everyone interested in history, freedom, women’s rights, or all three.

Trials & Tribulations of Modesty Greene lends itself particularly well to audio, perhaps because the author employed three narrators. Tishelle Peterson, Nene Nwoko, and Machelle Williams did an incredible job bringing Modesty Greene’s story to life. They each sounded so “right” in their part, and none of them had a problem when the character in question happened to be male or a descriptive section. It held my attention one hundred percent.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Tribulations of August Barton is a work of mature humorous fiction penned by author Jennifer LeBlanc, and this audiobook edition was narrated by James Oliva. The plot centers around Augie, our title character, who faces a coming of age as he prepares for life at college. Threads of his life are unravelling around him as the year begins, tipping the already anxious Augie over the edge. Just when things seem impossible enough, his retired grandmother Gertie decides to make a break for it and escapes her nursing home. As a retired prostitute, Gertie’s attitude couldn’t be further from Augie’s if she tried, but their unlikely pairing provides plenty of laughter and heart as the tale spins on.

Author Jennifer LeBlanc presents a riotous novella as Augie learns how to be a man from a woman who’s been there and done it all, and now wants to do it all again. The character development gives The Tribulations of August Barton its special quality, because they are both over the top but also highly relatable and representative of so many issues that people are actually dealing with at that vulnerable going-into-college time of their lives.

In terms of audiobook quality, the editing and clarity were superb to bring this short novella-length tale to life with plenty of pace and pathos. I particularly liked James Oliva’s many voices, male and female, which he twisted and developed just slightly over the top in order to make the characters really pop from a comedic point of view. This is a highly recommended tale only enhanced further by its audiobook edition.

Reviewed by Erin Nicole Cochran for Readers' Favorite

Norman Whaler’s Tiny Tim and The Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge is a sequel to the title we’ve all come to know and love by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. It falls right in step with the original book so that one could almost believe it was written by Charles Dickens himself, which makes the story even more magical. Norman Whaler creates the perfect tale with Tim, Becky and Jimmy as the three main characters. One of the lines that struck me the most were the words, “But she also knew in her heart that it was the habit of despair that ultimately condemned a soul.”

This book took me through a whole gamut of emotions. The death of Ebenezer Scrooge and the way that his corner of the world had loved him and treasured him in his older years was hard to go through. It felt like someone close to you in your own life was dying; it was so expertly conveyed through the story line. There were moments that transfixed me, taking me deep into another era. The message that Scrooge was able to bring to Tim is one that we all need to hear from time to time. It had a religious bent toward the end and I cherished that; it felt very right and perfectly placed. A story to be shared at Christmas time and all the year round with your dearest of loved ones, and even those who might seem curmudgeonly themselves. It is a treasure to be gifted over and over again.

The audiobook is narrated in a hauntingly beautiful tone by Gordon Griffin and Naomi Frederick. Gordon Griffin’s ability to convey so many voices, from young to old, is absolutely praiseworthy. He is a man of many talents, including composer, lyricist, and established actor to name but a few of his varied abilities. Scrooge could be voiced by no one else. Naomi Frederick’s ability to bring Becky to life and into our hearts was nothing short of masterful. I have to presume she voiced the many children in the book as well, which again was done brilliantly. Tiny Tim and The Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge was filled with creaking doors, footsteps, and the striking of church bells among other heartwarming and anxiety causing sounds that all pulled together to create an even more truly living world.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Behind Barbed Eyes is a work of suspenseful crime fiction penned by author Davina Kotulski, and narrated in its audiobook format by Emily Kleimo. The story follows criminal Bonnie Maldonado and her relationship with prison psychologist Dr. Victoria Thomas through a fascinating unpicking of the human psyche as they try to get to the root and the darkest secrets of why Bonnie does what she does. Portraying the harrowing life of women incarcerated and punished for their crimes, both psychologist and prisoner explore their own perceptions of right and wrong, and the world in general, to reach a breakthrough together.

Author Davina Kotulski weaves an authentic and realistic narrative of the lives of two women connecting deeply with one another from opposite sides of the bars. The prison regime is realistically and atmospherically portrayed with great attention to detail, and Victoria is at first presented with all the clinical precision one would expect. Bonnie comes in the opposite package, impassioned and wild, and together they tease out new and hidden qualities in the other which make the story exciting and powerful.

In terms of audiobook narration, I found narrator Emily Kleimo to be clear and concise in her reading, though not fully transformative of her voice to distinguish the characters. That said, the pacing really helps to build suspense and excitement in the most pivotal scenes, and the more emotionally sensitive moments were read with great compassion. The editing was also very clean, making Behind Barbed Eyes an excellent listening experience overall.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

The Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud: The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz, Book One by Jenny L. Cote is the retelling of the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, but from the point of view of the animals. Max is a Scottish terrier who was just following his daily routine when he hears a voice telling him to follow the fire cloud. Curious, he follows the voice only to find that he was not the only who was being summoned. On his way, he meets with Liz, Kate, Al and many other animals who travel through countries to find themselves in front of the ark. Now they have to get on the ark, brave the oncoming flood and survive. But things are not easy, especially when you consider there are many different species inside one huge boat. There is also something very sinister happening that no one can explain. It is up to Max and his set of friends to find out what is happening and if they can stop it before time runs out.

Denny Brownlee did an excellent job at not only narrating a story that most adults have heard at least once in their lives but also making it exceptionally entertaining for young children. His voice conveys emotions so clearly that you don’t have to try hard to become invested in the story. From simply reading the narrative or giving life to the dialogues, he ensures that his reader is not going anywhere until he is done.

The story itself is very well-written. It is educational, very informative and a great way to teach biblical stories to young children. The author did a wonderful job of making the story adventurous and entertaining. The pace was wonderful, the characters very well-written and given ample time to develop. The author gives lessons of having faith in God yet working hard in a subtle yet very impressive manner. Max is a very good protagonist; he is firm, intelligent, ready to help others and always there to help his friends. His friendship with Liz and the way he treated other animals was a great experience. I enjoyed this book and I hope the author has another one like this to share with us soon.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Cull – Bloodline is a work of vampire fantasy thriller fiction penned by author Eric J. Gates and presented in audiobook format by narrator Marnye Young. Set as a genre mix between the standard FBI thriller and a paranormal fantasy novel full of vampire conspiracies, we follow two powerful female heroines into the darkness as they discover things they never thought possible. The infamous serial killer the Blood Sucker must be caught, but the means to trap this mysterious figure involve way more sacrifice than Amy and her partner could ever imagine.

Author Eric J. Gates has reinvented all things vampiric for the modern time, turning his beasts into elite killers without any of the old-fashioned shtick that often made them so laughable. What results is a passionate and powerful tale that is genuinely frightening in many parts, and an intriguing criminal plotline which keeps you turning pages right to the end. The narration presents as a crisp crime thriller with a dark, wry edge, giving those little chilling moments where it’s clear that something very bad will happen soon.

In terms of audiobook quality, the narration by Marnye Young provides much to enjoy. Editing quality and clean, crisp audio aid Young in her wry presentation, offering a slick performance that feels confidently delivered. The style adds flair to the characters themselves, lifting the novel to another level of smooth enjoyment, but with an excellent balance when the truly thrilling moments kick in. Overall, The Cull – Bloodline is a powerhouse of crime and fantasy fiction and a superb start to an engaging new series.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Tall Chimneys: One Woman, One House, One Hundred Years is a work of twentieth-century historical drama and romance, penned by author Alice Cresswell and narrated in audiobook format by Danielle Cohen. The plot centers around Evelyn Talbot, who is extracted from her family and sent to the titular stately home as penance for being troublesome. But Evelyn connects with the old gothic home, fearing its slow abandonment and demise if she does not stay to maintain it. So when the chance of a romance comes her way, Evelyn must decide between the solace in the world which Tall Chimneys provides, and the happiness that may await her elsewhere.

Author Alice Cresswell breathes life into the dark corners and gloomy fixtures of a traditional English stately home, offering a gorgeous, distanced snapshot of British history amid a kind of ethereal, removed splendor at the house itself. The emotional arc of the central character and those whom she meets along the way is powerful and well delivered, running smoothly alongside the action of the plot. A deep connection between reader and audience is achieved in the narration and the close access which we have to Evelyn’s personal feelings and reactions.

In terms of audiobook quality, narrator Danielle Cohen has an authentic Northern accent that adds atmosphere and credence to the setting of the Yorkshire moors. There’s a timeless quality to her voice which informs the action well and brings it to life, and the audio quality and editing are suitably faultless. Overall, Tall Chimneys: One Woman, One House, One Hundred Years is a fascinating and highly engaging work that will please historical drama fans everywhere.

Reviewed by Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite

It is amazing how visually stimulating the audio presentation of a book can be, especially a book as evocative and superbly written as The Whip by Karen Kondazian when professionally narrated by the skillful and impressive Robin Weigert. Of course, the story carries most of the weight, and this story is based on a true historical figure of immense interest. Charley Parkhurst was a strong, enduring Western woman of the 1800s, who took on the look and persona of a man in order to survive and utilize her impressive horse-handling skills as a stagecoach driver. The narrative fulfills beyond measure the storyteller’s challenging task of handling and maintaining an avid reader’s interest. And rest assured, both Kondazian and Weigert succeed terrifically in presenting Charley Parkhurst’s compelling tale.

At its heart, The Whip by Karen Kondazian is a deeply engaging, fully authentic rendering of the Old West as experienced first by one young, naive orphaned girl, Charlotte Parkhurst, then by herself as a young maturing woman, and finally as a battle-scarred widow and surviving mother in a truly hard-scrabble life, one eventually lived by necessity and temperament as an independent, solitary man in a world dictated by such men’s rather boorish ways and wants. She masters the man’s world well, but at an extraordinary cost. It is Charley Parkhurst’s payment of this cost that makes for such compelling reading, and for listening in this special audiobook edition. Both Kondazian and Weigert excel magnificently at bringing into vivid presence the historical reality of a truly amazing woman. Bravo to them all!

As to the quality of the audiobook itself, one can only admire the immense amount of effort put into making this one so masterful. Technically, the production is flawless. The audio is clear, well-defined, and precise. The narration is skilled beyond any rightful expectation. Robin Weigert obviously studied the book and its characters in depth before putting voices to them. The result is more like listening to a movie than simply having a book read out loud. This allows the listener to deeply inhabit a powerful story while also experiencing a fine piece of literature.

Reviewed by Justine Reyes for Readers' Favorite

C.F. Waller is no stranger to writing science fiction, in fact, Palindrome 656 is one of his many works of fiction. In Palindrome 656 we are introduced to Hannah Reinier, a physically augmented, tough and sardonic borderline sociopath who smoke cigarettes almost as much as she breathes. She recounts the incidents which led up to her present situation, which involves interrogations from a shady organization known as the Union. Immediately we get the sense that Hannah is an excellent sport when it comes to mind games. Palindrome 656 is a tasteful mixture of thriller, mystery, and tech-noir. For those unfamiliar with the term, it is a mixture of science fiction and noir, specifically taking place in the near to distant future.

I have never read anything like Palindrome 656. The science fiction I am used to has always been the sort where there are time travelers, synths, and dystopian or post-apocalyptic societies. I would often avoid reading anything that had to do with outer space and especially spaceships. I often regarded those two things as being lame and overly action-packed, but C.F. Waller truly changed my perspective on this sort of sci-fi. It is a slow burn of suspense that honestly pays off in the end. Charlotte Kyle narrates Palindrome 656, and her narration immersed and entertained me. Charlotte Kyle absolutely brought Hannah and the other characters to life. Along with her narration, the ambient music of the intro and outro added to the atmosphere, like the cherry on top of a sundae.