Audio Book Review: Scoring Off The Ice (Ice Kings) by Stacey Lynn Narrated by Meg Price, James Cassidy

Scoring Off The Ice is the second book in the Ice Kings series by Stacey Lynn. The audiobook is narrated by Meg Price and James Cassidy. Sometimes scoring off the ice leads to the greatest rewards. I’ve had only one goal in life since I first strapped on a pair of skates, make America’s pro hockey league. I left Denmark. I made it to the top. Now, I’m determined to be the best. No distractions. I eat, sleep, and breathe hockey. Until my birthday when my teammates convince me to live a little. But living a little takes on a whole new meaning when less than a year later I’m confronted with a crying baby on my doorstep, drooling on a note that declares he’s mine. Suddenly, I'm a single dad in way over my head. There is no playbook for situations like this. Luckily, I have Paisley. My gorgeous neighbor, my long-time crush, and now—my savior. She’s there any time I need her. Helping. Guiding. Gazing at me with those green eyes that make me feel capable of this after all. With her at my side, I’m quickly learning there’s more to life than winning a hockey game.

Scoring Off The Ice is a book that left me with mixed feelings. Like the previous book in the series, I really enjoyed the dual narrators for the audiobook. It really made the characters that much more real to me. I really liked both the characters at the start, but really enjoyed Mikah more in short order. He felt more fleshed out, and I really liked the stark contrast between the big hockey player appearance and the sweet and awkward personality as he tries to navigate everything in his life. Even when uncertain, he is still willing to fight for what he wants and what he thinks is the right thing. I just really liked him, and how mach he cared about others. On the other hand I started off liking Paisley, but she confused me. One minute she is against any relationship or connection to Mikah- the next she is busting out a curve hugging dress for diner at his place and is all in. Yes, woman can change our minds but she left me with whiplash. I liked the set up, and how the majority of the story is written, and I found some of the reactions and interactions realistic, and others a bit less so. I enjoyed the listen, it just did not grab me like I had expected, and hoped for. 

Scoring Off The Ice is an entertaining read, but I just did not get lost in the story. 

Audio Book Review: Absolutely Everything!: A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things Too Numerous to Mention by Christopher Lloyd

Absolutely Everything!: A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things Too Numerous to Mention is written and narrated by Christopher Lloyd. Buckle up for an extraordinary ride through the 14-billion year history of absolutely everything! This remarkable story (which is far more amazing than anything you can make up) sweeps through natural history with the creation of planet Earth, the beginning of life, the age of dinosaurs, mass extinctions, and the rise of prehistoric humans. The story then leaps through the ancient civilizations and into medieval times, where wars, revolutions, and scientific inventions reshape the world. Finally, we arrive in the modern age which brings with it new challenges of pollution, climate change, viral pandemics, and much more. How will a world of 8 billion humans survive in the future? 

Absolutely Everything! is fast paced and a fascinating overview of the history and science of our world. LLoyd's narration is very well done. I love audiobooks read by the author, because their excitement about the subject matter often shines through, and that is certainly true in this case. It does not hurt that he just has a wonderful voice, and I think I could listen to Llyod narrate just about anything quite happily.  I found myself stopping the other tasks I was attempting to do while listening, like cleaning or cooking dinner, to give the audio my full attention. It was just such a well done explanation of interesting information- some of which I knew, but most went well beyond what I already understood- and then connected those smaller topics together for a bigger picture.  I was very happy that the chapters were split up the way they were, because that allowed me to investigate and read further on some of the shared information before moving on to the next part. Perfect for car rides, or for inclusion in distance learning or home schooling to help understand the way the world itself was shaped, and the effect we and he rest of the living creatures of the world have on it.

Absolutely Everything! is a wonderful book for all ages. It gives a nice broad understanding of the world and Lloyd's narration is engaging and animated. 

Audio Book Review: Playing To Win (Ice Kings) by Stacey Lynn, Narrated by Liam DiCosimo, Stella Hunter

 Playing To Win is the first book in the Ice Kings series written by Stacey Lynn and narrated by Liam DiCosimo and Stella Hunter. It was a three-week fling. Nothing more than a couple of college kids having some fun, but then I did the stupid thing and fell for Jude Taylor quicker than he can score a goal on the ice. And after one beautiful night together, he left for the pros before I could make my first cup of coffee. I thought I’d put him behind me. I thought I’d moved on. Then he hobbles into my physical therapy office and I realize how absolutely wrong I’ve been - there’s no getting over Jude Taylor. But now things are complicated. Jude lives half a country away and his career is in direct opposition to my need for stability. Most of all, getting involved with him could mean losing my job and everything I’ve worked so hard for. Jude doesn’t seem to mind one bit and he’s all in. He might be a patient in my office, but he’s no longer the patient guy I remember.

Playing To Win is the third or fourth book I have read (or listened to) from this author. I rarely listen to romance, usually choosing to read rather than listen, but the narrators might have made me a bit more willing to listen, at least with my headphones though maybe not in my car. I enjoyed the voice work and thought the tension and emotions were well done, and I really enjoyed the effect of dual narrators. I liked the characters, and the build up of their story. Second chance romances are not my favorite trope, but when done well they are fantastic and this story does it well. Jude is a good guy that just happens to be a hockey player. He fell hard for Kate, but just when he had his chance with her he made it pro in hockey and it never had a chance to grow. Now they have another chance, but her career may be on the line and fears about his injury bringing his career to an end way too early are huge obstacles that need to be faced.  I really enjoyed them finding their way back to each other, and I liked the secondary characters. I felt like there was plenty of room left for this series to continue with more books. My biggest complaint was not finding out why two of the secondary characters seem to dislike others with no explanation, and why a couple I am sure will have their own book soon are clinging so hard to just being friends. I fully expect to keep following this series just to see if I get those answers.

Playing To Win is an entertaining and engaging romance novel, fans of second chance romance and sports romance will particularly enjoy it. 

Audio Book Review: Angels, Demons, and Designer Shoes by Sandra Sookoo, Narrated by Anneliese Rennie, Alan Adelberg

Angels, Demons, and Designer Shoes was written by Sandra Sookoo and narrated by Anneliese Rennie and Alan Adelberg. Anne Jenkins never bought into the concept of a heaven or hell, but when she’s rescued from a runaway horse hurtling toward a steep ravine by a guy who claims he’s a demon, her freak detector goes off. When she demands proof, the leather-clad biker sets some local wildlife on fire. She starts to believe in a hurry. IRS agent Gregg Carter, bound to the Devil for all eternity for an audit gone wrong, seizes the opportunity to take possession of Anne’s soul as a way to please his boss. What he didn’t count on was the fact his libido would take the one-way bus to crazy town as he gets to know her better. When dreams of a future come calling, he’s screwed. Trouble is, Anne and Gregg spend so much time trying to hide their true selves from each other, that they can’t escape their mutual attraction. But everyone knows demons and humans don’t mix, and neither can two people destined for two different eternities. In the matter of heaven or hell, maybe the answer is somewhere in between.

Angels, Demons, and Designer Shoes took me a bit to get into. While I really like the use of dual narrators, and think they did a good job, they are not my favorite audiobook readers. I have heard some great narrators and think I am a little spoiled because of that. I was deep into chapter three before I started getting interested in the story. It reminded me a bit of the early MaryJanice Davidson or Angie Fox books, blending paranormal, humor, and romance.  The dance between Gregg and Anna was sometimes very entertaining, other times a little dull or annoying. My favorite character was Anne's grandmother- who was sneaky with secrets and manipulation working them both towards a happy ending. I was a little annoyed with Anne's insecurities and her fluctuation between repressed nice girl and teasing with a lollipop and whiny more often than not. However, I did like that we got the inner thoughts from both Anne and Gregg as they were bumbling around in their own feelings and motives. I thought that there were some good ideas here, and that the twists and turns were well thought out. There was a good deal of potential here, but it never really grabbed my attention. I think I would rather read, or listen to, a story about Anne's grandmother, who seems to have lived a very interesting life and was more than a little manipulative, than Anne and Gregg. 

Angels, Demons, and Designer Shoes is a story with some potential and that might be a good weekend read. 

Book Review: Dark Queen (Jane Yellowrock) by Faith Hunter

Dark Queen is the twelfth book in the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter. You do need to read this series in order to get a firm grasp on the characters and the relationships. I do not recommend jumping in here, or in the middle. However, it is a fabulous series so I do recommend reading it, it is worth it.

As Enforcer to the vampire Master of the City of New Orleans, Jane Yellowrock stakes her reputation and her life on keeping her territory safe. But Leo has been issued a blood challenge by the emperor of the European vampires, who seeks to usurp all of his power and possessions. If Leo loses the match to the death, the city will be forfeit, and the people of New Orleans will suffer the consequences. Jane can't let that happen. Preparing for the duel requires all of Jane's focus, but with so much supernatural power in play, nothing goes according to plan. She has to rely on herself and the very few people she knows she can trust to stand and fight. Only two things are guaranteed: nothing is sacred, and no one is safe.

Dark Queen is more than I expected. I will admit that I have listened to the majority of this series via audiobook (and the readers is fabulous!) and I missed the voices, inflections, and cadence of the reader. My inner voice cannot compare to the audiobooks. However, after a while I was able to get past my longing for that voice and truly get sucked into the story like I always do. Jane has so much going on- still coming to terms with caring about so many people and her inability to protect them all the way she wants. Emotions are not her forte, and I can relate to her on that level. The upcoming battle, issues tied to the timeshifting, the brother coming out of nowhere, and more are all coming at her too fast to process, and she is barely hanging on. There are surprises and resolutions tied into the duel and not a dull moment to skim. Readers that have loved and followed the series thus far will both love and hate this read. I admit to fearing that this might be the last we see of Jane more than once, and worry just what will happen in this world next. I almost expected a different twist at the end, and had mixed feelings with the reveal- even though I already had it in the back of my mind. The ending left me needing the next Yellowrock or Soulwood book badly, to see what is to come, but hopeful. 

Dark Queen is a powerful addition to the series, and held some twists that had me seriously worried, and struck oddly close to home because of current family complications. 

Book Review: Diary of a Mad Brownie by Bruce Coville

Diary of a Mad Brownie by Bruce Coville is a children's chapterbook including diary entries and other documents (like notes from teachers). It is part of the Enchanted Files series, which includes a number of fantasy books that can all be read as stand alones. I listened to the audiobook with my children, which is delightfully done in full cast audio. Angus is a brownie, a tiny magical creature that loves to do chores. Angus has just “inherited” a new human girl, Alex. To say that Alex is messy would be an understatement. She’s a total hurricane-like disaster—and she likes it that way! Living with each other isn’t easy but Angus and Alex soon learn there is a curse that binds them. What’s worse, it threatens Alex’s family! Working together, Angus and Alex will set out to break the curse, without killing each other first, hopefully.

Diary of a Mad Brownie was a fun listen in the car, and the full cast audio certainly added dynamics to the story. I have never listened to full cast before, and will be looking for more in the future. The story itself met my expectations for the author. The characters are realistic, not perfectly good or bad. The humor is well done, sometimes silly and sometimes more for the older kids and parents that might be reading or listening aloud. There are some dramatic moments, nothing that would really scare either of my kids but dramatic enough to keep them both engaged. I really enjoyed the world building and combination of legends from a few different cultures. While none of the creatures of legends were new to me, they were new to me children and I enjoyed having the chance to explain and expand on them further after the book was over.

Diary of a Mad Brownie is a fun story that had my kids talking about what was happening in the audio book even when we are not in the car, which rarely happens. I think readers that enjoy fantasy, humor, and adventure all wrapped up together will enjoy the read.

Book Review: Burkheart Witch Saga Box Set Books 1-3 by Christine Sutton, Julia Whelan

Burkheart Witch Saga Box Set Books 1-3 is an urban fantasy series by Christine Sutton, the audiobook is read by Julia Whelan. The women of the Burkheart family are special. As witches, they have magical abilities.These witches serve the side of good as they battle werewolves, vampires, evil witches and all manner of fairy tale creatures. Follow their family as each generation fights to survive in a world of fairytale magic.Will the Burkheart line survive or will the forces of evil win out in the end?

Red Snow, Book 1: When Kayla embarks on a drive from Washington to Texas, she is just doing her job. When the black 1967 Impala starts showing up at every turn, she starts to think it might be more than coincidence. When the mysterious driver leaves her a note, she is engulfed in a race for her life. Kayla is tasked with defeating vampires, werewolves, and evil witches that threaten to destroy her happiness and her very life! Will she get her happily ever after, or will she fall victim to the evil that courses through her veins? Red Snow is an urban retelling of a classic fairy tale.

Let Me In, Book 2: Kayla has returned home to find that the fairy tale continues. She finds out some facts about her family history that may be her ultimate undoing. With the help of a coven of witches, Kayla is tasked with defeating vampires, werewolves, and evil witches that threaten to destroy her happiness and her very life! Will she get her happily ever after, or will she fall victim to the evil that courses through her veins? This novella will take you through a whirlwind as you join Kayla on another fairy tale adventure.

One Wish, Book 3: Little Grace is all grown up with a baby of her own on the way, but the fairy tale magic that follows her family is not done with them yet! A devastating loss has hit the Burkhearts, shaking the entire family to its very core. There is little time to grieve before evil witches, werewolves, vampires, and a force that Grace can't even imagine try to ruin the family. Can Grace make everything right? Can the family band together and defeat the evil that threatens to destroy them? Listen to this third installment in the series and see if everything can be righted with just one wish.

Burkheart Witch Saga starts off pretty good. Kayla is just trying to get away from her leads than pleasant mother and make a life for herself when she finds herself dragged into a world of witches, werewolves, vampires and more through no fault of her own. I liked Kayla's spunk and willingness to fight for herself and those she cared about, and to do the right thing even when it hurt. Grace has the same spark and determination in the next book, and I liked that David occasionally gets to step out of the background and help out. Later other background and side characters get a chance to step up as well. However, most of the time the majority of the characters were a little flat, and while the fairy tale connection was clear, they felt uninteresting and predictable. Since I listened to the audiobook I found the fact that the chapters did not reset after each book to be confusing. There was more that one point in which I wondered if I was listening to an epilogue to one section or a prologue or first chapter of the next. Frankly by the end I only kept listening because I had already invested so many hours into the book that I had to hear the final resolution. Then the book ends with a tease for the fourth book!

There was nothing particularly wrong with the book, I just started to loose interest after a bit, and it started to feel repetitive even when the big bad and heroine changed. I think if I took it one book, or part, at a time with other reading in between I would have felt a little differently. 

Book Review: Silver Bullet (Preternatural Affairs #2) by S.M. Reine

Silver Bullet is the second book in the Preternatural Affairs urban fantasy series by S.M. Reine. I listened to the audiobook which is read by Jeffrey Kafer. This series does have major plot points that build upon each other. I do not recommend skipping ahead. If this sounds book interesting to you, I would start at the beginning with Witch Hunt. Knowing who everyone is, and the intricacies of their connections, is key to fully understanding and enjoying the read.

Former private investigator Cèsar Hawke has one rule: He doesn't deal with dead bodies. That's why he enlisted with the Magical Violations Department in the Office of Preternatural Affairs. He's happy tracking down witches that commit petty crimes, but he leaves the homicides to other agents. Except that he's been assigned to a new team and the job has suddenly changed. Now Cèsar has to deal with dead bodies. He also has to deal with necromancers, murderous cults, and demons that can stop a man's heart with fear. This isn't the job he signed up for, but it's the job he needs to do. If he survives the first week.

Silver Bullet picks up right after Witch Hunt ends. Cèsar and crew on an investigation trying to find the source of a flux in demonic energy. This leads them into a casino run by demons, and on the tail of werewolves, a cult, and an ancient power that seems to be waking up. Between the living nightmare demons, the giant spiders, and the apple cult hunting for stones of power no one is happy. The additional help of a few Union members adds a little back up for a team that received little to no training on demons, and is now deep in demons. I like that the character building and action continue in high gear, with magic is less important this time around. I liked getting deeper into the psyche of Cèsar, Fritz and Suzy- although Isobel is still a bit of a mystery. I also like that while there are hints of attraction between characters romance is a back burner storyline, rather than taking over the entire story.  I find this to be a grittier series than my much loved Dresden Files from Jim Butcher, but about equal in wit and smart alekcy comments.

Silver Bullet is a great balance of the paranormal and mystery. There is plenty of sardonic wit, action, hold your breath moments, and silliness to boot. A fast and fun serious to keep happy readers up well past their bedtime.  Listeners get the bonus of being able to listen to the talented Jeffrey Kafer do some high class voice acting at the some time as they get lost in Cèsar's world.

Book Review: Bossypants by Tina Fey

Bossypants by Tina Fey is her memoir. I listened to the audiobook which she read herself. Before Liz Lemon, before "Weekend Update," before "Sarah Palin," Tina Fey was just a young girl with a dream: a recurring stress dream that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. She also had a dream that one day she would be a comedian on TV. She has seen both these dreams come true. This book includes stories from her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live; from her passionately halfhearted pursuit of physical beauty to her life as a mother eating things off the floor; from her one-sided college romance to her nearly fatal honeymoon—from the beginning of this paragraph to this final sentence.

Bossypants is a memoir that includes many short stories from Tina Fey's life. I like that the snark and humor that I love about Tina Fey is present in every story. The book was made even better by the fact that she did the audiobook recording herself, so her inflections and asides just made the experience that much better. I did not like that the book was not really a comprehensive memoir or biography, instead it was a collection of the stories she was willing to talk about from her life. There were some pretty big parts of her life that were left out. For instance, one moment she was telling her story about working in improve, and then she was talking about her honeymoon cruise. Nothing was said of getting married or other really important moments that lead up to some of the stories she did share. I loved what was there, but I kind of wanted more.

Bossypants is a funny and sometimes thought provoking book. I was highly entertained, and recommend listening to the audiobook. Tina Fey's humor and wit shine4 through, and some of her early experiences, and parenting experiences, felt very familiar to me. It just made me want to sit down and talk over coffee with her more. 

Book Review: The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher

The Aeronaut's Windlass is the first book in The Cinder Spires series by Jim Butcher. The audiobook is narrated by Euan Morton.

The official blurb reads, "Captain Grimm commands the merchant ship, Predator. Fiercely loyal to Spire Albion, he has taken their side in the cold war with Spire Aurora, disrupting the enemy’s shipping lines by attacking their cargo vessels. But when the Predator is severely damaged in combat, leaving captain and crew grounded, Grimm is offered a proposition from the Spirearch of Albion—to join a team of agents on a vital mission in exchange for fully restoring Predator to its fighting glory. And even as Grimm undertakes this dangerous task, he will learn that the conflict between the Spires is merely a premonition of things to come. Humanity’s ancient enemy, silent for more than ten thousand years, has begun to stir once more. And death will follow in its wake…"

The Aeronaut's Windlass is much more than the blurb leads you to expect. The story is written through multiple points of view, and while Captain Grimm is very important and a major player in the story there are also guard cadets Gwen Lancaster and Bridget Tagwynn who each have their own significant back stories and roles to play. There is also Gwen's cousin Guard Lieutenant Benedict Sorellin-Lancaster,  the young female Etherialist Apprentice Folly and her master, and last but far from least Rowl of the Nine Claws- a cat and Bridget's protector. Each character is multidimensional and faces their own trials as well as the mutual effort to protect their home from invading marines.  There is a good abount of world building, even more character development, and still more action. There are air abattles, street fights, fires, battles against powerful creatures and unknown forces. There is magic, technology, and good old fashion bravery at every turn. Very much a solid read that one can sink their teeth into, and very much something from Jim Butcher.

The Aeronaut's Windlass is a thick and impressive venture. Butcher manages to cover all the world building without overwhelming the reader. The amount of information about the Spires and society of the world introduced is covered pretty neatly. It is the number of characters and the depth of each that might be a little overwhelming to readers. However, as characters and their interactions are what makes a book for me, I was thrilled with the overall effect. To top that off there are so many battles and struggles, including those of sheer will, that never let the tension lessen. I am very much looking forward to the continuation of this series, though I hope Butcher keeps up his quality of the Dresden Files series as well.

Book Review: A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd, Cassandra Morris

A Snicker of Magic is a children's novel written by Natalie Lloyd, and the audiobook is narrated by Cassandra Morris. Midnight Gulch used to be a magical place, a town where people could sing up thunderstorms and dance up sunflowers. But that was long ago, before a curse drove the magic away. When Twelve-year-old Felicity arrives in Midnight Gulch, she thinks her luck's about to change. A "word collector," Felicity sees words everywhere; shining above strangers, tucked into church eves, and tangled up her dog's floppy ears, but Midnight Gulch is the first place she's ever seen the word "home." And then there's Jonah, a mysterious, spiky-haired do-gooder who shimmers with words Felicity's never seen before, words that make Felicity's heart beat a little faster. Felicity wants to stay in Midnight Gulch more than anything, but first, she'll need to figure out how to bring back the magic, breaking the spell that's been cast over the town, and her mother's broken heart.

A Snicker of Magic is a coming of age story, Felicity needs to learn to trust herself and her abilities, as well as face her fears. While she finally feels she has found home, she still worries that she will be uprooted, that she will embarrass herself in a big way, and that she will forever be followed by the word lonely rather than home. Her mother, and many others, have

A Snicker of Magic is a sweet and heart warming story. I liked the variety of characters in Midnight Gultch, and their quirks, But, I will say that in listening to the story with my kiddos in the car we all got a little antsy for the ending before it was ready. It was still an interesting and entertaining book, but I think it could have been a little more condensed. 

Book Review: Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris

Midnight Crossroad is the first book in the Midnight, Texas series by Charlaine Harris. The audio book version is narrated by Susan Bennet. If you remember, I read the second book in this series, Day Shift, first and promised to go back and read the first. I am very glad I did. 

Welcome to Midnight, Texas, a town with many boarded-up windows and few full-time inhabitants, located at the crossing of Witch Light Road and Davy Road. It's a pretty standard dried-up western town. There's a pawnshop (someone lives in the basement and is seen only at night). There's a diner (people who are just passing through tend not to linger). And there's new resident Manfred Bernardo, who thinks he's found the perfect place to work in private (and who has secrets of his own). Stop at the one traffic light in town, and everything looks normal. That is far from the truth.

Midnight Crossroad made me happy very quickly. The set up for the tiny town, which appears to be a boring and dried up Texas town is a slow build up. Everyone in the town has some secrets and a past they do not want to share. Bobo is just about the most normal character in the town, and he has his own secrets. His grandfather was a white supremacists whose actions have lead those of similar mindset looking for Bobo in search of weapons. Harris fans will see references to the Shakespeare series in Bobo’s backstory (which made me very, very happy). Manfred is Bobo’s newest tenant- and our connection to the Harper Connelly series (and Sookie for that matter). He is a psychic looking for a quiet town and a place that does not ask questions. He has found that in Midnight, but he has also found many questions he wants to ask, but should not. After Manfred gets settled in a bit the trouble comes to town. Bobo’s missing girlfriend is found dead and the hunt for the murderer is on. Outsiders suspect Bobo, but no one in Midnight believes it. Readers and Manfred discover more about this town and its inhabitants than any of those inhabitants might like but answers are found. This has a closer feel to many of Harris’s mysteries than her Sookie series, so readers that became disenchanted with her writing towards the end of Sookie’s run- and after watching any True Blood- will be released with this new series.

A few caveats here. I am not sure who exactly the main character of this series is, although I think it is the town. Readers that do not handle reading books that switch between several points of view will be frustrated here. While this keeps the reader on their toes, it can be very frustrating. Most of the characters are given equal weight, and sketchy pasts. I think the only exception here Is Madonna and Teacher- I have yet to see much about their history. I think rendering the second first book was actually a good thing in this case, because I had a good grasp on who the main players were before I even started. 

Midnight Crossroad is the opening mystery to a series that could be fantastic. I am going to keep reading this series. I still want to know more about these characters, their town, and why they found themselves in Midnight. The changing points of view can be frustrating, but in a series that depends so much on secrets it just might be necessary.  

Book Review: My Haunted House by Angie Sage, Jimmy Pickering

My Haunted House is the first book in the Araminta Spookie children’s series written by Angie Sage and illustrated by Jimmy Pickering. The audiobook version is read by Katherine Kellgren. If you remember, I read the sixth book in this series, Gargoyle Hall, and felt like I had to go back and see how the whole series began. I was not disappointed. Araminta Spookie lives in a wonderful old haunted house, but her cranky aunt Tabby wants to move. Aunt Tabby is determined to sell their house and Araminta is determined to stop her! With the help of a haunted suit of armor named Sir Horace, a ghost named Edmund, and a lot of imagination, Araminta hatches a plot for an Awful Ambush that is so ghoulish, it just might work!

My Haunted House is a fun story that follows Araminta’s quest to keep her home. She is a quirky girl with a love for ghosts, spiders, and all things spooky. She is prepared for faking hauntings and exploring secret passages, while her Aunt Tabby is fighting with a boiler that does not want to work. Selling the house is the Aunt’s solution- but Minty is not taking the plan in stride. She does everything she can to stop any buyers from purchasing the house. The schemes are outrageous, and the discovery of two real ghosts makes the idea of leaving even less pleasant. Things get crazy, and messy, but when Minty’s plans do not work as planned the solution just might make things even better than she could have imagined.

My Haunted House is  a fun and sometimes silly story that will capture the imaginations of many children. I think reluctant readers and eager readers alike will enjoy the story, and be looking for more. The illustrations in the book are a perfect companion to the story, while the narrator in the audiobook does a great job with different voices for characters. Both are winners, and for readers that have trouble decoding books using the two in tandem could be a very useful strategy. 

Book Review: Prudence by Gail Carriger and Moira Quirk

Prudence is the first book in The Custard Protocol series written by Gail Carriger. I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by Moira Quirk. This series can stand on its own, but Carriger fans that have already finished the The Parasol Protectorate Series and the The Finishing School Series will definitely be at an advantage. My personal disclaimer, I love the world Carriger created with her steampunk series. These books are my well loved and slightly addictive snack food, and I love them!

When Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama (Rue to her friends) is given an unexpected dirigible, she does what any sensible female would under similar circumstances, she names it the Spotted Custard and floats to India in pursuit of the perfect cup of tea. But India has more than just tea on offer. Rue stumbles upon a plot involving local dissidents, a kidnapped brigadier's wife, and some awfully familiar Scottish werewolves. Faced with a dire crisis and an embarrassing lack of bloomers, what else is a young lady of good breeding to do but turn metanatural and find out everyone's secrets, even thousand-year-old fuzzy ones?

Prudence was both exactly what I expected, and a complete surprise. I will admit that I did not read any of the descriptions or reviews of this book. I knew that it was focused on the daughter of the main characters in the Parasol Protectorate series, and that she was a metanatural, and hence able to steal the supernatural abilities of anyone she touches. Where she was heading and why, I left all that as a surprise as I listened to the story. I enjoyed that Prudence went where none of her parents traveled and met creatures that had not appeared in previous books. I loved the looks at the characters remembered or mentioned in previous books, as characters in their own right. The politics and balances are just minor points to me, but getting to know the characters that I had only seen as children previously as capable and very independent adults made me very happy. I do not want to talk too much about the plots or character interactions, because discovering them piece by piece is part of the joy in reading this book.  My only disappointment is that now I will need to wait for the next book in the series.

Prudence is as much fun as I expected. I wished that I could have kept myself from listening to the audio book a little bit long, only so that my wait for the second book would be shorter. The reader does a great job with voices, accents, and inflection. This made the listening even better than expected. 

Book Review: Timeless by Gail Carriger

Timeless is the fifth and final book in the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger. I listened to the audiobook, which was wonderfully narrated by Emily Gray. Alexia Tarabotti has settled into domestic bliss; including integrating werewolves into London High society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler who is prone to turning supernatural with a touch. Even Ivy Tunstell's acting troupe's latest play cannot put a dampener on Alexia's enjoyment of her new London lifestyle. At least until she receives a summons from Alexandria that cannot be ignored. With husband, child, and Tunstells in tow Alexia boards a steamer to cross the Mediterranean. But Egypt may hold more mysteries than even the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle. What does the vampire Queen of the Alexandria Hive really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy Tunstell suddenly become the most popular actress in all the British Empire?

Timeless does a wonderful job of introducing fans of series to Prudence, the infant inconvenience, while answering many of the questions and mysteries that have arisen through the series. Readers get some long awaited closure on what well happen with some of their favorite characters in the future while enjoying a fast paced and  wildly amusing ride (as always). I greatly enjoyed the madcap journey and the wonders of Egypt, as well as the action and mysteries that needed attending to. If you have enjoyed the series thus far you need to read this book. It is entertaining and draws you in without letting go until the story is done. Of course, now I need to read the short story about Alexia's father and the new series that is just starting staring Prudence. Frankly, I can't wait!

Timeless is the perfect close to a wonderful series. Carriger's writing is like chocolate covered pretzels, so good and addictive but not necessarily vitamin and nutrient rich. Although I do occasionally dream about the world and characters for a few days after finishing any of her books. Just read, or listen to the fabulous audio version, and enjoy!

Book Review: Heartless by Gail Carrier

Heartless is the forth book in the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger. The audiobook is read by  Emily Gray. This is a series that you definitely need to read or listen to in order.

Lady Alexia Maccon, receives a disjointed message from a ghost that is losing substance.  Now she is investigating a threat to the Queen, following a trail that leads her deep into her husband's past. Top that off with a sister who has joined the suffragette movement, Madame Lefoux's latest mechanical invention, and a plague of zombie porcupines and Alexia barely has time to remember she happens to be eight months pregnant. Will Alexia manage to determine who is trying to kill Queen Victoria before it is too late? Is it the vampires again or is there a traitor lurking about in wolf's clothing? And what, exactly, has taken up residence in Lord Akeldama's second best closet?

Heartless is another exciting and entertaining romp in a world that combines steampunk with mystery and the paranormal. This time Alexia is very pregnant and dealing with the protectiveness that comes with that while still trying to do her job to save Queen and Country. The balance is difficult, especially with mechanical but zombie like porcupines trying to kill her. While Akeldama, Lyall, and crew come up with a solution for one problem the larger issue of a threat to the Queen still looms in Alexia's mind. I will admit that I saw that threat, and some of its details, coming before the big reveal I was not disappointed in its delivery. Alexia can be forgiven for not seeing it sooner since she is eight months pregnant has has quite a bit on her mind. Be prepared for great humor and a fair share of explosions and battles before this book has its big conclusion.

If you have read and enjoyed the first three books, then you need to keep on going with Heartless. It is fun, exciting, and answers a number of questions that we had so far throughout this series. Although, seeing as I have listened to the last two, and will continue to listen to the rest of this series, I would like to suggest that if you enjoy audiobooks, and this series- then listen to it! Emily Gray does a wonderful job with it.  

Book Review: Blameless by Gail Carriger

Blameless is the third book in the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger. The audiobook is read Emily Gray. This is a series that you definitely need to read or listen to in order.

Quitting her husband's house and moving back in with her horrible family, Lady Maccon becomes the scandal of the London season. Queen Victoria dismisses her from the Shadow Council, and the only person who can explain anything, Lord Akeldama, unexpectedly leaves town. In short order, Alexia is attacked by homicidal mechanical ladybugs. While Lord Maccon elects to get progressively more inebriated and Professor Lyall desperately tries to hold the Woolsey werewolf pack together, Alexia flees England for Italy in search of the mysterious Templars. Only they know enough about the preternatural to explain her increasingly inconvenient condition, but they may be worse than the vampires, although they are armed with pesto.

Blameless is a continuation of a series that combines steampunk, paranormal characters, and loads of humor. Alexia continues to be the strong willed, smart, and determined lady and the dangers that surround her change and grow along with her waistline as she investigates the possibilities and perils that come with her pregnancy. The Templars fit my expectations, and surpassed them in some areas, while Lord Maccon's efforts to get roaring drunk were only as humorous as they were because I knew he would get over it and Lyall's efforts to make it stop. If you enjoyed the first two books in the series, then you need to keep going, trust me. these series is like my favorite snack foods, I know it isn't the best out there but I enjoy it so much!

Blameless gave me exactly what I was looking for at the end of Changeless. I enjoyed it tremendously. My only regret is that I had not listened to the first books as well, because Emily Gray does a wonderful job as narrator. Her inflections, accents, and voices used just draw you in and do not let you go. I will admit to some serious binge listening of this book (and the next) because of her work.  

Book Review: Grave Witch (Alex Craft) by Kalayna Price

Grave Witch is the first book in the Alex Craft series by Kalayna Price. I listened to the audiobook, which was read by Emily Durante. Not even death can save her now. As a grave witch, Alex Craft is a grave witch, meaning that she can raise shades and speak to the dead. Unlike most, she can even talk to, and is on good terms with, Death himself. She's seen a lot of dark magic, but nothing has prepared her for her latest case. When she's raising a "shade" involved in a high-profile murder, it attacks her, and then someone makes an attempt on her life. Someone really doesn't want her to know what the dead have to say, and she'll have to work with mysterious homicide detective Falin Andrews to figure out why.

Grave Witch was a good beginning to a series, that has me interested in getting my hands on the next book. Alex has the perfect combination of power and vulnerability. She is estranged from her family, but when her sister pleas for her help, Alex cannot refuse, and that help leads her down the rabbit hole to deal with some serious dark magic, the fae, attempts on her life, ghosts, and an attempt at romance. At the end Alex is left with a couple solved cases, and more questions about herself and her love life than before. The trip was entertaining, and I liked the world and the cast of characters. I was ever eager to get plugged back into my iPod to hear more of the story. I will admit that on occasion the narrator sounded a bit mechanical, like Siri, but she regularly redeemed herself with some great voice work when switching between character's thoughts or speech.

I would recommend Grave Witch to readers that enjoy urban fantasy, particularly when witches or the fae are involved. The characters and world felt very well developed and the story answered enough questions to leave me satisfied at the end, while still having enough open possibilities to make me curious about what will happen next. A perfect combination for a series starter.

Book Review: The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle by Christopher Healy, Bronson Pinchot

The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle is the second book in The League of Princes series by Christopher Healy. Like with the previous audiobook, Bronson Pinchot is our narrator (and does a spectacular job!) I highly recommend starting with the first book The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom so that you know the Princes Charming; Prince Liam, Prince Frederic, Prince Duncan, and Prince Gustav along with all their quirks and the feisty Cinderella, Lila, Rapunzel, Snow White, and Briar Rose. Fame and recognition are fleeting, especially when the bards and one young outlaw do not seem to care for you. However, when the princes discover that an object of great power might fall into any number of wrong hands they band together once again band together to stop it from happening. They each have their own crisis to face, but work together to save the world as they know it, regardless of the fact that the world will most likely not know that they saved them all, again.

In The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle Healy takes us back to the fractured fairy-tale world he created in The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom for another tale of medieval mischief. What I really liked about this sequel, is that it was not just a rehash of the characters in another crazy situation- each of the character has their own moments, struggles, and growth that well well beyond my expectations. The adventure, fun, and excitement were all there- with mysterious plots, magical gems, fairy tale creatures, silliness, and some furiously fast fight or flight moments. All of that would have made the book an okay read. But then Healy adds Liam's crisis of character, Briar Rose's growth as a character, getting to know each character better as a whole was just a fabulous treat. And, like with the first installment, the narrated version includes some excellent voice acting by Bronson Pinchot. He does such distinct voices for each character that you know immediately who is thinking or talking, and the accents and inflections always add an extra dimension to my understanding and thoughts on the characters.

I highly recommend listening to The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle, but only after having enjoyed  The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom. The action is fast, there is plenty of humor, and well developed characters that offer something for everyone.

Book Review: The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom (The League of Princes #1) by Christopher Healy, Bronson Pinchot

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom is the first book in The League of Princes series
by Christopher Healy. I listened to the audiobook, which was read by Bronson Pinchot. The story is that of four Princes Charming. Prince Liam, Prince Frederic, Prince Duncan and Prince Gustav are the princes who saved Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White, and Rapunzel, respectively. Rejected by their princesses and cast out of their castles, Liam, Frederic, Duncan, and Gustav stumble upon an evil plot that could endanger each of their kingdoms. Now it's up to them to triumph over their various shortcomings, take on trolls, bandits, dragons, witches, and other assorted terrors, and become the heroes no one ever thought they could be.

So there is the plot and the main characters, which are all very well fleshed out and grow considerably as the story progresses. they all are stereotypes that grow far beyond what we expect, and what they are prepared for. The lovely princesses are also very strong characters that defy the roles that they are thrust into. I loved that characters we all thought we knew are cast into new light and given further adventures. BUT, what really made this book for me is the narrator. I do not know if I would have enjoyed The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom to the extent I did if it were not for the voice talents of Bronson Pinchot. Oh my, he gave each of the characters such distinct voices, enhancing the images I had for each and giving them different accents to boot. The phrasing, inflections, and accents of each character just brought them to life for me. I am currently listening to the second book in the series- and he is even more impressive there.

I highly recommend The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom to readers that love twists of fairy tales, action, adventure, and humor (there is tons of humor here!). I even more highly suggest listening to the book, just be aware that you might catch yourself laughing out loud, which might inspire strange looks from those nearby.