Mazza

Epic read from start to finish

Reviewed: 03-15-16

What did you love best about Cafe Assassin?

I know most complaints come from short stories being too short, but I enjoyed the length of Grunn's work. It's not too short to feel dry and not too long to drag on about random points. You're given what you need to base yourself into the assassin's world, and you just gotta hold on tight from there.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Absolutely. Assassins can be quite cliche and predictable, but Grunn manages a different twist on a very popular, mysterious concept. Grunn gives his assassin human traits, rather than a born-to-kill, lifeless persona. James's performance enhances this internal struggle quite well.

Which scene was your favorite?

The dinner scene. Smells fantastic.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

He has a reputation to protect, and fortunately for me, he's fictional so I never have to worry about crossing paths.

Any additional comments?

Loved it! Can't say I wish it was longer, but I'd love to dive into another short story featuring the same character. There's definitely room for development if Grunn decides to take that path, but it definitely has the power to stand alone as a solid read.

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There's a first time for everything...

Reviewed: 03-03-16

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If my friends are into romance novels, absolutely. I went into this book semi-blind, as I have never read a romance novel until What Happens In Vegas. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I enjoyed the performance and story.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I think the most interesting part for me, a "virgin" of romance novels, was my own shock at how fast things picked up, and how real the events progressed. I think the most interesting aspect of the story deals with the concept of identical twins. Least interesting, I'd have to say was the aspect of fashion within the novel, but I am also a fashionless reader who belongs on a reality TV show for a new wardrobe.

What does Meghan Kelly bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I think it goes without saying that Romance novels on audiobook are definitely unique in their performances. Because I wasn't expecting the romance to be so... upfront, it startled me at first. I think Kelly does a wonderful job both in the romance aspect of many scenes as well as the narration throughout the book's story line. She doesn't overstretch the masculine voice, and comes off as a believable voice for both Graham and Dane.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I blushed, having entered the audiobook realm of romance novels. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was entertained!

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A wonderful Sci-Fi series that never lost traction

Reviewed: 02-26-16

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. Most series start to stretch the plot the more the series runs on, and I think Noffke knew exactly how to keep the world of Em alive and fresh, without overrunning the original work.

What did you like best about this story?

The twists and turns were amazing. Most I couldn't catch coming, and I didn't want to put this series down!

Which character – as performed by Elizabeth Klett – was your favorite?

I'm still a major fan of Em, and even more so after the revelations revealed in Warriors. As mentioned in reviewing her previous books in the series, the relationships Noffke depicts seem genuine and unforced. All of her characters bring a new addition into the novels, but my vote still goes to Em.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes. In the revelation of why Em's grandfather is who he is. You'll have to read the book to find out why, but I think this beautiful and emotional moment was one that really made this book strong.

Any additional comments?

I didn't want this series to end! Brilliant and one of my new favorites!

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Great Series Wrap Up!

Reviewed: 02-26-16

Where does When Gods Fail III: Resurrection rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I think When Gods Fail III is not as dismal as the first, since the characters have been long acquainted to their post-apocalyptic world. A lot of the raw emotions from the first and second books are more flat, not to say that the same gritty style isn't here. We don't see much of the Tom's turmoil, but are given a new, evolved "survivalist" Tom, who has seen some dark things happen in the new world.

What was one of the most memorable moments of When Gods Fail III: Resurrection?

The climax of the story was amazing. I love that this slow burn pulled from the second part of the series comes to an explosive end.

What about Michael Dukes’s performance did you like?

Dukes's performance of Lowhim's novel is my favorite of the three authors. I think it is safe to assume Dukes did his research getting into Tom's head. Overall, it was a solid performance.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and no. The story was there, I was hooked into the world Lowhim created, but this isn't one of those books you can stand to get too deeply immersed into for a single setting without feeling that book-lag from a dry, depraved read.

Any additional comments?

I'm sad to see the series is over. I enjoyed Lowhim's ability to write in a way that really resonates a deep void in humanity.

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1 person found this helpful

Intense Terror-based Thriller

Reviewed: 02-26-16

What did you love best about Slaughter & Maneuver?

I enjoyed Hernandez's work that packs a lot of bite into one novel. There is mystery, action, suspense, and I was overall satisfied for the new take in the genre!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Slaughter & Maneuver?

I really enjoyed the water scenes. I felt this was excellently done, both writing and performance wise. I was able to immerse myself into this section specifically.

Have you listened to any of Gary Tiedemann’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to any of Tiedemann's performances.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Past alliances could save or kill you

Any additional comments?

The only difficulty that I had was the very beginning of the book. I am not sure if this was the way it was written, or the performance that left me a bit off kilter. Once I gained my bearings into the novel's atmosphere, I restarted the book and was better able to follow the story.

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3 people found this helpful

Usually Sequels aren't so Powerful!

Reviewed: 02-09-16

What did you love best about Rebels?

There are books you read simply to enjoy the story, and then there are books you read because XYZ are happening, and you need answers because your soul depends on it. Noffke nails the nail biting, page turning (okay, maybe not literally), suspenseful novel in her second volume of The Reverians.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rebels?

Typically I am not a fan of romance in novels, but Noffke's style of writing made the relationships believable and real. I don't want to give too many details, but the emotions she can evoke from readers is a wonderful, in-the-good-way horrible thing to experience.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Em meets with her father. The rest you'll have to experience for yourself.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Is "all the feels" appropriate for a book? If so, all the feels. This book is so well written, I am in line for the third. The performance is amazing, and only adds to the great story line. Many sci-fi novels lose their edge when they try to force relationships onto readers, but Noffke adds this crucial element into her series in an organic, authentic way.

Any additional comments?

Warriors (book 3), here I come!

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What Truths Remain Unearthed?

Reviewed: 02-01-16

Where does Defects rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Defects is a great YA novel that is enjoyable for adults. The storyline is unique and riveting, and this is easily one of my top YA picks thus far.

What other book might you compare Defects to and why?

While not quite dystopian, many novels surrounding corrupt and powerful goverment can be compared to this. When you read a lot of fiction, some similarities are bound to happen. This said, Defects stands by itself. I quite enjoy new takes on fight for survival style books, and this one had so many twists and turns, I was able to keep pace while still left wondering what was going to happen next.

Which scene was your favorite?

Noffke creates many scenes throughout Defects that are easily believable. Em is not your traditional protagonist who has all the amazing super abilities and can easily decide what to do next. Her genuine character development leads to some great scenes, and I don't wish to spoil those for future readers.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

The suspense created from the story and performance together had me hooked, and while I wished I could listen to the entire book in one sitting, I was not able to. The saying of a "page turner" applies to this, in it's audio equivalent.

Any additional comments?

I have to find out what happens next!

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2 people found this helpful

Not your average door-knocking zealots

Reviewed: 01-25-16

Would you consider the audio edition of When Gods Fail II to be better than the print version?

Definitely. I think the audio helps capture the raw emotion of the characters in this post-nuclear war setting. The narrator is dry, coarse, and really helps to intensify the scenes.

What other book might you compare When Gods Fail II to and why?

The Road (McCarthy), but not quite as dismal. Alas Babylon (Frank), but add more violence. Any post-nuclear war novel, but Lowhim adds a large dose of the human element and thoughts to make this anything but an adult novel.

Which character – as performed by Michael R Welte – was your favorite?

The main character, whose perspective and thoughts help shape the novel's world.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This audiobook was too long to listen to all in one sitting; however, it was an immersive read I wished I was able to.

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to picking up book 3.

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Not your feminist, end of the world read

Reviewed: 01-25-16

Where does When Gods Fail: Volume 1 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

When Gods Fail is an interesting take on the end of the world. It's bleak and carnal, and you become immersed in the narrator's experiences and emotions.

What was one of the most memorable moments of When Gods Fail: Volume 1?

The narrator has some issues justifying his actions, which really gave a different perspective on some modern-day crimes, which go unchecked in the post-apocalyptic world.

What does Patrick Baur bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Baur's experience really immerses you into the lead character, and plays the emotions and perceptions in a way to help build the dismal setting the novel occurs in.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, this was a book I read in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

Cringe-worthy. It's dark, and offers a creepy insight into the male perspective when pushed to the limits. Feminists would have a field day with the character's inner thoughts and justifications. Quite an interesting read, to say the least!

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2 people found this helpful

Two Sides to Every Story

Reviewed: 01-06-16

If you could sum up Satan's Plea in three words, what would they be?

Satirical, Snarky, Blasphemous (in the best of ways)

Who was your favorite character and why?

Satan, obviously. It was enjoyable to read from Satan's perspective of humans, god, and religion from an uncommon, though provoking perspective. Not only do you see Satan characterized as something other than an angel fallen from grace, you see a perspective as to why this could have happened.

Which scene was your favorite?

Man's creation. The rest you'll have to read for yourself as I don't like to include spoilers in my reviews.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh, just because it challenges the status quo. I enjoyed this story, as it's similar to Mark Twain's satirical Satan-based writings, while taking an entirely different perspective on Satan. I saw the description of this book, and hoped it wouldn't be a Twain rewrite. It definitely is not a rewrite, and the jabs taken at modern day religion I can only imagine don't go over well with the highly zealous folks.

Any additional comments?

If you enjoy religious works that challenge the generalized ideals of God as the almighty, all powerful, loving entity -- this book is for you.

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