Discover Popular Titles Full Audiobooks in Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

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Title: The Stepsister Scheme

Author: Jim C. Hines

Narrator: Carol Monda

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-14-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 89 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

What would happen if an author went back to the darker themes of the original fairy tales for his plots, and then crossed the Disney princesses with Charlie's Angels? What's delivered is The Stepsister Scheme, a whole new take on what happened to Cinderella and her prince after the wedding. And with Jim C. Hines penning the tale, listeners can bet it won't be "and they lived happily ever after."

Members Reviews:

This isn't Disney...

What made the experience of listening to The Stepsister Scheme the most enjoyable?

A lot of current fantasy is pretty dark and brutal, which I don't have a problem with, but it's nice to listen to something with a sense of humor. Not to say that there aren't dark moments, because there certainly are, but they are well balanced with lighter scenes.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Stepsister Scheme?

When Talia (Sleeping Beauty) reveals what happened to her while she was asleep. It's one of the darkest parts of the book, but evokes (for me, anyway) a deep sympathy for the character, and gives insight into why she isn't one of the most trusting people. There was another moment involving her and Snow that was surprising, as well.

What about Carol Mondas performance did you like?

Well, at first I had some doubts about her, as she didn't seem to differentiate character voices much. But as the book moves along and she gets more comfortable with the characters, that changes. I thought the beginning was a bit rough, but I'm glad I stuck with it.

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

It would be nice, but it's just not possible.

Fairy tale princesses rebooted

The fairy tale princesses didn't end up with their happily ever afters, no matter what Disney says. Instead they end up in a sort of magical Charlie's Angels attempt to rescue a prince.

I had good fun listening to it and its mouth-quirking humor. But the story didn't hook me as much as I had hoped. I listened through because I cared about the characters, but I think I cared more because I wanted to see how their fates had been twisted from their fairy tale originals than because these new versions caught my interest.

To me, this was light entertainment with little need for own brain power. I'm glad I read/heard it because the concept appeals to me, but I don't feel any inclination to buy the sequel.

a beautiful story

Would you listen to The Stepsister Scheme again? Why?

i loved the way they show that there isnt just a happily ever after you have to work for it!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Stepsister Scheme?

when sleeping beauty is snows true love!

Which character as performed by Carol Monda was your favorite?

i love snow...

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

yes

This is a great story.

I like reading stories with the strong female characters who overcome their past and fears.

Not enough to keep my interest

I really wanted to like this book, sadly, I found that the characters were not solid or intersting enough to keep my attention or make this an interesting listen for me. Our narrator, Carol Monda, does a fine reading I did not find much she could work with here.

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Title: Athyra

Subtitle: Vlad Taltos, Book 6

Author: Steven Brust

Narrator: Bernard Setaro Clark

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-14-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 230 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Vlad Taltos is very good at killing people. That, combined with two faithful companions and a talent for witchcraft, makes him an assassin par excellence. But lately his heart just hasn't been in his work, so he decides to retire. Unfortunately, old enemies have scores to settle with Vlad. So much for retirement!

Members Reviews:

A new point of view, not such a bad thing

Initially, I thought this entry in the series would be subpar without Vlad himself as narrator, but that misconception quickly evaporated. Although having a new point of view is jarring and doesn't get much better through the experience. The story seems a bit clunky because of the new view as well, but it is fun seeing "vagabond Vlad".

Vlad returns after several years of silence in his timeline, he alludes to several adventures he's had in the interim, one involving the disfigurement of his hand. He's a changed man, but just as snide as ever.

We meet Vlad again through the eyes of a young Teckla, Savn. Savn has had little exposure to Easterners and is not quite sure what Vlad is all about, particularly when one of the townsfolk turn up dead shortly after Vlad's arrival.

This all culminates in an interesting character piece. We see where Vlad has ended up after years on the run, and how far he is willing to go to ensure his safety. Even if it means messing up a lord or two.

As always, Bernard Setaro Clark is fantastic with his reading, but he maintains a higher pitch through most of the story to fit with the young Teckla who is telling us the story; it can get a bit grating after a time, especially when said Teckla seems to be fairly clueless about how most of the world works.

A different point of view. Get used to it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Athyra is told from the point of view of a Teckla boy just entering manhood. It is interesting to see Vlad from someone else's point of view for a change.

Which character as performed by Bernard Setaro Clark was your favorite?

The Jerheg, Rocsa is performed admirably - she doesn't translate into words and Mr. Clark does a good job conveying the reptilian brain at work.

Any additional comments?

I was first put off, then enthralled by the change of perspective. Throughout the series reader's have seen the Dragerans through a human, 'easterner' perspective. The subtle difference between them and humans comes to the fore as we see the main character not as what he is to us but what he is to them.

(Please disregard spelling mistakes as audio books do not lend themselves to writing out fantasy names and races).

not my favorite

Where does Athyra rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Vlad is out of his element in this book, which makes for a nice change of pace but the entire perspective shifts from first person narration and you lose some of the wit and humor that characterizes the other books. The story is pretty slow paced as well. I'm hoping the next one goes back to the good stuff.

Big departure from the other books

I love the Vlad Taltos series, but this was a big departure. 3rd person, Vlad is barely in it ... it just didn't grab me like the others.

Boooring !!!

What would have made Athyra better?

#1 a normal Vlad story: this one is mostly about a young man & his life. Vlad's part may be 30%.

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Title: Kitty Steals the Show

Subtitle: Kitty Norville, Book 10

Author: Carrie Vaughn

Narrator: Marguerite Gavin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-31-12

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 587 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Kitty has been tapped as the keynote speaker for the First International Conference on Paranatural Studies, taking place in London. The conference brings together scientists, activists, protestors, and supernatural beings from all over the world - and Kitty, Ben, and Cormac are right in the middle of it.Master vampires from dozens of cities have also gathered in London for a conference of their own. With the help of the Master of London, Kitty gets more of a glimpse into the Long Game - a power struggle among vampires that has been going on for centuries - than she ever has before.

In her search for answers, Kitty has the help of some old allies and meets some new ones, such as Caleb, the alpha werewolf of the British Isles. The conference has also attracted some old enemies, who've set their sights on Kitty and her friends.

All the world's a stage, and Kitty's just stepped into the spotlight.

Members Reviews:

Mostly set up

I have historically loved the Kitty Norville series, but this one left me a little wanting. First off let me say that Marguerite Gavin is spectacular as usual, and the production of this audio book is of very high quality. The writing itself is crisp, funny, and well done...the story on the other hand is basically a set-up for (hopefully) the next novel. The plot in this book just seemed very low-key, no really overall dramatic plotline, when something does happen it is quickly resolved..then something else might happen but these subsequent events did not really seem connected to the prior event. Rather there seems to be several hidden sub plots/action streams happening that we don't really get to see yet. I equate this book with a "book 1" of a trilogy, where some minor things happen but the real plot is to be revealed and resolved in subsequent novels.

That being said, I think that Ms. Vaugh is leading up to a humdinger of a showdown and anybody who misses this book will be lost in later books. So it is a must-read for Kitty Norville fans, but it will probably leave you a little disappointed that nothing really happens.

Kitty is so cool!

Where does Kitty Steals the Show rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Its great...and I have listened to a LOT of books!!!! MG's narration is always perfect in my book!!!!

What other book might you compare Kitty Steals the Show to and why?

The Kitty series is similar to the Night huntress series...but great as is....it can stand alone...Kitty is so cool!

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked her interviews....and when they saved Tyler....but I really loved the whole book!!!

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

Same as the Title...this would make a good movie....all her books would!!!

Any additional comments?

I hope there are more Kitty books, I loved this one...and she still has more to say I think...she has grown so much, and is truly an inspiration....I love Ben, and I love Cormac...I think this is one of my ATF series so far....and has left me wanting more!!!

Kitty Steals The Show

I really loved this installment of the series. In this book Kitty gets some new allies via some old ones. Kitty blows the doors off the "long game". I won't give anything away here. Lots of laughs and her usual snark. You get to see a softer side of Cormac also.

Great!

The narrator did a great job as usual.

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Title: Secrets of the Demon

Subtitle: Kara Gillian, Book 3

Author: Diana Rowland

Narrator: Liv Anderson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-17-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 912 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Homicide detective Kara Gillian has a special talent: she can sense the "arcane" in our world, and there's quite a bit of it, even in Beaulac, Louisiana. She's also a summoner of demons, and works on a task force that deals with supernatural crimes. Her partners are attractive and smart FBI agents, but they're not summoners, and they're not telling Kara why they are on this special force with her.

To make things worse, Kara has pledged herself to one of the most powerful of demons - a Demon Lord - who helped save her partner's life, but now expects things in return. Meanwhile, she's trying to solve a string of murders that are somehow tied together by money, sex, rock music and...mud. But how can she concentrate on the case when she's not even sure who-or what-her partners are?

Members Reviews:

great series

What made the experience of listening to Secrets of the Demon the most enjoyable?

great book even if you dont start with the first one in the collection you still understand it

Good concept

I like to read mystery books and a fantasy books. This was a good hybrid of the two. My chief complaint is that the first two books were not available on audible. My second complaint is that this book seemed to be a 'chickflick' type of story, which as a man I found to not be as approachable as possible. I did enjoy the hard-criminology aspects of the novel, which were somewhat unique in my experience. I'll try more in this series, but I'm not too hopeful.

Just getting better

This book was the best yet, so I'm off to get the next one in the series. I'm really liking this story and I can't wait to see who Kara ends up with romantically. It's a series that has all the elements I enjoy. If you haven't tried this series I would advise you to start from book 1. You can tell from my review that I think this book is worth the credit.

amazing!!!!!!

These books are amazing. I can't stop listening. I love the narrator, she really makes the book come alive. Can't wait to listen the next one.

Just keeps getting better and better

Any additional comments?

This series just keeps getting better and better! Its not only the current mystery Kara and her new FBI task force are rushing to solve to stop more deaths; it has so many twist and turns, you cant even begin to guess who the bad guys are. You think you know, but it just blows you away, when they are revealed at the end! Oh no, thats not the best part about this series. Its the underlying backstory thats going on with Kara, Ryan, and the Demon Lord. What is Ryan, and will he and Kara just PLEASE hurry up and see their chemistry, and get together! OMG the sexually chemistry is KILLLING me! I find myself yelling at this audiobook, KISS HIM! You big dummy! UGHH! What is the Demon Lords endgame? He is playing at something, but who knows, there is so much back story going on, needless to say, you cannot start on this book. Go back start from the beginning.

I cant wait to jump into the next book!....Sara

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Title: Sailing to Sarantium

Subtitle: Book One of the Sarantine Mosaic

Author: Guy Gavriel Kay

Narrator: Berny Clark

Format: Unabridged

Length: 18 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-03-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 283 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Crispin is a mosaicist, a layer of bright tiles. Still grieving for the family he lost to the plaque, he lives only for his arcane craft. But an imperial summons from Valerius the Trakesian to Sarantium, the most magnificent place in the world, is difficult to resist.

In a world half-wild and tangled with magic, a journey to Sarantium means a walk into destiny. Bearing with him a deadly secret and a Queen's seductive promise, guarded only by his own wits and a talisman from an alchemist's treasury, Crispin sets out for the fabled city. Along the way he will encounter a great beast from the mythic past, and in robbing the zubir of its prize, he wins a woman's devotion and a man's loyalty - and loses a gift he didn't know he had until it was gone.

Once in this city ruled by intrigue and violence, he must find his own source of power. Struggling to deal with the dangers and seductive lures of the men and woman around him, Crispin does discover it, in a most unusual place - high on the scaffolding of the greatest work of art ever imagined....

Members Reviews:

Excellent Series

I held off on reviewing this until I had listened to both books in the series. With that being said, I found the series really enjoyable.

The story itself is mainly focused on Crispin, an artist trying to fufill the accomplishment of his life time, the Sarantine Mosaic. The story, much like Crispin's art, is a mosaic of many different characters. Guy will often go off on wild tangents with seemingly random characters in an effort to build the story as a whole. This effect is powerful in the hands of a great story teller, which Guy certainly is.

I've read a few reviews that claim Berny Clark was a bad narrator. I'll admit it caused me to hesitate in purchasing book one. I'm glad I still went through with the purchase because I found no real fault in Clark's performance. If you are unsure I suggest you listen to the sample provided by Audible.

I will also comment that Guy REALLY likes to put these little twists in the last few pages of his books. I take it with a grain of salt and choose to ignore the cases where he demeans the overall story, see Song for Arbonne.

Overall I highly recommend this series if your a fan of Guy Kay, and even if you haven't read any of his works before.

drama!

The new emperor in Sarantium has a lot to atone for, so hes building a grand chapel to his god and calling the most famous artisans in the surrounding regions to come work for him. Crispin, a mosaicist from a neighboring country, is one of these. Unhappy since his wife and children died, Crispin doesnt think he has much to live for anymore, and he doesnt want to go to Sarantium. But when his young queen, who sits her throne precariously, asks Crispin to carry a secret proposal to the already-married emperor of Sarantium, Crispin is duty-bound. Now he is sailing to Sarantium, which means that hes leaving everything behind to start a promising new life. Along the way, he befriends an alchemist with strange powers, a young woman whos about to be sacrificed to a god, and a foul-mouthed army officer who loves to watch the chariot races.

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Title: Grave Memory

Subtitle: Alex Craft Series, Book 3

Author: Kalayna Price

Narrator: Emily Durante

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 37 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-03-12

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 618 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

As a Grave Witch, Alex solves murders by raising the dead. While she's always been on friendly terms with Death himself, lately things have become a lot more personal. But the personal takes a backseat to the professional when a string of suicides occurs in Nekros City. The shades have no memory of the days leading up to their brutal endings, so despite the very apparent suicides, this is murder. And searching for the answers might mean Alex won't have a life to remember at all....

Members Reviews:

Alex Craft is back and better than ever before!

Alex Craft has landed another oh-my-god-this-can't-be-true case and is once again investigating the impossible. This time it's a string of suicides that are actually murders. Yeah, good luck proving that one! It's this strong detective-type backbone that keeps me coming back for more with each new installment. True, there's also a love triangle, alternate plains of existence and magic but it's the investigations that make these books good; the rest is just icing on the cake. In Grave Memory, Alex grows up, Death finally makes his choice and ghouls run amok. Alex Craft is back and better than ever before!

Our lil' grave witch is finally growing up! In this installment she opens up a Tongues For The Dead office, enlists the help of a couple of partners and makes responsible decisions. I enjoyed watching Alex leave her mark on Nekros City and face adversity head-on. I was surprised by her new attitude more than once; instead of wallowing in self-pity she buckles down and takes care of business. Alex doesn't run. She sticks by her friends, attempts to sort out her complicated love life and even manages to solve a case or two. Craft is dealing with a few internal problems as well namely her diminishing eyesight and a few new, not entirely human characteristics that have begun to manifest. Like she really needs any more challenges to add to her already gigantic pile!

The first 3/4th of this book progresses like the other two in this series; Alex follows various leads trying to solve a case. Interesting but nothing to phone home about. The last quarter is where the real meat is. We learn a few more tidbits about the Soul Collectors and score some serious Death face time which I've been craving since Grave Witch. I really enjoyed the pacing of this story. Whenever there's a lull in the action there's still plenty of witty dialogue and enough side plots to keep you entertained. I actually laughed out line a few times at some of Alex's one-liners. She finds herself in some pretty impossible situations yet still manages to laugh about them. Pay close attention to a scene involving a Ziploc bag. Just saying.

Emily Durante, the narrator, does a fantastic job of donning Alex's shoes. At first, her raspy almost pack-a-day smoker's voice annoyed me but after a few hours I no longer struggled to associate her with this series' heroine. She handles Craft's snark with ease and I even enjoyed her side character voices. Next time I won't think twice before buying an audiobook narrated by Miss Durante.

I should have known that Falin was down but not out. He pops up here and there throughout the story and then adds his two cents at the end to create another brutal cliffhanger.

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Title: God Save the Queen

Subtitle: The Immortal Empire, Book 1

Author: Kate Locke

Narrator: Courtney Patterson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-03-12

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 200 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Queen Victoria rules with an immortal fist.

Welcome to the realm of the undead matriarch of a Britain where the aristocracy is made up of werewolves and vampires, where goblins live underground and mothers know better than to let their children out after dark; a world where being nobility means being infected with the Plague (side-effects include undeath), hysteria is the popular affliction of the day, and leeches are considered a delicacy; and a world where technology lives side by side with magic.

The year is 2012 and Pax Britannia still reigns. Xandra Vardan is a member of the elite Royal Guard, and it is her duty to protect the aristocracy. But when her sister goes missing, Xandra will set out on a path that undermines everything she believed in and uncover a conspiracy that threatens to topple the empire. And she is the key - the prize in a very dangerous struggle.

Members Reviews:

Fresh take on a modern day steampunkish world

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes, this is the type of fantasy adventure story that I enjoy.

Would you recommend God Save the Queen to your friends? Why or why not?

It would depend upon the friend. Not many of my friends read fantasy like I do.

What does Courtney Patterson bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

She does a great job with the accents.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Why, yes, I would.

Locke Rules!

Re-read Update: I loved this book. I liked the direction that the author took with the character, but I can't really say why without some major, major spoilers, but those of you who like a good story won't be disappointed. One thing that I did enjoy is that the main character was surrounded by her 'people'. In a lot(most?) of UF the main character is so solitary they may as well have grown up in a test tube--despite years of life, there is no 'life' around them. Not here, Xandra's is full of siblings, mentors, long-term acquaintances, etc. It is as full and messy as real life and I appreciated that aspect.

If you are looking for PNR or the detailed love scene, I'm not sure this is the book for you. There is a love interest, but that is not the end game to the story, and while Xandra has a healthy respect for sex, it no more rules her story than it does her mind.

We Were Amused

Interesting new series which is probably more Urban Fantasy meets Historical Romance than Steampunk. I would also put this as a crossover from Young adult to adult. Small amount of sex, a lot of English swearing and violence.

I could not help but find similarities to Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate but it is not any where near as amusing and is far more gritty and most of the humour comes from anachronistic paraphernalia and altered history lines. There were no World Wars, Hitler was a failed artist, tampons, rotaries, bloomers and corsets are every day regalia and Sid Vicious and Queen Victoria Co-exist. The humour is more wry. Queen Victoria, a Vampire is not deceased and still rules with a Fang of Iron. This is a new world that we have not been privy too before.

The author is Canadian from the East Coast and is a big anglophile.

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Title: Blackveil

Subtitle: Book Four of Green Rider

Author: Kristen Britain

Narrator: Ellen Archer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 23 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 02-27-12

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 749 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The long-awaited sequel to Green Rider, First Rider's Call, and The High King's Tomb.

Once a simple student, Karigan G'ladheon finds herself in a world of deadly danger and complex magic, compelled by forces she cannot understand when she becomes a legendary Green Rider - one of the magical messengers of the king. Forced by magic to accept a dangerous fate she would never have chosen, headstrong Karigan has become completely devoted to the king and her fellow Riders.

But now, an insurrection led by dark magicians threatens to break the boundaries of ancient, evil Blackveil Forest-releasing powerful dark magics that have been shut away for a millennium.

Members Reviews:

love audible for bringing this audio to us

If you fancy a well written fantasy with all the right ingredients, with tales that weave in and out the main one without being all mess up, with the universal battle between good and evil not being too predictable, with the right dose of romance, an -of course- unobtainable one at that and again making you doubt the final outcome.Well I think you will enjoy this series, as for this book (Blackveil) in particular the positive point is mainly that keeps your interest in the series and you expect the next one, which in my opinion at this point in the series is no small task.

The negative points are the time elapsed between books and the recounts needed to update the reader of previous events. But miss Kristen Britain does not overdo the latter

so, all in all i'll say: enjoyable, worth the money and the time!

Destiny???s pawn balks and whines through 4 books

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The story has a decent plot but shows little advancement of character throughout.

Has Blackveil turned you off from other books in this genre?

No.

What does Ellen Archer bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

I enjoyed Ellen Archer.

Do you think Blackveil needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes!. The series is not finished.

Any additional comments?

Then hero of this series is just as immature and willful and stubborn at the end of the 4th book as she was in the first book. When the hero of a series doesn???t grow or change his or her habit pattern through a series of books I think the author has done the character a disservice. Why is it that when the hero is challenged by the villain that he or she has about five minutes to argue about their fate and natter on and on for five pages instead of defending herself. She never believes her eyes and suffers time and time again. She is constantly willing to hurt those she cares about but agonizes over the smallest slight done to her.

Book 4 - A tease - has me hanging

The entire series has been very well written and read . . . but with the ending of Book 4, Ms. Britain had me hanging, could not belive how she ended it, especially when I had no idea that there was a Book 5 in the works. Audible gave no indication that Book 4 was not the end of the series. For all to know - Ms, Britain has sent Book 5 to publisher, I await with great anticipation.

Just a wonderful engrossing novel

Would you listen to Blackveil again? Why?

I have already listened to it twice...

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Title: Princess of Wands

Author: John Ringo

Narrator: Suzy Jackson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-14-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 301 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Audie Award Nominee, Fantasy, 2013

Special: distinguished by some unusual quality... Circumstances: a piece of evidence that indicates the probability or improbability of an event...

Barbara Everette, a homemaker living in a small town in Mississippi, had the perfect life. Perfect husband, perfect children, perfect house, perfect Christian Faith. She cooked and cleaned perfectly and managed all of the chores of the modern suburbanite, toting the kids, running the PTA, teaching kung-fu in the local dojo... perfectly. But perfection has a price, and the day came when Barbara snapped. She simply had to have "one weekend off". God had to grant her that much. It said no where that she was a slave. Waving goodbye to her hapless, entirely undomestic husband, she set out on the quest for a weekend of peace and maybe some authentic Cajun food.

Detective Sergeant Kelly Lockhart, New Orleans Homicide, had a perfect record on his latest case: not a single suspect. And there should be at least five or six, given the DNA traces on the many bodies. Furthermore, his sole really outstanding clue, a mysterious fish scale, had disappeared into the recesses of the FBI Crime Lab. But the old fortune-teller was sending him into the bayou, down in the land of authentic Cajun food, on the track of a mysterious pimp with the admonition to "watch for the Princess". Or die.

Barbara and Kelly were heading to a rendezvous that might be fate and might reveal the hand of God. There was more cooking in the swamps than jambalaya. Unknown to either, the mystery of the Bayou Ripper had Special Circumstances.

Critic Reviews:

"Suzy Jackson performs with aplomb, making the vivid characters come to life.... Her variety of female voices makes it easy to differentiate the characters, and her deep, gruff voices for men are fully believable. Listeners will be drawn into Barbara's world and find themselves happily rooting for the good guys as Barbara works to save the day." (AudioFile)

Members Reviews:

Not a Novel but a collection of 3 short stories

This is not a novel but a collection of 3 short stories based around the book's heroine Barbara Everette, a very religious, gun toting, martial arts & weapons expert who sees her self as a christian homemaker but who who's antics when she goes into action is best described as a souped up Lara croft.

The description given by Audible is basically for the first story where Babara is "taking a break from the family".

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Title: Control Point

Subtitle: Shadow Ops

Author: Myke Cole

Narrator: Corey Jackson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-07-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 293 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Myke Cole is an expert at ratcheting up suspense and delivering pulse-pounding adventure that leaves audiences breathless. In Shadow Ops: Control Point, the world has seemingly gone mad. People are waking up with magical powers, such as the ability to raise the dead or call forth storms. The only thing staving off a plunge into chaos is the Supernatural Operations Corps, headed by Oscar Britton. But when Oscar exhibits a power of his own, the hunter becomes the hunted.

Critic Reviews:

"Cross The Forever War with Witchworld, add in the real world modern military of Black Hawk Down, and you get Control Point, the mile-a-minute story of someone trying to find purpose in a war he never asked for." (Jack Campbell, New York Times Bestselling author of "The Lost Fleet" series)

Members Reviews:

get on with it

What disappointed you about Control Point?

Got tired of the plot dragging and the characters contstant whining. It was a struggle just to get through it. If it wasn't on audio, I would have never finished it.

Would you ever listen to anything by Myke Cole again?

No

Have you listened to any of Corey Jacksons other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Good concept. Plenty of potential

Any additional comments?

Poorly executed by author

Repetetive and whiny

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I don't think it could have been, the premise while at first interesting soon became trite and boring. The idea's been done better elsewhere.

Would you ever listen to anything by Myke Cole again?

Not based on this book, definately left a bad taste in my mouth.

What three words best describe Corey Jacksons performance?

It was as strong as the story could allow it to be.

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

It tried.

Any additional comments?

Out of the 15 and change hours of material, I honestly gave it till there was only about 3 and a half hours left before I gave up on it. If I had to go through one more "I hate it here, but its my family now and I'm doing good but wait I'm a slave and I need out" teeter totter ride over the course of a single chapter I would have screamed. The main character is whiny, the supporting cast is one dimensional, and the single redeeming character, Marty, is never allowed to develop to anything worthwhile... or if he is, I didn't have the patience to get there. Glad I only spent 4 dollars on this book, even happier I'm on to something better.

One of the worst books I've ever read/listened to

I submitted this book to my book club and it won the election. I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! We all hated it. I'll give a short summary as to why, but I could go on for pages:

The narrator did a fine job; the author did a terrible job. The main character (Oscar) always takes the stupidest reactionary course of action. Throughout the book he gets tons of people killed by running around like a crazy person, ignoring orders, and using his powers with minimal creativity.

The powers that people can have are fairly interesting, but the execution was rather slap-dash.