Get New Releases Audiobooks in Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

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Title: Trapped

Subtitle: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 5

Author: Kevin Hearne

Narrator: Christopher Ragland

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-25-13

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 110 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

After 12 years of secret training, Atticus O'Sullivan is finally ready to bind his apprentice, Granuaile, to the earth and double the number of Druids in the world. But on the eve of the ritual, the world that thought he was dead abruptly discovers that he's still alive, and they would much rather he return to the grave.

Having no other choice, Atticus, his trusted Irish wolfhound, Oberon, and Granuaile travel to the base of Mount Olympus, where the Roman god Bacchus is anxious to take his sworn revenge - but he'll have to get in line behind an ancient vampire, a band of dark elves, and an old god of mischief, who all seem to have Kill the Druid at the top of their to-do lists.

This is audiobook five of the Iron Druid Chronicles series. If you would like to hear more, you will find the first chapter of book six - Hunted - at the end of this recording.

Members Reviews:

love these books

so enjoyable and entertaining, laugh out load moments which take u by surprise especially while listening on the train.

Enjoyable

I like the Iron Druid Chronicles, but I cant stop comparing it to The Dresden Files, wich is way better. Still very entertaining books. well written. Not a big fan of Raglands voices, but otherwise well read

Classic Kevin Hearne

Would you listen to Trapped again? Why?

This is a fun fast moving exciting tale which has you enveloped in the story in only moments, if you've enjoyed the other Iron Druid stories this is a must!!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Oberon the dog, see the world through the eyes of Oberon the dog puts a constant stream of amusement through this book that had me chuckling away.

Have you listened to any of Christopher Raglands other performances? How does this one compare?

I have only come across Christopher Ragland in the other Iron Druid books and this was his usual high level of narration conveying the characters perfectly.

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

Laughter is a definite companion to this book

Any additional comments?

Brilliant a must read/listen for any fan of authors such as terry pratchett or neil gaiman

Epic

Loved it. The story, the voices, this narrator. this series gets better and better the more you read/listen to it

Amazing characters emotive response made me laugh

What was one of the most memorable moments of Trapped?

Laughed out loud , while listening in a coffee shop, bit like Adicus does when Oberon comments inappropriately/ appropriately when others can't hear

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Title: Pollen

Author: Jeff Noon

Narrator: Maggie Mash

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-25-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 20 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The sweet death of Coyote, master taxi driver, was only the first. Soon people are sneezing and dying all over Manchester. Telekinetic cop Sybil Jones knows that, like Coyote, they died happy but even a happy death can be a murder. As exotic blooms begin to flower all over the city, the pollen count is racing towards 2000 and Sybil is running out of time.

Jeff Noon was born in Manchester in 1957. He was trained in the visual arts, and was musically active on the punk scene before starting to write plays for the theatre. His first novel, Vurt, was published in 1993 and went on to win critical acclaim and the Arthur C. Clarke Award. He went on to write Pollen, set in the same world as Vurt, and many other novels including Automated Alice, Pixel Juice and Needle in the Groove. His latest novel is Channel SK1N. You can find out more about Jeff and his books at www.metamorphiction.com.

Critic Reviews:

Britains first star of cyberpunk (Guardian)

Great Fun. Read it (Mail on Sunday)

Members Reviews:

Not a sci-fi but a fantasy

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Perversions aside, this book would have been better classified as a YA novel rather than a science fiction work. There wasn't an ounce of science. The fantasy realm felt very juvenile.

What was most disappointing about Jeff Noons story?

The Vurt world was un-fascinating. The lust-infused world fell flat.

What about Maggie Mashs performance did you like?

She was all-around good.

Was Pollen worth the listening time?

Nope. difficult to finish as I lost interest in the Alice-In-Wonderland parallel universe

A fitting sequel

This was a fitting sequel to "Vurt" and although set in the same settings and written in the same style, I had hoped for more references to the original protagonist "scribble" from the first book. Although the characters were linked and the story diverted from the one told in the first book, I found this story less engaging.

Still a good book nonetheless, however I personally found the story less of a page turner so to speak. If you have read vurt, I definitely recommend this sequel too but I enjoyed the first book more.

Pollen by Jeff Noon

Would you consider the audio edition of Pollen to be better than the print version?

I have read the printed version and must say that I much preferred it.

What did you like best about this story?

It is a truly great read.

Would you be willing to try another one of Maggie Mashs performances?

NO, I really did not enjoy her performance, in fact it ruined my enjoyment of the book and may put me off trying further audible books

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

No.

Enjoyable but not quite 'Vurt'

If you could sum up Pollen in three words, what would they be?

Fantastical. Gripping. Ambitious

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well, with Maggie Mash making a great effort to define the different characters - which, if you have read 'Vurt' or have some knowledge of these novels, you will already appreciate the complexity and depth of what Noon paints as being the Manchester of the future. The debasement of humanity itself over time and the reprocussions thereof, has meant a real depth to the setting and plot(s). However, I believe, that this has at times been at the expense of the characters and, as such, the story.

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Title: Hunted

Subtitle: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 6

Author: Kevin Hearne

Narrator: Christopher Ragland

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-25-13

Publisher: Hachette Audio UK

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 121 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

For a two-thousand-year-old Druid, Atticus O'Sullivan is a pretty fast runner. Good thing, because he's being chased by not one but two goddesses of the hunt - Artemis and Diana - for messing with one of their own. Dodging their slings and arrows, Atticus, his apprentice Granuaile and his wolfhound Oberon are making a mad dash across modern-day Europe to seek help from a friend of the Tuatha Dé Danann. His usual magical option of shifting planes is blocked, so instead of playing hide and seek, the game plan is... run like hell.

Crashing the pantheon marathon is the Norse god Loki. Killing Atticus is the only loose end he needs to tie up before unleashing Ragnarok - AKA the Apocalypse. Atticus and Granuaile have to outfox the Olympians and contain the god of mischief if they want to go on living - and still have a world to live in.

Members Reviews:

Where's Luke Daniels? Like seriously!

Please bring back Luke Daniels! No offence to C.R. but LUKE DANIELS IS ATTICUS! And don't get me started on Oberon! Please Audible I will happily pay for another audiobook if you release one narrated by Luke. I'm actually considering buying it in paperback and just imagine Luke's characters' voices.

Where's Luke Daniels?

What made the experience of listening to Hunted the most enjoyable?

A great continuation of the Iron Druid story.

What didnt you like about Christopher Raglands performance?

After 5 books and 2 novellas the voice of Luke Daniels has become the voice of The Iron Druid. I'm bitterly disappointed that he's been replaced by Christopher Ragland. It's just not even close to the same level that I've come to expect. Massive letdown!!

Any additional comments?

Bring back Luke!!!!

Brilliant as ever

What about Christopher Raglands performance did you like?

Very bizarre one this, downloaded trapped and hunted at the same time. Was a bit worried that Luke was not narrating. When I started listening to trapped it was Mr Ragland and was not impressed, half way through the first chapter though it switched to Luke Daniel's "bizarre" and he continued till the end.

Hunted was the same except it started with Luke then changed to Ragland for a very short time half way through. Most odd, not complaining though. This does mean that Audible has the book in both voices which is again strange.

Any additional comments?

Atticus and Oberon are fantastic characters, the story is never for a second dull and the pace is relentless. Love the way he manages to tie in all the God myths and bring them together. highly recommended read if you are a fan of urban fantasy or not.

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Title: Without a Summer

Author: Mary Robinette Kowal

Narrator: Mary Robinette Kowal

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-02-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 179 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Up-and-coming fantasist Mary Robinette Kowal enchanted fans with award-winning short stories and beloved novels featuring Regency pair Jane and Vincent Ellsworth. In Without a Summer the master glamourists return home, but in a world where magic is real, nothing - even the domestic sphere - is quite what it seems.

Jane and Vincent go to Long Parkmeade to spend time with Janes family, but quickly turn restless. The year is unseasonably cold. No one wants to be outside and Mr. Ellsworth is concerned by the harvest, since a bad one may imperil Melodys dowry. And Melody has concerns of her own, given the inadequate selection of eligible bachelors. When Jane and Vincent receive a commission from a prominent family in London, they decide to take it, and take Melody with them. They hope the change of scenery will do her good and her marriage prospects - and mood - will be brighter in London.

Once there, talk is of nothing but the crop failures caused by the cold and increased unemployment of the coldmongers, which have provoked riots in several cities to the north. With each passing day, its more difficult to avoid getting embroiled in the intrigue, none of which really helps Melodys chances for romance. Its not long before Jane and Vincent realize that in addition to getting Melody to the church on time, they must take on one small task: solving a crisis of international proportions.

Members Reviews:

A good addition to the series

I would recommend this book to a friend, if that friend has read at least one of the previous two books in the series. I hope that the author continues with this series because I am hooked; she's doing a very good job of incorporating real world events into a fantasy setting.

What I liked: character development of Jane and Vincent. Melody also had her moments as well. About halfway through this book I finally understood why Vincent is such a debbie downer, which was very rewarding.

What I didn't like: I would have liked more glamour. One of the reasons why I find this series so fascinating is the whole 'Jane Austin with Magic' thing. In this story the glamour used by the coldmongers moved the plot off screen and rarely on screen. The author has developed a beautiful form of magic and it's a shame that so much of the coldmonger glamour was off screen.

Net total, this was a good book because it brought more emotional depth to all the main characters.

Lovely entry to the series

I have read the previous books in this series so it was lovely to have Mary read this one to me. She has an amazing narration voice and I was thrilled to have it for this book.

Two small quibbles on the narration

It took me a long time to understand it was Miss Declare vs Mister Claire. That lead to some issues on my part.

I thought that Marys choice for Melody was a little too carefree but I understand why the choice was made.

On the story:

I ended up rather disliking Jane. Even tho she improved by the end I was extremely disappointed by racist and religious discrimination of Mr OBrian even if historically accurate.

3 books, 3 genres

Every Jane & Vincent novel is a whole new genre within historical fantasy. It's actually rather incredible on its own. This time it's a political thriller with a courtroom cross-examination scene worthy of a good (but not great) Ace Attorney trial.

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Title: Drinking Midnight Wine

Author: Simon R. Green

Narrator: Dikran Tulaine

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-09-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 45 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

When Toby Dexter falls for the woman on the train, the woman with the most perfect mouth in the world, he little realises that she isn't quite human: She lives in the magical world that exists alongside our own. And when he follows her to ask her out, he accidently slips from his own world, Veritie, into hers. She warns him that it's a dangerous thing to be a mortal in the magical world of Mysterie and that he must not fall in love with her: She's much older than she looks and mortal must not love immortal.

But for Toby, it's too late. But because this is a Simon Green novel, it's not just a romantic fantasy: In Mysterie, there's big trouble afoot, and before Our Hero can win the hand and heart of his Lady, he'll have to face malevolent immortals, shapeshifting demons and violent gods, all told with Simon's trademark tongue-in-cheek humour and excitement.

Members Reviews:

When Worlds Collide

What happens when fate causes a common man to follow a lovely woman through a door that wasn't there moments before? A whole new world is revealed. A whole new perspective. Angels fall. The moon rises and everything changes.

Boring

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

It was repetitive

What do you think your next listen will be?

Something less scifi

What didnt you like about Dikran Tulaines performance?

I had to up the speed so it didn't put me to sleep during my runs

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Title: Morlock Night

Author: K. W. Jeter

Narrator: Michael Page

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-06-13

Publisher: Angry Robot on Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 14 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Just what happened when the Time Machine returned? Having acquired a device for themselves, the brutish Morlocks return from the desolate far future to Victorian England to cause mayhem and disruption. But the mythical heroes of Old England have also returned, in the hour of the countrys greatest need, to stand between England and her total destruction.

Members Reviews:

Great Idea, Disappointing Execution IMO

What did you like best about Morlock Night? What did you like least?

The premise - of carrying forward in some way from the amazing story of The Time Machine - is a great one. I like that idea very much and it is probably the primary reason I purchased the book. However, the loose plotting, lack of internal consistency in relation to the source material, and general goofiness was not to my taste.

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Title: Battle

Subtitle: The House War, Book 5

Author: Michelle West

Narrator: Eva Wilhelm

Format: Unabridged

Length: 33 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-01-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 116 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The weeks since Jewel Markess ATerafin has been acclaimed ruler of her House have not been peaceful; four assassination attempts have been made on her life, and one of the most important members of her House Council has been forced to retire, leaving a seat empty at a time when she requires trusted allies.

The war in the distant South has ended; the armies, victorious, have returned to Averalaan. During the victory parade of the Kings' armies, the fifth assassination attempt occurs - in full view of the Ten, the Kings, and thousands of spectators. To survive, Jewel takes to the sky on the back of a winged cat; she returns to the Terafin Manse, leaving demonic destruction in her wake, the demon itself in pursuit. In the forest behind her manse, she has the power - barely - to stand against the demon; she does not have the power to destroy it.

In the aftermath of the Terafin's funeral, the Kings have demanded an audience with the newest ruler of House Terafin. A single, careless command given to the elemental earth on the day of the funeral has caused unexplained and disturbing changes to the palace itself. But before Jewel can answer the summons, she falls prey to the strange sleeping plague that has felled citizens across the city of Averalaan - from the poorest of holdings to the wealthiest of mansions across the Isle.

It is there - in the uneasy land of dreams - that Jewel discovers the reason for the sickness, and there that she begins to understand the forces arrayed against both her House and the Empire; if she can survive the traps set by the Warden of Dreams and by her deadly, former allies, she will wake to a changed world - if she wakes at all.

Members Reviews:

A fantastic addition to a great series

Battle is a book that will delight dedicated Michelle West fans. She is back in top form with this book and the story really starts to move forward. My only very minor complaint is that Avandar is a mostly missing in action from this story. I, for one, would have read the extra 100 or so pages it would have taken to weave in a larger more balanced part for him, but that's simply a small complaint. On balance, Battle pushes the story arc forward at a satisfactory rate and sets up the next book perfectly.

If you are not already addicted to the work of Michelle West I recommend starting the series with Hunter's Oath and Hunter's Death. They are small books by West standard and they are where most of us first became life long followers of the adventures of Jewel Markess. Follow those with the 6 books of the sun sword series and then read Skirmish and Battle. I'm assuming of course that Audible will finish up the series now that the books are available on Kindle. Michelle West has written such a rich and colorful world that it would be impossible to not want to hear these stories over and over again.

Beautifully told

I love every book in this series and can't wait for the companion series (the sun sword) to be recorded, and for the next book in this series to come out.

This is a book I've read twice and listened to take, and I still can't get enough.

Battle

Great book but it starts at a later date and I kept searching for what I missed in the previous books! Found out that there is a whole other series of books called the Sun Sword Series. That story takes place between book 4 and 5 which are not on audible.

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Title: A Feral Darkness

Author: Doranna Durgin

Narrator: Cris Dukehart

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-26-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 63 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

As a child, dog-loving Brenna Fallon naively invokes an ancient Celtic deity to save her beloved hound - and inadvertently anchors the new-found power at a spring on her family's farm.

She doesn't know she's also left an opening for a far more malevolent force.

Years later, thanks to the actions of several angry young men, Brenna discovers the terrible potential of that gateway. With a devastating plague unfolding abruptly around her, she must depend on her wits, a stranger she doesn't trust, and a mysterious stray dog who becomes more than just a faithful companion as she struggles to drive back the threat of a modern Black Death.

Welded by a desperate sacrifice, woman, man, and dog face the feral darkness together.

Members Reviews:

A Feral Frustration

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

I don't know if a different narrator could have improved the story for me.

What was most disappointing about Doranna Durgins story?

That I couldn't listen to the complete recording to actually judge the story.

What didnt you like about Cris Dukeharts performance?

I felt that it was stilted, and that there were awkward pauses that were obviously representative of written punctuation.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Frustration and disappointment: I don't know if I simply disliked the narrator's performance, or if it was a combination of the poor narration AND the story itself.

Could not get past the 2nd chapter

The story seems viable as a fiction story. However the "narration" sounds like it is being read by a low cost version of Alexa. I will have to read this on the page to maybe be able to rate it higher, but this is a perfect example of the difference between narrating a book and performing a book for the voice talent.

A Feral Darkness

It was OK. Just needed to be thought through more so the story line was more cohesive.

Did I pay for this?

I literally couldn't get through this stupid story. Not so much the story as the writing and Stupid Characters. Just not that appealing. If I'd gone on it only would have been in false hopes that this lame main character gets eaten or destroyed or whatever by the supposed evil entity. I'm rooting for the monster. Think I'll leave it that way. Save your money

entertaining

struggle to get thru it. something seemed unfinished over all. the main character was strong but I didnt like the guy love interest. I didnt feel he was worthwhile.

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Title: The Road Home

Subtitle: Guardians of the Flame, Book 7

Author: Joel Rosenberg

Narrator: Keith Silverstein

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-06-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 43 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Hoping to intercept his bitter best friend's crusade to kill off all the slave masters in the land and keep the legend of the Warrior alive, baron Jason Cullinane is unaware that his search will force him into a dangerous pact.

Members Reviews:

Five Stars

love it

Love it

This was one of the first (possibly may have been THE first) fantasy novels I ever read as a kid. I was finally able to find the series again on Amazon and read it all over again and realized it is still one of my favorites after all these years.

Always a Good Journey.

Always a Good Journey.

Good

Book came on time and in great condition. Last book I needed for the series. Great story. Based on college students finding themselves in the fantasy world as their characters.

Fast service.

Thank you for how quickly I received this. It was a gift and you saved me. He didn't have to wait too long.

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Title: Vengeance of the Dancing Gods

Subtitle: The Dancing Gods, Book 3

Author: Jack L. Chalker

Narrator: Eric G. Dove

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-23-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 25 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The Dark Baron, defeated at last, had been stripped of all his magical power and exiled to Earth. But there he enlisted a computer to create even more effective spells. Helped by the forces of Hell, the Dark Baron is once again threatening Husaquahr - and only Joe and Marge can stop him!

Members Reviews:

Vengance of the Dancing Gods, Meh....

What made the experience of listening to Vengeance of the Dancing Gods the most enjoyable?

the narrarator did a good job and it was a nostaligia trip to go back to a series I first read as a child.

What was most disappointing about Jack L. Chalkers story?

The story is good for the first book and the quality rapidly declines in each following story. Don't even bother to read or listen past book 3.

What does Eric G. Dove bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

He brings the voices to life. he has a very good range.

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

No. Jack Chalker is always more of a fun read. Nothing deep about his writing.

Any additional comments?

This might be interesting for nostalgia but there are better works of his available. The first book in this series was fresh and fun but it got old quickly as the series wore on.