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

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Half-Made World

Author: Felix Gilman

Narrator: Tamara Marston

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-12-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 123 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Here is a fantastical reimagining of the American West that draws its influence from steampunk, the American Western tradition, and magical realism.

The world is only half made. What exists has been carved out amidst a war between two rival factions: the Line, paving the world with industry and claiming its residents as slaves; and the Gun, a cult of terror and violence that cripples the population with fear. The only hope at stopping them has seemingly disappeared - the Red Republic that once battled the Gun and the Line, and almost won. Now they're just a myth, a bedtime story parents tell their children, of hope.

To the west lies a vast, uncharted world, inhabited only by the legends of the immortal and powerful Hill People, who live at one with the earth and its elements. Liv Alverhyusen, a doctor of the new science of psychology, travels to the edge of the made world to a spiritually protected mental institution in order to study the minds of those broken by the Gun and the Line. In its rooms lies an old general of the Red Republic, a man whose shattered mind just may hold the secret to stopping the Gun and the Line. And either side will do anything to understand how.

Critic Reviews:

"Vivid and accurate prose, a gripping, imaginative story, a terrifically inventive setting, a hard-bitten, indestructible hero, and an intelligent, fully adult heroine." (Ursula K. Le Guin)

"The Half-Made World is refreshingly unlike any other novel I've read. Felix Gilman writes like a modern-day Dickens drunk on rich invention and insane war." (Stephen R. Donaldson)

Members Reviews:

best of the subgenre

I gave this 4 stars because it's not quite in the same league as the best contemporary SciFi like "The Windup Girl" or fantastical re-imaginings of the West like Dan Simmons "Black Hills". In the class with other Steampunk books it is a five star. But, if you like all of your stories to be very clear and wrapped neatly you might not like it as much. It's not as straightforward as the typical genre novel. This is the kind of book with an emphasis on allegory and theme with a literary lilt to the language.

I am also tempted to subtract a point for the ending. My impression is that the author is planning a sequel but was to busy literrary pretense to make the convention clear so it seems to be a bit abrupt. But it kept me engrossed enough and was written well enough to let that sloppiness pass.

Great characters, great world - best narrator.

Stick with this book for a richly nuanced world with compelling characters framed against a fantastic, alternate world. When the characters started frustrating me because of who they were, I realized how deeply under my skin the author had gotten. Bravo! Also, have to say that Tamara Marston is an outstanding narrator. Although I've only listened to a couple of dozen audiobooks so far, she really stands out for her outstanding ability to differentiate between voices without feeling forced or artificial. Can't wait to hear her other work and hope they bring her back for the sequel.

Fabulous novel, awkward reader

The Half-Made World is wonderful, a brilliantly clever and engrossing reworking of the Western genre into the language of steampunk and magical realism.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Bitter Seeds

Subtitle: The Milkweed Triptych, Book 1

Author: Ian Tregillis

Narrator: Kevin Pariseau

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-24-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 963 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Audible was thrilled to discover this genre-busting alternate history of World War II by an exciting new writer, Ian Tregillis.

It's 1939. Raybould Marsh is a British secret agent in the early days of World War II, haunted by something strange he saw on a mission during the Spanish Civil War: a German woman with wires going into her head who looked at him as if she knew him. It wasnt his imagination; the wired woman can see into the future and use her knowledge to twist the present. In fact, Marsh soon discovers that the Nazis are running missions with people who have special powers a woman who can turn invisible, a man who can walk through walls, and the woman Marsh saw in Spain.

Marsh is called upon to stop them from aiding the Nazi expansion. He rallies a group of secret warlocks in Britain to hold an impending invasion at bay. But magic always exacts a price. Eventually, the sacrifice necessary to defeat the enemy proves as unthinkable as surrender. Alan Furst meets Alan Moore in this wildly entertaining epic of supernatural historical fiction. Bitter Seeds portrays a twentieth century much like the one we knew, but also profoundly different.

Critic Reviews:

"A major talent.... I can't wait to see more." (George R.R. Martin)

"Debut novelist Tregillis breathes new life into alternate military history with this fun take on WW II." (Publishers Weekly)

"Magic and mad science mix in this entertaining alternate history of WWII, with the warlocks of Britain uniting to battle German forces with super powers. A striking first novel." (Locus magazine)

"Tregillis writes and plots beautifully. The characters - twisted German psychics, bitter warlocks, the brutal calculators of the British intelligence apparat - are complex, textured, surprising. The physical descriptions are wonderful. And the plot is relentless, a driving adventure story with intrigue, battle, sacrifice, and betrayal." (BoingBoing)

Members Reviews:

WW II alternate history: X-men vs Warlocks

One of my first alternative history (audible) books. Saw this in hardback, was waiting for the paperback - but to my surprise (even better) it's on Audible!

Basically, the British are losing the war - the US did not join in the war and the Germans have created the ??bermensch (Superman/women) - sociopathic orphans taken from WW I, and endowed with X-menesque power by mad scientists.

In response, a desperate Admiralty establish the Milkweed organisation - British warlocks that use magic to fight back.

I believe this is Tregillis' first novel - stunning piece of work and fortunately there's more to come as this is the first book of the Milkweed Triptych (trilogy).

WWII, Now With Superheroes and Wizards

First off, I feel inclined to note that I gave the novel 3 stars, but I really wanted to give it 3.5 stars. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others, but I just didnt love it.

I decided to listen to this after hearing rave reviews from Tom and Veronica on the Sword and Laser podcast. They really talked it up and it had a pretty interesting premise so it felt like a no-brainer. To give a little background, Bitter Seeds is an alternate history set in Europe during World War II. In this retelling however, the British employ warlocks and the Germans basically have soldiers with superpowers.

Overall, I did enjoy it, but it definitely left something to be desired.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Jovahs Angel

Subtitle: Samaria, Book 2

Author: Sharon Shinn

Narrator: Tamara Marston

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-20-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 139 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

When the reigning Archangel is grounded with a broken wing, Jovah chooses Alleluia as her successor. But now the fate of the planet rests with the reluctant Archangel Alleluia, whose own fate depends on a mortal man who believes only in science and himself.

Critic Reviews:

"Shinn's appealing scenario is carefully worked out and persuasively peopled; fans of Archangel will be gratified." (Kirkus Reviews)

Members Reviews:

Narrator Getting Easier on the Ears

Another fabulous Sharon Shinn book, and the narrator really didn't bother me as much as with Book 1. One of the oracles sounds like he is gargling rocks, but aside from that voice, the rest was okay. Getting ready to start Book 3, so obviously I would still recommend these fabulous books!

Fun and fanciful ... interesting theology

This is an interesting series ... theology mixed with sci-fi ... sort of. Reminds me a bit of the Dragonriders series from the standpoint of plot. If you have an interest in religion, there is some moderately interesting speculations on the nature of godhood. That being said, I am not actually sure where the author stands on the issues she presents. There is a lot of waffling that can get a bit annoying. Still, the books are fun. The reader has a very pleasant voice. A very soothing voice, so don't listen to any of these on a long car trip. I think it would put you to sleep, not because it's boring (it's not), but because the voice is so melodic and sweet. I have actually read this series through book 4 (one to go) and I have to warn you that the series does NOT proceed in chronological order. Books 1 through 3 are in order, but book 4 jumps backward and it is a bit jarring. You might want to read book 4 before book 3 if you are following the series. Each book has a different set of characters, so you can comfortably do that, though it definitely pays to read the first and second books in order. I am enjoying the series. It isn't great fiction, but it is good and pleasant and I can actually remember it even a week or more after reading it ... something not so true of many books. Worth the time and money.

A favorite

I remember not liking the narrator the first time I listened (years back) but didn't feel the same this time.

This is a good series. Like it a lot.

Lovely writing, boring plot

Like the first book, Jovah's Angel had lovely writing and lush world-building. Sharon Shinn sure knows how to paint a picture with words. And I actually liked all her characters this time (unlike the psycho Rachel, who is inexplicably idealized by all the other characters in Archangel). If only she knew how to plot...

I'm giving this book 4 stars because the world-building and writing really are top notch. So are the characterizations. But the plot - oh the plot! For a large part of it, I was like, "what plot?" Pages and pages of Edori worship - how these simple nomads are so friggin' perfect! Even though the whole world's supposed to be in danger due to the angels' failing abilities, and even though Alleya uncovers shocking secrets about her world, the whole book lacks any kind of suspense.

Well, despite my kvetching, I still enjoyed it. When I wasn't zoned out.

Disclaimer: Slow-paced plotless world-building books really aren't my thing. I want action!

P.S.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Hidden Truth

Subtitle: Truth Series, Book 2

Author: Dawn Cook

Narrator: Marguerite Gavin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-26-10

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 496 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Alissa never believed in magic. But then she went to the Hold, a legendary fortress where human Keepers once learned magic from enigmatic Masters. Under the tutelage of the last surviving Master, Alissa discovered that she had inherited her fathers magical ability.

But the Hold is ruled by Bailic, the renegade Keeper who seized the First Truth, a book of magic he will use to harness the might of the city of the dead and wreak a war of total devastation. The book has thwarted Bailics every attempt to access it, while it continually calls to Alissawho must summon all her will to resist it. For if she gives in to the First Truths ultimate power and knowledge, she will be utterly changedand the man she loves could be lost to her forever.

This is the second book in the Truth Series by Dawn Cook, who also writes under the pen name Kim Harrison.

Members Reviews:

Not as good...

I had enjoyed the first book in this series, but I found that this second book was harder to get through, and a lot less believable. The main character, Alissa, ruins the story with her childish, immature behavior. She refuses to listen to anyone else, and then seems shocked when her bad behavior results in making bad situations worse. I've seen toddlers behave with more self control that this character has. I found her to be very unlikable in this book. Some of the scenes in this book were not very believable either. Without spoiling the story, I would have to say that one character's lack of response to a life and death issue simply because he didn't want to mess up his room is a shockingly amature twist in a storyline. Even Marguerite's fantastic narration couldn't save this story. Needless to say, I won't be buying anymore of the books in this series.

Hidden Truth Book 2

This series is really growing on me and I find myself unable to stop listening. The narrator is getting better as well.

Wow, seriously, Rakus? Absolutely marvelous

In this sequel everything begins just as the first book ended. Alissa had found the book called the First Truth. The book pulls at her and Alissa find it almost unbearable to not give in and just take the book. She knows that would cause her untimely death by Bailic. Bailic is too smart to let anyone get that close to the book. Alissa realizes that magic really did exist. She discovered that she possessed the power of magic. Her father also had magic and she inherited his gift. Once Alissa gets her hand on the First Truth she is overpowered by sheer magic and something happens that has never ever happened to her before, she shifts. Her body transforms to a Rakus, master of the Hold. Alissas feral beast inside wants to fly and be free. If she can't be kept grounded, Alissa could be lost forever. Kim Harrison did a magnificent job creating this series of books. Its a brilliant story with such a vivid imagination from the author. Its a beautiful work of art. This is a must listen to. You will enjoy this sequel of books. You must purchase the Truth series. If you do you have to get them in order starting with book 1,The First Truth,2nd book is Hidden Truth, 3rd book is Forgotten Truth, and the last book is called Lost Truth.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Threshold

Subtitle: A Novel of Deep Time

Author: Caitlin R. Kiernan

Narrator: Lauren Fortgang

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-27-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 33 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Chance Matthews is drawn into a battle between angels and monsters because of something in her possession - a fossil of a creature that couldn't possibly have ever existed. But it did. And still does.

Critic Reviews:

"Set in present-day Birmingham, Ala., the novel centers on Chance Matthews, a promising young paleontologist left bereft by the recent deaths of friends and family. Chance and ex-boyfriend Deke Silvey, a loser with latent psychic powers, wallow in self-destructive angst until they're sought out by Dancy Flammarion, a strange teenage girl who claims to be pursued by monsters....A finale that veers unexpectedly from a seemingly inevitable display of supernatural fireworks to a subtly disarming denouement only underscores the intelligence behind this carefully crafted tale of awe-inspired nightmare." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Boring. Don't waste 12 hours on this.

I only bought this book because of the character Dancy Flammarion, having read her Dark Horse comic stories. Without spoiling anything, she barely makes a presence in the book and the story drags on with the other 3 main characters. The narrator did a fantastic job using different tones to show a wide range of voice talent but the slow, boring and seemingly uncompleted story kills any further interest in this series, I'll stick to the comics.

Yikes

I was trapped in the car with this mess of a story for a week with little to do but listen as it droned on. The narrator was awesome, no worries there, and the author really does do a good job of describing the scenes and all, but the story... yikes!

Hours and hours spent listening to conversations that go absolutely nowhere. Then the big climactic ending (which plays out in about 4 min) reminded me of that episode of Dallas that had everyone so ticked off.

If the phrase "What did you see in the tunnel Deke?" repeated ad nauseam is your idea of great story telling, then by all means give this one a listen. Otherwise, give it a pass.

Disappointing

I found this novel disappointing on almost every level. The writing ranged from dreamy and evocative to lethargic but it was rarely involving and always felt mannered, almost forced. Caitlin Kiernan clearly has talent and I've enjoyed some of her short fiction but the young characters in this novel are so drenched in angst, the writing lays it on so thickly, that the book just drags. The languid reading by Lauren Fortgang reinforces the book's problems and the ending, while subtle, is extremely anti-climactic.

THRESHOLD

I gave this book 4 stars because it is very well written, intelligent, and terrifying. But I have to admit: I did not enjoy the story. It is a dark book; no joy, no peace, no happiness. In that way, exactly like real life. I know many people prefer this, but when I read a book, I want to forget about the awfulness of life, even if it is only for that few hours. I want the monsters dead, I want to believe justice still happens, and that sometimes, people do live happily ever after.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Dragon's Dagger

Subtitle: Spearwielder's Tale

Author: R. A. Salvatore

Narrator: Paul Boehmer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-23-10

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 79 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Gary Leger had longed to return to the realm of Faerie ever since the day he left. In that mystical world hidden behind his house, life was very different. But at least there was beauty and peace.

But things have changed since Gary's last visit. The sacred armor and magical spear of the land's greatest hero are missing. A wicked king is threatening war on the villages. A banished witch is plotting a scheme. And a dragon who should be banished is burning up the countryside.

Now Gary must traverse the enchanted land to battle the shadows of evil. But this time his journey will take him where no man has gone before - into the lair of the dragon himself!

Critic Reviews:

"Gary has a lively time of it in Faerie, which Salvatore recaptures with verve and wit and many nice touches, such as the constant arguments between the humane Gary and his bloodthirsty, magical lance. A classic tale of humans caught in the toils of Faerie, certain to retain its predecessor's audience." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Great Book, Great Audiobook, Great Author

Very good concept, excellent execution for the audiobook, and an amazing author!! If you enjoy fantasy adventure books you will love this one!!

Couldn't put it down.

A month has passed since Gary Leger, Hero of The Woods Out Back, helped the stern elf Kelcey complete his life quest to reforge the ancient, magical spear once wielded by the land of Fairy's long-dead hero. Now, however, the spear and its accompanying suit of armor have gone missing and the land's wicked king is up in arms. Even worse, Robert te Dragon, whose fiery breath alone enabled the reforging, is raiding the nearby villages and towns despite having been banished to his castle for a century. And as if that weren't enough, the evil sorceress Ceredwin, also banished to her palace by the hand of Gary himself, is seeking a way to end her exile early.

After an investigation reveals that the artifacts were in fact taken by the Leprechaun Mickey McMickey, who tells Kelcey that the reason for Robert's being out and about was de to a dagger that Gary accidentally took from the dragon's treasury during their last visit.

Back on Earth, five years have passed for Gary, who has been hoping to return to Fairy for another adventure. Given the upheavals in Fairy, he might just find himself taking up the legendary spear once again. But will it be enough to combat the evils threatening Fairy?

Once again Bob Salvatore delivers an excellent tale and narrator Paul Boehmer does a fine job of bringing it to life, even better than he did the first one. Whereas there he occasionally had some problems with consistent pronunciation of character names, those are all but gone here. Definitely not a waste of the credit I spent on it. I couldn't put it down for long.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue

Subtitle: The Knights of Arrethtrae

Author: Chuck Black

Narrator: Andy Turvey, Dawn Marshall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-22-10

Publisher: Oasis Audio

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 42 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Lady Carliss faces the challenge of her life. Can she save the kingdom before it's too late? Determined, smart, and a master of both the sword and the bow, Lady Carliss has proven herself as a veteran Knight of the Prince. Returning from a mission of aid, Carliss is plunged into adventure once again as she searches for the marauders responsible for kidnapping a friend's family. Along the way she is reunited with Sir Dalton and discovers that the struggle in her heart is far from over. When Dalton falls to the vicious attack of a mysterious, poisonous creature, Carliss finds herself in a race against time. As Dalton clings perilously to life, she must find the antidote in the distant and strange city of Moorue. While there, Carliss uncovers the master plot of a powerful Shadow Warrior that will soon overtake the entire Kingdom. Her faith in the Prince and her courage as a knight are tested as she faces evil Shadow Warriors and a swamp full of dreadful creatures. The lives of many, including Dalton's, depend on Carliss. But she cannot save them all, for time is running out. She faces an impossible choice: save Dalton, or let him die so that others may live.

Members Reviews:

OUTSTANDING!

Our family listened to this story on a short vacation, and it kept us all spell bound. It was wonderful! This is the 3rd one in this series we've enjoyed. Thanks :)

Great story great imagination

I really enjoyed this, good Christian fiction is hard to find. I have devoured this series faster than an other.

Incredible!

If you could sum up Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue in three words, what would they be?

everyone must read

What did you like best about this story?

The Amazing Allegory and the action throughout the story

Which character as performed by Andy Turvey and Dawn Marshall was your favorite?

I don't really have a favorite they were all amazing. Si Kon and Dalton were maybe the best. :)

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

Yes totally!

Any additional comments?

If your looking for a good inspiring book with lots of action here it is! :)

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Other Lands

Subtitle: Book Two of the Acacia Trilogy

Author: David Anthony Durham

Narrator: Dick Hill

Format: Unabridged

Length: 23 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-30-09

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 424 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

A few years have passed since the conquering of the Mein, and Queen Corinn is firmly in control of the Known World---perhaps too firmly. With plans to expand her empire, she sends her brother, Daniel, on an exploratory mission to the Other Lands. There Daniel discovers a lush, exotic mainland ruled by an alliance of tribes that poses a grave danger to the stability of the Known World. Is Queen Corinn strong enough to face this new challenge? Fans of this bold, imaginative series will not be disappointed in the answer.

©2009 David Anthony Durham; (P)2009 Tantor

Members Reviews:

The Origins

I enjoyed this as much as the first volume. The preface was excellent is summarizing the story to the point where part two begins. This book explained the origins for the conflicts to come in part three. These books are a great mixture of fantasy, fiction and morality.

Good series, poorly directed reading

I'm a fan of the Acacia trilogy but these audio books with Dick Hill reading them drives me nuts. While a great performer, Hill's reading style is inappropriate for the Durham's audience, his intonation, style, and sense of drama aimed more towards a child's ear than an adult. Much of the story is voiced with unnecessary exaggeration and he really overdoes it to a frustrating degree. Great story, poorly chosen reading approach.

Good book ruined by unlistenable narrator

I wish I had read this series on paper instead of trying to listen to it on audio. The series is a solid high fantasy epic. The narrator, however, ruins the audio version completely. He alternates between hushed mumbling whispers and shouting bellows, so that you have to choose between missing half of what he says or blowing your ears out. The man sounds like he is trying to tell a story to seven-year-olds around a campfire. It's basically "AND THEN, HE...mumblemumblemumble...YOU...WILL...NOT...mumblemumble". I slogged through one book of that, just because the story was so interesting. But I couldn't make it through two.

The Best in the In Fantasy, A++++, Grity realism!!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Other Lands to be better than the print version?

Yes, I would amazing story tellers, loved his voice, Dick Hill was made for this business

What did you like best about this story?

The Great Characters, amazing writing by David Anthony Durham, Cliff hanger after Cliff hanger. Story is original. Political, intrigue, Sorcery, betrayal, and Romance! It is right up there withe A Song of Ice and Fire, Book of Malazan,a nd the kingKiller Chronnicles; better than the latter two and on equal part with George RR Martins book. In fact this book is a George RR Recommendation on his must reads! I'm glad He was write, I am now buy everything David Anthony Durham Writes.

Have you listened to any of Dick Hills other performances before? How does this one compare?

Dick hill is now one of my favorite Audio readers, he did just a great job on this as he did in pride of Carthage

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

The betrayal of the Numerech

Any additional comments?

Please get this book, read it or borrow it, if you claim to be a true fan of this Genre

Too Many Plot Holes

Similar to first book in moving point of view across dozens of characters - almost always at some kind of critical point for that character (very irritating).

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Poison Sleep

Subtitle: A Marla Mason Novel

Author: T. A. Pratt

Narrator: Jessica Almasy

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-10-09

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 224 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

To make matters worse, an inmate has broken out of the Blackwing Institute for criminally insane sorcerers - a troubled psychic who can literally reweave the fabric of reality to match her own traumatic past.

With her wisecracking partner Rondeau reluctantly in tow, Marla teams up with a "love-talker" whose dangerous erotic spells not even she can resist.

Together they're searching the rapidly transforming streets of Felport for a woman who's become the Typhoid Mary of nightmares, infecting everything - and everyone - she touches with a chaos worse than death itself.

Members Reviews:

This Series is AMAZING!

T.A. Pratt has a wonderful imagination, Ive just finished the fourth book of this series and I must say, its been one heck of a ride. Great stories, the evolution of the characters was fascinating to watch. The magical world hes created is rich in detail and so interesting! After this book, read Death Reign then Spell Games. This series is the best urban fantasy Ive read, by far.

Best of a great series.

Dear T.A. Pratt, I love you. I love Marla, and I hope she can bring "you know who" back (no spoilers here!). Please tell me that you are already working on the next book. Please? Pretty please? Did I mention that I love you?

Less sexual, I like

I was put off from the storyline of "Bone Shop" and "Blood Engines" by all the sex and foul language, but this one was much less bothersome, and I liked Genevive a lot. Although I wish you would kill so many good characters, it's annoying. I really liked Ted.

Book 2 is #1

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

Hard to answer a question like this. How can you rate this against a romance, or any other style of story? Maybe the middle?

What was one of the most memorable moments of Poison Sleep?

I liked the way that Genevive gave Z spiderman- mold superpowers.

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

Yes. I got my feet wet with the first one and this one was better. I had to drag myself away.

Any additional comments?

I thought this book was better than the first one and I think that T.A. Pratt has a better grasp of how to write Marla so that she isn't so one dimensional as she was in the start of the first book.

Not as good as Blood Engines...

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love Rondeau! He's funny, really funny, and loyal. Nothing seems to phase him. And, he compliments Marla well.

What does Jessica Almasy bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

I love Jessica Almasy! She's one of my favorites. Her voices are distinct and very believable.

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

Oh the ending of course. Sad sad sad. Loss and betrayal. Sad.

Any additional comments?

Though this is a good book, it's not as good as the first book, in my opinion.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Dreamsongs, Volume I (Unabridged Selections)

Author: George R. R. Martin

Narrator: George R. R. Martin, Roy Dotrice, Adrian Paul, Erik Davies, Claudia Black

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 53 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-30-07

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 295 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

BONUS: Each selection includes extensive commentary by author George R. R. Martin.

Critic Reviews:

"Fans, genre historians, and aspiring writers alike will find this shelf-bending retrospective as impressive as it is intriguing." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Martin like you've never heard him before.

When I saw the presence of this book, I greeted it with an air of casual indifference. I've never been a huge fan of short stories; not enough meat to them. I prefer my books like I prefer everything else: Epic. Moderation shows a lack of commitment. Some of these though wow.

With this installment, I find I'm forced to revise my stance: I'm now not a fan of BAD short stories. It seems that a truly talented writer such as Martin can cram all the character development and plot progression required for a genuinely good tale into 45 pages. Sir, Im sorry to have doubted you.

I picked this up while patiently twiddling my thumbs awaiting Dance of Dragons, the rest of the Mallorean, Memory of Light, etc. (Martin, if you ever read this: For the love of all that's holy: finish this series! Without dying halfway through. And without more prequels. We've lost WAY too many incredible sagas midway recently).

I have to say that I was actually ignorant of the prolific nature of Martin's repertoire. He's been all over the place, genre-wise, and appears equally talented across the board. Its also quite a treat to have Martin himself narrating the autobiographical portions of the book. You really come to know the man behind the Songs, and get a good idea of not only the struggles he overcame becoming a writer, but also the varied successes and triumphs that youre (most likely) unaware of (I had no idea he won awards for comic book scripts, for example).

All in all, this was a fantastic purchase. I heartily recommend it. If youre a diehard Fantasy/Sci-Fi fan, this is your cup of tea. If youre looking to learn more about one of the best writers of modern day, youre in for a treat. If youre seeking a long, involved, multi-part drama a la the Wheel of Time, Song of Ice and Fire, etc., then you may want to pass but Id recommend giving this a shot anyway.

The Magic of Martin

Like other George R.R. Martin fans, I've been waiting for the next installment of his excellent fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire. But I think this collection of Martin's short fiction will tide me over, at least for a while.

I was skeptical at first--short fiction, OK, but I wasn't expecting great quality from stories authored so long ago. After all, the first selection, "Only Kids Are Afraid of the Dark," was written when the author was a teenager. A few minutes in, though, I knew that this wasn't just a curiosity that only the most rabid fans would enjoy. You'll recognize all the things you love Martin for--action, adventure, compelling dialogue from characters you can immediately understand and care about.

It was almost too much to hope for, but it's true: Martin has clearly had the magic that long. Things only get better from the first story on, with more short pieces that made it almost impossible to turn off my player and rejoin the rest of the world.