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

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Title: Storm in a Teacup

Author: Emmie Mears

Narrator: Amber Benson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-01-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 183 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Mediator Ayala Storme kills demons by night and handles PR by day. She avoids Mediator luncheons and a fellow Mediator whos been trying to get in her pants for years. She does her job. She keeps her sword clean and her body count high.

But when a rash of disappearances leads her to discover that Nashvilles hellkin are spawning a new race of monster on human hosts, Ayala will be the first line of defense against these day-walking killers. That is until one of them saves her life. Dodging the Mediators and the demons alike, Ayalas new knowledge of the hybrids free will challenges everything shes ever known about her job. Racing the clock and trying to outrun her comrades and enemies alike, shes not sure who will catch her first....

Cover design by Jes Negron.

Members Reviews:

Paranormal Urban Fantasy without the explicit sex

Would you listen to Storm in a Teacup again? Why?

I'd definitely consider listening again. Because I love the character dynamic between Ayala and Mason. I love romance and fantasy. But what I love about this book is that it doesn't submerge the plot in erotic love scenes. Unlike some novels wherein the character would go into detail about their partner's....parts, I like how the relationship isn't subsumed in physical attraction.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the fact that the romance part only gets introduced halfway into the story. Where the character doesn't gush and gush on every other page on how hot hot hot the guy is. For the first half, the author really took time to build the world and the situation that Ayala is in. We really get to know what type of person she really is and how despite her shortcomings, she's still a decent person. In my opinion, this just made the romantic parts more endearing and sweet.

What about Amber Bensons performance did you like?

I've listened to another of Amber Benson's performance "Zeroes." Thus, I think she's done a great job yet again. I love how versatile her performance is depending on the character.

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

Yup

Any additional comments?

This is a book for fans of the paranormal fantasy genre who like romance but aren't too keen on reading or hearing about explicit sex scenes.

I like how (in my opinion) Ayala and Mason's first meeting is definitely not the instant attraction type. And I think I like the progression of their relationship from hostility (mostly on Ayala's part) to friendship to lovers.

Ayala yes, Amber no!!

I really liked this story, it was a great urban fantasy read! The world is rich and well thought out and Ayala is a strong character with a highly ingrained moral code. The plot is fun and fast-paced with interesting supporting characters and many twists.

Unfortunately, I thought Amber Benson's narration was inconsistent at best. She does a fine job with Ayala, but many supporting characters are given horrible cartoonish voices that are distracting and make them sound flat and one-dimensional. Her rendition of Hazel, Ben and Grifflet in particular are grating and annoying. I can't imagine an actual person ever sounding like that! Maybe it was poor direction.

Amber is a respected actress and I've enjoyed her other work, but when you compare this narration to others in her weight class I feel that Amber comes up short.

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Title: Stone of Farewell

Subtitle: Memory, Sorrow & Thorn, Book 2

Author: Tad Williams

Narrator: Andrew Wincott

Format: Unabridged

Length: 32 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-12-15

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 26 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The stunning second novel in Tad Williams' classic fantasy series, Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, set in the fantasy world of Osten Ard.

Following a brutal civil war, Osten Ard has been crushed under the rule of the two villainous High Kings. A single hope remains: if the rebels can find the three swords of legend - Memory, Sorrow and Thorn - they might be able to bring the Storm King and evil King Elias down.

Once but a humble kitchen boy, Simon is now Simon Snowlock, dragonslayer and bearer of the mythical sword Thorn. But Simon is more alone than ever before: his friends have been imprisoned, and his liege lord, Prince Joshua, has been exiled. And the Storm King may also be in possession of one of the swords....

A single chance remains: if Simon can deliver Thorn to Joshua and lead his followers to the Stone of Farewell, the rebels may be able to muster the forces necessary to rise up against Elias and the Storm King. But no one knows where the Stone of Farewell is. Or, indeed, what it is....

Members Reviews:

Still trotting pace, not a gallop

It's so difficult for me to review these books. I'm trying hard not to be overly critical because the pace doesn't quite suit me.

This is slightly faster paced than the first book, but hardly a gallop.

I tend to judge a book by my desire to keep my headphones in at every opportunity. Cooking, ironing, commuting (even in the bath). If it's one of those books that's grabbed me, my headphones are in and my family is moaning at me for being non-communicative. Not so with this book. I went for days at a time without listening..... On the positive side, it doesn't matter if your attention wonders for a bit, it's probable you wont miss anything hugely significant, so it's a good book if you're needing to concentrate on other stuff simultaneously.

The characters are still good, and true to the first book, and no gaping holes in the plot (so far - or that I've noticed....but I might have dozed off and missed them).

If you're happy with good writing, but at a gentle pace, or you loved the first book in the series, then you should enjoy this.

I still haven't downloaded book 3 in the series, though I imagine I probably will at some stage as I will want to know what happens in this story..... I just need a change of scenery for a bit.

Now the story is really building!

A other great performance by Andrew wincott. I really started to get drawn in this book. Much like the creeping winter in the book this series takes it easy but slowly grows on you. There is a much faster pace to this book the the first and the characters are really starting to gain some depth. Im Really looking forward to seeing what happens in the next installment. There are still many unanswered questions..

As I said these books aren't great on their own and should not be regarded or judged seperately. I can feel that they are just a l parts of an epic whole. If you have patience then read on!

After 55+ hours of hard slog(inc book1) I give up

Would you try another book written by Tad Williams or narrated by Andrew Wincott?

I would listen to another book narrated by Andrew Wincott. Not another book written by Tad Williams.

This feels like a book written for young teenagers. The saving grace is the narrator.

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Title: Pathfinder Tales: Beyond the Pool of Stars

Author: Howard Andrew Jones

Narrator: Steve West

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-03-15

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 54 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Mirian Raas comes from a long line of salvagers, adventurers who use magic to dive for sunken ships off the coast of tropical Sargava. When her father dies, Mirian has to take over his last job: a dangerous expedition into deep jungle pools, helping a tribe of lizardfolk reclaim the lost treasures of their people. Yet this isn't any ordinary job, as the same colonial government that looks down on Mirian for her half-native heritage has an interest in the treasure, and the survival of the entire nation may depend on the outcome....

From critically acclaimed author Howard Andrew Jones comes a fantastical adventure of deep-water danger and unlikely alliances in Pathfinder Tales: Beyond the Pool of Stars, set in the award-winning world of the Pathfinder role playing game.

Members Reviews:

really heartwarming story

the story did well in portraying the nation ofsargava that's more of just a nation of tribesman

Gripping

It had an excellent flow from start to finish leading off with some excellent lead into a character you dont know that you will soon come to know and love as well as a cast of other characters that will grow on you and grow in their own ways changing into unique and fully fleshed characters

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Title: Rune Gate Cycle: Omnibus

Author: Mark E. Cooper

Narrator: Mikael Naramore

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-29-15

Publisher: Impulse Books UK

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 57 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

On the edge of sanity, can she stop a ruthless killer?

Formerly published separately in print as Rune Gate and Chosen, this omnibus contains Alex Yorke's complete adventure.

Alexandra Yorke was a top police clairvoyant, but years of living inside the heads of serial killers has taken its toll. Unable to control her gifts, she retreats from the world, but a few months of peace is all she has before a friend calls in need of help.

Pursuing a killer into another world, she must journey through the magical kingdom of Inari to warn the queen of treachery, but the goddess has her own plan for Alex - something she never would have expected.

This magical adventure represents the complete Rune Gate Cycle.

Members Reviews:

Series Too Short

Excellent storyline. Well built world. Left me wanting to read more stories in this world.

Great stories

I can't read very well and I found Mr Coopers stories great, like actually being there

Great

Can't wait for the next book. A must read and especially with Michael Narramore narrative

Great story line enjoyed it very much

What did you love best about Rune Gate Cycle: Omnibus?

Loved the whole omnibus

What other book might you compare Rune Gate Cycle: Omnibus to and why?

None

Which scene was your favorite?

All

If you could rename Rune Gate Cycle: Omnibus, what would you call it?

Would not change it at all

Any additional comments?

Just bought book 3 and going to listen to it next

fun and worth the time!

This was a nice change from my usual. I quite enjoyed it. It makes one want to hear the sequel.

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Title: Bookburners: Badge, Book, and Candle: Episode 1

Author: Brian Francis Slattery, Margaret Dunlap, Max Gladstone, Mur Lafferty

Narrator: XE Sands

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-22-15

Publisher: Serial Box

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Detective Sally Brooks investigates an unusual robbery, and discovers that magic is real - and hungry!

NYPD Detective Sal Brooks is no rookie - but even the most hardened cop would think twice when they see their brother open a book and become...well...something entirely not their brother. When her attempts to solve the case cross paths with a mysterious team led by a priest, she starts to realize that the world is far more than what is seems, and, just maybe, magic is real - and hungry.

This episode is the first in a 16-part serial, Bookburners, presented by Serial Box. From a team of writers, this collaborative effort unfolds an epic urban fantasy narrative across an entire season in weekly installments.

Follow along as Sal learns the life-changing lesson: Some books have teeth.

Critic Reviews:

"

Bookburners is sheer enormous fun! Energetic, intense, vivid prose. More soon please." (Naomi Novik, author of

Uprooted and the

New York Times best-selling Temeraire series)

"

Bookburners is the breathless, hallucinogenic love child of

Torchwood, the

Librarians, and the

Laundry Files. More soon, please." (Ian Tregillis, author of

The Mechanical and Bitter Seeds)

"

Bookburners is an exciting new take on urban fantasy. Love the premise, love the characters, love the unique (and sometimes wonderfully disturbing) spin on the dangers of magic!" (Cassandra Rose Clarke, author of

The Assassins Curse)

Members Reviews:

Very enjoyable, well written, great performance

I really enjoyed this first chapter of the "Bookburners" --certainly liked it enough to order the next two chapters. The reader is outstanding and the writing is excellent.

riveting fun

This is just a big bag of fun. If you love well-written urban fantasy adventures, you're not going to0 do better than this.

I was hooked from the first minute. MORE. NOW.

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Title: The Crusader Road

Author: Michael A. Stackpole

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-13-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 77 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

When the aristocratic Vishov family is banished from their native Ustalav due to underhanded politics, they're faced with a choice: fade slowly into obscurity or strike out for the nearby River Kingdoms and establish a new holding on the untamed frontier. For Lady Tyressa Vishov, the decision is simple. Together with her children and loyal retainers, she'll forge a new life in the infamous Echo Wood, and neither bloodthirsty monsters nor local despots will stop her from reclaiming her family honor. Yet the shadow of Ustalavic politics is long, and even in a remote and lawless territory, there may be those determined to see the Vishov family fail....

Members Reviews:

So Good

A wonderful pathfinder story with an amazing narrator, likeable characters, and a good solid story.

Very enjoyable& very pleasing to the ears.

The story was filled with many unexpected twisted and turns. A very good listen/ read.

good listen

narrator was not hard on the ears and the pace of the story moved along well

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Title: The Sigil Blade

Subtitle: Archon Sigil Trilogy Series #1

Author: Jeff Wilson

Narrator: Jeffrey Kafer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-29-15

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 80 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The people of An Innis have fallen on hard times. Vengeful thieves, rumored to be men returned from death, have brought the island to its knees. Using a fleet of captured ships, they systematically plunder everything that enters or attempts to leave the coastal waters that surround the island. The Sigil Blade, the first book of the Archon Sigil trilogy, tells the story of Edryd, a man who is trying to reinvent himself and conceal the truth about his past. His unexplained arrival as a stranger upon the island will change the course of its history and set in motion events that will ultimately shape the future of an entire world. He will duel with Aed Seoras, a master shaper who seeks to use and control him, and battle with immortal draugar and their human thralls as he struggles with dark powers over which he has no control. He must learn to shape the darkness around him if he wants to avoid a destiny that holds the promise of endless bloodshed and destruction. The tool he will need to do this is an ancient weapon of power.

Members Reviews:

Good story

Wish they'd fleshed out some of things talked about earlier in the book, but over all good story.

Mediocre

This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

People who enjoy pointless descriptions of mundane objects, undeveloped characters, and an unlikeable protagonist.

What could Jeff Wilson have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Put away his thesaurus.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The characters are mostly indistinguishable from one another.

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

Disappointment.

Dull and unengaging

The story just didn't capture my attention. I played it through, but I always found myself tuning out. The relationships between the main character and everyone he encounters are tainted by negative emotions; controlling, self-centered mentors he doesn't want, female characters who make a game of feeling constantly burdened by his presence, people lying and manipulating and never ecplaining their motives. The only time I found myself feeling anything for a character was my disgust for the pathetic snivelling of the main character. I greatly dislike when characters moan about how "None of this would have happened if I hadn't been here!" It cheapens the actions of the other characters, and lessens any feelings of happiness I have for the positive outcomes of the character's actions.

Love this story -

just a little schmaltzy at times, but characters, plot, conclusion and narration - all very enjoyable.

Can't wait for the next installment! (?)

Great Introduction

This is my first introduction to this author and what a great introduction it was.

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Title: Shifter Legacies Special Edition: Books 1-2

Author: Mark E. Cooper

Narrator: Mikael Naramore

Format: Unabridged

Length: 30 hrs and 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-18-15

Publisher: Impulse Books UK

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 85 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

LA gets a little hotter when there's blood on the streets....

This special edition of Shifter Legacies combines books one and two, and contains a long journey of dark paranormal urban fantasy.

Way of the Wolf: Dr. David Lephmann lived a normal existence until he was attacked by a shifter. Thrust into a world of violence and mistrust, he must battle for a place among his new people.

Only strange new alliances can keep him alive. A powerful master vampire may help him take his revenge on the shifter who destroyed his life. There's only one distraction from his mission: an intriguing shifter woman who opens up his world to werewolf romance.

With no way back to his old life, David has no choice but to bend to the rules of his new people. Can he survive the challenge?

Wolf's Revenge: Los Angeles - a city of vampires and shifters where violence simmers just below the surface. LAPD Lieutenant Christine Humber has worked for years in the city's most violent district, nicknamed Monster Central. When Chris examines the murder scene of a werewolf, a particularly hard-to-kill shifter, she doesn't find a shred of evidence. A serial killer was just what the city needed to make tensions start to bubble over.

Threatened by the chance of a new urban revolt, the FBI steps in and tries to take the case. Chris reluctantly teams with the overly slim and beautiful Agent Flint to maintain the fragile peace. As the shifter body count grows, Chris and Flint must find answers before war and death spill out onto the streets.

If you like shifters or the work of Charlaine Harris and Jim Butcher, you'll love these tantalizingly action-packed books.

Members Reviews:

Fantastic read

Where does Shifter Legacies Special Edition: Books 1-2 rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

one a scale of 1 to 10, I would give this an 8 or 9.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Stephen

What does Mikael Naramore bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Great emotion

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

Monster City

Any additional comments?

I receive this bundle free for an honest review and I would greatly recommend these books. I hope there is more.

Awesome Shifter Stories!

What made the experience of listening to Shifter Legacies Special Edition: Books 1-2 the most enjoyable?

These were great stories, and I really enjoyed the "shifter" world development and how it combined shifters and vampires.

Book 1, Way of the Wolf, is a fast past, complex story, with great characters. Told from multiple POV's, the story follows different characters and then pulls them together perfectly for a thrilling ending!

These shifters live in harsh times with no rights for being "non human" and they must fight for the status in the pack.

Book 2, Wolf's Revenge, was a great story that was mostly told from Chris's POV.

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Title: The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps

Author: Kai Ashante Wilson

Narrator: Kevin Free

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-01-15

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 74 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Critically acclaimed author Kai Ashante Wilson makes his commercial debut with this striking, wondrous tale of gods and mortals, magic and steel, and life and death that will reshape how you look at sword and sorcery.

Since leaving his homeland, the earthbound demigod Demane has been labeled a sorcerer. With his ancestors' artifacts in hand, the sorcerer follows the captain, a beautiful man with song for a voice and hair that drinks the sunlight.

The two of them are the descendants of the gods who abandoned the Earth for Heaven, and they will need all the gifts those divine ancestors left to them to keep their caravan brothers alive.

The one safe road between the northern oasis and southern kingdom is stalked by a necromantic terror. Demane may have to master his wild powers and trade humanity for godhood if he is to keep his brothers and his beloved captain alive.

Members Reviews:

Challenging but worthwhile and engaging novella

As someone who reads a lot of science fiction and fantasy, this was a fascinating and worthwhile experience. First, the Sorcerer of the Wildeeps is a good story - a tale of mercenaries and caravans, mostly occurring over a single night, with some wonderful SF/Fantasy elements. Second, it is an example of how some of the new, diverse voices in science fiction can broaden the genre is new ways. This tale is very influenced by both Africa and African-American contexts, as well as exploring some gay themes. This gives the story a distinct voice that, while still conventionally swashbuckling in a fantasy way, also feels fresh and different.

Interestingly, it is not the themes that make the story challenging, but rather than language and structure. Wilson alternates between Shakespearean flourishes and street slang, and between complex science fiction talk and gutter creole. Also, the story involves flashbacks and changes of scene that can feel abrupt. However, the reader Kevin Free, a trained actor and storyteller, makes it all work - with some of the best voice work I have heard recently.

If you are are interested in something difficult and exciting in science fiction/fantasy, this is a good choice. Expect to work a bit in following along, and you will be rewarded with a unique voice.

An Epic of Ebonics, Demigods & Brokeback Mountains

Although the god-blood flowing in the veins of Demane (AKA Mountain Bear) is diluted, as he was born long after the "gods" (mostly) left the world for the stars, he still has enough to be a candidate for divinity and or transcendence. He keeps his potential power and knowledge under wraps as much as possible, for he's working among superstitious and exploited mortal guard-laborers on a caravan as it heads south towards the Wildeeps en route to mighty Olorum. But though he tries to keep a low profile as unofficial healer, his fellow guards find his skills and knowledge uncanny, his bag magical (holding as it does everything from spears and saddles to medicines and pyrotechnics), and he their Sorcerer. At the same time, Demane is winningly naïve, believing at first that prostitution is a kind of marriage and feeling uncomfortable in and ignorant about cities.

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Title: The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter

Author: Rod Duncan

Narrator: Gemma Whelan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-14-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 71 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Elizabeth Barnabus lives a double life - as herself and as her brother, the private detective. She is trying to solve the mystery of a disappearing aristocrat and a hoard of arcane machines. In her way stand the rogues, freaks and self-proclaimed alchemists of a travelling circus. But when she comes up against an agent of the all-powerful Patent Office, her life and the course of history will begin to change. And not necessarily for the better.

Rod Duncan is a published crime writer. His first novel, Backlash, was shortlisted for the CWA John Creasey Dagger, and he has since written three other novels (all Simon & Schuster UK) and had his first screenplay produced. His background is in scientific research and computing, and he lives in Leicester.

Critic Reviews:

"If I had a bowler hat, I'd take it off to the author of this beautifully crafted steampunk novel." (Chris D'Lacey, author of The Last Dragon Chronicles)

Members Reviews:

Good but not quite there

This book was, as the headline indicates, good but not quite great. It had a lot of things going for it, but for me it never quite hit its stride. Overall enjoy-ability of the book was certainly helped by the narrator, who did a good job of pacing and intonation.

Genre wise, it was sort of steam-punk in that they took a dirigible instead of a train but other than the 'device' which is the crux of the plot, it wasn't really that interested in the genre's usual technology. It was sort of alt-history, but the background wasn't really spelled out until the 'glossary' which was included after the end of the book (and so was of no use whatsoever). All the information that the 'glossary' gave about the history of the kingdom vs the republic, and about the foundation of the patent office would have been far more helpful at the beginning of the book.

I think the biggest reason why I am not giving the book more stars was because of Elizabeth the main character. It's not that she's not an interesting character, she is. I think it was the writing style of the novel which never really let us get into her head which left me feeling kind of lost with regard to her motivations. We get lots of Elizabeth's history and plenty of details with regards to how she gets into and escapes from various scrapes, but we don't get much of her overall motivations. We get the surface actions of her and nothing more. She's hired to look into a missing aristocrat but we, the reader, don't get any information about her speculations as to why the aristocrat might be missing. Does she think he ran away? Does she think he was kidnapped? Does she think he's deliberately hiding from his sister? What sort of device does he have? Did he steal it? By leaving us out of these thoughts, I felt like I was just kind of running alongside Elizabeth, not knowing why she was going where she was going. As a result, I didn't understand why she made the decisions which she made.