Listen to Best Full Audiobooks in Teens, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

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: Splintered

Author: A. G. Howard

Narrator: Rebecca Gibel

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 46 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-01-13

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1066 votes

Genres: Teens, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of Underland, as well as a girls pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers - precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carrolls Alices Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.

When her mothers mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alices tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alices mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

Members Reviews:

Had Potential, But That Was It...

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

Pre-teen girls and anyone who enjoys cliche, corny romances.

Would you ever listen to anything by A. G. Howard again?

Probably not.

Which character as performed by Rebecca Gibel was your favorite?

Morpheus

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Splintered?

None. I don't like abridged productions.

Any additional comments?

Its no secret that retold, repurposed fairy tales are all the rage in young adult novels these days. However, Splintered captures very little of the magic or charm that so many other fantasy books in the genera posses. Going in, I had high hopes for this book. The premise sounded fresh and interesting and almost all of the reviews were positive. Sadly though, the end product turned out to be a slow and difficult read. I found very little to like in any of the main characters and was frustrated with them throughout most of the book. Many of them have a punk/emo flair to their personalities, which feels unnatural, as well as immature, and makes it seem like the author is trying too hard to relate to younger readers. The female lead, Alyssa, is unfortunately meek and needed, though the novel tries to portray her as otherwise, and constantly relies on her two love interests for protection and direction. These two love interests are, I can only assume, supposed to be supportive, caring and protective. Instead they come off as creepy, over protective, and controlling. This is as frustrating and annoying as you can imagine, so I wont go into detail about it.

Another problem I have with the novel is the words and descriptions that the author used. (I know this sounds really picky, but just bear with me.) Howard went to great lengths to describe things like clothing, kissing, table dancing, and the characters irresistible beauty, but her descriptions of scenes that involved heavy action or key events often felt lacking. In short, the dull parts of the book seemed drawn out, while the climactic and important portions felt rushed. In addition to this, it was difficult to become invested in many of the creative twists and turns that the book presented, because the words and descriptions that the author used didnt feel creative or interesting.

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: Born at Midnight

Subtitle: Shadow Falls, Book 1

Author: C. C. Hunter

Narrator: Katie Schorr

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-07-12

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 989 votes

Genres: Teens, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Dont miss this spectacular new series that will steal your heart and haunt your dreams: Welcome to Shadow Falls camp, nestled deep in the woods of a town called Fallen.

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever. Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls - a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers arent just "troubled". Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapshifters, witches and fairies train side by side - learning to harness their powers, control their magic, and live in the normal world.

Kylies never felt normal, but surely she doesnt belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either. Or does she? They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason. As if life wasnt complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas. Dereks a half-fae whos determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past. Both Derek and Lucas couldnt be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart. Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear - Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs.

Members Reviews:

A Book I Could Really Sink My Teeth Into!

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

Yes, I think this book has a refreshing spin on the legends of "Monsters." Any teenager could relate to the chaos that occurs to the main character of the book as far as identity issues and divorce is concerned. The book's plot was filled with many twists and turns. I got sucked in pretty easily after the first couple of chapters. There were some predictable moments where I could guess what was going to be revealed before Kylie realized it, but the book was still enjoyable!

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that the concept was original. A world filled with "monsters" trying to learn how to survive through having to co-exist at a camp for supernaturals. I also enjoyed the romance in the book. Being married, it's fun to get a glimpse into that young love/ hormonal/ emotional chaos of new romance. The two guys swooning for her attention sounded pretty hot to trot so I am hoping this turns into a movie!

Have you listened to any of Katie Schorrs other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have never listened to Katie Schorr before but her voice is pleasant. At first, I thought her voice would grate on my nerves but after a while I began to grow accustomed to it and could visualize the characters. She did a good job of bringing the characters to life and painting the setting of the story through her voice.

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

"Who knew being a teen was so tough?"

Outstanding!!

I really liked this story. First of all, it is a teen's book. One that I wouldn't mind my teenagers listening to. The main character Kylie is adorable. Her character really grows through out the series. Topics like sex, teen pregnancy and divorce are addressed. Just to let you know how much I liked it, I have listened to 3 of the books since Friday! And will download the 4th soon.

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: Reached

Subtitle: Matched, Book 3

Author: Ally Condie

Narrator: Jack Riccobono

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-13-12

Publisher: Listening Library

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1414 votes

Genres: Teens, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

After leaving Society and desperately searching for the Rising - and each other - Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again: Cassia has been assigned to work for the Rising from within Society, while Ky has been stationed outside its borders. But nothing is as predicted, and all too soon the veil lifts and things shift once again.

In this gripping conclusion to the number-one New York Times-best-selling Matched Trilogy, Cassia will reconcile the difficulties of challenging a life too confining, seeking a freedom she never dreamed possible, and honoring a love she cannot live without.

Members Reviews:

What Happened to the Series?

While I enjoyed the first two books in this trilogy, I was disappointed in the conclusion. The plot about going still and finding the cure had potential. But Condie made it more of a subplot. The book was more about Zander's and Ky's love for Cassia. While it appeared that Zander experienced some growth throughout the series, Cassia remained nearly stagnant in that arena and Ky was a lovesick puppy all the way through. His whining was detestable and I couldn't stand listening to him. If I hadn't been driving when I listened to the book, I would have skipped all of his chapters. His contribution to the plot was nonexistent. The book could have carried on perfectly fine without him. I don't know how Cassia, portrayed as very intelligent, could have fallen for such a person. The "match" makes no sense.

Although I realize the book is dystopian in nature, and teens would mature a little faster, I think they sounded a little too old for their ages. The last 25% of the book was moralizing on the part of Cassia. It was as if Condie was reaching herself for a way to wind it up. Perhaps the entire tale would have been better as a two-book series.

I know readers who read the first two novels will feel compelled to buy the last one, but if you can stop yourselves from doing so, you'll save a valuable credit.

So disappointed!!!!!

What disappointed you about Reached?

It was very drawn out and quite boring. I really don't like how they threw in a relationship for Zander at the end. I had a very hard time getting through this book. It was nothing like the first one. I still would like to know who the "enemy" is.

What could Ally Condie have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Kept the story similar to the first book. This one had many sections that were way too convient and hard to believe. There were also questions that went unanswered. Overall, I am very disappointed.

How could the performance have been better?

The girl did great but Kye(not sure of the spelling) was pretty awful. By the end his voice was very irritating.

What character would you cut from Reached?

Zander's new girl. I believe her name is Layla. It felt like she was just added in at the end so everyone could have a happy ending.

Any additional comments?

This book manages to be drawn out and rushed at the same time. I can't even explain how that is possible.

Disappointed ..most likely will return this book

What would have made Reached better?

Less predictable and More action

Any additional comments?

As I listened to this book , I experienced waves of nausea every time love for Cassia was mentioned (every 5 minutes). The book was very predictable and annoying.

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: Days of Blood & Starlight

Author: Laini Taylor

Narrator: Khristine Hvam

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-06-12

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1891 votes

Genres: Teens, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Karou must come to terms with who and what she is, and how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, mysteries and secrets, new characters and old favorites, Days of Blood and Starlight brings the richness, color and intensity of the first book to a brand new canvas. Daughter of Smoke and Bone was declared a "must read" by Entertainment Weekly, was named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon.com, and The New York Times called it "a breath-catching romantic fantasy."

Members Reviews:

No Sophomore Slump here...Just wow!

It's hard to write a review of this book without giving away too may spoilers, so I will keep this as general as possible.

This book is amazing! If you loved Daughter of Smoke and Bone (a must read on my list) then you will LOVE this book too. It's darker then the first and not as much romance (to my disappointment) but it is exquisitely written and the story will suck you in from the beginning. Once this story gets going you will find it very hard to stop listening. I was obsessed!

I was happy to see Zusana is back (she is one of my favorite characters) and there are many new ones introduced in this one.

I wouldn't suggest picking this book up before reading Smoke and Bone as it might be too confusing given all the new character developments.

As before, Khristine Hvam is brilliant at the narration. Thank you to Hachette Audio for sticking to a narrator that works!

I highly recommend this book/series and I can not wait for the next installment.

5 Stars all around

It just dragged on...

I don't know why the author chose to be complete Debbie-Downer for the entire 15hours of this book. Daughter of Smoke of Bone was awesome Karou was blue haired spit fire that stood up to everyone including powerful angels. In this book she is completely desolate, weak, she has enslaved herself to her race and just completely relinquishes her power to others and forsaken her one true love. Sure people can become depressed when they feel betrayed, but Karou is completely self-destructive and doesn't snap out of it to fight back throughout the entire book. I know I'm not keen on listening to "Woe, is me..." for 15 hours, no thank you! I hope the author does an about-face for the next book, because I want the fighting confident spit fire back, enough with the Sorry-Sally story a person can only take so much negativity.

I don't even know...

I don't even know where to begin. This book took me on a roller-coaster of emotions. At one point it had me so depressed I stopped listening to the book for an entire week. I loved Daughter of Smoke and Bone EVERY SINGLE THING about it... except the end. I went into this book knowing we were going to be getting a different story, a story far more serious and a whole lot less fun.

Sh*t just got real.

This book is magnificent. It's not always pretty and it is often gut wrenching. Laini keeps you guessing and absolutely NOTHING is expected. I don't believe a reader could ask for more beautifully orchestrated writing.

The first half of this book is a little like walking through mud (only a little) and the second half is like riding a dragon bareback out of a secret dungeon bank.

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: Ruins

Subtitle: Pathfinder, Book 2

Author: Orson Scott Card

Narrator: Emily Janice Card, Kirby Heyborne, Stefan Rudnicki

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-30-12

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2721 votes

Genres: Teens, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

When Rigg and his friends crossed the Wall between the only world they knew and a world they could not imagine, he hoped he was leading them to safety. But the dangers in this new wallfold are more difficult to see. Rigg, Umbo, and Param know that they cannot trust the expendable, Vadesh - a machine shaped like a human, created to deceive - but they are no longer certain that they can even trust one another.

But they will have little choice. Because although Rigg can decipher the paths of the past, he cant yet see the horror that lies ahead: A destructive force with deadly intentions is hurtling toward Garden. If Rigg, Umbo, and Param cant work together to alter the past, there will be no future.

Members Reviews:

Story Stretching 101

COULD YOU POSSIBLY BE A LITTLE MORE INCOHERENT?

This book and the last book I read by Card have just made me mad. Card is using his famous name to sell crap. I love the early Card, before he became a preacher. Card had some good ideas, but instead of putting them in one book, he decided he could make more money by writing trilogies, knowing his name alone would sell the books. In this book he demonstrates how to stretch a short story into a book.

1. Have about five characters.

2. Have those characters, bitch and fight and discuss every single step they take.

3. Make sure the characters constantly misunderstand each other.

4. Have the characters even debate their and the other characters actions in their own heads. Make sure and really draw out these misunderstandings and insecurities.

5. Have the characters say things figuratively, so other characters can get literal and you can have middle school jokes about what was really meant.

SOMEONE ALWAYS MISUNDERSTANDS WHICH LEADS TO CORRECTION

I am going to try one more time to read a modern Card, (Earth Aware) and if that is as irritating as this, then I will stay with only pre 1990 Card books.

Android One "What was all the discussion about?"

Android Two "It's a human thing."

Huge Card fan left slightly disappointed.

I'll start this by saying I'm a huge Card fan. Ender's Game is my favorite book, and I loved Pathfinder. I counted down the days until this was published, but now I'm left disappointed.

Card's usual depth and complexity are there in the story, and I cannot deny it isn't well written. But he significantly faulted, in my judgement anyways, by making the drama in this book all about the characters and their inabilities to trust each other.

A little bit of resentment towards each others is one thing, but there were whole chapters where the characters would argue or fight or just plain whine the whole time. It was distracting, removed me from the story, and even made me stop listening for chunks at a time. Honestly, it was so bad I wanted to slap the characters. It didn't really feel "real" considering what we'd known about them from the last book.

He's all set up for a climactic book three in which there will hopefully be real drama and conflict. This one felt forced, as though in order to justify a book two he forced out character drama that didn't need to exist and borderline overwhelmed the rest of the story.

I cannot wait for book three and I put my hopes on that one.

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 Crimson Crown

Subtitle: A Seven Realms Novel, Book 4

Author: Cinda Williams Chima

Narrator: Carol Monda

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-25-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 652 votes

Genres: Teens, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

New York Times best-selling author Cinda Williams Chima's wildly popular Seven Realms books have won numerous accolades, including starred reviews and a VOYA Perfect Ten.

In this stunning series conclusion, Queen Raisa ana' Marianna is desperately seeking a way to unite her people and keep peace within the Fells. Meanwhile, relations between the wizards and Clan approach a breaking point. Han Alister, now a member of the Wizard Council, learns the thousand-year-old secret that can unite the people of the kingdom - but he may not live long enough to use it.

Members Reviews:

Favorite Book this Year

What did you love best about The Crimson Crown?

Its done. its done???

ohhhh, best book so far this year.

I'm feeling the afterglow of this book. Considering if I should re-listen from book one again right away... Or wait... So good!!! This series ranks close to the top in my best series ever list.

The series is perfect for fans of series like Song of Ice and Fire (with the understanding that it is a YA series). It is a series full political drama, messy misunderstandings, robust characters you love and others you love to hate.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Han... Reisa...Han....? errrr....

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

Yes! cry. laugh. rejoice.

It's good over and over and over again

the series in general is captivating. even though I know how it ends, I always miss something that makes the journey exciting every time.

Whole series was fantastic!

This book was great! This series was great! Well worth the credit or money. I will admit I was skeptical at the beginning but the end is a well worth pay off. 5 stars all around

Best of the series

a wonderful spectacular way of ending such a captivating and loving book series action packed Romance betrayal this had it all perfect ending in every way

awesome!

very well written, great story line. narration was spot on. i can't imagine any two people being able to tell this story any better.

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

Subtitle: A House of Night Novel, Book 10

Author: Kristin Cast, P. C. Cast

Narrator: Caitlin Davies

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-16-12

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 936 votes

Genres: Teens, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

In the must-listen 10th installment of the number one New York Times best-selling vampyre series, Darkness wont stay hidden for long....

The House of Night series is an international phenomenon, reaching number one on U.S., German, and UK best-seller lists, and remaining a fixture on the New York Times Childrens Series best-seller list for more than 140 weeks and counting. With nearly 12 million copies in print, rights sold in 38 countries to date, and relatable, addictive characters, this series is unstoppable. Now in Hidden, the tenth installment of the series, the stakes are higher than ever before.

Neferets true nature has been revealed to the Vampyre High Council, so Zoey and the gang might finally get some help in defending themselves and their beloved school against a gathering evil that grows stronger every day. And theyll need it, because Neferets not going down without a fight. Chaos reigns at the House of Night.

Critic Reviews:

"Move over Stephenie Meyer." (

People)

Members Reviews:

This series is just being dragged on and on...

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Zoey isn't evolving as a person or a high priestess. She isn't growing into the high priestess role that she has been blessed with by Nyx. Her indecisiveness, lack of surety and overall lack of self awareness make her the weakest character in the book and she should be the most compelling part of the book.

Would you ever listen to anything by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast again?

I don't know.

Have you listened to any of Caitlin Daviess other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, I have all the House of Night books on audio book and I love all the ones she has done. She has brought to life these characters and I commend her!

Did Hidden inspire you to do anything?

I'm looking for a new series, that's all it has inspired me to do... move on.

Any additional comments?

The authors are drawing out this series and they have lost a loyal reader/listener.

I'm very disappointed in the way this series has been drawn out and milked for every last ounce of story P. C. Cast and Kristen Cast can get out of it. If you're going to keep a series going please keep it interesting; make us want to listen to it over and over again. Make your audience sit at the edge of their seats waiting for every word, every action with baited breath!

Getting tired, but still entertaining.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

If you have read the rest of the series, yes, I would read this one. It continues the story with the gang. There is nothing that stands out as super interesting though, and had I not read the rest, this book is pretty boring and can't be read as a stand alone.

Would you ever listen to anything by P. C.

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: Son

Author: Lois Lowry

Narrator: Bernadette Dunne

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-02-12

Publisher: Listening Library

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 961 votes

Genres: Teens, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

"They called her Water Claire."

When the young girl washed up on their shore, no one knew she had been a Vessel. That she had carried a Product. That it had been carved from her belly. Stolen.

Claire had had a son. She was supposed to forget him, but that was impossible. When he was taken from their community, she knew she had to follow. And so her journey began.

But here in this wind-battered village Claire is welcomed as one of their own. In the security of her new home, she is free and loved. She grows stronger. As tempted as she is by the warmth of more human kindness than she has ever known, she cannot stay. Her son is out there; a young boy by now. Claire will stop at nothing to find her child...even if it means trading her own life.

With Son, the two-time Newbery Medal - winning Lois Lowry has spun another mesmerizing tale in this thrilling and long-awaited conclusion to The Giver.

Critic Reviews:

"Claire's story stands on its own, but as the final volume in this iconic quartet, it holistically reunites characters, reprises provocative socio-political themes, and offers a transcending message of tolerance and hope." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

Members Reviews:

A great "build up" to a "let down"!

I have mixed thoughts on this one. I would give it 2.5 stars if I could.

I greatly appreciated how this wove the disparate strands of The Giver, Gathering Blue, and The Messenger together in a coherent way. (I particularly love The Giver.) Even so, Son stands on its own and is fully accessible to someone who hasn't read Lowry's previous works.

The first and second parts, "Before" and "Between," are hauntingly good (and very reminiscent of The Giver), painting first a dystopian society without emotion or individualism, and then contrasting that with a small but thriving community of outcasts who have created family by choice.

Unfortunately, the third section, "Beyond," takes the tale out of the realm of science fiction or even parable and transforms it into a cartoonish allegory that steals much of the meaning and thoughtfulness from the rest of the work. Suddenly the worlds and woes we've encountered aren't because of good intentions gone bad and ignorance of what could be, or even the almost-mindless tyranny of the few over the many (with, more or less, the complicity of that many), but pure "evil." The final confrontation between Gabe (Gabriel? an angel?) and the Trademaster (the fallen, exiled angel?), with its suggestion that we're willing to give away those parts of ourselves we should treasure most, has all the subtlety of a heavy brick to the head.

I was pleased that the love of a mother for her son, and of that son for his mother - loves that would have been deemed "selfish" and wrong in the world of "Before" - end up saving not only these two individuals, but also their entire community. I only wish this could've been conveyed without trading Lowry's deft touch for a sledgehammer.

Lowry's gift is raising and wrestling with difficult questions, and the first two sections of Son continue in this tradition beautifully. It's unfortunate that she ends this series with somewhat last-minute and trite answers

This book is phenomenal!!

I was blown away by how in depth this book went.

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: Seraphina

Author: Rachel Hartman

Narrator: Mandy Williams, Justine Eyre

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-10-12

Publisher: Listening Library

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 886 votes

Genres: Teens, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered - in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

In her exquisitely written fantasy debut, Rachel Hartman creates a rich, complex, and utterly original world. Seraphina's tortuous journey to self-acceptance is one listeners will remember long after the narrative ends.

Critic Reviews:

"Beautifully written, well-rounded characters, and some of the most interesting dragons I've read in fantasy for a long while. An impressive debut novel; I can't wait to see what Rachel Hartman writes next." (Christopher Paolini, New York Times best-selling author of Eragon)

"A book worth hoarding, as glittering and silver-bright as dragon scales, with a heroine who insists on carving herself a place in your mind." (Naomi Novik, New York Times best-selling author of the Temeraire series)

"Seraphina is strong, complex, talented - she makes mistakes and struggles to trust, with good reason, and she fights to survive in a world that would tear her apart. I love this book!" (Tamora Pierce, New York Times best-selling author of the Beka Cooper series)

Members Reviews:

Completely Inspiring Fantasy

My initial reaction to this novel (a week or so after I finished listening to it) is to reflect on my connection with Seraphina. A girl with an amazing talent who actively seeks to hide her talent in order to not draw attention to herself because of a difference that could get her killed. I am surprised that in a world so fantastical it requires a great deal of careful sculpting and building that my first thoughts are of this character. Seraphina's struggle helps ground the world. Seraphina, at the beginning of the novel, has defined and viewed herself based off of an identity that she didn't choose but was born with. She is caught between two races with each not even wanting to acknowledge her existence. She has grown up with shame and without a true connection with anyone just because she is alive. In our world people often treated differently based on factors they were born with --- I'm sure I don't need to tell you--- the reality of these situations just really hit me on an emotional level.

The world building: the religion, languages, differences between cultures--are very well done. I thought it was beautifully written and well thought out.

I don't want to comment too much on the romance--but it is a slow build and felt natural. I--I read another review that said she could not remember was Lucian looked like...and neither can I.

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 Golden Lily

Subtitle: Bloodlines, Book 2

Author: Richelle Mead

Narrator: Emily Shaffer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-12-12

Publisher: Listening Library

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1467 votes

Genres: Teens, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spinoff series.

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students - children of the wealthy and powerful - carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the number-one New York Times best-selling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.

Members Reviews:

An Excellent Sequel!

Id been waiting for ages for The Golden Lily to come out, so when it finally did, I downloaded it immediately! Again, Richelle Mead has failed to disappoint me. There are more character developments, more drama, more romance and more intrigue in this book. I couldnt be more happy with how the story turned out!

In The Golden Lily, Sydney still makes decisions based on what she believes is right, but now she is beginning to open up and so we get to see another side of her. Sydney is extremely intelligent, but her innocence in certain areas makes me want to smile at her indulgently. Adrian Ivashkov is simply the most endearing character ever created by Richelle! I love his fierce loyalty and smart-ass comments. He keeps surprising me and Im so glad he has a much larger part in this book than in Bloodlines.

Im obsessed with this series and I wouldnt change a thing about it!

Now, who is up for the next book, The Indigo Spell?

If you liked Bloodlines...youll LOVE Golden Lily!

This is hands down my new favorite book of 2012! My only complaint about Golden Lily is that it caused me to lose sleep. I finished this book in one dayand what an emotional day that was!

Normally I would write a little synopsis of the book, but not this time. Richelle Meads work speaks for itself. If youre considering this book, chances are, youve probably not only read Bloodlines, but also the entire Vampire Academy series; if you haventthen welcome to the Richelle Mead fan club. With that said Im just going to write a few little tidbits about some of the character development within this second installment of the Bloodlines series.

Richelle Mead leads us back to Palm Springs and back into the lives of Jill, Eddie, Sydney, Adrian, and Angeline. We also see more appearances from Dmitri (and his duster) and Sonya Karp than we did in Bloodlines.

Sydney goes through a lot of personal and emotional growth in this sequel. She not only learns more about the real history of Alchemists, but she also starts to realize that she has more loyalty and tolerance for the Moroi and Dhampir racesand that scares her because she doesnt want that secret to get back to the Alchemists because they would send her to the re-education center (which she is terrified of). The prejudice that her upbringing taught her (both from her father and the Alchemists) is very hard for her to overcome and she battles with it every day.