Listen to Top 100 Audiobooks in Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

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Title: Discount Armageddon

Subtitle: InCryptid, Book 1

Author: Seanan McGuire

Narrator: Emily Bauer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-20-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1237 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Ghoulies. Ghosties. Long-legged beasties. Things that go bump in the night....

The Price family has spent generations studying the monsters of the world, working to protect them from humanity - and humanity from them. Enter Verity Price. Despite being trained from birth as a cryptozoologist, she'd rather dance a tango than tangle with a demon, and is spending a year in Manhattan while she pursues her career in professional ballroom dance. Sounds pretty simple, right? It would be, if it weren't for the talking mice, the telepathic mathematicians, the asbestos supermodels, and the trained monster-hunter sent by the Price family's old enemies, the Covenant of St. George.

When a Price girl meets a Covenant boy, high stakes, high heels, and a lot of collateral damage are almost guaranteed. To complicate matters further, local cryptids are disappearing, strange lizard-men are appearing in the sewers, and someone's spreading rumors about a dragon sleeping underneath the city....

Members Reviews:

Monster hunting and ballroom dancing...who knew?

While this story is interesting and enjoyable, I feel an obligation to share that "there be mice" lots and lots of mice. Since I am one of those who has a rodent phobia, discovering that the heroine shares her living space with a colony of mice was off putting to say the least. I almost stopped listening. Thankfully I came back to the story and pushed through. In all honesty, the mice were more the mickey type than the horror story, attack the human type.

I enjoy this genre of books. Being an avid reader all my life, I have transferred this same enthusiasm to listening. I have been through many series and am constantly looking for new. What I liked the best about this book is the more human qualities the supernaturals are given. It is a different approach than all the "kill the bad" that many authors take. The snark wasn't bad either.

This wasn't the best series I've experienced but is was enjoyable and I think well worth the credit. Good start. Now I'm interested in seeing where this goes.

I love this book!

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

I've enjoyed all of Seanan McGuire/Mira Grant's other books but this is rapidly shaping up to be my favourite!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tie between Sarah Zellaby and Verity Price ( although I'd be really interested in her grenade toting grandmother as well).

What does Emily Bauer bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

For a lot of Characters the young bright and perky thing wouldn't work but for Verity it's perfect!

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

Yes, I had to tear myself away from it.

Any additional comments?

The cover and the short synopsis made me a little wary of this book but it's gone way past my expectations, it's just ridiculously fun!

Basically I'm at the point where Seanan McGuire is an anxiously awaited autobuy ( on the same level as Patricia Briggs or Ilona Andrews).

More like Insipid

What disappointed you about Discount Armageddon?

The author tries to weaving a variety of interesting skills into the main character... ballroom dancing, parkour, zoology, hand to hand combat...

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Title: The Woodcutter

Author: Kate Danley

Narrator: Sarah Coomes

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-10-12

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 572 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Deep within the Wood, a young woman lies dead. Not a mark on her body. No trace of her murderer. Only her chipped glass slippers hint at her identity.

The Woodcutter, keeper of the peace between the Twelve Kingdoms of Man and the Realm of the Faerie, must find the maidens killer before others share her fate. Guided by the wind and aided by three charmed axes won from the River God, the Woodcutter begins his hunt, searching for clues in the whispering dominions of the enchanted unknown.

But quickly he finds that one murdered maiden is not the only nefarious mystery afoot: one of Odins hellhounds has escaped, a pixie-dust drug trade runs rampant, and more young girls go missing. Looming in the shadows is a malevolent, power-hungry queen, and she will stop at nothing to destroy the Twelve Kingdoms and annihilate the Royal Faeunless the Woodcutter can outmaneuver her and save the gentle souls of the Wood.

Members Reviews:

Fantasy for fairy tale lovers

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

Yes, it made me cry. But I'm not going to tell if those were happy tears or sad tears. Listen for yourself.

Any additional comments?

If you see any of my other reviews, youll start to notice a pattern. I read other reviews. Well, I skim them. I browse through them before and after Ive read/listened to a book. Sometimes, when Im in the middle of reading, I go through them again wondering if anyone has had the same thoughts that Im having.

I dont remember why I picked this one. Probably because Im DIY renovating and love to listen to books while I work. This was free with Kindle Unlimited with narration.

Reading the blurb, Im like others who thought The Woodcutter is something that its not. (Of course, now I want to write the book I was expecting and random thoughts keep popping into my head about that!)

Other reviewers also mentioned the writing style. It does feel like Kate Danley hasnt found her own voice. It feels as if shes borrowing a voice. My suggestion is to listen to it. All the old fairy tales are dry, emotionless things to which you have to add your own responses. Listening to the narration really brings The Woodcutter to life. Although I wasnt very fond of Sarah Coomess voice, she really adds something to the story.

Maybe because Ive read all those stories in their various forms and Ive analyzed them for a thesis I could recognize them easily and nothing was confusing. I felt like Ive been in that forest before and I was returning to a place I called home for a little while. (Also watch, Into the Woods: Stories just seem to revolve around a forest. I remember when I first read Grimms back in high school, I wondered briefly why the characters didnt run into each other. They were all talking about the woods. They all went on a quest or got lost or whatever didnt involve staying home.)

What makes The Woodcutter interesting for me is that his character is the wise helper found in many of the fairy tales. He never intervenes. He does his job perfectly allowing the fairy tale to play itself out.

Other reviews complain that the characters are not filled out. In fairy tales, the story is about the plot and the lesson. We dont need a road map into the hearts and minds of every single character. The Wolf is bad. Red Riding Hood is innocent and naïve. Cinderella lived through a horrible period before meeting her prince.

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Title: Lord's Fall

Subtitle: Elder Races, Book 5

Author: Thea Harrison

Narrator: Sophie Eastlake

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-06-12

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1672 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Before she met Dragos, half-human half-Wyr Pia Giovanni was alone and on the run. Now, she's mated, pregnant, and heading south to repair the Wyr's frayed relationship with the Elves. Being separated from Dragos is painful, but for the good of the Wyr demesne they need to figure out how to be partners, in more places than just the bedroom.

In New York to preside over the Sentinel Games, Dragos is worried about his mate, but knows that finding two replacement sentinels is essential to show the rest of the Elder Races just how strong and brutal the Wyr demesne can be. But as the games heat up, Pia's negotiations with the Elves take a turn for the dangerous, straining her bond with Dragos and threatening everything they hold dear.

Members Reviews:

Dragons, Unicorns and Peanuts...

Thea Harrison has a way of keeping you on the edge of your seat while Sophie Eastlake brings the characters to life. I fell back in love with the two who started it all. Dragos and Pia continue to grow and I found my self laughing at Pia's commentary. Harrison has showed that these two are not a one shot deal... While I enjoyed the other characters in this series being able to read about the Pia and Dragos made me what to read the series again from the start.. Can't wait to see what happens next!

OMG!!!!

What made the experience of listening to Lord's Fall the most enjoyable?

Draggos was not afraid to let his feelings be known for his mate. I can't believe Pia would want him to big wuss, but it was cute how he softened up to her a lot. I also am so glad that he and Rune finally talked. I didn't like Rune's book because I didn't believe their friendship should have broken up over such a weak misinterpretation. Especially since they had been best friends for centuries.

What does Sophie Eastlake bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Her voice impressions. It brought the other characters to life. The voice of Evie gave me pause but for the most part, they were good.

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

When he goes with his instincts to find her even though he promised to give her a week where she was.

Any additional comments?

I sure hope she has more of these coming soon because there are some serious new characters.

Glad there was follow up

I found this story entertaining but it needed more. I want to hear more about peanut the birth and other stuff. Also the way Pia took charge was different but I felt she needed to also acknowldge her pit falls to her hero.

A wonderful ending!!!!

Where does Lord's Fall rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

This is one of my favorite audio books and I have MANY! This is a wonderful story that answers some unanswered questions. I love seeing previous characters return in this story. It is now my favorite all the Elder Race series. I would recommend reading these stories in order.

What other book might you compare Lord's Fall to and why?

Lord's Fall brings back Dragos and Pia. It answers questions brought up in Oracle's Moon. It reconciles relationships broken in Serpent's Kiss. You could compare this book to Dragon Bound because it's Dragos and Pia's story.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite was the lovely thoughts that occurred when Dragos came to rescue Pia.

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Title: Dead Spots

Author: Melissa F. Olson

Narrator: Amy McFadden

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 11-01-12

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1502 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

When LAs vampires, witches, and werewolves make a mess, they call Scarlett Bernard to clean it up. Her ability as a null erases all magical traces from anything or anyone that comes within ten feet of her, and keeps humans in the dark about the citys paranormal activity. One night when shes called to a grisly crime scene, Scarlett is spied by the all-too-human LAPD cop Jesse Cruz, who strikes up a deal with her: hell keep quiet about the supernatural underworld if she helps him crack the case. She agrees, but the citys chief vampire, Dash, starts to suspect Scarlett is behind the murders and will reveal all she knows of his shadowy empire. Now itll take more than Scarletts unique abilities to clear her name, keep the underworld underground, and track down the real killer.

©2012 Melissa F. Olson (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Members Reviews:

Suprisingly pleased

O.K., I admit it... I bought this book because there was nothing out by anyone I usually read, it came well-reviewed by someone I like, and, yes, it was on sale. I will say this- no spoilers here.

Having said that, I actually really enjoyed this book. It wasn't the entirely new twist some reviewers had lead me to believe with descriptions of a wholly new type of paranormal creature- I can think of at least two series with nulls, the Parisol Protectorate (we need spell check) and the Carol Marie MMonning (again I don't know how to spell her name- I'm blind and don't see these things so I'm mostly making up spellings), in which the heroine is actually called a "null" with the power to nullify supernatural powers. Even so, it was funny, well-written, and engaging enough that I didn't get bored despite usually being the jerk people refuse to watch mysteries with since "I'm always saying, "obviously it's so and so, the affair and the motive are too obvious" ten minutes in. It wasn't brilliant, but I wanted to read it in a single sitting, and I didn't guess what was going on until well into the second part.

The bad guys are bad, but they are also human- in a manner of speaking. They aren't all bad, and the good guys, such as they are, aren't all good. After all, the heroine does crime scene disposal for a living- ie she hides crimes from the cops to pay the bills. I liked the complexity of the characters, even those provided mostly for comic relief, like the adorable and occasionally hilarious roommate.

I read some complaints about the narration, and, though a huge amount of that is a matter of personal taste, I liked her- eventually. It took me some time to like her, past the sample even, but she's right for it. Just the right mix of bored, amused, and terrified. She does the male voices justice even if they don't want to make me throw my clothes off (which would be weird and possibly confusing to my sexual identity).

A little more on the characters in the potential love triangle- I was fully ready for the "bad BOY" who is sexy and who she is just too stupid to resist and the good guy she should eventually end up with. That's just not the case, no matter how much the heroine wants to make it that way.

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Title: Gunmetal Magic

Author: Ilona Andrews

Narrator: Renée Raudman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 43 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-31-12

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2228 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Audie Award Nominee, Paranormal, 2013

After being kicked out of the Order of the Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea's whole existence is in shambles. She tries to put herself back together by working for Cutting Edge, a small investigative firm owned by her best friend. When several shapeshifters working for Raphael Medrano-the male alpha of the Clan Bouda, and Andrea's former lover-die unexpectedly at a dig site, Andrea is assigned to investigate. Now she must work with Raphael as her search for the killer leads into the secret underbelly of supernatural Atlanta. And dealing with her feelings for him might have to take a back seat to saving the world.

Members Reviews:

They're BACK! Loved It!!

What did you love best about Gunmetal Magic?

Where to begin? Okay the humor was great. It's dry and witty. Which I LOVE!

What other book might you compare Gunmetal Magic to and why?

In case you are thinking about buying this book, and haven't read any other books by Ilona Andrews, I would suggest reading all of their 'Kate Daniels " books. It is a great series, and it just keeps getting better.

Have you listened to any of Renée Raudmans other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, I have listen to Renee Raudman perform many, many, times. I must admit that her Kate Daniels performances are my favorite. She is PERFECT.

Any additional comments?

I was really excited to find that I liked this book as much as The "Kate Daniels " series. I tried to enjoy the others series that Ilona Andrews writes but it just couldn't compare,

Really a great addition to the Kate series

This is really a great addition to the Kate Daniels series. In fact, it's a must read if you are reading the series, because it goes on with Andrea's and Raphael's relationship where the last book left off. Kate and Curran also, have a role in this book, which was nice hearing from them. The whole book deals with a specific threat to the shifters, much like the Kate books do, so is basically another Kate book. It explains Andrea's roots, and what makes her tick, which happened to be a very interesting story. The only part that bothered me, was the teenage way she handled her breakup with Raphael. She wants him back, desperately, then when she has the chance, she is mad and can't make up her mind. Hate that in most of these books, how the couples act so childish. Either you love them or you don't. Simple.

All in all it's predictable and enjoyable. The narrator does an excellent job, with all the voices of her characters. Well worth the listening time.

Enjoyable

This book was very enjoyable. The book, being mostly about Andrea, filled in a lot of the backstory on her life and really shed light on some of her previous actions. The plot line was fairly fast paced and made sense within the larger world of the Kate Daniels books as well as on it's own. You wouldn't have to listen to any other book to enjoy or understand this one. I liked seeing Kate and Curran through another characters eyes as well as many of the other characters we've only seen through Kate's eyes, though Kate and Curran weren't really a large part of this book. I think I'll probably end up listening to this one again.

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Title: Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues

Author: Diana Rowland

Narrator: Allison McLemore

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-03-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2673 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Angel Crawford is finally starting to get used to life as a brain-eating zombie, but her problems are far from over. Her felony record is coming back to haunt her, more zombie hunters are popping up, and shes beginning to wonder if her hunky cop-boyfriend is involved with the zombie mafia. Yeah, thats rightthe zombie mafia. Throw in a secret lab and a lot of conspiracy, and Angels going to need all of her brainpowerand maybe a brain smoothie as wellin order to get through it without falling apart.

Members Reviews:

A seameless continuation to a great series!

In the first novel, we got introduced to the high school dropout, Angel Crawford; a self loading, pill popping-looser; daughter of an alcoholic deadbeat, living in the swamps of Louisiana. I dont think I need to draw you a picture, just look at the fabulous cover. But all that comes to an abrupt end when she wakes up in the morgue craving brains and wondering what that hell happened to her.

Who knew that becoming a zombie will put Angel on the right path, and the reader/listener in the path to discovering a fantastic, creepy, gross (better have a strong stomach) mysterious, funny, suspenseful, and downright entertaining world.

I love Angel; I think you will too, shes smart and funny. Her sarcastic personality with her self deprecating-down to earth tone make a terrific, but most importantly, a genuine character. So, If you havent read/listened to the first novel, stop right here. You need to get properly introduced to Ms. Rowlands zombies, with the first entry, My Life As A White trash Zombie.

Angel is coping with her new reality; she has learned most of how her new world works, and what she needs to do to survive. Everything seems to be going fine for Angel, but things start to get complicated, and now, besides making sure she has a jar of brains smoothie at hand - she also has to deal with new dangers; zombie hunters, conspiracies, her unsavory past catching up to her, not to mention her boyfriend's attitude.

The twist and turns, the mystery, the small dab of romance, and a great ending, make this entry a must read or listen. Im seriously hoping we dont have to wait a whole year for the following novel, White Trash Zombie Apocalypse.

Narration:

This is my first experience with Alison McLemore, and I thought she did a very good job bringing this novel and its characters to life.

I have to warn you, Im not an expert in southern accents, but Ms. McLemore approach definitely worked for me, even though, at first I thought it might have been a little bit over the top, I settled down within the first chapter, and just began to enjoy the story. She does a fantastic job communicating Angels emotions, as well as the rest of the characters.

The mood and feel of the novel are skillfully captured, and nicely transmitted to the listener.

One thing Im not so sure about though, that is, the sense of humor. I did find the first novel (which I read) a lot funnier than this one - Im not sure if my inner voice for Angel was funnier, or maybe this novel was a little bit more serious. Im planning a re-visit on audio to find out.

I didnt have problems distinguishing the different voices, except for Angels father, sometimes they sounded too much alike, but it's such small portion of the novel that it does not really make that much of the difference.

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Title: Crucible of Gold

Subtitle: Temeraire, Book 7

Author: Naomi Novik

Narrator: Simon Vance

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-12-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1032 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Naomi Noviks beloved series returns, with Capt. Will Laurence and his fighting dragon Temeraire once again taking to the air against the broadsides of Napoleons forces and the friendlyand sometimes not-so-friendlyfire of British soldiers and politicians who continue to suspect them of divided loyalties, if not outright treason.

Laurence and Temerairejoined by the egotistical fire-breather Iskierka and the still-growing Kulingile, who has already surpassed Temeraire in sizeembark for Brazil, only to meet with a string of unmitigated disasters that leave the dragons and their human friends forced to make an unexpected landing in the hostile territory of the Inca empire, where they face new unanticipated dangers.

Now with the success of the mission balanced on a razors edge, and failure looking more likely by the minute, the unexpected arrival of an old enemy will tip the scales toward ruin. Yet even in the midst of disaster, opportunity may lurkfor one bold enough to grasp it.

Critic Reviews:

Noviks influences run the gamut from Jane Austen to Patrick O Brian, with a side trip through Anne McCaffrey. Her books are completely involving and probably addictive, their central conceit explored in clever detail with a great deal of wit and historical insight. (

San Francisco Chronicle)

These are beautifully written novels: not only fresh, original, and fast-paced, but full of wonderful characters with real heart. (Peter Jackson)

A gripping adventure full of rich detail and the impossible wonder of gilded fantasy. (

Entertainment Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Back to Basics

A good addition to the Temeraire series.

As always, Simon Vance does an amazing job with the narration. All the characters have distinct and recognizable voices. Furthermore, those voices have not changed from the first book until now (which can be an issue with long series; listen to the Wheel of Time books, voices and pronunciations change several times despite the same narrators).

This book has more of the "Captain and Dragon; Buddy Adventure" feel from the first few books rather than the "I'm super depressed that I'm a traitor" theme that has dominated the past two books. There is some really nice character development for the dragons in this book, mostly regarding Temeraire and Iskierka, but also the new member of the gang: Kulingile.

If you didn't enjoy the last two books quite as much as the first few, this book puts the series back on the more upbeat and optimistic tone set in the beginning of the series.

Better than the previous two in the series

Better than the previous couple of books in the series; how's that for praise?

This time Laurence and his beloved Chinese Celestial dragon Temeraire are freed from transportation in Australia and reinstated for a diplomatic mission to Brazil, to intercept Napoleon's envoys .

Are they too late? Will England now stand alone in the world against Napoleon? Will the supercilious dragon squabbling defeat their own mission?

Novik nicely adds some Incan history and geography, as well as a Patrick O'Brien-esque sailor flavour to their long voyage to South America and overland.

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Title: Glory Road

Author: Robert A. Heinlein

Narrator: Bronson Pinchot

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-25-12

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 992 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

E. C. Scar Gordon was on the French Riviera recovering from a tour of combat in Southeast Asia, but he hadnt given up his habit of scanning the personals in the newspaper. One ad in particular leapt out at him: "Are you a coward? This is not for you. We badly need a brave man. He must be 23 to 25 years old, in perfect health, at least six feet tall, weigh about 190 pounds, fluent English with some French, proficient with all weapons, some knowledge of engineering and mathematics essential, willing to travel, no family or emotional ties, indomitably courageous and handsome of face and figure. Permanent employment, very high pay, glorious adventure, great danger. You must apply in person, 17 rue Dante, Nice, 2me étage, apt. D."

How could you not answer an ad like that, especially when it seemed to describe you perfectly? Well, except maybe for the handsome part, but that was in the eye of the beholder anyway. So he went to that apartment and was greeted by the most beautiful woman hed ever met. She seemed to have many names but agreed he could call her Star. A pretty appropriate name, as it turned out, for the empress of twenty universes. And she sends him on the adventure of a lifetime.

Robert A. Heinleins one true fantasy novel,Glory Roadis as much fun today as when he wrote it afterStranger in a Strange Land. Heinlein proves himself as adept with sword and sorcery as with rockets and slide rules, and the result is exciting, satirical, fast-paced, funny, and tremendously readable - a favorite of all who have read it.Glory Roadis a masterpiece of escapist entertainment with a typically Heinleinian sting in its tail.

Robert A. Heinlein (19071988) was the dominant science fiction writer of the modern era, a writer whose influence on the field was immense. He won science fictions Hugo Award for best novel four times.

Critic Reviews:

A triumph.(

Chicago Tribune)

Glory Roadmaintains a delicacy, a bravura, and a joy that not only are notable, but clearly consign it to his heptology of major SF novels. (Samuel R. Delany, American author and literary critic)

Members Reviews:

Heinlein's only fantasy

This is a great book. I've been wishing for a long time that Audible would get it. I've read it over and over again through the years, and I'm happy to say that now I'll be able to listen to it over and over again because Bronson Pinchot does a wonderful job with the characters' voices.

I'm not sure that this is really a fantasy. It has swords and seems to have sorcery, but the magic gets explained in such a way that it seems to (almost) be advanced science. But it has the feel of fantasy. If Heinlein wrote this book today, the publisher would have insisted on a 20-book series, and I truly think our hero Oscar Gordon could have provided it to us.

Heinlein was born more than a hundred years ago, and attitudes toward male/female relations were different then. But just as we do not hold Shakespeare or Homer to 21st Century societal norms, so we must give Heinlein a pass here as well. He was trying.

I think that any young man who likes science fiction or fantasy will like this adventure story.

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Title: The Killing Moon

Subtitle: Dreamblood, Book 1

Author: N. K. Jemisin

Narrator: Sarah Zimmerman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-01-12

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 372 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The city burned beneath the Dreaming Moon.

In the ancient city-state of Gujaareh, peace is the only law. Upon its rooftops and amongst the shadows of its cobbled streets wait the Gatherers - the keepers of this peace. Priests of the dream-goddess, their duty is to harvest the magic of the sleeping mind and use it to heal, soothe . . . and kill those judged corrupt.

But when a conspiracy blooms within Gujaareh's great temple, Ehiru - the most famous of the city's Gatherers - must question everything he knows. Someone, or something, is murdering dreamers in the goddess' name, stalking its prey both in Gujaareh's alleys and the realm of dreams. Ehiru must now protect the woman he was sent to kill - or watch the city be devoured by war and forbidden magic.

Critic Reviews:

"[A] gripping series launch... as well as a rousing political and supernatural adventure." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

"Shines for its remarkable characters and graceful prose." (Library Journal)

Members Reviews:

Refreshing Take on Fantasy

I went into Jemisin's book having never read any of her novels and not quite knowing what to expect. The learning curve is steeper than some of the fantasy out there, but once you get a few chapters in, and understand the general premise, the story takes off. Jemisin's writing is equisite. Her descriptions do a wonderful job of giving the reader a sense of place. She breaths life into her characters through their interaction and even with subtle touches of mannerisms and behavior that further imbed's them in the reader's mind. The book is a bit dark, which I enjoyed and felt with the subject matter she was tackling fit together well.

I picked up the audiobook version and am thankful I did. Sarah Zimmerman reads the book masterfully and hearing the book read aloud amplifies the beautiful writing of Jemisin. If you are looking for a refreshing setting for the fantasy genre, in depth characters, and an interesting, captivating plot, look no further than The Killing Moon.

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Fantastic narration!

I do plan to put a more in depth review up at my blog but I just wanted to pop in here and comment on how much I *loved* this book. I couldn't find time to read the book so I downloaded the audio and am so happy that I did because Sarah Zimmerman did a fantastic job on the reading!

Not only did this story have captivating characters that I quickly grew to care about a great deal, it was also set in a detailed world that Jemisin describes so beautifully that you can close your eyes (listening helps with this process) and actually see it. Further, the fascinating 'magic' system is unlike anything I've seen before in fantasy.

This is one of those stories which lingers in my mind for days and days after I finish reading/listening. In fact, it's occupied my thoughts so much that I might have to listen to it again before diving into The Shadowed Sun, which is waiting patiently on my iPod.

Breathtaking

What did you love best about The Killing Moon?

I loved the rich setting details and multicultural scope of the story.

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Title: Green Rider

Author: Kristen Britain

Narrator: Ellen Archer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-16-12

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1294 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Karigan Gladheon, running away from school, is traveling through a deep forest when a galloping horse pounds up to her, its rider impaled by two black-shafted arrows. With his dying breath, he tells her he is a Green Rider, one of the magical messengers of the King. Before he dies, he makes Karigan swear to deliver the message hes carrying, and gives her his green coat, with the symbolic brooch of his office.

Pursued by unknown assassins, following a path only her horse seems to know, Karigan becomes a legendary Green Riderfor when given to the right person, a Riders brooch awakens the magic inside.

Members Reviews:

Great Adventure From Begining to End

Any additional comments?

This story was a great adventure. The narrator was excellent and made all the voices unique and very easy to follow along with. Strong female protagonist, a lot of action, a good mix of magic, great cast of characters. If you liked The Hunger Games, Green, and The Percy Jackson Series then you will definitely enjoy this series. Suitable for mid teens and older for violence and suggestive content.

Lackey's Heralds of Valdemar, except WAY better

So, overall I really enjoyed listening to this, much more than I expected. It seems that the concept of the Green Rider was taken from the pages of Mercedes Lackey's Heralds of Valdemar series, except it presents a much more realistic presentation of the position, social relationships, and politics (it also helps that Britain is a better writer).

Yes, it's probably a fantasy written to appeal to those just getting into the genre, but there's nothing wrong with that. I appreciated that the main character was more in depth and rounded than the angsty teen runaway I was expecting. She was a strong, convincing female character without overdoing it.

While I somewhat agree with some above comments that it never felt like our leading lady was any 'real' danger, she does have an extensive adventure and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Some things could have been better; the pacing was occasionally jumpy, and it felt like there were 3-4 climaxes which *almost* made the story too long, but I'm just nitpicking here.

tldr; great story, great characters, excited to read the next book.

What a fantastic discovery!

I had not heard of this author or this series before but my wife found the paperback in a used book store. And boy am I glad!

Britain creates a great world filled with wonderful characters. The action is compelling. For me, I simply MUST like the characters (good or evil) or a book is a failure, especially the main character. I loved just about all of them, especially the main character.

The writing keeps you engaged and the story keep you anticipating. The dialogue is natural and advances the story. In short, it's everything I can ask for in a novel.

Ellen Archer is a great performer! She portrays each character well and you never wonder which one is talking. Her portrayal of the male characters works and they do not sound like adolescent boys (a problem with some female readers.)

The true test: I already bought the next book in the series and I can't wait to read it.

an enjoyable read

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

i'm not sure why a book in print or audio would be different. the content should be the same.

however, when reading the book, the charactors had a different voice to me.