Audio Book Review: The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge

Reading Level: Young Adult
Pub Dates: Book-Feb 2011 / Audio-Feb 2011
Publisher: Delacorte Books For Young Readers
Length: 16 hours
Narrator: Katie MacNichol
Series: 1st in a series
Acquisition: Library

Summary:
In the city of Lovecraft, the Proctors rule and a great Engine turns below the streets, grinding any resistance to their order to dust. The necrovirus is blamed for Lovecraft's epidemic of madness, for the strange and eldritch creatures that roam the streets after dark, and for everything that the city leaders deem Heretical—born of the belief in magic and witchcraft. And for Aoife Grayson, her time is growing shorter by the day.
Aoife Grayson's family is unique, in the worst way—every one of them, including her mother and her elder brother Conrad, has gone mad on their 16th birthday. And now, a ward of the state, and one of the only female students at the School of Engines, she is trying to pretend that her fate can be different. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
Felt like I was kind of stuck in the middle for a lot of the book. I kept waiting for the plot to move forward and although it felt like it took awhile to get through, the end came before I was ready for it. A lot does happen in The Iron Thorn but it feels like it takes a little too long for the story to fully reveal itself.

I did very much like the characters. Although, there was a twist towards the end that didn't make a lot of sense to me. It felt convenient and it didn’t help to explain anything (for me).

The setting of this story is amazing! It's steampunk but it's supernatural at the same time. It's historic but nothing like the history we know. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out the exact rules of this world but in the end, it was better to just go with it - letting the story carry me away.

Audio critique:
Very well done. A lot of different characters but I never felt confused as to who was speaking. Not heavy on the sound effects which works well for a book like this where there is already a lot going on.

Final verdict:
A multi layered story that screams steampunk awesomeness. A little heavy at times perhaps but it deserves it. There is so much story to tell and so much depth to each character that anything other then a massive tome would have been unsatisfying.

I'm glad I listened to this one. The imagery my mind created was more vivid, I think.

I'm defiantly reading book 2, or rather, I think I'll try to the audio book again. Don't let the size of this one hold you back - it's well worth the read (and listen).

Overall Story Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Overall Audio Book Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Books in the Iron Codex Series:
#1 The Iron Thorn
#2 The Nightmare Garden
#3 The Mirrored Shard (February 2013)

Linkage Love:
Author's website / Goodreads / IndieBound

Book Review: The Dead-Tossed Waves (The Forest of Hands and Teeth #2) by Carrie Ryan

**Spoiler Free**

Reading Level: Young Adult
Pub Dates: Book-March 2010 / Audio-March 2010
Length: 12 hours
Narrator: Tara Sands
Series: 2nd in a series
Acquisition: Library

Summary:

Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves. (Goodreads)

My thoughts:
I absolutely loved The Forest of Hands and Teeth so I was very excited to begin The Dead Tossed Waves. Although, not as good as book 1 in my opinion, I still very much enjoyed it. A zombie story with raw emotion driving the characters forward.

Have to say, Gabry was a little annoying. She seemed very disconnected to her world and to her life. Everything for her is so 'very' and 'never' and 'always' - she 'tries' and she 'can't' and she never really seems to DO anything. Rather, she lets circumstance guide her actions. At times she was very weak, which didn't make sense because her mother, Mary is so strong.

My general problem with Gabry? Too much 'I' - 'I need', 'I want', 'I can't', 'I won't' -- gets old fast. It was told from her point of view but still. I really wanted to see more of Mary. I loved her character in The Forest of Hands and Teeth and I didn't feel like she got enough page time in The Dead Tossed Waves. However, once Catcher and Elias come onto the scene and the action starts moving forward a little more, I really got into the story and stopped being so hard on Gabry.

Audio critique:
Not too bad but it was a little hard to distinguish Gabry's inter monologue from her spoken word. I was confused, at times, as to whether she was talking to herself or speaking out loud. Not a problem if you read the book.

Final verdict:
The Dead Tossed Waves is toted as a companion novel rather then a straight out sequel to The Forest of Hands and Teeth but I would have to disagree. While although book 2 does take place many years after book 1, the timeline is still intact, the same characters make appearances and we learn more of the overall story. So yeah, defiantly a sequel in my book. AND a good one at that!

If you enjoy zombies and dystopian novels, you'll like this series. The series ends with The Dark and Hallow Places (book 3) but I wish it didn't because I love this zombie invested world Carrie has created and I don't think I'll get tired of it any time soon.

Overall Story Rating:

4 / 5 Stars

Overall Audio Book Rating:

3.5 / 5 Stars

Pre-trilogy Short Stories
Hare Moon - available as an ebook or in Kiss Me Deadly
Flotsam and Jetsam - available in The Living Dead 2
Bougainvillea - available in Zombies vs. Unicorns
Scenic Route - available in Enthralled (September 2011)

Books in The Forest of Hands and Teeth Trilogy:
The Forest of Hands and Teeth
The Dead-Tossed Waves
The Dark and Hallow Places

Linkage Love:
Delacorte / Random House
Listening Library / Random House
Author's Website

Audio Book Review: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Reading Level: Young Adult
Pub Dates: Book-Oct 2008 / Audio-Jan 2009
Length: 471 pages or 12 hours
Narrator: Katsa is voiced by Chelsea Mixon*
Series: 1st in a series
Acquisition: Library

Summary:

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.

When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
Love! Can't believe it took me so long to read this one! I feel in love with every single character - even the disagreeable ones :) I love fantasy and Graceling is pure in that form.  Very epic in it's story telling. Both in words and in the audio features.  I really was drawn into this story fast!

Katsa is one of my new favorite fantasy female characters (say that 5 times fast ;) Even though her world is purely fictional and the circumstances of her life could never be replicated, I still see her as an excellent role model for young girls. She has to overcome so much but she never, EVER gives in. Even her flaws are admirable.

And Po! Oh how I fell for Po!  Such a lovable character. Ever action of his seemed so very genuine and true that even the most critical of readers would find it hard to dislike him.

The story held a very deep mystery that I didn't realize at first. As the layers were uncovered I became even more invested in the story. Really a complete package of fantasy young adult awesomeness!

Audio critique:
Have to say, I didn't much care for the audio of this book. The voice actors were spot on - and there are a lot of them. Each character has his / her own unique actor / voice BUT the musical interludes (chapter endings, dramatic 'ah!' moments) were so cheesy! They really sounded out of place. I was reminded of those read-a-long stories I listened to as a kid - like say the hero is running really fast up a flight of stairs, there would be fast paced tinkling bells after the words "Our hero ran very fast up the stairs". Yeah - really hokey in my opinion and a little distracting to the story.

Final verdict:
Would have to recommend the print version of this book over the audio book. The story is amazing and if you like fantasy you'll love Graceling!

Overall Story Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Overall Audio Book Rating:

3 / 5 Stars

Books in The Seven Kingdoms Series:
Graceling
Fire
Bitterblue (June 2012)

Linkage Love:
Harcourt
Full Cast Audio
Author's Website
Goodreads

Tidbits:
*Just as the name suggests, Full Cast Audio books feature a full cast of voice actors. For the complete list of cast members in Graceling, visit their website.

Audio Book Review: The Ask and The Answer by Patrick Ness

Reading Level: Young Adult
Pub Dates: Book - Sept 2009 / Audio - Sept 2010
Length: 13 hours
Narrators: Nick Podhel and Angela Dawe
Series: 2nd in the Chaos Walking series
Acquisition: received for review

Summary:

Fleeing before a relentless army, Todd has carried a desperately wounded Viola right into the hands of their worst enemy, Mayor Prentiss. Immediately separated from Viola and imprisoned, Todd is forced to learn the ways of the Mayor's new order.

But what secrets are hiding just outside of town? And where is Viola? Is she even still alive? And who are the mysterious Answer?

And then, one day, the bombs begin to explode...

The Ask and the Answer is a tense, shocking and deeply moving novel of resistance under the most extreme pressure. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts:
Wow.

I finished listening to The Ask and The Answer a couple of days ago and I'm still having a hard time putting my thoughts in order. Mainly do to the fact that this book totally blew me away.  The second in the Chaos Walking series and just as good as the first. Better perhaps.

Picking up right where book 1 ends, so so so much happens and yet, in the end, I very much felt like Todd was right back were he started.  With this series, it's more about the journey then the destination. I love that!

Todd is a character that you can't help but fall in love with. Everything he's been through, everything he has been forced to endure and yet, he hasn't been broken. He came close, and it was heart breaking but it was also powerful.

Audio critique:
I never thought I would have a favorite voice actor but Nick Podehl has won me over. Fabulous acting - very full of feeling and depth. I was literally hanging on his every word. The addition of Angela Dawe to the cast just heightened the overall affect for me.  They both did a fabulous job. Even when portraying the same character, I never felt confused by the change in voice.

I love the way Brilliance Audio formats their audio CDs. Very nice transition between disks and as usually, the added sound effects (like the ghost like 'noise') really made this a fantastic listening experience.

Final verdict:
The Chaos Walking series is quickly becoming one of my all time favorites. If you can, get yourself a copy of the audio book.  The world Patrick Ness has created is chaotic and scary as hell. It's also a world of hope and for some people like Todd, hope is all they have.

And just as book 1 ended on a bit of a cliff hanger, book 2 left me shocked! Whether  listening to or reading this series,  I highly recommend having all 3 books with you before you start.

Overall Story Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Overall Audio Book Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Books in the Series:
The New World (prequel) - Goodreads
The Knife of Never Letting Go - Goodreads / My review
The Ask and The Answer - Goodreads
Monsters of Men - Goodreads

Linkage Love:
Candlewick Press
Brilliance Audio
Author's Website

Audio Book Review: The Knife Of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Reading Level: Young Adult
Pub Dates: Book-Sept 2008 / Audio-Sept 2010
Length: 12 hours
Narrator: Nick Podehl
Series: 1st in the Chaos Walking series
Acquisition: received a copy for review

Summary:

Todd Hewitt is the only boy in a town of men. Ever since the settlers were infected with the Noise germ, Todd can hear everything the men think, and they hear everything he thinks. Todd is just a month away from becoming a man, but in the midst of the cacophony, he knows that the town is hiding something from him -- something so awful Todd is forced to flee with only his dog, whose simple, loyal voice he hears too. With hostile men from the town in pursuit, the two stumble upon a strange and eerily silent creature: a girl. Who is she? Why wasn't she killed by the germ like all the females on New World? Propelled by Todd's gritty narration, readers are in for a white-knuckle journey in which a boy on the cusp of manhood must unlearn everything he knows in order to figure out who he truly is. (from publisher's website)

My thoughts:
Awesome. This book was seriously awesome. I had heard a lot of good things about the Chaos Walking series and I was thrilled to get a copy of the audio book. Dystopian tales are quickly becoming some of my favorite to read and this one packs a serious punch.

It was pretty much love at first sight for me and Todd Hewitt. He was so very, very real. So raw and open, so honest and true. Forced to leave the only place and the only family he has ever known, the trials he faces would have destroyed a weaker man. But Todd isn't a man, he's a boy in a world full of men. Men set on destroying Todd. Men Todd Hewitt will give anything not to become. A boy is what he remains, for a boy is what he needs to be in order to survive.

Following him in this unbelievable roller coaster of a ride, knowing what he knows and discovering the truths and lies - it was such a fabulous journey.

Oh, the ending! OMG the ending! My heart was in my throat and it stayed there long after I heard the last word. I highly recommend having a copy of Book 2, The Ask and The Answer, on hand before going anywhere near the ending of The Knife of Never Letting Go. Pretty amazing.

Audio critique:
One of the best I have ever heard. Nick Podehl did an excellent job portraying the raw emotion of Todd. The 'Noise' of the story was spot on. The inflections in Nick's voice, coupled with the sound effects made for a rich and meaningful listening experience.

I also really enjoyed the format of this audio book. I listened to the CD version. 10 disks with a little over an hour on each. At the beginning of each disk it is clearly stated which number you are listening to. Also, at the beginning of each disk the last 30-40 seconds of the last disk is replayed. This feature made it very easy to keep track of what was going on. I never felt like I was missing anything between disks. Also, about 30-40 seconds before each disk ends, subtle background music kicks in. I found it very nice to know the end of a disk was coming. I've listened to other audio books on disk that ended abruptly with a harsh voice over of 'End of Disk 2' - very jarring, which I didn't enjoy. This set was done pretty perfectly for me.

Final verdict:
I highly, highly recommend this book to fans of dystopian young adult fiction. I highly recommend this book to fans of books! I also highly recommend the audio book version as listening to this story really was a wonderful experience for me.

Overall Story Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Overall Audio Book Rating:

5 / 5 Stars

Books in The Chaos Walking Series:
The Knife of Never Letting Go
The Ask and The Answer
Monsters of Men

Linkage Love:
Candlewick Press
Brilliance Audio
Author's Website
Goodreads

Audio Book Review: Beastly by Alex Flinn

Age: 14+
Pub Dates: Book-Oct 2007 / Audio-June 2010
Length: 6h 42m
Narrator: Chris Patton
Series: no
Acquisition: free download from Audio Community

Summary:

I am a beast. A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog, but a horrible new creature who walks upright – a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It’s no deformity, no disease. And I’ll stay this way forever – ruined – unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and a perfect life. And then, I’ll tell you how I became perfectly beastly. (from Goodreads)

Audio critique:
The first chapter of Beastly is a online chat room transcript. Have to say, this format doesn't really translate well to audio! After the first chapter though the book flows into a more normal pace.

I really liked how Chris Patron read the part of Kyle Kingsbury, our MC. Especially once he turned into a beast. I could really feel the emotion behind his words. From arrogant and self centered, to introspective and accepting.

Likes:
I love the whole premise. If you think you're better then everyone else, better watch out, there may be someone lurking in the shadows ready to cut you down to size. Kyle doesn't care how he treats people and he pays for it.

I also really liked the romance. It seemed  very natural. You know, as natural as falling in love with a beast can be :) It was also very sweet.

Now Kyle - I was pretty sure he was going to be a major 'dislike' for me. I really couldn't stand him at first and I didn't think that would change. I was surprised as anyone to discover I was actually rooting for him in the end. The reality of his life actually humbles him. It was kinda moving.

Dislikes:
Kyle :) Ok, ok, so even if I liked him by the end - Kyle in the beginning? Not so much.

Also, Kyle's father. I guess Kyle had to learn his self entitled, no one but me matters ways from someone but the way Kyle's father treats him? It's just downright mean. He's a very well written character, but he was also a distraction of sorts. A character that had to be there but didn't really add anything to the story for me.

Reminded me of:
Other fairy tale type retellings - Gregory Maguire's books come to mind.

Final thoughts:
A good story and a good audio book. Alex Flinn did a great job taking a classic fairy tale and incorporating it into the modern world. The lesson of the story was really driven home. Chris Patton did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life.

Overall Story Rating:

4 / 5

Overall Audio Book Rating:

4 / 5

Linkage Love:
Harper Teen
Brilliance Audio
Author's Website
Goodreads

Tidbits:
*Beastly has been made into a movie with a March 2011 release date. Not sure if I'll see it or not. They made a few major changes....like the fact that Kyle isn't a beast...he's a weirdly disfigured guy with a tree? tattoo on his face. Also, Mary-Kate Olsen is in it so...no. BUT Neil Patrick Harris is also it in so...yes? Have to wait and see!

Book Review: The Supernaturalist by Eoin Colfer

Title: The Supernaturalist
Author: Eoin Colfer
Publication Date: May 2004
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
Age: 10-14
Pages: 288
Series: no
Publisher's website: Hyperion Books for Children
Author's website: http://eoincolfer.com
Book Acquisition: NH Public Libraries Downloadable Audio Books

In the not-too-distant future, in a place called Satellite City, thirteen-year-old Cosmo Hill is unfortunate enough to come into the world unwanted by his parents. And so, as are all orphaned boys his age, Cosmo is dipped in a vaccine vat and sent to the Clarissa Frayne Institute for Parentally Challenged Boys -- freight class.

At Clarissa Frayne, the orphans, called "no-sponsors," are put to work by the state, testing dangerous products that never should be allowed near human beings. By the time the no-sponsors are sent to their cardboard utility pipes, given their nightly meal pack, and finally fall asleep, they are often covered in burns, bruises, or sores from the work of the day.
Cosmo Hill knows that he must escape, even though he has no idea what might be waiting for him on the outside. He plans for the moment when he can make a break. When that moment finally comes, he nearly dies while escaping. But he is rescued by a gang of "Supernaturalists," a motley crew of kids who all have a special psychic ability -- one that Cosmo is about to learn he has as well. They "see" supernatural Parasites -- tiny, translucent creatures who feed on the life force of humans. The Supernatuarlists patrol the city at night, finding and blasting the Parasites to try and save what is left of humanity in Satellite City. Or so they think. The young hunters soon find themselves caught in a web far worse than they could have imagined, embroiled with private police, illegal racing gangs, and a corporation cover-up, until they discover a horrifying secret that will force them to question everything they believe in.

(from publisher's website)

I loved this book! If you've never read anything by Colfer, well, you should :) And The Supernaturalist would be a good place to start. The world of the Supernaturalist is pretty unique but at the same time, believable. Technology prevails but the same basic human needs, wants, hopes and desires, are the leading forces that drive people's lives.
The characters were very likable. Especially Cosmo Hill. I'm drawn to young, male protagonists and Cosmo doesn't disappoint. I think this would be a great book for young boys. There is adventure and danger. There is also some sadness, but it fits with the story.
The ending is open to a sequel but The Supernaturalist is a stand alone novel - which I like. My imagination was able to fill in the blanks :)

The audio book that I listened too had a narrator with a wonderful accent! It totally added to the story.

4 out of 5 stars

Book Review: Everlost by Neal Shusterman

Title: Everlost
Author: Neal Shusterman
Publication Date: August 2006
Genre: Young Adult
Age: 12+
Pages: 320
Series: 1st in the Skinjacker trilogy (2nd book Everwild due Nov 2009)
Publisher's website: Simon & Schuster Childern's Publishing
Author's website: www.storyman.com
Book Acquisition: NH Public Libraries Downloadable Audio Books

IT BEGINS WITH AN ACCIDENT.

Nick and Allie don't survive the crash, and now their souls are stuck halfway between life and death in a sort of limbo called Everlost. It's a magical yet dangerous place, where bands of lost souls run wild and anyone who stands in the same spot too long sinks to the center of the Earth.
Frightened and determined, Nick and Allie aren't ready to rest in peace just yet. They want their lives back, and their search for a way home will take them deep into the uncharted areas of Everlost. But the longer they stay, the more they forget about their pasts. And if all memory of home is lost, they may never escape this strange, terrible world.

(publisher's website)

I really really really liked this book! The world of Everlost is a fascinating place. What I loved most about it was it's sense of order. There are rules in Everlost and those that discover these rules either use their knowledge for their own purposes or use it to help others. Even though these lost souls are only children, they must still find their way.

I also really liked the characters. Each one is different and unique. Each one has their own story.
What I didn't expect was how moving this story was. Each character we meet is a dead soul, lost on his or her way. Where were they heading? We don't know, but being stuck in Everlost takes it's toll on everyone. Among these challenges, friendships are made. People who might have never been friends while alive, find themselves working together, helping each other in this strange scary land.

Everything ties itself together in the end BUT there is still so much more of this story to tell! I'm so happy it's a trilogy. I actually couldn't wait and went out and bought the second book, Everwild, this week - hehe.

5 out of 5 stars.