Betania

I read the previous Raybourn-Silent novel and enjoyed it, and this one as well. I waited until it came out narrated by Ellen Archer, who does an excellent job narrating (listening to it narrated in an American accent would be irritating, I think). These are light, fun novels that keep your attention while you read them and provide a fun time.

The narrator is great (hearing him swallow is a bit irritating but no big thing) and I did like the main character; but I didn't find the plot that interesting and I wasn't really very intrigued by the story (stopped listening a couple times, and then began again just to get the book finished). Also, none of the other characters seemed very well fleshed-out and the part about magic didn't seem that creative to me.

Unfortunately, I got two of the Dresden files books at once so I may listen to the next one but won't buy another; not sure what everyone is raving about. If I want a paranormal I would use my credits on another

I didn't find this book very worth listening too; it was alright if I was in traffic but that's about it.

I like long audio books so when I saw this one discounted, I bought it, although I was wary about the general topic-vampires. Definitely needs some editing and drags in places. Really liked the characters and cared about them. I personally liked the narrator; not the greatest of all time but good. A few slightly irritating anachronisms (mentions of things that people after the apocalypse wouldn't know about) and the absence of the internet was strange and unbelievable, no explanation of why it apparently disappeared. Most disappointing was the end; not that at the very end it was abrupt (I actually liked that) but a few threads didn't seem tied up, some things weren't explained (with such a long book, it seems like he could've explained everything). This might be due to a planned sequel but that doesn't excuse it. I don't agree that this is on a par with Pillars of the earth at all, but it is generally a pretty good read, although it does drag at places and the ending isn't satisfying.

Very enjoyable third novel in the series, which although the series might possibly continue, does provide a satisfying romantic denouement. Had fun listening to it, would recommend as a light, fun read.

I found this last novel in the series enjoyable, especially because I had read the previous novels in the series. It is a prequel but is best read at the end. The story comes full circle and some things you already read about in previous books are explained (others were already obvious in the first books), which is fun and satisfying. The other books might stand alone but this is probably only really interesting if you have already read them.

As with the other novels in this series, I enjoyed this one and had fun listening to it, although the change in narrators was unfortunate-they aren't bad but not as good and enjoyable as the previous narrators.

As with the other novels in this series, I found this one enjoyable and fun, with very good narration.

As with the other novels in this series, I found this one enjoyable and fun, with very good narration.

I enjoyed this novel -and the following books in the series- a great deal. It was a fun, interesting fantasy and apparently well-researched. The characters were very likable, I felt their motivations and feelings were convincing and the plot kept me interested (through this novel and the whole rest of the series). I also liked the narrators voices (Nakasone takes a little bit of time to get used to, but after a few sections you get to like her, and Kevin Gray has a great voice). I would recommend it if you are interested in Japan or if you just feel like having a good time listing to a fun novel (or two, or five). I think the series would also be appropriate for young adults or teenagers.

I loved this book, and it is probably better in audio than in print because the women's voices are so wonderful, so apt, so well done. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I laughed out loud, almost cried and really felt I got to know the main characters and above all that I could identify with them even though their lives are different in a million ways from mine. It almost seems that if a racist read this book and really listened/let the text penetrate, they would be a little less racist afterwards. But it is not a tract or harangue, it is a very, very good novel.