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Mary

HARRISBURG, IL, United States | Member Since 2009

3
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 12 reviews
  • 12 ratings
  • 150 titles in library
  • 15 purchased in 2013
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  • Blood Trade: Jane Yellowrock, Book 6

    • UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 44 mins)
    • By Faith Hunter
    • Narrated By Khristine Hvam
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (265)
    Performance
    (243)
    Story
    (248)

    The Master of Natchez, Mississippi has a nasty problem on his hands. Rogue vampires - those who follow the Naturaleza and believe that humans should be nothing more than prey to be hunted - are terrorizing his city. Luckily, he knows the perfect skinwalker to call in to take back the streets. But what he doesn’t tell Jane is that there’s something different about these vamps. Something that makes them harder to kill - even for a pro like Jane.

    Joanne says: "Wow, Jane does it again!"
    "Go Jane!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you consider the audio edition of Blood Trade to be better than the print version?

    I like all the Jane Yellowrock audio editions better than the print version because, good as the print versions are, reader Khristine Hvam adds so much to the listen.


    What did you like best about this story?

    I love the intricacies of Jane's personality and growth as the books progress.


    Have you listened to any of Khristine Hvam’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

    She is a great reader, and this is up there with her best.


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

    Yes, it was hard to make myself stop listening, even when tasks were calling me.


    Any additional comments?

    I always cannot wait until the next Jane Yellowrock book comes out, and this one was no exception. Go Faith! Go Jane!

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Death's Rival: Jane Yellowrock, Book 5

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 40 mins)
    • By Faith Hunter
    • Narrated By Khristine Hvam
    Overall
    (536)
    Performance
    (490)
    Story
    (487)

    For a vampire killer like Jane, having Leo Pellisier as a boss took some getting used to. But now, someone is out to take his place as Master Vampire of the city of New Orleans, and is not afraid to go through Jane to do it. After an attack that’s tantamount to a war declaration, Leo knows his rival is both powerful and vicious, but Leo’s not about to run scared. After all, he has Jane. But then, a plague strikes, one that takes down vampires and makes their masters easy prey.

    Sahal says: "WOW! !I I did not expect that."
    "Jane and Beast are the ultimate pair!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about Death's Rival?

    I love the character of Jane Yellowrock. She is every hero you ever had.


    What other book might you compare Death's Rival to and why?

    There is no comparison. Jane is the ultimate.


    Have you listened to any of Khristine Hvam’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

    I've only heard her with the Jane Yellowrock series, and she is a master! She is a perfect Jane and also perfect for all the other various characters in the series. No one else could do justice to the series, and I hope she continues to be the narrator for future Jane Yellowrock books.


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

    I did want to. Listened to part of it on a 400 mile trip and then more on the return. Although my rule is to listen to audio books only in the car, I could not help myself, and I finished listening when I got home. (as I did with Jane #4)


    Any additional comments?

    Write faster Faith--we need the next installment!

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Mercy Blade: Jane Yellowrock, Book 3

    • UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 43 mins)
    • By Faith Hunter
    • Narrated By Khristine Hvam
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (815)
    Performance
    (639)
    Story
    (636)

    Jane, a shapeshifting vampire-hunter-for-hire, crosses paths with a stranger who has arrived in New Orleans, enlisted to hunt vampires who have gone insane - or so he says.

    Denise says: "JANE AND BEAST VS WEREWOLVES......OH MY!!"
    "Jane Yellowrock is the best!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What made the experience of listening to Mercy Blade the most enjoyable?

    I love Jane's character!


    What was one of the most memorable moments of Mercy Blade?

    The most memorable for me was when "beast meets were-cat."


    What does Khristine Hvam bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    Khristine Hvam is a master! Her voice is perfect for Jane, and she is very adept at the various accents of the residents of New Orleans.


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

    Beast is Back!


    Any additional comments?

    The entire concept of Jane Yellowrock is so fascinating--I'm just sorry there are not more at this time. I want to say "Write faster!"

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Crystal Cave: The Arthurian Saga, Book 1

    • ABRIDGED (3 hrs and 11 mins)
    • By Mary Stewart
    • Narrated By Nicol Williamson
    Overall
    (53)
    Performance
    (25)
    Story
    (26)

    Was Merlin an otherworldly being or just an ordinary mortal with extraordinary powers? Over the centuries there have been many stories about Camelot, but the mystery of the magician who nurtured, trained, and advised King Arthur has remained unexplored. Some have called Merlin a sinister, all-powerful Prince of Darkness. Others have described him as a merely a man, heir to the secrets of the Crystal Cave, possessed of rare and remarkable gifts.

    Jessica says: "yuck"
    "Merlin As He Surely Must Have Been"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

    One of my favorite books of all time. It makes the Arthur legend into history.


    What did you like best about this story?

    Mary Stewart's version of the Arthur legend comes across as how it really was. She incorporates all the myths and legends into one story that seems to be Truth. Her characters are flawless.


    Have you listened to any of Nicol Williamson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

    I have not listened to any other of Nicol Williamson's performances. This one is excellent.


    If you could rename The Crystal Cave, what would you call it?

    The Crystal Cave is perfect for this book; no other title would suffice.


    Any additional comments?

    I wish Audible would remake Mary Stewart's Arther trilogy unabridged. So much is lost in this abridged version.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • First Truth: Truth Series, Book 1

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 21 mins)
    • By Dawn Cook
    • Narrated By Marguerite Gavin
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (467)
    Performance
    (255)
    Story
    (257)

    Alissa doesn’t believe in magic. Her father’s stories about the Hold, a legendary fortress where human Keepers learn magic from the enigmatic Masters, are just that—stories. But her mother insists Alissa has inherited her father’s magical ability, so she must go to the Hold to be trained. On her way, she crosses paths with Strell, a wandering musician from the plains.

    Liz says: "Don't be Mislead"
    "Save your time and money"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Is there anything you would change about this book?

    I could not get into the book at all, could not make myself care what happened.


    Would you ever listen to anything by Dawn Cook again?

    Probably not.


    Which character – as performed by Marguerite Gavin – was your favorite?

    Liked none of the characters.


    Was First Truth worth the listening time?

    No, it's the only audio book I've not been able to make myself finish.


    Any additional comments?

    Very disappointing

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Blood Cross: Jane Yellowrock, Book 2

    • UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 48 mins)
    • By Faith Hunter
    • Narrated By Khristine Hvam
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (918)
    Performance
    (686)
    Story
    (687)

    Jane Yellowrock is back on the prowl against the children of the night. The vampire council has hired skinwalker Yellowrock to hunt and kill one of their own who has broken sacred ancient rules - but Jane quickly realizes that in a community that is thousands of years old, loyalties run deep.

    Deborah says: "Blood Cross: Jane Yellowrock, Book 2"
    "Jane Yellowrock rocks!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Where does Blood Cross rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

    I love Faith Hunter's books, and Blood Cross is among the best.


    What did you like best about this story?

    Jane Yellowrock is unique in urban fantasy; she is tough and gritty but has a vulnerable side as well. This is more than an action thriller and character development is excellent.


    Have you listened to any of Khristine Hvam’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

    I have only listened to her as she performed the Jane Yellowrock series; she is one of the best readers I have ever heard, right up there with Simon Vance. While the series is very well written, Khristine Hvam's performance makes them very special.


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

    Jane and Beast are back!


    Any additional comments?

    I purchase Audible books to listen to while I am driving and generally save them for trips, which are frequent. Faith Hunter's books are the only ones I have actually sat and listened to in my living room because I can't wait for another trip to roll around.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Crucible of Gold: Temeraire, Book 7

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 56 mins)
    • By Naomi Novik
    • Narrated By Simon Vance
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (186)
    Performance
    (165)
    Story
    (166)

    Naomi Novik’s beloved series returns, with Capt. Will Laurence and his fighting dragon Temeraire once again taking to the air against the broadsides of Napoleon’s forces and the friendly—and sometimes not-so-friendly—fire of British soldiers and politicians who continue to suspect them of divided loyalties, if not outright treason.

    A User says: "Back to Basics"
    "Out of the kettle into the flame"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about Crucible of Gold?

    Lots of action and predicaments for Temeraire and crew to escape from.


    What does Simon Vance bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    Simon Vance is a master--he has so many voices that are perfect for each character! His "accents" are great.


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

    It made me frustrated when I got to the end. I wasn't ready for it to be over, and I wanted to read more about the next adventures! It is one of those books where one says "Oh no! It's over?"


    Any additional comments?

    Can hardly wait for the next Temeraire book.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Oath of Gold: The Deed of Paksenarrion, Book 3

    • UNABRIDGED (17 hrs and 34 mins)
    • By Elizabeth Moon
    • Narrated By Jennifer Van Dyck
    Overall
    (510)
    Performance
    (323)
    Story
    (325)

    Paksenarrion, a simple sheepfarmer's daughter, yearns for a life of adventure and glory, such as was known to heroes in songs and story. At age seventeen she runs away from home to join a mercenary company and begins her epic life.

    James says: "In the tradition of heroes"
    "Great Ending for the trilogy"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What disappointed you about Oath of Gold?

    Nohting disappointed me. Great ending for the Pax story.


    What do you think your next listen will be?

    Will listen again to Mystic and Rider, narrated by Jennifer Van Dyck, written by Sharon Shinn.


    Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Jennifer Van Dyck?

    Jennifer Van Dyck was great--she has narrated other of my favorite books. She did pronounce some names differently than I would have done, but overall she is a great narrator.


    What character would you cut from Oath of Gold?

    Every character had his/her own fit, and all are needed to move the story along.


    0 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • Reader and Raelynx: The Twelve Houses, Book 4

    • UNABRIDGED (19 hrs and 14 mins)
    • By Sharon Shinn
    • Narrated By Joe Barrett
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (198)
    Performance
    (62)
    Story
    (66)

    King Baryn has decided that if he marries his daughter Amalie to a high-ranking noble, the rebellious marlords might be pacified and he might be able to avert a war. So he invites all the young serramar to the royal city to court his daughter. To protect Amalie from any unsavory suitors, the mystic Cammon is installed to monitor all of Amalie's courtships, because Cammon is a reader who can tell if someone harbors violence or malevolence in his heart.

    Mysticalsister says: "Great Listen"
    "Reader and Ralynx is a great conclusion!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you consider the audio edition of Reader and Raelynx to be better than the print version?

    No


    Who was your favorite character and why?

    Senneth is my favorite character; she is the center around which the story (in the first four books) revolves. She is a strong character but has vulnerablilties that give her more than one dimension.

    Next favorite would be Kirra--she can be a hoyden or a great lady with equal sincerity, and she is someone you want to be at your back.


    Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Joe Barrett?

    Anyone. He had the same voice with only a few differences for each character, and the voice he chose for Tayse sounded like a prude who had just eaten a lime.


    Any additional comments?

    I love Sharon Shinn's books of the Twelve Houses. I'm so very sorry she has concluded writing about this world.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Mystic and Rider: The Twelve Houses, Book 1

    • UNABRIDGED (15 hrs and 27 mins)
    • By Sharon Shinn
    • Narrated By Jennifer Van Dyck, Sharon Shinn
    Overall
    (361)
    Performance
    (142)
    Story
    (145)

    The fire mystic Senneth crosses the country of Gillengaria on a mission for the king, trying to discover if noble marlords from the Twelve Houses are planning an uprising. She is accompanied by the soldiers Justin and Tayse, two King's Riders who are unswervingly loyal to the crown. Also on the journey are the shape-changers Kirra and Donnal, and a young mystic named Cammon who can practically read minds.

    Ted says: "Light fantasy, heavy romance"
    "Mystic and Rider is a great read!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What made the experience of listening to Mystic and Rider the most enjoyable?

    I loved the development of each character; amidst all the action, her characters stand out in my mind.


    What did you like best about this story?

    I loved the strong characters and seeing each develop as the story continued.


    Which scene was your favorite?

    The scene in which Senneth confronted Coralinda at the Lumen Convent to rescue Tayse.
    Next would be the scene where Tayse finds out that Senneth is a Seramara of a great house.


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

    I wanted to, but did not allow myself to indulge. I made myself stretch it out. Since then I've listened to it numerous times. It is my favorite book.


    Any additional comments?

    Sharon Shinn's novels of the Twelve Houses are among the best I've ever read. I was so happy to see them on Audible. While there certainly is plenty of action, the character development and her underlying premise of the clear danger of religious fanatacism should send a message to us all.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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