Blood and Moonlight

The New Methuselah

By: John Byron

Narrated by: Todd McLaren

Length: 12 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Elaine Quartermaine’s life was never much to talk about. Growing up in pre-Victorian London had made her a survivor if nothing else. Until she died! Or...thought she had died, and then she woke up somewhere else in someone else’s body.

It’s funny how Mary Shelley never mentioned that part of the story in her novel, Frankenstein, let alone her part in Elaine’s demise.... Yeah, about that.

My name is Samantha Holcombe, and I am a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist. Well, I was, but...this story isn’t about me. It’s about someone else. This mash-up of notes, transcripts, and musings are all a part of Elaine’s story and an honest telling of...wait a minute...I'm getting ahead of myself. More on that inside.

I had no idea what I was getting into when I was hired to tell this...I mean, her story, given the things I’ve seen over the last two years! But, it’s been one hell of a ride, and if you can overlook the body count, it’s really not so bad!

©2018 Peatrisch Industries, LLC. (P)2018 Peatrisch Industries, LLC.

awesome

I absolutely loved it. the story was excellent...the narration was the best I've heard so far.

Old story, new take.

Stories that decent from Mary Shelley's story are not hard all that hard to find. It's a testament to impact that Shelley's book has had on the world. "Blood and Moonlight" has done something interesting, it took the fictional characters and the real life tragedies of their creator and used them to create a facinating alternative history story.

I have many books read by Todd McLaren in my audible library and he's one of my favorites. He does a great job here but I sometimes with there had been a second female reader given the amount of female POV in the story.

None of the main Characters in the book are particularly likable people. This seems intentional for the story, but that may put some people off a bit. I personally like it since most people are not always the shining pillars of virtue that often are the protagonist of fantasy stories. This is a very gritty story that spends most of it's time in moral gray area's when it's not hanging out in the black.

Great Horror that reads like History

I really enjoyed this read, and when it ended I found myself wanting more. I fell in love with the characters (especially Saunders). I found the plot to be intriguing, and I really liked the modern day spin on an old tale. I look forward to reading more from John Byron.

Brilliant Dialog and Story Telling

Byron's Blood and Moonlight is an exciting twist on a familiar tale. Its unique format and unforgiving plot sucked me right in from the very beginning. I much looked forward to listening on my daily walks to and from work.

I especially enjoyed the dialog and story telling. Not only did his humor keep me laughing out loud, I found myself squealing out of sheer amazement by his weaving of words! Byron is a true wordsmith!

Todd McLaren did a great job, too! His talented accents and female vocalizations really brought the characters to life in my mind.

Great listen!

Blood and Moonlight is a awesome book!

John Byron is a great storyteller. This book is full of suspense, chills and horror that you can feel. I was fully engaged and would recommend to all.

Violent and Refreshing

This was a fantastically violent and refreshing new perspective on Frankenstein's Monster. The story is told to us within the relationship of a discredited writer and a rich tech guy (think Jeff Bezos rich). The perspective switching between first person recall and the interviews are seamless and very well done. I thought for sure the book was going down hill when it changed to an interview style of writing, but the writer expertly navigates these parts of the book and they're actually enjoyable! They nailed the audio on these parts. If I sound cynical it's because I usually don't appreciate gimmicks in a book, but it's awesomely done.

We find out where the monster's brain came from and experience that "transition" first hand. Best of all, we get to know the monster...who is altogether a very twisted character. It was difficult for me to decide if I liked him or not. I'm not sure if it was intentional but I also had a hard time knowing what the monsters intentions were throughout the book. He was at times remarkably evil and violent without remorse, and at other times regretful, or even heroic! Ultimately though he is a vehicle for the delivery of justice and retribution.

Everything is revealed and resolved at the end of the book. If you're a fan of John Byron's you'll notice references to characters in Mr. Mann too. Apparently these two books exist in the same universe. And as always Todd McLaren nails it. I love the gravel in his voice!

Great story, loved the narrator

I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review, but that has not swayed my opinion.

I listened to the audiobook of this book, so I'll start my review there. I absolutely loved the narrator and the production quality. The subtle sounds of plates clinking and low voices in the background of pub scenes were fantastic.

For the story itself, I enjoyed the plot and the writing style. I thought the format was really interesting and it held my interest throughout. I really enjoyed the transcript style documentation of Ambrose’s history.

I did have a couple issues with the main character. I wished that Sam had a little more emotional range, I feel like the intention had been to make her fiery, but in some scenes, she came off as angry for no real reason. I wanted to understand more why she was feeling these emotions in these moments.

The only thing that fell a little flat for me was the ending. I wanted more of Ambrose's story. It seemed to jump quite a bit and I wanted more depth in Ambrose’s history, as that’s what I found myself the most invested in. But overall, I still really enjoyed this book!

Just the right mix of Wonder & Terror

Once again, John Byron writes a superb tale, full of just enough wonder and terror to keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Todd McLaren's voice, as usual, delivers Byron's, delightful and horrible, cast of characters in such a compelling fashion that it leaves you sitting in the car, outside your destination, so you can listen to just a little bit more! Using Samantha to tell the tale of Frankenstein was brilliant in this captivating tale that mixes just enough fact amongst the fiction.

You only thought you knew this story

John Byron takes you on a whole new journey with this book. It is pleasantly surprising, and amazing how this story unfolds. I was hooked by the first paragraph. Todd McLaren’s narration is spot on and brings it all to life. One of the few books that plays like a movie in your mind as you listen. I recommend this book to any sci-fi horror enthusiast. Especially those who need a change from viruses and zombies.

What a clever spin on Frankenstein

Blood and Moonlight was a great listen. I loved the twists and turns of this Frankenstein tale. As the story progresses, you become more invested, and then come the moral questions and dilemmas of revenge that suck you in more. As the characters grow and evolve you become more invested and curious as to what comes next. It was a great story to get lost in. Well written and well-read.