Knight Awakened

Circle of Seven, Book 1

By: Coreene Callahan

Narrated by: Suzan Crowley

Length: 17 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Warlord Vladimir Barbu has seized control of Transylvania, but his claim to the throne remains anything but certain. The king of Hungary opposes his rule, his people despise him, and the high priestess needed to crown him has vanished without a trace. Refusing to see his ambitions thwarted, he hires an assassin to hunt her down.… Killing is the only life Xavian Ramir knows. But now the elite assassin wants out, vowing to start anew after one last job.…

High priestess Afina Lazar is running for her life, desperate to protect the magical amulet entrusted to her care. When Barbu’s hired killer finds her, she knows her only chance of stopping the warlord’s rise to power is to convince this enigmatic - and handsome - hunter that she is more valuable alive than dead. Together, they will undertake a dramatic adventure through a magical world where love and redemption come at a terrible price.

©2012 Coreene Callahan (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Ok, but with many flaws

Heroine may have magic but dumb as a rock. Audio product also poorly done
Vpices at times faint whispers that couldn't be heard

Great story; loved the narration

This was a good start to the series and I’ll read/listen to the next book for sure. I loved this narrator. The voice acting was excellent and the level of emotion during some of the heavy scenes was tear jerking. For example, the horse scene; although it is heartbreaking on is own, the narrator just gutted me with her interpretation of Shay’s feelings between the spoken words. I will look for other books by this author and other work from this narrator.

Very good read

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book, and am looking forward to all the rest to come. I could listen to Suzan Crowley narrate again and again, she does a great job. I am now starting to listen to the Fury dragon books and am not disappointed.

Not good for the narrator

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I tried to read and listen to this book on two separate occasions. I just can't get past the narrator. Her pitch is too slow.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sorry, I didn't finish the book.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Suzan Crowley?

Justice Eyre, Simon Vance, Devra Woodward, or Kristen Potter

Did Knight Awakened inspire you to do anything?

Stop listening and just read.

Any additional comments?

The narrator read too slow. Too many long pauses. I tried increasing the speed to 1.25, but it sounded like Alvin and the Chipmunks. The summary and the cover of the book was the attraction. I may give it a third try, only if I can't find anything else to read and listen.

A great story brought to life by Suzan Crowley!!

What made the experience of listening to Knight Awakened the most enjoyable?

Absolutely the best performance for audible books I've heard in a long while. The voice of the narrator added to the flavor of the story, and she delivered it fabulously!

What did you like best about this story?

The story wound around and up and down, so that it kept my interest at all times. A little slow in the beginning, but quickly picked up pace and was off and running. The creation of characters was superb -- as usual for Ms. Callahan.

Which character – as performed by Suzan Crowley – was your favorite?

By far we have to vote Exsabian as the main guide to the story. He is the female's hero of dreams with both the dark side of his assassin nature as well as the caring and gentle lover.

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

The moment you feel that all is lost, breath is gone, and he must live without the soul of his world, I actually felt tears in my eyes and my heart ached for him.

Any additional comments?

This will be another hit series for our favorite authoress, and I can't wait until Book 2!!

WOW, another great by Coreene!!!

Would you listen to Knight Awakened again? Why?

Yes, the story is compeling and the action is HOT (both in the bedchamber and on the battle field).

Who was your favorite character and why?

Vlad, because he is such a sadistic bastard. And his plans Afin are so graphic.

Which character – as performed by Suzan Crowley – was your favorite?

Afin, the depth of the character is brought out by Suzan's performance.

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

A damaged warrior, a virginal priestess, a power hungry warlord, and magic; combined to make an explosive combination.

Great book ! Bad Narrator

The book was excellent but the narrator messed it up for me.. she was bad but the book was great

GREAT BOOK, BUT BORING NARRATOR!!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Knight Awakened to be better than the print version?

I guess the audio would be worth it, but the Narrator was painfully boring and monotone and made me feel that this genre of book isn't her cup of English tea.

Would you be willing to try another one of Suzan Crowley’s performances?

Absolutely not! maybe if it is old English romance.

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

I really can't think of it because I couldn't finish the book, she bored the enthusiasm out of me.

Any additional comments?

PLEASE, PLEASE change the Narrator for future Books in the Series. Narrators can make or break the popularity of books when they offer an uninspiring and lack - luster performance and the book may very well be a best seller in the making.

Great story, great narration.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. I loved this book. I have listened to many, many audiobooks..Feehan, Nalani Singh, Molly Harper, Kresley Cole, Lisa Kleypas, Mary Balogh, Jacquelyn Frank, Thea Harrison, Sherrilyn Kenyon, JR Ward, Gena Showalter, on and on. This ranks among one of my favorites. In quite a few books I end up skipping through a lot of descriptive parts just wanting to get to the exciting parts; but I actually enjoyed the author's metaphors describing the world, events and the characters' feelings. It also helps that this book has action and great romance.

Any additional comments?

The narration was great. I cannot listen to an audiobook if the narration is lacking no matter how good character development or plot is. I thought this narrator made the men sound yummy, and also had a nice sounding voice for the heroine.

Was on the money!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I loved this book so much. Whenever I had a free moment I was listening to this book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Knight Awakened?

The raw emotions from the two leads and the romance.

Which character – as performed by Suzan Crowley – was your favorite?

I can't decide, they all were so good.