Red-Headed Stepchild

By: Jaye Wells

Narrated by: Cynthia Holloway

Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

In a world where being of mixed blood is a major liability, Sabina Kane doesn't really fit in. And being an assassin - the only profession fit for an outcast - doesn't help matters. But she's never brought her work home. Until now.

Sabina's latest mission is uncomfortably complex and threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races. As she scrambles to figure out which side she's on, she uncovers a tangled political web, some nasty facts about her family, and some unexpected new talents. Any of these things could be worryingly life changing, but together they could be lethal.

©2009 Jaye Wells (P)2010 Tantor

Slow to start but a great read!

I almost gave up on this book because it was so slow in the beginning. I'm so glad I stuck with it. It turned out to be a great read! I've already downloaded book 2!

No spoilers

the book wasn't as bad as some of the reviews state. yes there was issues like times when there should have been more explanation or something said or done that had no back ground so it left me scratching my head. I did like the characters and it was action packed I definitely want to listen to one more book. narration wasn't great but it wasn't bad either I'd listen to more by Holloway over all it was ok I find lot of first books in a series is so so it's rare I find one that is fantastic from the get go.

Stereotypical UF

This is the first book in the Sabina Kane series; there are five books in this series. This was okay, it was a pretty typical vampire urban fantasy. The dialogue was kind of awkward throughout and there wasn’t a lot of description throughout the book. I didn’t really engage with any of the characters either. Previous to reading this book I had read Wells’ “Dirty Magic” and didn’t really enjoy that book either.

I listened to this on audiobook and the narration was okay but not great. The narrator was pretty stiff sounding and didn’t do a very good job conveying excitement and emotion. She did the different character voices fine, but her stiffness made it hard to engage in the story.

I found a lot of the actions the characters took and the plot elements to be silly and contrived. I didn’t really enjoy the world or the characters presented here.

The writing was a bit stiff and awkward, although I think the narration contributed to that some as well. Considering I didn’t like the first book in Wells’ other series either “Dirty Magic”, I just don’t seem to like her writing style.

The plot is a fairly typical blend of vampires, mages, and fae. There really wasn’t anything all that creative or interesting here.

Overall this was an okay book but not great. It’s a pretty typical UF read and makes for a quick read. I think there’s much better UF out there and won’t be continuing the series.

Dumb

I found this first book pretty stupid she just killed her best friend without remorse I can’t stand her bitchy no care additude I understand the first book is story building but honestly I can’t get past the first chapters because of the no remorse I don’t care for a heroine

I couldn't even finish this book!

Would you try another book from Jaye Wells and/or Cynthia Holloway?

I might but I would have to read it myself. The narrator was terrible. I just couldn't listen to her voice. It was so cheesy like listening to a radio announcer.

Would you recommend Red-Headed Stepchild to your friends? Why or why not?

Not the audio version

Would you be willing to try another one of Cynthia Holloway’s performances?

Absolutely not.

What character would you cut from Red-Headed Stepchild?

none

I Do Not Buy Into the Character as an Assassian

Would you try another book from Jaye Wells and/or Cynthia Holloway?

The author failed me and wasted my time. This book was not funny and I did not care about what happened to the characters.

Has Red-Headed Stepchild turned you off from other books in this genre?

I am a big fan of Urban fantasy and of Twilight so I am precisely the target audience for this book.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Nothing against the narrator. She was fine.

Any additional comments?

I did like the demon/cat character. The only reason why I continued with the book was that I was hoping he would take over the story.

this first one is okay

This book is pretty good aside from some personality flaws that are a bit irritating from the supporting cast.

However the subsequent books get worse and worse, the author has no sense drama only melodrama, the political factions are mostly nonsensical, and love interests are really forced. There is no sense of chemistry in their interactions, there is a whole lot of inner monologue claiming connection between the characters but no reason is ever given other than they are kinda hot.

Dialogue Lacks Imagination

Dialogue and come-backs in 6-12 yr old rage, lacking imagination and leaving me less than inspired. DNF with 1 hour remaining. Couldn’t make myself finish

One of the Worst Books I've "Read"

Would you try another book from Jaye Wells and/or Cynthia Holloway?

Not Jaye Wells.

Has Red-Headed Stepchild turned you off from other books in this genre?

Don't let this book put you off of Urban Fantasy if you did not like it. I have read a lot of books in the genre and I can tell you this one is exceptionally bad.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

This narrator also does the Chicagoland Vampire series, which I have also bought through Audible in the past. The worst thing about her performance is that she mispronounces a lot of words, which is incredibly annoying to me. She also has an overly melodramatic style of reading, which is off-putting to me.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Red-Headed Stepchild?

Throughout the book there are countless inconsistencies in character and plot. Neither are well thought out or developed, making it impossible to understand the characters motivations, stay interested in the plot, or suspend disbelief. It seemed as if the author was just making things up as she went along, heedless of previous events in the book.

Any additional comments?

I struggle to understand how this book gets such good reviews from so many people. I was extremely disappointed since the premise of the characters and story has such potential. I pride myself on finishing the books I start reading even if they are not favorites. Finishing this book definitely put me to the test.

dry and monotonous

I couldnt stay awake during this book no matter how much I tried the naration put me to sleep, I cant say if it's the voice or the story itself but unable to even finish one chapter without falling asleep and then trying again. I give up and skipped to last chapter to leave a review.