The Becoming

Anna Strong, Vampire, Book 1

By: Jeanne C. Stein

Narrated by: Dina Pearlman

Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Anna Strong is trained for anything - until she's attacked one night, only to awaken in a dark world that exists between the living and the dead. Here, Anna struggles with her love for the two men who inhabit the realms of each: Max, a human DEA agent, and Avery, a Night Watcher who joins Anna in pursuit of the vampire who changed her life. Now, as her two worlds collide, fate plunges Anna into the ultimate battle between good and evil - where survival is not just for the living.

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©2006 Jeanne C. Stein (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Pearlman uses subtly different voices for Avery, Anna, and Anna’s partner, David, whose kidnapping propels Anna into a dangerous cat-and-mouse game. While Anna’s wry humor could be more strongly expressed, Pearlman’s delivery of the book’s suspense keeps listeners engaged. Pearlman’s even handling of dialogue, description, and Anna’s internal musings make for a fast-paced paranormal adventure." (AudioFile)

Good but easy to lose interest

If you could sum up The Becoming in three words, what would they be?

Not interesting enough

What other book might you compare The Becoming to and why?

Bone shop, because I ffel that both books are good but need something to make them more interesting

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

No idea

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

None really

Was pleasantly surprised....

I purchased this as it was on sale. Was not sure I would like it. I was very pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed it so much that I stayed up all night to find out more. I was intriguing. Had me interested. Completely held my attention and kept me wanting more. I have now purchased the next book in the series. Really enjoyed the book and audio. Thank you.

good storyline

good storyline but the narrator is just bland, I'm having a hard time listening, she make the sentences more into statement than flowing as a storyline, listen to it befor buying to see if you can stand the narration...
I bought book 2 also and stuggled through it also, another narrator might be better..

really liked this book

I really liked this book and look forward to reading the next in the series. I liked that certain elements were PG, when in most books like Anna Strong they arent. I recommend adding this book to the top of your wishlist. ;)

$4.95 of Slow Going

I got this book on sale so I think that is why it was not as disappointing as it could have been, if I used a credit. First of all I really like books about female dominant characters so was really hoping this would be a hit. It was SLOW. I thought about not finishing but had surgery and was stuck in bed so just kept plugging away. It did start to get better near the end but it took a while getting there. I am curious to see who Casper is but other than that plot line nothing really captivated me. I think there were a lot of holes in the storyline that could have been better explained. For example; you find out you are a vampire and you don’t freak out and have a million questions? You don’t try and figure out what your limitations are? Your house burns down and you don’t seem that upset. I did like the betrayal part of the book as the author did her best to keep you guessing. I think there is potential and maybe it will get better. I am just not sure if I will continue with this series or not. If you want an awesome series about dominant female vampire slayers, then read Jeaniene Frost. You will not be disappointed. For me this is a save your credit but if you can get it on sale for $4.95, like I did then give it a shot.

Anna Strong, boring vampire

This is a pretty boring book. It's an urban fantasy title, with vampires. It's not particularly good, nor is it bad. It just is. Anna is a bounty hunter who works bringing in people trying to skip out on bail with her partner David. Things go bad one night and then she wakes up a vampire. The way she becomes a vampire is similar to how other stories convert their character. Bitten and drink vampire blood and now you're a vampire. However one note that can definitely turn people off is the rape scene. Rape is a serious subject no matter how you try to swing it, and Ms. Stein uses it as a plot coupon/rape fantasy for Anna. She gets turned on and kind of likes it. I'm not commenting socially on this because this isn't the place, but if that turns you off, don't read the book.

Sex is used for feeding purposes to make the mate enjoy being bitten and fed upon. There's nothing graphic in the story with sex, or violence. Not a bad thing, but it doesn't do anything to make the story better. Her "serious boyfriend" Max has maybe 100 words with him in it, most of which Anna talks about cheating on him.

The story is self-contained. Anna saves the day and solves the mystery. Nothing bad really happens to any of the protagonists. The mystery is pretty cut and dry. The story is short, and Dina Pearlman does an OK job of narrating, using subtle differences for the character voices, but again it's a little lifeless and boring. I don't know if it was the subject matter or her style, but my wife and I decided we'll probably skip the rest of the series and listen to some other urban fantasy with better hooks.

Book 1 - It's a Hit!

What did you love best about The Becoming?

It grabs you from the first paragraph read! You can envision the characters that are in that hot pursuit!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Becoming?

When Anna realizes she is not your typical vampire!

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

No I have not - but I certainly look forward to listening to other books she has preformed!

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

I found myself so caught up in the story could not wait to listen to the next and the next!

Any additional comments?

This is certainly not your typical vampire book of blood and gore - even though there is. But, there seems to be a somewhat auroa that surrounds this series! A must listen to! Dian Pearlman is an excellent narrator bring Jeanne Stein's characters to life!

Not as good as I thought it would be

I was hoping I would enjoy this novel more than I did. I like the genre a great deal, but the main character got on my nerves as she seems so bi-polar. She also seems a bit self delusional as well, blatantly not seeing what's in front of her. Still it was an okay listen, the production and narration was well done. Dina Pearlman did a great job with the voices, and inflections of voices. I'm hoping the 2nd book the main character gets a clue. It was enjoyable enough for me to at least try the 2nd book.

Daywalkers...hummmph!

I like my vamps mean, sexy and combustible! Not sure if I will continue this series. Unlikely....

one of my favorite Authors.

I've nearly read all of this series but I'm now going to listen to it all. Welcoming performance by Dina.