Croak

By: Gina Damico

Narrated by: Jessica Almasy

Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Fed up with her wild behavior, 16-year-old Lex’s parents ship her off to upstate New York to live with her Uncle Mort for the summer, hoping that a few months of dirty farm work will whip her back into shape. But Uncle Mort’s true occupation is much dirtier than shoveling manure. He’s a Grim Reaper. And he’s going to teach Lex the family business.

She quickly assimilates into the peculiar world of Croak, a town populated by reapers who deliver souls from this life to the next. But Lex can’t stop her desire for justice - or is it vengeance? - whenever she encounters a murder victim, craving to stop the attackers before they can strike again. Will she ditch Croak and go rogue with her reaper skills?

©2012 Gina Damico (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Can You Hear Me Now? HOW ABOUT NOW?

On the down side, the main character starts out obnoxious, bratty and self-centered. By the end of the book, she is still obnoxious, bratty and self-centered. It doesn't help that the narrator's performance is very loud during so much of the book. I don't mean that the editing has the volume too high. I mean that during a lot of the book, the narrator is shouting the characters' voices. It's too much, it's distracting, and it takes away from a lot of the enjoyment of the book.

But there is a positive side. I really did find the plot interesting, and at some point, I may buy print versions of the other books so that I can continue with the story. I love the character of Uncle Mort, and I would love to read a book some day from his point of view.

Loved the strange new world of Croak!

What did you love best about Croak?

I love that the story is completely unique. Normally this would be a dark and gloomy sort of topic, but this book had me wondering if I was rooting for the stereotypical "hero" or "villain". It was a fun and easy "read".

What about Jessica Almasy’s performance did you like?

I loved Jessica's work!!!! It's such a turn off for me when a female narrator has a wimpy man voice for male characters, or a male narrator has a shrill woman voice for female characters. Jessica was fantastic. They were unique enough for different characters without any of them sounding false, or obviously from the same narrator. Because of her, I was able to just enjoy the book.

Any additional comments?

I read the reviews of all three books beforehand and was worried about what I would find with the last two. The reviews all seemed to say that Scorch & most particularly Rogue were big flops. I do feel like in the end some of the characters acted out of line with the type of people they were made out to be in the first 80% of the series. The end of the series was slightly disappointing and didn't seem very well "wrapped up". However, it was an entertaining ride.

not bad, but a little underwhelming

Wasn't bad, when I finished it I realized how influenced by Harry potter it seemed to be.

Fantastic

fantastic story, addicting characters, and wonderful setting. Top notch story, I definitely wish it was longer

I usually pick bad books, but did alright on this!

What made the experience of listening to Croak the most enjoyable?

It was a fun story that didn't take a lot of concentration. I worked and listened to it and made the day fly by.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I think Lex was my favorite character. Even though some of her antics were far fetched in the beginning of the book she turned funnier and more likeable by the end.

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

I'm almost a couple decades removed from being a teen so having the teen voice in my ear made it all the more real.

Dying to read the second book

Good fast paced dark story. Good young adult offering, some questionable material for younger kids.

death on a ride.

I enjoyed this story, it is a good teen adventure and mystery. It does leave you wanting more. perfect for the Halloween season.

Great story!

It's a great story and the reading is wonderful. You don't have to be a young adult to like the story either. I thought it was really well thought out. I figured it out before the end but still think it's well worth the listen.

fun story, not a cookie cutter

Delinquent to Grim not new but the treat ment and mission is. good story fun to read actually looking forward to the next book

good narration

not so good story. The entire thing feels slow and forced. I really enjoyed it by the last couple chapters. once things picked up. idk if I will grab the next one. I'm interested to see what happens but not very interested in the shallow relationships and lack of common sense the main character has.