Storm Born: Dark Swan, Book 1

Might seem strange, but this book is actually more sexually graphic than the Succubus series. (Not that this takes away from the story at all - it's actually pretty decent sex, where Eugenie is an active and eager participant... and it's one of the few I've read that actively use and encourage safer sex. Thank you Ms. Mead. ) So if you don't like plentiful and descriptive sex, I'd skip this book.

I liked the first half of the book better than the second half. And the final scenes were my least favorite of them all... it was like the author wanted to explore some spiritual or philosophical topics and the only way she could add them into the story is to tack on a "voyage" near the end of the book. It wasn't exactly out of place (because Eugenie does talk of the underworld in other parts of the book), but it was so clearly an "add-on" to make a philosophical point that I really just wanted to skip this part.

Otherwise, I like the main character (her unpleasant name not-withstanding) and how she grew throughout the story. I'm not sure I like her choice in relationships, but I suppose that's part of the angst of the story. I will read more in the series because I think the characters are interesting and well-developed, even if I don't like them very much.

The narrator is very good and her voices are distinct and her men sound reasonable. Though I have to say I don't think she had the right voice for what I expected Eugenie to sound like. The violence isn't graphic, there is a lot of detailed sex, and I don't think there was any swearing. The Succubus series by the same author is actually a good choice if you like this kind of story (with a lot less sex) and it's wonderfully narrated.

Magical adventure in the modern world, but from a female perspective, including angles I hadn't considered. I decided to listen while waiting for the next Dresden book, and I'm glad I did. The story line had enough twists to be interesting and unexpected. The narrator was decent, but not great. Still, by far, not the worst I've heard. Also, the characters were rich and colorful, not as flat as a lot of stories portray. I'm tempted to buy the paper version just to share with my friends who can't be bothered with audiobooks.

If The Dresden Files are written more for men, this seems written more for women, although in my opinion both should work for either.

Storm Born is the first of the Dark Swan series. I admit to having low expectations even though the book was recommended by a friend. After listening to the first few chapters I was hooked. Eugenie Markham is the main character and is a powerful shaman. She is very competent and smart; yet, she has much to learn about the fantasy lands and villains she gets involved with. Her character type projects a strong and capable woman into dangerous fantasy circumstances. I found this novel thoroughly enjoyable and many times I had to laugh out loud. Mead is able to use artful description of a fantasyland that beckons you to want to believe. The author is also skilled in creating backstories that will take time to mature but promise to be worth exploring.

I initially found the narrator, Jennifer Van Dyck to speak a little too fast and her tone a little strange. But, after reflection, by the end of the novel I liked what she brought to the table.

The novel will appeal to and serious series novel listener. Those who enjoy Stephanie Plum (Evanovich); Kay Scarpetta (Cornwall); and Pendergast (Preston and Child) series will also very much enjoy this series. Eugenie is very capable like Scarpetta, smart like Pendergast and take no prisoners like Plum, she will fast become a favorite. A definite yes!

I'm a total sucker for good paranormal romance, and unfortunately, most authors I've happened upon have trouble keeping a balance between the romance and action. Storm Born was a great listen for me, and I've already purchased the next two installments. I love heroines that are strong but flawed, and sexually comfortable, but not permanently on their backs. Eugenie is smart, sarcastically funny, and I enjoy her inner voice. She deals with situations that are completely out of the norm, but inside, she's just like everyone else. Eugenie is sometimes insecure and confused, questioning right from wrong, and her place in the world.
I'll keep listening as long as Ms. Mead keeps writing!

I worried about the narrarator from the reviews here. She's fine...don't worry. Maybe a little mature? But her character voices are all fine to good. She does men well. This series is great. More depth to it than the succubus series. I listened to them all in a few days and am eager for the last one to come out in January.

The book, like any Mead production, is excellent. The characters are intriguing and the story line and premise are truly unique. I think the narrator is okay, though time and time again I can't help but think the narrator is reading in a different emphasis or "feel" than the author intended. The voices she uses are hit or miss as far as conveying the author's intent for the characters. Having said that, she still does a fair job and the novel is definitely worth the time.

I love the story and setting. The characters are awesome and fun, lots of laugh out loud moments and the story moves right along.

The main character, Eugenie. If you read the VA books, she's like Rose, a total badass...with a good heart, snarky attitude, potty mouth...only older...and um, a bit promiscuous. Dorian is completely awesome. I also love Jasmine, she made me laugh a lot.

At first, I was surprised at how mature she sounds for a character of this age, but I got used to it. She does a good job with the other world characters. Some of the accents were thicker than I had them in my head [I always read a book before I buy it on audible.com...I only buy my favorites, that I will listen to over and over, on audio.] but overall, she was good.

There's a lot more sex in this book than I was prepared for, having only read Richelle's VA books. I can only imagine the Succubus books are way worse. Not saying the sex is written badly...it's not. But it is, um...often and a bit dirty. I would have read them anyway, but it would have been nice to be warned.

What I LOVED: Each character in this book was really unique. They all had individual personalities that did not necessarily conform to what the heroin would want them to be. I loved her minions, her screwed up love life (and lovers), and her family/friends (even those she did not think were friends).

What I LIKED: This book was more fun than I thought it was going to be. Having only read The Vampire Academy books by Richelle, I was surprised at the amount of snarky humor that was in this book. I laughed out loud several times. It was a fantastically fun read.

What I thought was SO-SO: I don't like Eugenie's name. Other than that nothing else was bad or so-so.

Why I gave it a 3 (or 3.5): I was really impressed with the humor, wit, and fantastic world that Richelle created. I am really enjoying stories of Faeries lately and this fit right into that genre. I would recommend this to any PNR or UF fan.

This author is amazing, she has a way of making fast intense scenes seem like just that. I think she creates characters well many lead rolls are strong independent women.
The narrator is okay...but not for this book. She doesn't portray the characters well. Its not her voice its her tones.
Overall good book...cant wait for more of her books. This book is nothing like her previous series but the action scenes rock!

I have found that I love all of her books. It is so nice now that they have almost all of her books out on audio. My favorite character is Dorian, I just love his sick sense of humor.