Dead Reign: A Marla Mason Novel

I almost put this one back on the shelf after the first hour, but gradually it became more entertaining, and I stuck with it. The world of the series and the vocal style of the narrator were both reminiscent of Buffy, and while I am not a big fan, I assume that will be an attraction for many listeners. For me the best aspect of this book was the creation of some appealing and delightful characters. Unfortunately, for most of the book, their choices are predictable and uninspired, and the "deeper" aspects of moral conflict are disappointingly obvious. Still, by the end I was enjoying them and did not regret sticking with the book.
WARNING. If you have not read the earlier titles in this series do NOT start with this book. It is full of spoilers about important plot turns from earlier episodes.

I envy anyone who will discover Marla Mason and her world. I got halfway through the first book and I was hooked! Funny and fabulous with a wacky cast of characters, T. A. Pratt's series is pure delight. Please bring us book 5 soon! A totally unique listening experience -- and one of the best narrators out there! Thank's T.A. for great entertainment!

If you're looking for a breezy, punch-a-monster-in-the-face urban fantasy, step right up to the Marla Mason series and "Dead Reign."

This time out, Marla has to go head-to-head with Death. This creates all kinds of problems for her (naturally!) and one of the great pleasures of this outing is that Marla really gets pushed out of her comfort zone, both figuratively and literally. (And...into hell.) It's also feels like the most ensemble pieces of the story this far out. Rondeau, in particular, really gets to step into the limelight, and it's a lot of fun to watch.

Jessica Almasy's reading is such a blast. Her reading of the characters is superb and consistent, and her delivery can be both nail-biting and laugh out loud hysterical. Her mummified zombie John Wilkes Booth is a nice spin on Southern Charm, Rondeau is tough yet heartbreaking, and - as usual - she's pitch perfect as Marla. I've enjoyed her readings so much, I'm tempted to go back and listen to the books in this series that I'd already read.

I don't think you really need to have listened to the other books prior to this one, though it certainly wouldn't hurt (and really: Bone Shop is soooooooooo much fun).

All around, a great way to spend a couple of days listening.

I don't know, I haven't tried it in print.

I'm not sure this book is comparable to any other I've read. If you're a Sookie Stackhouse fan this is probably not a series you'd like - TA Pratt is a far darker and more complex writer and these books are not all fun and games and lighthearted sex with fangs.

I enjoyed the scene when Rondo and his collaborators are conversing with the Bay Witch.

Parts of it made me laugh - the revolutionary plots were hilarious. Other parts were quite confronting - be warned that this book includes rape and torture. There is a cliff hanger at the end - I have to know what happens next....

This one is not for the faint hearted - but it is a tremendously fun read despite the often disgusting and horrifying parts. I've read some very negative reviews about this series, complaining that the characters are shallow, that there are too many twists in the story, that the narration is "like a little girl" or boring. I have to say that these books simply won't appeal to anyone wanting a formula of happy endings or neatly wrapped storylines. The narration does require getting used to - but stick it out for half an hour and your ears will adjust. Jessica Almasy does have a high soprano voice which is unusual in audio narration, but she manages to deliver the story with energy, colour and excellent characterisation.