A Journey of Black and Red

A Journey of Black and Red, Book 1

By: Alex Gilbert

Narrated by: Hollie Jackson

Length: 14 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Waking up chained in a dark cellar, Ariane must struggle to survive and escape the strange fortress she finds herself in.

All those around her play by rules she does not understand, and there is also this strange thirst that water cannot sate....

©2021 Alex Gilbert (P)2021 Podium Audio

Slow start but it was ok

Definitely a very slow start. First 9 chapters were kind of hard to keep listening because of how slow it was. It got better, but I’m not really sold on this series.

Very Good

Not sure what I was expecting going in but I was pleasantly surprised and will be continuing the series.

Great blend of a vampire book with period fantasy

This book was fun to listen to with good story and the right amount of humor to keep me hooked. The characters are all interesting in their own way and the take on vampires during the western expansion of the US is very well done. The book uses a lot of familiar vampires tropes without falling into traps that ruin a lot of similar books making it a refreshing take on the genre. There are other mythological creatures in the story and they're presented in a way that is always unique and interesting. All narration in the book was also very well done.

Entertaining, consistent and quality

Refreshing to see a competent MC - struggles, ambition but a dose of inspiring perseverance along the way.

Not the best at the start, But it gets better.

Its REALLLYYY annoying at that start. But... it does get better. Then it gets GOOD! Just have to be patient.

The character sounds whiny and like a pure fool. But thats just because of what here link to her master does to her. Once her mind is her own again, the story picks up pace. So give it time folks. There is a gem here.

A Great Feat

It takes a lot of bravery to bring yet another vampire story into the world. After all, what hasn't been done before? It also takes a lot of bravery to even bother reading yet another vampire story. All the same, I urge you to be brave, intrepid reader, for the author is a competent one and your bravery and his will surely be rewarded.

In all seriousness, this was well written and while not ground breaking or mind blowing, it is a tale that is told competently. The nature and personality of the main character really makes the book likable, and all the other characters are portrayed with skill as well. The plot is intriguing with plenty of action to hold your attention. It is just an all around good book and a promising start to a series.

If I had one complaint, it would be that the book is told in first person, but even this is not so much a complaint but a weariness. Usually, I find that new authors tend to write in first person because it feels easier for them, when all the while it is actually hampering their storytelling ability. However, this author seems too competent to be new and the first person view works well with the story, so well done there. If you are at all interested in this book, I would urge you to give it a try.

My favorite vampire series

I love this series! I've been reading them as they come out on Royal Road almost since the series first started, and the published versions are even better! This audio version of book one is just wonderful. Hollie Jackson is a perfect fit for the narration. She brings Ariane to life in a whole new dimension. Do yourself a favor and pick up this series!

Dark comedy/slice of life, quite good.

A southern belle of the early 1800's, finds that she has become a vampire, adventure, horror and hilarity commences. I would say the best way to describe this first book is a series of short stories as a newly born monster figures out what she is and everything that comes with that knowledge, but also what she wants to be in the future. This book does not shy away from the fact that Arianne is not human, yet it does not venture into the territory of edge lord. It is genuinely hilarious at times, without making the whole thing seem like it isn't taken seriously. it was quite enjoyable. I am looking forward to the next one with great expectations. Silent watcher willing that the other two books come out on audible soon.

A Tasty Treat

I've been following the production of Journey for a few years now, and this audiobook serves as a great retelling of the story. From name pronunciations that solidify or correct themselves in the mind, to tonal work that helps communicate in a way that feels accurate to the characters in the story, the performance is well beyond decent. The accent work is accurate without feeling overdone, and it helps sell Ariane's persona.

Great story

This book does have a bit of a slow start but then its pace picks right up. This is a story about a newly turned vampire. The thing I liked most about this story was how the author dealt with the morality of the situation. Instead of having some whiney MC constantly crying about the immorality of the situation, she created and followed her own moral code. Her decisions were also driven mostly by common sense and logic which was extremely refreshing.