Unbound

The Blacksea Odyssey, Book 2

De: J.A. Vodvarka

Narrado por: Paige Reisenfeld, Wayne Mitchell

Two souls, forever entwined… and running for their lives.

Nyssa Blacksea is a wanted woman. The Empire she once served now hunts for her and her unlikely new companion, Quinn. It's only a matter of time until the two women are found and executed. Desperate and with nowhere to turn, Nyssa and Quinn hatch an insane plan—offer the Empire its oldest enemy in exchange for their freedom.

But the path to their freedom is fraught with assassins, heart-breaking betrayal, strange gods… and a dangerous queen who demands Nyssa to submit. Or be broken. Complicating everything is Nyssa's growing affection for Quinn. Both are inextricably linked by magick that they barely understand and struggle to control.

Facing incredible odds and her own mortality, Nyssa has to confront her fears—and her feelings—or succumb to those who wish to destroy her.

For listeners who love unique epic fantasy set against a semi-modern backdrop, featuring a sapphic enemies-to-lovers slow burn romance. Unbound will appeal to fans of Arcane, The Legend of Korra, and Gideon the Ninth.

©2024 Jennifer Vodvarka (P)2025 Podium Audio

Reviews are 10/10

Came here mid book to wail about how terrible the male narrator is (because I couldn’t take it) but I see others beat me to it. Thanks for the laughs! lol so spot on, and I’m glad I wasn’t the only one cringing. Someone even gave great advice about how to skip his parts!

Beyond that, great story and original narrator is perfect as always. I love the world built here and will continue to enjoy this lovely series …pretending the male narrator didn’t happen *cringe*

Loved it

Great book two. Love the storyline and the characters. This book caused a bunch of emotions. It was a roller coaster with ups snd downs. I’m looking forward to book 3. This book has some F/F and F/M spice.

Wayne M is a plague, this is a survival guide. The book is worth it

The elephant in the room: Wayne Mitchell is the true villain of this novel. he narrates Athen's point of view for some unknown reason, the story doesn't require a male narrator, but a talented male narrator could do well. Mitchel isn't that, he's a creepy mouth breathing try-hard. With that that being said, it's extremely easy to get around him, you have three options:
1. skip his parts, Athen is a fairly minor character and will either have his own short chapter or takes up the rest of the chapter.
2. switch to kindle and read for yourself and skip to the next chapter in the audiobook, this was my preference since Athen's insights aren't major.
3. suffer through and regret your decision.

With that out of the way, WOW! This book was amazing, there was the perfect amount of tension, heart ache and resolution. I gauge author's talent by whether or not they make me feel the emotions alongside the characters, and Vodvarka has a gift for writing, that is clear. I can't recommend this book enough. also if you're wondering if it's going to happen in this book: the answer is yes, after what feels like and eternity and some massive personal and emotional growth from both characters. Please don't be dissuaded by 7 poorly narrated Athen bits and the ending credits, this story is worth every second, and I plan on rereading it several more times.

Addition of Male Narrator Detracts

Book is great overall and Paige Reisendfeld is amazing. Addition of Wayne Mitchell as Athen makes those chapters is almost painful to listen to, he doesn’t change his cadence and the entire chapter is read as if being shouted. His female characters leave much to be desired. I hope he gets some direction or they drop him from the third book.

Beautifully written…poor choice of male narrator

Everything about the series itself is great, but the addition of male narration was unnecessary and difficult to adjust to.