Bloodstone

By: Helen C. Johannes

Narrated by: Dawson McBride

Length: 13 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's Summary

What if looking at the face of the man you loved meant death? Years ago, warrior Durren Drakkonwehr was cursed by a mage. Now feared and reviled as the Shadow Man, he keeps to himself, only going to town to trade rare bloodstones - petrified dragon's blood - for supplies. Though he hides his face, he can't hide his heart from the woman who haunts his dreams...  

Needing bloodstones for a jewelry commission, Mirianna and her father journey across the dreaded Wehrland where the beast-men roam. When their party is attacked, only the Shadow Man can save them. Strangely drawn to him, Mirianna offers herself in return for her father's rescue. Living in the ruined fortress with the Shadow Man, Mirianna slowly realizes that a flesh-and-blood man - not a fiend - hides there in hoods and darkness. But are love and courage enough to lift the curse and restore the man?

©2014 Helen C. Johannes (P)2018 Helen C. Johannes

Dawson McBride and dragons. Yes, please!

This story starts out so sweet and innocent but do not be fooled. Bad stuff, a lot of bad stuff, happens.

The Shadow Man was a very intriguing character. We learn how he became through bits and pieces and that just heightens the uneasy feeling we have about him. Mirianna and her father are so sweet and completely out of their depth. Then comes Cyric and the dragons!

You wouldn't think that someone with the manly baritones of Dawson McBride can deliver a believable female persona but you would be wrong. McBride is an excellent narrator. His men are strong and capable and his women are feminine and exemplary.

It's too bad this story does not continue. I would love to know what happens next.

Love love love!!

I choose this book because of the narrator. I think the deep drawl add to the overall of this story. This was my first reading of this author, and it won't be my last. This was an amazing story with many unusual twists and turns. Definitely recommend this to any reader looking for an out of the box page turner!

Incredible

I received a free code to listen to this book and I did so willingly

This was quite an interesting experience and I enjoyed it immensely.

Very good storyline and excellent narration

Long but interesting

The narrator has a voice that is really low. At times I struggled to understand what was being said especially at the beginning. I had to keep rewinding it. I think I got used to the intonations and speech halfway through because I could hear what he said better.

The book was very interesting. It contains shadows, demons, mages, a dragon and a talking mountain lion. In a small way it is like Beauty and the Beast. The main character says she will do anything to save her father. The shadowman is believed to be a shadow beast. But that is where the similarities end.

There is things that aren't explained until the very end that will keep the listener on their toes. There were a few things left open though. I don't know if there is another book after this one or not.

I requested a free copy and am giving you my honest opinion.

Epic

An epic tale, well written and performed. I’d read this book years ago and it was fun to hear it brought to life. Great fun.

Dragon Heat!

This is the first novel I’ve read by this author. It will not be the last. Johannes had me hooked from page one until the end. Non-stop danger, intrigue, and action. The novel is set during a time so long ago, one can almost believe there was magic at play, dragons sleeping beneath castles, and hellish creatures lurking in the dark. Dawson McBride is the perfect narrator to instill and sustain the danger. What was most enjoyable was the slow-burning attraction between Mirianna and the Shadow Man (Durren Drakkonwehr). Durren has been cursed for his part in a failed attempt to protect the world from dark magic. To look upon him, is certain death. He remains secluded in a crumbling castle. He is always veiled in dark robes. When the spark is finally ignited between Durren and Mirianna, the flames of passion long held in check flare to life. This is a thoroughly satisfying listen for lovers of fantasy romance. I am a voracious consumer of audio books (and pretty snobby about narrators). I loved this novel. I was given a copy in exchange for my honest review but would have happily traded one of my credits for it! Five stars.

slow with a hidden sensual feeling, like whiskey

the narrators voice was enthralling and dipped you further into the character's heads and lives

nice

The narrator has a very good voice and is able do a good female voice even though his voice is very low. It felt a little strange that the author kept describing and mentioning the girls breasts. They also kept tingling which has never happened to me and I might worry if it did. Other than that the story is good.

awesome

Great book that had lots of character and was narrated very nicely. I was glad to be able to hear this book.

Epic style romance, filled with mystery & drama!

This audiobook has a very in depth storyline. The story is centred on a cursed Shadowman, bloodstone (which is really petrified dragon's blood), a mysterious lioness, a blind boy and a stone cutter's daughter. Throw in a few beastly monsters, mythical creatures and magic. It really makes a fantastic tapestry. It is filled with interlinking details, paranormal characters, mystery and drama. I found the plot fascinating but I also got lost in the over-abundance of slow moving detail. In fact, I struggled through the first half of the audiobook, only really getting into the story later, when it picked up speed and action. The story definitely has that flavour of epic-ness but it did not quite reach the mark for me.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.