Channeling Morpheus for Scary Mary

By: Jordan Castillo Price

Narrated by: Gomez Pugh

Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Michael is a waif in eyeliner who's determined to wipe vampires off the face of the earth. Wild Bill's got the hots for Michael and will stop at nothing to go home with him. Forget about moonlit castles and windswept moors. These bad boys haunt all-night diners and cheap motels, cut-rate department stores and long, lonely stretches of the interstate. Ride along with Wild Bill and Michael as the twists and turns of Channeling Morpheus for Scary Mary unfold in America's heartland.

©2009 Jordan Castillo Price (P)2015 Jordan Castillo Price

Sexiest vampire series ever!

I first read this series in its serialized form. It was one of those that I binge read in a weekend. The characters are real and compelling; the prose is gritty and smart. Five star reads for sure. So when I saw it was being released in audio, I hurried to buy it without waiting for my monthly credit.

Gomez Pugh is an amazing narrator. He brought the story to life in a way that made it seem new to me. I love how he varied the voices between Michael and Wild Bill. It was surprising, but also perfect.

Dark and Intense vamp romance, with a little humor

What made the experience of listening to Channeling Morpheus for Scary Mary the most enjoyable?

I think the story itself was just amazing. How Price created the dark, fantasy world, but made it seem so realistic.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Wild Bill. I loved his raspy tone and how he turned out to be the sane one.

Which scene was your favorite?

The open field, when Michael first finds Wild Bill, before they officially set out on their cross country ride in the sex wagon full of stakes and Bill's haul from "shopping".

If you could rename Channeling Morpheus for Scary Mary, what would you call it?

I think the series title, Sweet Oblivion, is far better. I don't even remotely understand the title.

Any additional comments?

Michael is bound and determined to cleanse the earth of the vile race of vampires. Well, until he falls in love with one. When Michaels best friend Mary was killed, drained by bad vamps, he set out to kill them all. His messenger bag is full of wooden stakes and blister packs of rohypnol. When Michael meets Bill in a bar, he takes him for just another horny guy and blows him off. Michael not only learns he was wrong about Bill, but he’s wrong about vamps, they aren’t all murdering psychos.

Bill only wanted to kill one vampire, the one that accidentally created him when he fed on Bill then left him for dead. He figured out quickly what Michael had planned, so he helped the kid out, then dumped him off at the greyhound station. What Bill didn’t count on was the twenty one year old with those sexy, kohl lined, blue eyes, and dyed black hair tracking him down.

Michael has found something intriguing in Wild Bill, the James Dean-esque vampire that cranks his shaft. And while Michael is figuring out that not all vamps are bad, he still makes it his life mission to kill the bad ones, with his bad ass vampire lover by his side. They are a very passionate couple, let me tell you. They go at everywhere from parks to picnic tables, abandoned houses, seedy motels and the back of their van that they’ve turned into a coffin on wheels. What really drew me into their love story was how normal it was in the middle of all the madness, murder and mayhem.

In the beginning, Bill tells Michael he doesn’t kiss, it’s too personal. But by the end, he can’t kiss Michael enough. He’s very possessive of Michael, but he’s just as protective of his human lover. They even have the whole meet the parents drama most couples face right down to the grand parents that have joined a prayer group to pray for Michaels soul. You know, since he’s going to hell and all for being in love with another man.

The writing was off the chains intense, serious and yet, slightly hysterical. It mirrored the storyline and the characters which only made the story that much better. It’s a dark, fantasy world where vamps live out in the open and at the same time, the way Price has written the characters the story has a depth of reality to it. There are several twists and turns along the way, Michael gets himself into a tight spot here and there and you are left to wonder if Bill will always be there, be himself.

Narrated by Gomez Pugh, the story is written and told from alternating POV, from both Michael and Bill’s perspectives. I absolutely loved the way Pugh conveyed the character of Michael. He was headstrong and driven, even a bit on the melancholy side at times, and Pugh nailed that throughout. Then there was the raspy, sexy tone he used for Wild Bill. There were a few times during the more erotic aspects of the story that Pugh had to go back and forth from one mind to the other and he did an amazing job of keeping each guy completely separate voice wise, as well as enticing the listener with lovely little moans and groans.

I had just one little issue with this story, it is just a deal breaker for me. I absolutely loath the term ‘piss slit’. It makes my skin crawl, it is not even remotely sexy, romantic or endearing. If I read or hear those two words being used one after the other, I will mark off for it every time. I usually take off a point for the term, but I loved this sexy, psychotic duo so much, I’m only taking off half a point. If you like vampire stories, especially True Blood, you’ll really enjoy this concoction of serials. I felt liked Wild Bill was a lot like Bill in that series. Just if Bill had fallen for Lafayette instead of Sookie!

Smoking hot!

One of my favorite things about the books was the narrative switch that occurs with each story. Gomez Pugh brings the voice I imagined in my head for Wild Bill and a wry maturity to Michael that perfectly rounded out the character for me.

My favourite M/M series brought to life. Superb!

What made the experience of listening to Channeling Morpheus for Scary Mary the most enjoyable?

To have favourite characters brought to life in an audio book is both delightful and scary at the same time. What if the voices don't sound like the characters as I imagine them? I assure you, you can rest easy in this case. Gomez is a vocal star!

What did you like best about this story?

This is my favourite M/M series. I love everything about this story.
It's dark, gritty, dirty, edgy, amusing, witty, poignant, romantic and as sexy as hell. It's the hottest series I've ever read or heard. It's even hotter in audio format! Perfect.

Have you listened to any of Gomez Pugh’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Gomez Pugh is a vocal master. He captures the essence of each character and brings them to life in the best possible way. I've listened to many audio books in my time, and I can honestly say that Gomez is in a league of his own. I've listened to both the PsyCop series as well as the Channeling Morpheus series, which are both favourites of mine, and I am constantly delighted every time. They are so good, I've listened to them a few times now and will continue to do so. It's pure entertainment.

Awesome

Writer plus Reader equals Pure Win. I loved everything about this. I recommend this for anyone who digs vampire stories.

It Got Tedious

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Not recommended. Solid, vivid writing, but the thin story line seeved mostly to give the reader a bit of recovery time between sex scenes.

What could Jordan Castillo Price have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

More story. Less sex.

Which scene was your favorite?

The quality of the writing was even and high throughout. No scene stands out, but the overall effect was to document the reluctant flowering of love between the two characters.

Did Channeling Morpheus for Scary Mary inspire you to do anything?

Steer clear of vampire lit.

Any additional comments?

I'm probably slow on the uptake, but a think the intended audience of m/m romance novels must be women. I wasn't offended by all the sex, but the flood of detailed accounts of sex between the two protagonists became cloying.

JCP and Gomez knock it out of the park AGAIN

Just when I thought it wasn't possible, JCP proves me wrong. I'm normally not the biggest fan of paranormal vamp type of stories but my my - this may have been the story that turned me. Jordan - so much humor...so much smexy m/m action. And my gawd I wish there was a way for audible to capture every thing I bookmarked and then spit those pups out for me in written form. Too many classic-kind of lines - I know I'm going to have to get the ebook version just so I can highlight and laugh some more.

Gomez - if you ever read these reviews - just know that I thought you were incredible before this book and now that I've heard Wild Bill, well, you've set a bar so high that I can't imagine anyone else will ever come close to what you've done with these characters.

If you like DARK romances and GREAT narration...

Originally these were a series of short stories, with some novellas thrown in along the way. This is the first 5 main stories told back to back as one “story”. Each chapter was originally it’s own story and was told by one or the other MC. As a result each chapter has a distinct feel as the POV shifts. (Luckily, in audio format, the master narrator, Gomez Pugh, has given us two entirely different voices so that POV shift is patently obvious and allows the reader/listener to become easily immersed in the new mind set.)

First, I want to comment on the gorgeous covers – I believe Jordan does all her own art and WHAT A TALENT! The dark, mysterious, highly sexual images of these covers really set the scene.

Next, I want to comment on the vast difference between Psycop and this series. Yes, both are dark and deal with sort of anti-heroes, but both Vic and Jacob are obviously good guys. They fight on the right side of the law. They might be depressed at times or be willing to bend the law, but they are always on the side of “good”. Now, these two, Michael and Wild Bill, are not necessarily “bad”. But their version of “good” isn’t as readily apparent to an outsider. Especially Wild Bill. I highly recommend, to those of you who find this as fascinating as I did, that you look at the post scripts from the author. Jordan has added her own thoughts about these men and it really helps to understand them more. (Plus it’s super interesting!)

Payback
This series starts with Michael seeking revenge for the death of his friend., Scary Mary who he KNOWS was killed by a vampire. No, the world doesn’t know about Vampires, but Mary did and Michael believed her. Specifically, he’s hunting a vampire who kills indiscriminately. While waiting for his “prey” he meets Wild Bill, but doesn’t realize Bill, too, is a vamp.
The three of them end up in a clench and the night does not end how anyone thought it would, but that isn’t the end of this story, only the beginning.
**
Amazing. Jordan Castillo Price writes amazing characters. Dark. Brooding. Broken. Fascinating. What I love about this series/book (and her work in general) is how much she portrays with a minimum of words. Each phrase, word, thought adds to the story and in such an economically but erotically beautiful way.
No doubt about it, the eroticism of this series is off the charts, but not eclipsed by the character development and the emotional attachments that develop.

Vertigo
Now we see Wild Bill’s perspective. He acknowledges that he can’t get Michael off his mind and is excited when he finally runs into him again. But Michael has been planning this meeting and he isn’t about to let Bill get away this time, not without hearing him out.
**
Wowza. This was a very sexy, creepy, book/chapter two of the series. There are some questionable acts that somehow seem to just work for these two dark figures. You can tell, right from the start, that this relationship is not ever, ever going to be smooth sailing, but it will be hot as hell.


Manikin
This is from Michael’s perspective. He’s on the hunt again and in a lot of trouble. Fortunately Bill took the hint and finds him, in the “nick of time”. He’s also bought Michael a van, and thus starts their relationship with Big Red.
Bill is now, more of less committed, at least in the short term, to seeing where things go with Michael. Michael is both ecstatic and trepidatious about getting involved with a vampire, and specifically Wild Bill.
**
Again, JCP blows us away with another super-erotic scene between our two “heroes” and their budding relationship is both needy and fulfilling in the way that only two such amazingly flawed characters can possibly share.

I loved the examples of his enchantment for Michael that Bill lets slip through. He lets Michael have his “Harlequin” fantasies, and tolerates his jealousy over getting blood from others, and “bites” Michael on the neck, just to make him happy. Michael, in turn, is both determined to persevere and virginally seductive (the shaved bits showcase this so metaphorically) and ever questioning of Bill’s experiences.


Tainted
Ever exploring, Michael uses his newly acquired (and pink!) smart-phone-type device to continue his research into vampirism and discovers Dr. Jim, a vamp who is researching it from a DNA perspective. Bill has been “protecting” Michael from turning by using condoms, but Michael is looking more and more frail and less and less human. Bill wants answers, too.
Well, they get them, and it’s not what you would think. In a way Michael is devastated by the news, but also relieved. As is Bill. This new development opens doors for the couple and closes others.
**
This is definitely a turning point in their relationship and I found it fascinating how this played out. On the one hand, both are both sort of resigned to the importance the other now plays in their lives. They both clearly – dare I say it – LOVE one another, but neither is really completely happy about it. There is still too much uncertainty about the future for it to feel entirely good, but there is still an element of extreme hopefulness in their lovemaking that lets us think it may all just work out.

**
JCP excels at making her characters real. Really real. Michael isn’t all sweetness and devotion. He kills and he was the one who started the killing spree. Bill clearly loves Michael, but he has his own selfish agenda and it sometimes enables Michael in a way that isn’t the healthiest. In JCP’s own words on GoodReads: “Wild Bill and Michael form a sort of feedback loop, where Michael’s depression feeds Bill’s lust, and then Bill’s remorse lets the flames burn down a bit, until their need for connection draws them into a new conflagration, and everything begins again.”
But they are still clearly moving forward in the relationship and it has its own elements of sweetness and tenderness that satisfy the romantic in me.
The audiobook ends here ☹ But… if you’re hooked you can still read the individual stories or the collection.
There’s a lot more to their story and this is kind of a crappy place to leave them, but… they’ve got their own tentative HFN here but I think we’re left with far more questions than answers.

Audiobook

Well, you know by now, that I just ADORE Gomez Pugh, so it’s no surprise that I found his narration here to be DIVINE. God, he gives Wild Bill just the right voice, and Michael, too for that matter. (I did have to consciously tell me that it wasn’t Vic or Crash in the story, but the characters are so different that after listening for awhile it was easy to picture the new MCs over the old.) Of course he does a lovely job with all the myriad secondary characters as well, and I just can’t recommend this narrator enough.

I love this author, narrator and series. Be forewarned, it’s very dark and you’re gonna want to keep going once this narration end – I’m hoping the sequel is coming soon!

(JCP said next year maybe?)

Sexy and funny. Definitely recommended

I love a book that I can connect with and that makes me laugh. This hit both marks. The vampire aspect of the story was smart and well thought out. And there were great sexy times that I loved. Not too many that they seemed tedious...but the perfect amount. Then came the humor. Wild Bill's sarcastic wit was awesome. I genuinely laughed out loud on several occasions. Anyone who enjoyed "Real Vampires Don't Sparkle" will enjoy this book...but there is actual sex so it's way better. ;-)

Unique vampire book

It was definitely unique. I sort of liked the characters, sometimes. Although it wasn't the best vampire book I've ever listened to, it wasn't bad at all. There was a lot of sex and I'm not sure there was a plot, but it was entertaining nonetheless. I thought it was also pretty well written with plenty of interesting detail.

While I like that I could tell the characters apart, I really hated Bill's voice for the first half of it before I got used to it. That being said, the narrator did a great job. There was nothing wrong with the tones or pacing, I guess I just don't like husky voices. It doesn't detour me from listening to other books by this narrator.

I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Fabulous!

I read the ebooks first and loved all five of them, so I was excited to listen to the audiobook.

Gomez Pugh is a fabulous narrator who did a marvelous job with this audio version. He brought the five stories to life for me. His voice is perfectly suited to Michael and Wild Bill's characters. Michael came across as sexy and sensible, someone you sympathized with and wanted to succeed in his vampire-hunting mission. I loved Wild Bill's raspy voice, which matched my expectation of this chain-smoking vamp who falls in love with a human. I liked that each novella alternated POV and hearing the story told by the main characters added an extra dimension to the series. It worked exceptionally well with the audio version, helping me to picture the scenes and interaction with clarity.

Great story and great narration.

Any additional comments?

Excellent audio version of the stories - and it's very interesting to listen to the five of them all together rather than reading one at a time with gaps between. They work well as single episodes, but fit together beautifully as a single story too.

The narrator is the same as the one for the Psycop series, but don't worry, he sounds different enough that you won't think of Vic at all. And when he does the voice of Dr. Harman it's like there's suddenly a different narrator entirely.

Can't wait for more Michael and Wild Bill audio!

Fabulous reading of a uniquely sexy, stylish book

If you could sum up Channeling Morpheus for Scary Mary in three words, what would they be?

Can't be done LOL. I need more than 3. Sexy, stylish, thrilling, gritty, witty, unique, thought-provoking, emotion-tugging.

What did you like best about this story?

I love the way that Gomez Pugh's narration finally brings it alive for me. I loved reading the Channeling Morpheus books, but an audio version really adds another dimension, and I fall in love with them all over again.

Which character – as performed by Gomez Pugh – was your favourite?

Wild Bill.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Bill and Michael first met. The final denouement with Gray.

Vamp hunters in love!

Michael has decided to hunt vampires in revenge for the death of his friend, Scary Mary. He’s pretty clueless and would probably end up as someone’s lunch if it wasn’t for the help of Wild Bill. As usual JCP’s world building is excellent, as are her characters. I always enjoy vampire stories and I liked this, but there wasn’t a lot of joy in the pages - just the grim business of risking life to dispatch the vamps. Although shared, the narration is mostly from Michael’s POV so I felt like I didn’t get to know Bill quite as well, but then he is an inveterate changer of subject when things get personal. 🎧 I’m so used to hearing the wonderful Gomez Pugh narrate JCP’s excellent PsyCop series, I wondered whether I’d be able to make the switch to these characters, but he delivered quite distinctly different voices.

Such an interesting listen

This was a great listen. The narration was awesome and I loved the two main characters. Great find.

Loved it

The audio narration adds perfection to an already great engaging story. Once I started listening I didn't want to switch off.

Left me wanting like a vamp needing a blood fix

Just when i thought i was well and truly done with vamps...I find a have an audible credit burning a hole in my account.

I am notoriously very choosy when it comes to audio books. They have to be a minimum of 5 hours long, to get my money's worth, and the narrator has to be male, (if i wanted a female narrator i would just read aloud to myself!) Also, the narrator mustn't just read, but perform the story, with lots of voices and dramatic pauses.

A friend recommended 'Channeling Morpheus for Scary Mary" By Jordan Castillo Price. I have read several books by Jordan, and so at 7 and a half hours long, with a male narrator Gomez Pugh, i decided to spend my audible credit.

My what a good investment that turned out to be. 'Channeling Morpheus' began as a set of novellas, and were grouped for the audio version. I adored this audio book. I adored the narration and like all good series's, it left me wanting like a vampire needing a fix of the red stuff.

One of the things that has always tickled my fancy about Vampire romances is the connections between blood, sex and sensuality, and in this story i was not left wanting. There is a lot of well written, smoking hot M/M sex, but there is also a solid plot running through it too, which tied the two main characters Michael,-pretty, doe eyed, goth boy, vamp hunter, and Wild Bill, the smoky voiced, chain smoking, sex on a stick Vampire love interest, into one hell of a soulful bind.

I won't give any plot spoilers in this review, but I liked the little twists on what Michael had learned of vampires via Hollywood, and what the vamp 'reality' was. And i liked the layers of Bill's 'onion' like personality peeling back, as he realized Michael was someone he could trust, love even.

I am now stuck with a dilemma. Gomez Pugh's narration was SO GOOD. Do i buy the next set of novella's, grouped as ' A bitter taste of sweet oblivion' as e books and read now? Or do i wait patiently and hope that an audio book of it, with Gomez Pugh reading, will be out soon?

It can't come soon enough!