Dark Descendant

Nikki Glass, Book 1

By: Jenna Black

Narrated by: Sophie Eastlake

Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's Summary

From the acclaimed author of the Morgan Kingsley, Exorcist books comes the gripping first novel in a new series about a private eye who discovers, to her surprise, that she's an immortal huntress.

©2011 Jenna Black (P)2011 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"The Descendant is an exciting new series featuring gods and goddesses in a new way. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the unique tone and powerful characters, especially the protagonist, Nikki Glass." ( Romantic Times)

Excellent Book!! Two thumbs up!!

This book very good!! There's a lot of action fight scenes and a little bit of romance. The story is very original and ALL the characters are interesting. The female lead is strong and has a funny since of humor. I didn't think I would like it, but I couldn't stop listening.

The narrator has a clear speaking voice. She does a great job with both the male and female characters. I thought I knew the answer to the mystery but was wrong, so it will definately keep your interest. All the characters have different powers and different strengths. I can't say enough! It's definately worth listening to. I can't wait for the 2nd book to come out. I'm adding Jenna Black to my favorite authors list. :)

Modern novels based on old mythology

I'm really impressed with the series. I've read a lot of paranormal, and the ideas here are very unique. A long, long time ago, before the ancient gods left the earth, they each bestowed immortality on one of their descendants. There's only a limited number of immortal slots available, and the only way to become immortal is to be a descendant of a god and to kill an immortal.

The story focuses on a newly immortal P.I. She didn't know anything about the immortals before she accidentally became one. She's witty and has a great sense of humor, is bold and daring with a lot of style. She has to learn to use some new powers and abilities that don't come with an instruction manual, navigate the politics of the immortal factions, figure out who's a friend and who's an enemy, solve a new case involving immortals, move, and deal with an adopted mortal sister who really wants to know whats going on.

Add three complicated men to the mix and well...it's a hit. No spoilers, but I loved books 2 and 3 and can't wait for the next one to come out.

Interesting but annoying at times

I truely want to like this, and did for the nost part. It was the main character actually who bothered me most. She seemed equal parts petulant 13 year old, neurotic mess from a very early childhood mingled with stereotype "tough-chuck" without the skills to really back it. even so, there is enough to sort of lile her, right up to her next sexist thought or bad decission she blames on somepne else, or her past.
I'll probably try out the next due to interest on the setting and a few of the supporting cast, but especially at its discount. i see a lot of room for development and growth, hopefully without as much "testosterone " comments.

I love the narrator

All my normal authors don't have anything new out yet, so I decided to look under one of my most favorite narrators. Boy am I glad I did! Jenna Black is a new author to me, but she does a great job with this book. Combine her with Sophie Eastlake as narrator and I was not disappointed with my chose of this book.

OK but still entertaining

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book if someone likes the idea of mythology in a story and it would help if you know a little about the different gods.

What does Sophie Eastlake bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator is very clear, easy to understand. She uses a sarcastic type of tone often since the story seems to be written that way.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The story is at times funny and then frustrating when she keeps getting beaten yet acts like she asked for it.

Any additional comments?

I will definitely read the next installment but if it is not as good or better, I will probably lose interest and abandon the series.

Chosen because of Sophie E.!

Book One is a lot of character and story development and nothing else....boring. I hate it because I love Sophie Eastlake, but there are much more interesting paranormal listens out there!

I am so glad there are more boooks

What made the experience of listening to Dark Descendant the most enjoyable?

The depth of the characters and the creation of a new world is great. I think Jenna Black does a great job putting a creative twist on your typical mystical world. You really can connect with Nikki Glass and the other characters. This first book definitely left me wanting more and I am extremely excited to read the others!

What about Sophie Eastlake’s performance did you like?

She was very emotional in her reading. The emotions the characters should be feeling at the time really came out in her voice.

A taste of something different

Would you consider the audio edition of Dark Descendant to be better than the print version?

I don't know that I can say that the audio is better than the print version but I can say that the voices are done well enough to distinguish them all.

What did you like best about this story?

I like the fact that this is something different. I haven't found many urban fantasy books revolving around the various pantheons.

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

The Niki Glass series is the only series I've heard Sophie read, however I like her and would like her to continue it.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, actually I think I may have done it in 2 lol.

Very Light Fare

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The heroine in this escapade is not quite up to snuff and has so many hangups I begin to wonder how she manages at all. Her character is schizophrenic!

The story was fair and of course, Sophie Eastlake did her best to bring this character alive. This is light (emphasis on light) fare at best..

Would you be willing to try another book from Jenna Black? Why or why not?

no.

What about Sophie Eastlake’s performance did you like?

She is great and I picked this book because of her.

Was Dark Descendant worth the listening time?

If you want some background noise.

Excellent story and excellent narration!

I was so surprised by this book and can't wait to get the next one in the series. I really like the main character and didn't want to slap her the whole time for making stupid decisions (only a few times). The other characters are interesting and have unique personalities, not just carbon copies.

The story really grabbed me from the start and I didn't want to stop listening. There wasn't a single slow or boring part in the whole book.

The narrator did a great job, especially for the main character.