Dead Reign

By: T. A. Pratt

Narrated by: Jessica Almasy, T. A. Pratt (Introduction)

Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's Summary

As chief sorcerer of Felport, Marla Mason thought she'd faced every kind of evil the magical world had to offer. But she's never faced a killer like this. He's dark, glib, handsome as the devil - and exactly who he says he is. Death - in the flesh. He's arrived in Felport with a posse composed of a half-insane necromancer and the reanimated corpse of John Wilkes Booth, and he isn't leaving until he gets what he came for. Only Marla is crazy enough to tell Death to go back to Hell.

With the Founders' Ball just around the bend, drawing together the brightest, meanest, and most dangerous of Felport's magical elite, the last thing Marla needs is all-out war with the King of the Underworld, but that's exactly what she's got. As the battle lines are drawn, she can count on her hedonistic, body-hopping partner Rondeau...but how many of her old allies will stand by her side when facing the ultimate adversary? To save her city, Marla will have to find a way to cheat Death...literally.

BONUS AUDIO: Includes an exclusive introduction written and read by author T.A. Pratt.

©2008 T.A. Pratt; (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Buffy redux?

I almost put this one back on the shelf after the first hour, but gradually it became more entertaining, and I stuck with it. The world of the series and the vocal style of the narrator were both reminiscent of Buffy, and while I am not a big fan, I assume that will be an attraction for many listeners. For me the best aspect of this book was the creation of some appealing and delightful characters. Unfortunately, for most of the book, their choices are predictable and uninspired, and the "deeper" aspects of moral conflict are disappointingly obvious. Still, by the end I was enjoying them and did not regret sticking with the book.
WARNING. If you have not read the earlier titles in this series do NOT start with this book. It is full of spoilers about important plot turns from earlier episodes.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

So much fun I'd buy the series twice!

I envy anyone who will discover Marla Mason and her world. I got halfway through the first book and I was hooked! Funny and fabulous with a wacky cast of characters, T. A. Pratt's series is pure delight. Please bring us book 5 soon! A totally unique listening experience -- and one of the best narrators out there! Thank's T.A. for great entertainment!

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Marla Mason Goes to Hell

If you're looking for a breezy, punch-a-monster-in-the-face urban fantasy, step right up to the Marla Mason series and "Dead Reign."

This time out, Marla has to go head-to-head with Death. This creates all kinds of problems for her (naturally!) and one of the great pleasures of this outing is that Marla really gets pushed out of her comfort zone, both figuratively and literally. (And...into hell.) It's also feels like the most ensemble pieces of the story this far out. Rondeau, in particular, really gets to step into the limelight, and it's a lot of fun to watch.

Jessica Almasy's reading is such a blast. Her reading of the characters is superb and consistent, and her delivery can be both nail-biting and laugh out loud hysterical. Her mummified zombie John Wilkes Booth is a nice spin on Southern Charm, Rondeau is tough yet heartbreaking, and - as usual - she's pitch perfect as Marla. I've enjoyed her readings so much, I'm tempted to go back and listen to the books in this series that I'd already read.

I don't think you really need to have listened to the other books prior to this one, though it certainly wouldn't hurt (and really: Bone Shop is soooooooooo much fun).

All around, a great way to spend a couple of days listening.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Marla Mason never disappoints!

This book is amazing, along with the others. Fantastic bad guys, imperfect heroine struggling with a nasty past. I love the dry humour and witty repartee. T.A. Pratt knows how to make some morale characters.

Not for the faint hearted

Would you consider the audio edition of Dead Reign to be better than the print version?

I don't know, I haven't tried it in print.

What other book might you compare Dead Reign to and why?

I'm not sure this book is comparable to any other I've read. If you're a Sookie Stackhouse fan this is probably not a series you'd like - TA Pratt is a far darker and more complex writer and these books are not all fun and games and lighthearted sex with fangs.

Which scene was your favorite?

I enjoyed the scene when Rondo and his collaborators are conversing with the Bay Witch.

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

Parts of it made me laugh - the revolutionary plots were hilarious. Other parts were quite confronting - be warned that this book includes rape and torture. There is a cliff hanger at the end - I have to know what happens next....

Any additional comments?

This one is not for the faint hearted - but it is a tremendously fun read despite the often disgusting and horrifying parts. I've read some very negative reviews about this series, complaining that the characters are shallow, that there are too many twists in the story, that the narration is "like a little girl" or boring. I have to say that these books simply won't appeal to anyone wanting a formula of happy endings or neatly wrapped storylines. The narration does require getting used to - but stick it out for half an hour and your ears will adjust. Jessica Almasy does have a high soprano voice which is unusual in audio narration, but she manages to deliver the story with energy, colour and excellent characterisation.

A disappointing read

I was hoping to enjoy the whole series, as I like urban fantasy. The writing in Dead Reign isn't helped by having a narrator with a high, fast, breathy voice- when she interupts a necromancer in a midnight graveyard and says 'You've been a bad boy' she doesn't growl the phrase- she sounds like a rather arch nursery teacher. But I just don't think the writing is good enough to let me finish one book, let alone the series.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I liked it

Listened to this while driving and enjoyed it. The narration was good and lets face it when you buy this you know you are not buying Shakespear. Its a light, good story thats a good example of its type. I will be getting others in the series.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful