The Winter Key

Keeper of Fate, Book 1

By: CS Patra

Narrated by: Jim Hickey

Length: 5 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Ruled by the Empire, the world is filled with people, prosperity, and magic. For years, all three things have learned to exist with one another. Peace was in the world and everything was good. No one ever expected a change and they trusted their emperor.

©2016 Cithara Susan Patra (P)2016 Cithara Susan Patra

Modern Romance Ancient Magic

If you could sum up The Winter Key in three words, what would they be?

Modern, Fast-paced, Captivating

What did you like best about this story?

When the book was finished I thought "wait. What?!?!" I wanted more and I loved that almost best of all. However, I think my favorite part is the romantic relationship between the main characters. It is modern and refreshing and the reactions of other characters are equally refreshing.

What about Jim Hickey’s performance did you like?

I could definitely tell the voices of the characters apart. That is always good to find. He spoke at just the right speed as well. I enjoyed his narration.

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

I wouldn't say my reaction was extreme but I smiled often and would like to hear more.

Any additional comments?

This is a great start to the series. I look forward to reading more.

This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

A good story but not great

Where does The Winter Key rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Not very high. Wihle the story was a fun adventure the character development was lacking I felt that there was no real opposition to the tasks that lay in front of the unlikely heroes. Fun but predictable.

What other book might you compare The Winter Key to and why?

No book in particular but a political/magical thriller/fantasy about overthrowing those in charge caused by the lack of respect for humanity and supressive rule.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narrators pace was fine but I felt the the character voices were too similar to one another and the voice inflections used were not always appropriate. I give the narrator 3/5 Stars do to the fact that it was distracting from the story at times.

If you could rename The Winter Key, what would you call it?

The Key of Winter

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

This book was not for me

What made the experience of listening to The Winter Key the most enjoyable?

This book is about an alternate world that just didn't gain my interest. I usally don't lean towards these type books.

What did you like best about this story?

The openness of the relationships. A great story for the LGBT community.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom

Too much telling, not enough showing.

What was most disappointing about CS Patra’s story?

It got eaten by the exposition monster.

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

I haven't, but his narration was solid.

Any additional comments?

I received a free copy of this audio book from the author, narrator or rights holder in exchange for an honest review.

The story itself was fine: standard quest to protect/obtain magical artifact while pursued by an evil empire. I also thought the blend of magic and science had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, it was all tell, no show. We're told how the characters feel about one another; that the empire is good then evil; etc, rather than having these things primarily demonstrated through the character's actions. This is definitely a common problem; unfortunately it was really noticeable in The Winter Key.