Lips Touch: Three Times

By: Laini Taylor

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's Summary

A girl who’s always been in the shadows finds herself pursued by the unbelievably attractive new boy at school, who may or may not be the death of her. Another girl grows up mute because of a curse placed on her by a vindictive spirit, and later must decide whether to utter her first words to the boy she loves and risk killing everyone who hears her if the curse is real. And a third girl discovers that the real reason for her transient life with her mother has to do with belonging — literally belonging — to another world entirely, full of dreaded creatures who can transform into animals, and whose queen keeps little girls as personal pets until they grow to childbearing age.

From a writer of unparalleled imagination and emotional insight, three stories about the deliciousness of wanting and waiting for that moment when lips touch.

©2010 Laini Taylor (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Darkly gorgeous

This is a collection of three short stories, each different from the other, with the common prompt of "a kiss." The first is based on an old poem called "The Goblin Market" and while the story works on its own, to me, reading the poem gives you another level of appreciation for the piece.

The second story is, in my opinion, the most spectacular. It takes place in India, about a girl who is cursed--anyone who hears her voice will die instantly--but as she falls in love, she desperately wants to speak. The narration adds something exotic and magical to it I just don't think you could get reading it in written form.

Some readers have griped that there is no connection between the stories. There isn't meant to be, as is the usual with short story collections. In fact, I think the author's talent shines by writing three very different stories centered around a single prompt.

These are stories for people who like a sense of dark, fairytale wonder to their stories. They are filled with imagination and the language is rich. I normally don't like stories just for the prose, and actually tend to roll my eyes at authors who get carried away with trying to be artful with their prose, but damn. DAMN. If you have an appreciation for a bit of darkness, a bit of wonder, and words so rich you can almost taste them, you may, like me, find yourself listening to these stories over and over just for the feel of them.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

WOW!

Narrator is incredible. One of the best I’ve heard. This book is underrated! Loved every minute of it. 3 Dark tales that will blow you away.

3 one of a kind gems for your fantasy library

What did you love best about Lips Touch: Three Times?

What I found to be most satisfying about this series of stories is that they are completely different from daughter of smoke and bone series (which happens to be one of my fave series) Laini Taylor has the knack to switch her writing style from story to story so differently it's almost reading a short compilation of stories by a few different authors. it was refreshing that the author isn't afraid to branch out and risk her neck in different styles of writing where each story is so different and unique each a little concentrated gem.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Lips Touch: Three Times?

the endings of each short packed real strong concluding punches that were not entirely expected but none-the-less pleasing to read.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

narration was decent no complaints here

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

this book was both entrancing and pulled the reader in enough that I did happen to read this in one sitting.

Disappointing

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I was actually quite disappointed by this audiobook. The book contains three short stories without any apparent connection apart from a kiss, hence the title of the book. The stories are just a bit to weird for my taste, but if you enjoy weirdness this might just be the stories for you.

Would you ever listen to anything by Laini Taylor again?

The daughter of smoke and bone trilogy is a true audiobook experience. Absolutely perfect and highly recommendable.

What three words best describe Cassandra Campbell’s voice?

I am sorry to say that I am unable to describe the narration in three words. The narration was far from bad, but my annoyance concerning the stories overshadowed CC's efforts.

What character would you cut from Lips Touch: Three Times?

I would not cut a character - I would rather cut two of the stories.

Love the author, found it difficult to follow

Would you try another book from Laini Taylor and/or Cassandra Campbell?

Absolutely

What do you think your next listen will be?

Under Wildwood

What about Cassandra Campbell’s performance did you like?

I just love the timbre of her voice,me the inflections and the youthfulness of her cadence.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Lips Touch: Three Times?

Hard to say, I found it terribly difficult to follow the stories and couldn't relate to the characters. It lacked a cohesiveness that the other books by this author have.

Any additional comments?

Still love Laini Taylor!

Laini Taylor will enchant you

If you haven't yet discovered Laini Taylor, then you must immediately purchase one of her books. I started off by downloading "Daughter of Smoke and Bone", which is the first book in a trilogy and I was hooked. The lush language, the unique world building will enchant you. In a modern world where readers (and listeners) have been swamped and bored to tears by the "same ol', same ol'" vampire centred story (no matter how many spins of the theme there are), Laini's worlds are a breath of fresh air. Oh, but what air it is - absolutely captivating, gorgeous and it will leave you wishing for more. It is like rich and luscious cup of hot chocolate, but without the guilt.

"Lips touch three times" consists of three separate stories all about the mystery of love and the power of a kiss. But do not be put off - there is nothing cheesy or lame about these stories. Laini Taylor puts a spin on Irish, Hindu, and Zoroastrian folklore and with the mastery of her language creates something to behold.

An absolute gem not only for young adults, but for the not so young too. Listen to these stories and there will be a bit more magic in your life.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful