Torkel's Chosen

A World Beyond

By: Michelle Howard

Narrated by: Michael Pauley

Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

*What would you do if Earth didn’t have enough men?*

*Would you take a chance and leave the only world you knew behind?*

This is the decision Faith Reid faces. Placing all her hope in a new government program, she seizes the opportunity that offers a chance for the women of Earth to find love among the stars, on a world beyond the one they know.

*How many times can one man risk rejection?*

*Would you give up on your dreams?*

Torkel Alonson has had enough of being ignored and looked over by females on his adopted home world of Enotia. His pride has suffered and he must accept the painful truth. Females will never choose a male with his evil lineage despite his honorable service to his government's military.

*Can two people looking for the same thing find not just what they want but what they need in one another?*

©2015 Michelle Howard (P)2016 Michelle Howard

KEPT ME ON MY EMOTIONAL SEAT'S EDGE!

Any additional comments?

I was provided this audiobook through Audiobook Boom at no charge by the author in exchange for an unbiased review.

VERY pleased to find that this book was FAR above the shallow alien abduction books that can be summed up in 3 steps: "capture / sex / eternal dying love."

Faith chooses to be part of a inter-stellar marriage program, chooses her planet, and ultimately chooses her guy. From the very first my heart melted for Torkel. I could feel the insecurity and sorry he suffered after attempts to be chosen. Unease immediately settles into the plot after Torkel's right to be chosen is challenged. And from innocent choices made by Faith, all Hell breaks loose.

It's all there... pain, love, fear, angst, regret, suffering, anger, hope, despair and ultimately, grace. The HEA doesn't end the story. There is still too much to be resolved, so I can't wait for the next book!!

Michael Pauley is an accomplished and very talented narrator. Great choice, Michelle Howard! He did a superb job, as he's done in every other work I've listened to.

TWO BIG THUMBS UP!

Finally a good alien romance!

If you could sum up Torkel's Chosen in three words, what would they be?

Journey for Forgiveness

What other book might you compare Torkel's Chosen to and why?

This is the first book I have listened to by this author. I plan on more.

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

I have never heard this narrator before but he's pretty amazing. It adds another layer of depth to the fantasy.

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

Moved, yes. In a good way? No. I was screaming at the audio, "what were you thinking!" This book got an honest emotional response from me. It was pretty eye opening.

Any additional comments?

This is miles ahead of any other alien, mail-order-bride, romance novel I've read/ heard. It's solidly written with not only good main characters but also interesting side characters. The plot goes to an almost unforgivable place in terms of ignorance and the law/ treason, but the story was still pretty good. The universe is well thought out and the cultural differences are a very nice touch. If I have a complaint it's that the damsels stayed too much in distress. One is ok, two is forgivable, three is eye-roll worthy, and four is ridiculous. Also, the bad guys in this series are actually bad. It's refreshing!

AWESOME

From the beginning I was captivated. Cried and laughed. Loved the sound effects too! Awesome!

great read

great story very well written great performance by the narrator all-around terrific book well worth the read

HMMMMM.....

Is there anything you would change about this book?

it seemed to have a decent story line. The narrator made it hard to get into the story, he sounded like he was out of breath and there wasn't any distinction between charcters

How could the performance have been better?

needs a different narrator

anghake

Any additional comments?

I absolutely loved this story.The backstory on the h/h were both interesting and pertinent and hearing Torkel's mother tell Faye about his history was very moving. I loved that I could actually feel the heartbreak that both Faye and Torkel went through as well as the betrayal felt by not only Torkel but really all of the Jutak warriors. The fact that they were able to forgive each other was a huge statement of their love. I understand why Torkel stopped looking for Faye (and I don't think this was unreasonable as some other reviewers have stated), but to be honest, I don't know if I could have been as understanding and forgiving of this as Faye. I mean I know she betrayed him but he was supposed to love her. Why wasn't she more hurt by this? I thought the action/suspense was great and at one point I actually had to put the book down and walk away before I could continue. I really liked the h/h and all of the characters were well drawn. I can't wait to hear what happens with Arak, Kyele and Jaron.

What listening to

I was thrilled with this unexpected love story. To know that one could find love outside of the Earth's atmosphere. For a woman to be protected coveted appreciated in loved is rare. I did not appreciate the music in between

Wowza!

This book had it all! Sex, love, friendship, action, torture, betrayal, and heartache. Many times I ached for both H/H, wishing I could speak to their defense.

Awesome!

The book is filled with twist and turns and has a good plot. The narrator did really well as he does with all of his books. I look forward to reading book 2.

Great story! So-so Performance

Again, I really love these stories and I think Torkel's Chosen is my favorite of the bunch. But, a big but, the sounds.. ugh.. I hate the extra sounds they add, doors creaking open/closed, footsteps, fake explosions... really, it all detracts from the story. Also this narrator seems to be the best they found for these A World Beyond books.