Naamah's Kiss

By: Jacqueline Carey

Narrated by: Anne Flosnik

Length: 26 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Once there were great magicians born to the Maghuin Dhonn, the folk of the Brown Bear, the oldest tribe in Alba. But generations ago, the greatest of them all broke a sacred oath sworn in the name of all his people. Now, only small gifts remain to them. Through her lineage, Moirin possesses such gifts---the ability to summon the twilight and conceal herself, and the skill to coax plants to grow.

Moirin has a secret, too. From childhood onward, she senses the presence of unfamiliar gods in her life: the bright lady and the man with a seedling cupped in his palm. Raised in the wilderness by her reclusive mother, it isn't until she comes of age that Moirin learns how illustrious, if mixed, her heritage is. The great-granddaughter of Alais the Wise, child of the Maghuin Donn, and a cousin of the Cruarch of Alba, Moirin learns her father was a D'Angeline priest dedicated to serving Naamah, goddess of desire. After Moirin undergoes the rites of adulthood, she finds divine acceptance...on the condition that she fulfill an unknown destiny that lies somewhere beyond the ocean. Or perhaps oceans. Beyond Terre d'Ange where she finds her father, in the far reaches of distant Ch'in, Moirin's skills are a true gift when facing the vengeful plans of an ambitious mage, a noble warrior princess desperate to save her father's throne, and the spirit of a celestial dragon.

©2009 Jacqueline Carey (P)2009 Tantor

On and On and On

If you’ve listened to books by Jacqueline Carey before, how does this one compare?

I listened to the Kushiel's series and despite the fact Jacqueline can drone on with her travel narratives, I enjoyed the books. With Naamah's Kiss had I been reading the words instead of listening to them, I would have just put it down. Anne Flosnik saved the day with her reading skills.

Any additional comments?

When I finally reached the end of the tale I was glad and decided I would not waste my time and credits on the rest of the series. Yet here I am two days later, buying the second book!

open to a little of everything

this story encompassed love, drama, betrayal, heartache, new passions, inner turmoil. it touched on different type of magical people, hinted at dragons, and different old gods. set back in dynasty and medieval times. I love all fantasy series, this one was unique enough to keep me reading, I hate reading series with similar themes and chatcters. that is challenging to find the more one reads.

Love her work

The seventh installment of these books did not disappoint. I was hesitant as I read that the story starts off very slow but I found that although it didn't drop you off in intrigue or action that it wasn't slow at all and grabbed my interest just as fast as the previous books.

I can't wait for my next credit to arrive so I can get the next and continue this epic journey.

Rare Listen

Would you consider the audio edition of Naamah's Kiss to be better than the print version?

Audio HAS to be better than print. The narrator's Scot's accent lends so much to Morin's character and surroundings.

Which character – as performed by Anne Flosnik – was your favorite?

Morin, hands down.

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

Would LOVE to do in one sitting, but at 26 hours, it isn't humanly possible. As it is, I missed many exits and was late to meetings as I sat in the truck and listened.

Any additional comments?

It is a rare combination IMO of story and storyteller that compels me to get the rest of the series. Not since the Pern books have I so enjoyed a series/author/narrator.

Great-Even for People not into this type of story

Very long book - or rather, audible book. Didn't think I would enjoy it but it was a great story. The beginning for me - again, due to not thinking I would enjoy it, felt boring and slow but soon after couldn't wait till the next time I was in my car to continue the story. It's a cross of Skyrim and World of Warcraft but not too much magic. In the end ... very good story. Ending was fine ... wish it continued. Anne Flosnik did a great job voicing the story line. Loved her accent and multiple characters although the voice of the dragon somewhat - only somewhat, annoyed me.

Magic

A simple story beautifully told with magic in the narrator’s voice, and a fascinating view of a hauntingly familiar world.

What a waste

It starts out great and I loved the writing. The narrator is great too.

Unfortunately the story degenerated into rather pointless graphic and laughable sexual acts. Naamah's kiss basically means the gift of effing.

I stopped listening to this title halfway into the tale because it seemed like a waste of my time.

It had such potential too; I was disappointed that it took such a turn. I'm no prude, far from it and when I want erotica, I'll purchase from the erotica section. If you want to read about Moirin's sexual education, then you won't be disappointed.

If like me you want some substance you're better off reading something by Robert Jordan or David Eddings.

Disappointed

I have been a Carey fan for years now, and have devoured her Terre D'Ange series back to back several times now. I didn't make it past the first few moments of this narration before turning it off because the narrator's bland and Siri-like voice.

Naama's Kiss

I read the book, because it was the only thing I had with me for a fairly long plane ride, and there was a crying child in the seat in front of me so the ear buds helped to limit the external noise. I would not have purchased the book had I known how explicit and the orientation of the sex. Also - the ending left you in the air. The narrator began with an accent with a near eastern flavor and morphed into a pseudo Scots accent.

Narrator killed it for me.

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

Someone who can listen past a very strong (English?) accent.

What did you like best about this story?

I have loved the other books from this author, and was thrilled when a friend told me about this book.

Would you be willing to try another one of Anne Flosnik’s performances?

No

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Naamah's Kiss?

I was unable to listen through it to know, but will be finding a different method to get the story.

Any additional comments?

My review on story is a guess based upon liking of author's other books (since it wont let me clear it).