Shadows and Gold: An Elemental Legacy Novella, Volume 1

I really enjoyed this novella! Ben & Tenzin have always been two of my favorite characters! Tenzin's treasure is at risk of being found. The pair are on a race to move Tenzin's riches but unfortunately there are hitches along the way that test their archeological retrieval abilities and knack to stay alive. The characters and plot are well developed & the storyline was intriguing. Their friendship, mischievousness, big brother/sister antagonistic relationship makes for an interesting story on top of their search for buried riches, danger, and trip to a foreign country. Their verbal banter will have you laughing and wanting more. The narrator did a good job!

I love Elizabeth Hunter's writing -- I think I have all of her books -- but this is the first time I've tried an audiobook. Sadly, I was disappointed. I think Sean William Doyle may be a good storyteller, but a narrator he is not. Specifically, not for these books. I always imagined Tenzin sounding something like France Nuyen, but instead she sounded like Ben, who sounded like everyone else. Except for the attempt at an Italian accent for Gio and ... something for the English vampire. Those actually took me out of the story.

To be fair, I think he has potential in stories that are not as multicultural as these. He has good pacing and clarity. And I particularly liked that I never, ever noticed his breathing. That may sound strange but if you've listened to as many audiobooks as I have you, it is a quality you learn to appreciate. But for now, I'll stick to the printed version.

Because these characters are amazing. And, like I said, I'm looking forward to the series.