Shadow Phantoms

Dark Destinies, Book 1

By: H.P. Mallory

Narrated by: Logan Anare

Length: 5 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Emma:

I'm attending the highly prestigious Elmington Academy—a school of magic. But unlike my witch mother and warlock father, I'm anything but magical, and my time at Elmington is a struggle. Until I meet Stone Draper. Stone is probably the sexiest guy I've ever seen, even though he might also be the cockiest. And if there's one thing I hate in a man, it's overblown confidence. So why can't I stop thinking about him? And why does he keep singling me out? And the way he looks at me... Right, did I forget to mention that Stone Draper is actually Professor Draper, my instructor? But if Stone is anything, it's a rebel, and with the way he keeps looking at me like he wants to kiss me, I don't think he cares too much about rules.

Master Vampire, Sinjin Sinclair:

Even though we are in a time of crisis, I cannot say I much care. The vampires, unified under my authority, are living lives of hedonistic opulence aboard three cruise ships on the open water. And far, I might add, from the madness on land. After losing my one true love, I find little interest in anything other than losing myself in the bodies of women who remind me of her. But there’s a threat on the horizon and one that, I suppose, will force me from my melancholy.

High Mage Duine:

The rebels are going to be the death of me. The witches and warlocks have been separated into two factions: the King’s Alliance, commanded by me, and the Order of the Templar, a band of rebels led by the bastard Pagan. While I wish to control all magic to ensure it's only wielded by a select few, Pagan thinks of himself as a modern-day Robin Hood, who would return magic to the hands of the people and undo all the hard work I've done thus far. I want nothing more than his head.

Pagan:

Duine needs to be taken down. And I'm just the man to do it. The only problem? The Order of the Templar isn't strong enough to brave Duine's forces alone. We need help from the largest of the rebel forces, led by the infamous and infamously sexy Nyx,

©2022 HP Mallory (P)2022 HP Mallory

Magic, Monsters, and Monty Python?! Marvelous!

Al right fantastical beings, here or in the Underworld… let’s explain the situation-ship I have with this book!
What a journey! We are thrusted into action with the first chapter and it doesn’t slow down! Every chapter just about is a different character (I think there are eight if I recollect.) I was always on my toes from the in-depth fantasy world building. My head was spinning, but in a cool way, gripping me.
Speaking of pulling… narration! I am one of Logan Anare’s biggest fans! It always brings works to such entertaining heights. And he put in all the stops plus 247 more levels! He can do it all; multiple British accents, Scottish, American. Gender, age, personality. Doesn’t matter! He brings an energy that is larger than the universe, but still makes the characters grounded. Mr. Anare is the perfect fit for this land of sorcery and sensations!
I will admit; since this is an established IP, I was confused with some of the backstories, I having to look things up for clarification. My favorite parts are easily with Emma and Professor Smoke Show…I mean…Mr. Stone! My fault for being a romantic at heart, but the magic school was so immersive and both of them have a spark that slithers through the pages. I definitely want much more of them!
A great foundation for a new series and keystone to this universe. So drink some blood, summon your familiar, and don’t be late for class; this book is a spellbinding listen!

OUTSTANDING NARRATION!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Logan is exceptionally talented! Can't wait for book two!

Vampires, Werewolves, Romance & Humor!

This book has it all! A young, innocent woman who falls head over heels in love with her professor at a magic academy no less! A vampire on the sea longing for the woman he loved, a warlock with memory issues but who is so lustful of power that nothing else seems to matter, and a wolf pack with a strong utopian-like vision.

H. P. Mallory, the author, is renowned for her ability to create romantic ventures for romantics at heart with a supernatural twinge! The book is divided into chapters for each character which helps keep the story clearer. Although they all come together at the end, it is through unexpected, exciting, and distinctive plot twists. The action begins immediately, and the characters are well-developed and, in many ways, unique.

The narrator, Logan Anare, brings the book to life! She slips on each character expertly and flawlessly. She delivers each character, plot twist, storyline, and action without hesitation and with unique voices and tonal inflections to reflect the mood of the character and situation. This is my first experience listening to Anare and I have to say, she is awesome. I cannot wait to hear more books performed by her.

Overall, this is an action-packed book with interesting characters, a great storyline, and plot twists performed by an exceptional narrator. A must-listen!

There were no issues with the production or quality of this audiobook.

Shadow phantoms

The way the story is written I think it is more for a book than audio. A book is easier to refer back than audio. Although it took me about half the book to grasp, the storyline is there. For audio I think it needs a better layout though. I would definitely listen to more of the series. I have more of a grasp of it now. The narration is nice. I loved some of narrators different characters!