Sleight of Hand

Bite Back, Book 1

De: Mark Henwick

Narrado por: Kimberly Henrie

Book 1 in the best-selling Bite Back series "Vampires are the flickering illusions of Hollywood. They don't exist. We do. We are the Athanate."

For Amber Farrell, post-military life as a PI has its ups and downs: She's been hit by a truck. She's being sued by a client. Denver's newest drug lord just put out a contract on her. The sinister Athanate want her to come in for a friendly chat. And it's only Tuesday. Enter Jennifer Kingslund: rich, gorgeous - a tough businesswoman who's known for getting what she wants in the boardroom and the bedroom. Someone's trying to sabotage her new resort and destroy her company - and she wants Amber to find out who. The answers lead Amber past Were and Adept, right back to the Athanate - and a centuries-old war that could threaten not just Denver, but the nation that Amber swore to protect and serve. And all sides want to claim her for their own...

©2011, 2014 Mark Henwick (P)2014 Mark Henwick

It’s no Kate Daniels

This book was suggested to me as something I may like, since I read a lot of Ilona Andrews. While the book is decent, it’s not the same caliber as IA. I liked the premise of this book, but the execution was left wanting. There was too much information and too little, all at once. I also could not help but feel that the book was very evidently written by a man, trying to be a woman. I’ve seen many reviews bashing the narrator. I actually thought her performance was pretty good. I don’t believe I will purchase anymore books in this series. And maybe not from this author, either. The glowing reviews already lead me astray once.

One of the best Urban Fantasy series out there!

What is so great about this series?
1. An intelligent, kickass female lead who is mature and tough enough to play with the big dogs!
2. A surprising number of fantasy/SF fans are adults and yet so many of the books are written for a young audience and are full of teenage angst. Not this one. Adults and YA alike will not be disappointed.
3. Many wonderful characters drive this story and the rest of the series. I love a rich, complex, original plot (which Sleight of Hand certainly has) but I also need good guys to admire and scary bad guys. Relationships, personal challenges to overcome, wounds to heal, friendships to forge and sexy romantic scenes. I also like that there are both younger and older characters and they are of all ethnicities.
4. Amber is a PI who was previously a sergeant in a secret army special ops unit. She was bitten by a vampire and is under observation by the army. She is resisting the change to fanginess but is starting to lose the battle. That's all I'm going to say about the plot except there is plenty of action and the vampires are actually called Athanate.
5. This is a strong beginning to a series that gets better with each book. The narrator is good. Part of my criteria for a good series is that it stands up to repeated listening and this one does. I'm almost embarrassed to admit how many times I have listened to it.
6. My only real complaint is that I want more, sooner. Could you please write faster, Mark Henwick?

Outstanding

Story line, suspense,earnest communication and relatable interaction. I am absolutely moving on to book 2

Great book, snooze narrator

The book was absolutely fantastic - great urban fantasy with all the right ingredients, plus a kick-ass heroine. However, I had to stop "listening" to it and go to reading on my kindle instead. The narrator was just so freakin' monotone, I literally kept nodding off, seriously - in a book so full of action?! Anyway, loved the book and just purchased the next in series (NEW narrator - YAY!!!).

New series to painfully wait for the next one.

Would you listen to Sleight of Hand again? Why?

I very much enjoyed this book and will most likely listen again when the next book in the series is coming available for a refresher.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sleight of Hand?

Over all I liked the characters and the fact that this is strong female lead with earned skills.

What about Kimberly Henrie’s performance did you like?

She did a fine job. I can hear other readers read it as well. There are a few pronunciation issues that she could work on but it wasn't bad at all. Amanda Ronconi, might add a little sass Ms. Henrie left on the table.

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

Yes, I was excited to hear what happened next.

Any additional comments?

I love finding a new series but hate waiting for the next book to become available. SO HURRY UP Mr. HENWICK!!!!!