Whirl

Ondine Quartet, Book 1

By: Emma Raveling

Narrated by: Jaime Lamchick

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Outspoken and independent, Kendra Irisavie has always played by her own rules.

She's an ondine, a water elemental gifted with the powerful magic of Empath Virtue and trained to be a fighter. Pursued by Aquidae demons, she and her mother remain rogue, hiding among humans to avoid becoming casualties in an ancient war.

Everything changes when violence erupts on Kendra's 17th birthday. A dark stranger appears, promising answers to her mysterious past and stirring unexpected feelings in her fiercely guarded heart.

But as Kendra uncovers the truth about her heritage and future, she realizes just how deep the lies and deception run.

Now, in the face of unthinkable odds, she will need all her wits, skills, and magic to fulfill an extraordinary prophecy.

The first in a sweeping urban fantasy series, Whirl is the beginning of a young woman's exhilarating journey for survival, love, and hope as she fights for her place in a world where she doesn't belong.

©2011 Emma Raveling (P)2016 Emma Raveling

Great Start to a Fantastic Series

Would you consider the audio edition of Whirl to be better than the print version?

Print will always be my favorite. However, an audiobook being read by a great narrator brings something new to the table. It infuses feelings where you might have missed them before. Jaime channels Kendra in her performance of the book and her voice immerses you in the world.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Whirl?

SPOILERS

***********************

The most memorable moment for me was when Kendra was falling asleep in the car towards the end of the book, and kept talking about wanting to keep "you know who" warm. That line has always stuck out at me as something real and honest. Something so normal that someone would want to do in such a tragic situation.

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

This is my first audio book by Jaime, so I unfortunately do not have anything to compare it too. However I think she did a great job of portraying Kendra. She had such a sass to her voice when needed, and then the next sentence could turn around and be so emotional. Great performance overall.

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

This book has been on my favorites shelf since the moment I purchased it about two years ago. The story has always had an ability to draw me in, and the audiobook was no different. If life wouldn't get in the way, I would have most definitely listened to it in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

I remember buying this book on a whim one night. I was looking for something/anything that could hold my attention for longer than two or three chapters (I was going through a book rut). I started reading, and before I knew it, I was 100 pages in. There was something different about this book, and the world and the characters just sucked me into the story.

I’m not going to tell you that the storyline breaks the boundaries of YA fiction. There are similarities between this book and others. But Emma put a spin on her world and her characters that made the storyline fresh and captivating.

Whirl was a great start to the Ondine Series. It was fast paced, and the characters were relatable. The romance is there, but not the main focus, which allowed me to care for more than two people in the story. The audiobook is a great addition and the narrator was a perfect Kendra. Providing just enough feeling and sass to the character to make you feel like Kendra herself is speaking to you.

I started out in a book rut, but I quickly devoured the first three books within a week, and then waited on pins and needles for breaker to come out. Give Whirl a try. I guarantee you it will quickly end up on your favorites list.

Fantastic beginning to a wonderful series!

Would you consider the audio edition of Whirl to be better than the print version?

I typically prefer print versions of books, but this audio edition definitely packs a punch!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Whirl?

Being transported to this magical world of Ondine's, Selkies, and Aquidae.

What does Jaime Lamchick bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Firstly, Jamie's Naida Irisavie gave me chills!! So spot on! She did a great job distinguishing each character's voice and emotions.

Any additional comments?

First off, I LOVED the idea of this world of elementals!! We got a close look at the water elementals and their various roles and just scratched the surface of their abilities. Ummm first time seeing Selkies in a book, and how sweet is that?! I can't wait to see more of them!! This was clearly the start of a series, and a fantastical one at that, so Whirl ended up being more of an introduction to a very complex, imaginative world. I loved it and I can't wait to get more!!


I liked Kendra for the most part, she's kind of a bada*s, but like a baby bada*s in the elemental world. I like that she's still got a lot to learn, it makes it fun for the reader to learn right along with her. She's used to being mostly on her own and she doesn't exactly play well with others, but she's also that kind of heroine everyone likes because she has a penchant for befriending, and defending the underdogs, and who doesn't like a good underdog? She can be a little brash but I'm cool with that, I think that will even out as her character grows throughout the series. Totally random, and really childish, but I also love that there's cuss words in this book. I don't know many 17 year olds that talk like granny church mums, so I'm glad when that comes through in a story.

Great start!

It's always fun to learn about a new world. This was no exception. It was fun and interesting experiencing Kendra's life as she learns what it is to be an ondine and use magic. I look forward to the other books in the series.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com.

A Gorgeous + Brilliant world

What made the experience of listening to Whirl the most enjoyable?

As soon as I started this book I knew I was in trouble. IT TOOK OVER MY LIFE until I finished the very last word, and then I had three more books and three novellas to look forward to! Emma Raveling's writing is gorgeous and I will be a fan of hers for life! Highly recommend this series <3 !!

What does Jaime Lamchick bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The emotion of scenes came to life beautifully with Ms. Lamchick's read.

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

yes!!

A good start to this series

What did you love best about Whirl?

The ongoing mystery of the story

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

Yes I have listened to her before and I think she does a really great job.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.

Came out on top

I hate books with too many characters I can't remember, names I can't pronounce and lots of species with who knows what kind of powers. It took me until almost the middle of the book to figure it out, but it was worth it. I really enjoyed the story that Emma created. She was very detailed and articulate about describing the people, places and things. It took a while, but she got me hooked. I will be looking to add the next book to my library. The narrator did a great job of distinguishing most of the characters. There were too many for her to have different voices for each one. Good thing she stated "she said" or "he said". The story was suspenseful and thrilling with a little bit of romance. Glad I listened to it. Let the narrator figure out the names of the people, places and things. Guess it is just that kind of book. Looking forward to the next one.

I received a free copy of "Whirl: Ondine Quartet, Book 1" in exchange for an unbiased review.

Great First Book! Excited about this series!

“I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.”

Into the first couple of chapters I thought it was similar to Vampire Academy (as stated in a previous review). This story may be similar to many YA books, but it definitely holds its own unique story! A magical world with an amazing Bad**s heroine that's struggling with her own issues finding out who she is and where she's going makes for a great journey! I can't wait for the second audiobook in this series! Narrator is perfect for this book, keeping characters separate so that you really get to know them making it that much easier to get hooked! I'm hooked!

Amazing Story

If you could sum up Whirl in three words, what would they be?

Emotional, Action Packed, Non-Stop snark and attitude!

What did you like best about this story?

Emma has an amazing ability to piece words together that just flow. Kendra is the best!

What does Jaime Lamchick bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Jamie Lamchick did a fantastic job of bringing Kendra to life. She finally gave Kendra a voice, which I loved.

Any additional comments?

This book and entire series is such an awesome experience. Emma's writing with Jamie's voice really brought all the characters to life. I loved every minute of it!

I love this series so much

I wish the rest of the series was on audio so I could listen to it, but I will just finish the quartet on my Kindle. Jaime did a great job narrating for Kendra and I am going to miss hearing her voice now!

Great Teen Fantasy Series

The story was captivating and I had a hard time putting it down. I'm already continuing the story with the next book in this series. Unfortunately, they don't have it on Audible yet but I'll get it when It comes out.

The Characters are interesting and well developed. Kendra is a great heroine and has a lot to learn about friendship and trust.

Tristan is a great character as well. I wish there were a bit more romantic encounters between them.

Julian is another one of my favorites. He is so playful and fun. I also like his Dad, he has such a warm personality.

The narrator did an awesome job bringing the story to life.

This audiobook was provided free of charge in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion.