The Scribe

By: Elizabeth Hunter

Narrated by: Zachary Webber

Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's Summary

Hidden at the crossroads of the world, an ancient race battles to protect humanity, even as it dies from within. Ava Matheson came to Istanbul looking for answers, but others came looking for her. A reckless warrior guards her steps, but will Malachi's own past blind him to the truth of who Ava might be? While ancient forces gather around them, both Ava and Malachi search for answers. Whispering voices. Deadly touch. Their passion should be impossible... or it could be the only thing that will keep them alive.

The Scribe is the first book in the Irin Chronicles, the new paranormal romance series from Elizabeth Hunter, author of the Elemental Mysteries.

©2013 Elizabeth Hunter (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Terrific Listen, Terrific Story

This is an audio book and a superb rendition of a wonderfully creative and developed story. I swear I have a girl crush on Elzabeth Hunter and The Scribe only confirms how much I love her writing. Not only are her mythology, stories and characters crafted with intelligence and it but also I LEARN something every time I read/listen. I keep Wikipedia at the ready at all times so I can look up a name or a place that is not usually seen or heard of. The Scribe is a rich tale of magic, love, spells, beings with a special place in the world, beings who stalk them all over the world. The Scribe's primary focus is Turkey, so now I know much more about Turkey than I did when I started. What a fascinating country it is. But, foremost, it is a tale of the connection between Malachi and Ava...a connection that reaches into each of their souls and hearts to pull them together, never to be apart emotionally. Y'all know I am a visceral reviewer and while I am thrilled for the smartness of Ms Hunter's writing, I am also riveted to the story with my heart. And filled with affection for the Band of Scribes that is fighting desperately to keep themselves together following a catastrophic "Rending" where so many of their 'kind' were killed. It's a deeply moving book because of the beauty of the story, the solidness of the characters and the promise of more to come.

The narration by Zachary Webber is, honestly, riveting. He is able to be all characters without being the same sound. I had not been very familiar with him before but I will be seeking out books that he narrates from here on out. He is marvelous.

Hooked! Enthralling story, exceptional narration.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Malachi for sure. He was everything a male romantic lead should be: strong, fiercely protective, loving, and mysterious. I would be amiss however to not mention Malachi's loyal friend, Rhys. I am a sucker for Hunter's inclusion of the charmingly adorable though shamelessly flirty English chap. I consider Rhys the reincarnation of Carwyn from Hunter's Elemental Mysteries/World books.

What about Zachary Webber’s performance did you like?

In a word: exceptional. I would listen to Zachary Webber read the phone book. I have listened to a lot of audio books and I would say I am biased towards books performed by women. Webber changed my opinion. I was so taken by his performance that I sought out and listened to other books narrated by him.

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

Absolutely. The pace was great with the attraction and build up of the romance. It was sexy and delivered without being overly graphic. It is nice to read a romance with a captivating story where a couple interludes satisfied without it being about sex, sex, and more sex.

Any additional comments?

I have read Hunter's Elemental Mysteries series. I enjoyed those books, but the Irin Chronicles are my favourite by far. I wish I could forget this book and experience the joy of my first read of The Scribe again.

✫✫ 4 Stars ✫✫

I listened to this book for book club. I enjoyed the story and the direction it is going even if it did seem a little slow to me. The setting, world building and characters were all great. I think I needed a little more action in the middle to keep me 100% invested. In the beginning I knew I would be continuing with the series, in the middle I decided I would not and then in the end I decided I probably will because of that first chapter sneak peak. I am usually the person who likes book 1 the least in a new series and I have a strong feeling this will be the same with each book getting better and better.

The narration was great, It was Zachary Webber after all! I was a little surprised that he narrated this one alone but I think he did a great job and wouldn't have change it if I could.

Magical Intimate Connections

It's refreshing to find a fantasy / romance novel that has depth of story and magical world. As others mention, there is explicit intimacy, but it feels different than the typical romance/erotic novel. This series is about soul mates and sexual magic but not in a weird, insulting billionare/werewolf/alpha way (which is what most romance novels seem to be).

The magical intimacy is about connections and how couples can make each other stronger. I found it to have more substance than most romance novels.(Although in it's bones, there are still the typical romance formula storylines.) There is also some thought put into what this magical world is. I enjoyed the series.

fantastic new start to a series from Hunter

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to anyone who loves good books, enjoys paranormal stories, and fans of Elizabeth Hunter. The story is captivating; the book blends the paranormal and supernatural with the Old World beauty found in Turkey. It is intriguing and well written. Hunter creates a world that is well developed and you cannot help but be drawn into the beauty of it!

What about Zachary Webber’s performance did you like?

The narration was fantastic. The pacing was spot on and the emotion was well portrayed. The switch between different accents was well executed!

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

Yes it was! I would sit in my car, even after arriving to my end destination, so I could listen to a little bit more!

Fantastic Performance of a good story

The story itself is entertaining crafted from an interesting spin on biblical Enochian Apocrypha and Angelic lore. Engaging characters and well executed imagery make for a well paced and entertaining tale. Romantic overtones felt slightly over used but escape being tedious by way of a deft touch and lack of lurid detail.

Zachary Webber's performance is what places the title head and shoulders above others in its genre. His effortless transitions in tone, ability to portray both genders, subtle use and execution of accents, and his baseline acting ability are simply fantastic. He provides the emotional hook that makes the audio version of his title a winner.

Ok, WOW!

WOW, WOW and WOW! I loved this story. It’s the perfect marriage of urban fantasy and romance. This is my first Elizabeth Hunter book and I am truly mad at myself for not getting one of her books sooner. She is a fantastic writer and her descriptions of Istanbul made me feel as though I was there myself. It was mesmerizing. Not to mention Zachary Webber’s performance is outstanding! I want to listen to every book he narrates.

Squandered Premise

It could have been so good if they just skipped the angst. Lord for someone who can intuit so much and another that is supposed to be a few hundred years old can we drop the teen angst and stupid misunderstandings? I couldn’t get past the immaturity of the characters and bailed with a couple of hours to go.

Awesome reader Zachary Webber.

Wonderfully written, and read wish there were more reader's like Zachary Webber. Can't wait to listen to the next book.

This is a YA romance story

Okay, so there were hints but a previous review and the sample extract of the book hooked me in. Initially I was excited that The Scribe seemed to have an intriguing story line but the romance element took over and it was way too touchy feely for my taste. A shame but you have been warned.

Almost perfect.

This is one of my 'go to' books on kindle, so when I started using Audible I tried the sample. And bought it immediately.

I like Elizabeth Hunter's way of devising beings who are 'other' but exist in the normal world in a viable way. No alien worldbuilding which will either engage or repel. Her books are primarily about personal interaction, with (usually) a good story as binding. Her descriptions of place are shining vignettes. The story, after several rereadings, still makes me smile. And the end still makes me cry. No spoilers. Get it.

The narrator. Perfect voice. No rubbish whining for females, just a lightening of tone which works SO well. I looked to see what else he's recorded - the 'Grey' books, not surprisingly, and other bedroom books. Get out of there, man, and record more real stuff! Only minor complaints about pronunciation, although so much less troublesome than many American narrators. Just wish he'd checked the nordic/germanic pronunciation of certain vowel/consonant combinations _ I caught myself correcting aloud... But 99/100 is a fine score. Just a wonderful reader. Yes.

Try it, download it, enjoy it. Then move on to The Singer. And there are more... But probably different narrators. Boo.

Unexpected

Firstly, it was too short, was just absorbing myself in the story when I realised there was only 30 mins left, thank goodness it's only book 1, the narrators voice is hypnotic and so sexy, really adds to the story.

WHOOSAH !!!

The real magic is that I just finished listening to a book that took 9 hours and 24 minutes and I never got bored or lost focus. Just buy the book for yourself and start listening to it right away. Can not recommend it enough.
What can I say ... the story is written masterfully. Congratulation to Elizabeth Hunter!!! Thank you so much!!! And the narrator chosen for the book was a stroke of genius. Perfection. This is the book I have waiting for for such a long time. Utter perfection.

yes and no

Any additional comments?

love the performance! amazing voice throughout and the characters really came to life.
The story was a bit slow at times and doesn't push me to read the next volume.
Ends on massive cliffhanger as well.

fantastic

fantastic book, couldn't stop listening!!! engaging, griping, emotional, loving, and more!! can't wait for the next one

very romantic

I loved it. There were parts that were very slow paced, but then it picked up again. I would recommend this if you like paranormal romance .

Amazing story with fantastic narration!

What did you like most about The Scribe?

I have really enjoyed listening to this story. I have bought it without in depth knowledge of the author. I liked generic description of the story line, set in variety of places; Israel, Turkey, LA. I thought Zachary's voice is lovely so I felt this will make an enjoyable 'audio-read'.

What did you like best about this story?

I was not disappointed. Misunderstood and lonely Ava is simply seeking some peace. She is desperately lonely but it is also source of her comfort. Her journey to understanding herself is also source of her strength.

Which character – as performed by Zachary Webber – was your favourite?

Zachary was born in Texas but he reads without strong texan twang which is a huge plus for this book. In fact, his accent is neutral which makes the story more credible given we are dealing in international context with scribes living in Turkey as well as other countries.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Love tension and conflicted affection between Ava and Malachi was magical. Loved it!