Unbound

The Blacksea Odyssey, Book 2

By: J.A. Vodvarka

Narrated by: Paige Reisenfeld, Wayne Mitchell

Two souls, forever entwined… and running for their lives.

Nyssa Blacksea is a wanted woman. The Empire she once served now hunts for her and her unlikely new companion, Quinn. It's only a matter of time until the two women are found and executed. Desperate and with nowhere to turn, Nyssa and Quinn hatch an insane plan—offer the Empire its oldest enemy in exchange for their freedom.

But the path to their freedom is fraught with assassins, heart-breaking betrayal, strange gods… and a dangerous queen who demands Nyssa to submit. Or be broken. Complicating everything is Nyssa's growing affection for Quinn. Both are inextricably linked by magick that they barely understand and struggle to control.

Facing incredible odds and her own mortality, Nyssa has to confront her fears—and her feelings—or succumb to those who wish to destroy her.

For listeners who love unique epic fantasy set against a semi-modern backdrop, featuring a sapphic enemies-to-lovers slow burn romance. Unbound will appeal to fans of Arcane, The Legend of Korra, and Gideon the Ninth.

©2024 Jennifer Vodvarka (P)2025 Podium Audio

WHY DID YOU ADD THE DUDE

The story is sooo good but you had to add Wayne. The WORST aggressive man voice possible for a sapphic novel and totally takes me out of the story. Bums me out

Addition of Male Narrator Detracts

Book is great overall and Paige Reisendfeld is amazing. Addition of Wayne Mitchell as Athen makes those chapters is almost painful to listen to, he doesn’t change his cadence and the entire chapter is read as if being shouted. His female characters leave much to be desired. I hope he gets some direction or they drop him from the third book.

Better than the 1st

Not as slow as the 1st book. It did have its gripping moments I did like a lot. I did like the additional narrator for the male voice. Let's see what book 3 brings.

Wayne Mitchell’s voice is not great

The first book was only read by Paige Reisenfeld and it was lovely.

The choice to include Wayne Mitchell in the next one was a bad decision. The voice actor has a single tone to his reading of his parts and that is anger even in a gentle scene. He also does not do female voices well.

If they wanted to give male characters male voices fine but don’t have the voice actors just read sections of the story and voice all characters in those sections.

Paige did an excellent job again.

I will not listen to any other books with Wayne Mitchell as the voice.

Wayne M is a plague, this is a survival guide. The book is worth it

The elephant in the room: Wayne Mitchell is the true villain of this novel. he narrates Athen's point of view for some unknown reason, the story doesn't require a male narrator, but a talented male narrator could do well. Mitchel isn't that, he's a creepy mouth breathing try-hard. With that that being said, it's extremely easy to get around him, you have three options:
1. skip his parts, Athen is a fairly minor character and will either have his own short chapter or takes up the rest of the chapter.
2. switch to kindle and read for yourself and skip to the next chapter in the audiobook, this was my preference since Athen's insights aren't major.
3. suffer through and regret your decision.

With that out of the way, WOW! This book was amazing, there was the perfect amount of tension, heart ache and resolution. I gauge author's talent by whether or not they make me feel the emotions alongside the characters, and Vodvarka has a gift for writing, that is clear. I can't recommend this book enough. also if you're wondering if it's going to happen in this book: the answer is yes, after what feels like and eternity and some massive personal and emotional growth from both characters. Please don't be dissuaded by 7 poorly narrated Athen bits and the ending credits, this story is worth every second, and I plan on rereading it several more times.

Love this

Book is immensely well done. The additions of Wayne Mitchell was the worst decision ever. I literally rolled my eyes and cringed every time I had to hear his terrible voice. I almost stopped the audible just to read it instead but suffered through. Paige did a phenomenal job.

the commitment of the characters to each other

I disliked the characters or heroins losing battles far more than succeeding against their foes.

Great book. Horrible addition with Wayne.

I loved the first book and couldn’t wait for the second. However, I don’t understand why a male narrator was added to the mix. Paige does such a great job bringing the characters to life. Wayne completely destroys the female characters and makes them sound spoiled and whiny. Also he’s over dramatic and growls when he speaks. Made those chapters he narrates unbearable.