12 hrs. 29 min.
Unabridged
Narrators: Caitlin Davies, MacLeod Davies, Chris Patton, and Tristan Morris
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Published: 4/28/15
Source: Audiobook Jukebox for review
Ember Hill left the dragon organization Talon to take her chances with rebel dragon Cobalt and his crew of rogues. But Ember can't forget the sacrifice made for her by the human boy who could have killed her—Garret Xavier Sebastian, a soldier of the dragonslaying Order of St. George, the boy who saved her from a Talon assassin, knowing that by doing so, he'd signed his own death warrant.My thoughts:
Determined to save Garret from execution, Ember must convince Cobalt to help her break into the Order's headquarters. With assassins after them and Ember's own brother helping Talon with the hunt, the rogues find an unexpected ally in Garret and a new perspective on the underground battle between Talon and St. George.
A reckoning is brewing and the secrets hidden by both sides are shocking and deadly. Soon Ember must decide: Should she retreat to fight another day…or start an all-out war?
This audiobook is narrated by several people. While that may put some of you off, I have to say it was quite successful in this book. Each person took the chapter of their POV and it really separated the characters out in a clear manner. While I don't feel that it would have been confusing while reading it, the separation of each character in each voice really brought the book to life. Each narrator also embodied the characters easily and so it was easy to slip into this world while listening.
I was a bit disappointed in this telling as far as the romance goes. I admit I don't care for love triangles and although I expected one from the first book I was curious as to what direction she would take it. While on an emotional level I have to say the author still has me intrigued, I'm just not happy with the direction it is going. To me there is a logical winner and there isn't enough worldbuilding to let me see any other choice. In her other books there was a clear winner, in this one there still is not despite what I just said. While that is good for some people, I would rather see this triangle resolved rather than stretched out. However, that is only my opinion and others may see this same development as exciting.
I did enjoy the adventure itself and the harrowing aspects to the story. I expect a twist and I also expect it is one that Garrett is now investigating. I wonder if we are on the same page or if it takes a different turn than the one I'm expecting. Either way, I'll be waiting for the next installment of this series impatiently.
I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I recommend it to those that enjoy PNR YA and those that enjoy Kagawa's stories. I do seem to always enjoy her worldbuilding. I do recommend it on audio and don't let the multiple narrators discourage you from trying it.
I know and love all the narrators of this audiobook so I do believe that they made the story better. The love triangle though, that part nearly drove me out of my mind. Why would you do that to us, Kagawa? Have you learned nothing from The Iron Fae?
ReplyDeleteI know! I really didn't like the triangle but I did enjoy the audio!
DeleteAn audio book narrated by several people? Not something I have heard of being done before but it certainly appeals to me as someone who doesn't enjoy audiobooks partly because an individual reading to me tends to lull me to sleep.
ReplyDeleteI've had a few like this and I really enjoy it this way. I do activities that don't require much brainage when I listen to audios.
DeleteI personally like an audibook narrated by different people, it makes it a much better listen. I am not sold on this sereis yet.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed it here. I can see why you aren't sold yet.
DeleteI think that this one might not be for me
ReplyDeleteProbably not... :)
DeleteI really need to start this series. And I love the idea of multiple narrators!
ReplyDeleteOh I think I like the idea of the different narrators and their own characters. That is a great idea and a big reason I love Podcasts. Cool! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteToo bad for the romance but I wonder how I would feel about the multiple POVs... I struggle with that. I need to read Talon one day.
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame the romance side is iffy. I love the idea of multiple narrators for the different characters. I've not had one like that before.
ReplyDelete"I would rather see this triangle resolved rather than stretched out."
ReplyDeleteME TOO MELISSA! I can deal with a triangle when there's a clear winner and the other guy pretty much knows he doesn't have a chance (like Puck from Iron Fey), but when someone is genuinely torn between two I get a little frustrated. Just make a decision ;-)
Eh, I hate when triangles don't go the I want, AND when they're stretched too long. I'm not sure this one is for me! Thanks for the lovely review, Melissa :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoy her as a writer in what I have read so far, but I have been having more and more issues with triangles
ReplyDeleteStill not sure about this series despite loving her previous series. I do love the sound of the narration and have listen to several with multiple narrators and enjoyed them
ReplyDeleteI was quite frustrated with the first book and ended up DNF'ing it. think maybe I may try it one day on audio. The love triangles really can be annoying!
ReplyDeleteWhy oh why does everyone still insist on writing love triangles?? WHY?
ReplyDeleteI've heard this series is kind of meh anyway even without the triangle.
Karen @For What It's Worth
Hmm not really tempted by your review to try this series Melissa. I do really wonder, are there so many love triangles in real life that every YA series has one?
ReplyDeleteUghhhh love triangles! I don't mind as much if there is a clear winner, but dragging it out like this is no fun. :( I'll probably wait to read this one until the next book comes out.
ReplyDeleteI only read one book by her, Immortal Rules, and it did not go well for me. I was bored for most of the book and just didn't care enough of the characters to continue that series. I'm a bit hesitant to read this one because I think it is similar in tone with that series. I'm curious about her fae series so I might try that instead. Hopefully, I'll have better luck with that one. :)
ReplyDelete