Carla

Excellent from start to finish!

Reviewed: 09-12-18

This is a powerful, inspiring, heart breaking audiobook that you can't stop listening to. It is fiction but is loosely based on the hidden villages in Holland during the war - it was something that I had never learned about and encouraged me to learn more.

Based in WWII, it follows the kindness and bravery of a group of people determine to protect those persecuted from the Germans. They create their own little hidden Village deep in the woods, far from the German's eyes but not so far that they can live like a normal village. The people take great risks to not only get the individuals to the Village but to get them supplies, food and ensuring that no one else finds out about the group. It is an inspiring story about the bravery and kindness of ordinary people who did everything they could during the war. It had me in tears at times at the unfairness and other times smiling at the ability of the children to still find the good points in their lives. The children take on such a key role during this time both protecting the people and communicating messages, this can also be a downfall due to their innocence and excitement.

The narration in this story is excellent. He manages to somehow capture the innocence and trust of a child - he captures their inability to grasp the complete nature of the seriousness of their situation and how they sometimes only see the unfairness (like when Sofie was mad at her friend for being able to move freely while she was stuck in hiding - she knew it was important to be in hiding but she still felt it was unfair and not right). You felt the urgency in his tone and in the situation when the Germans would come to the homes and it kept you on your seats. He kept the story engaged with his tone and I loved listening to him telling the story.

This was a powerful audiobook - you were constantly on the edge of your seat as the village grows and the uncertainty of their situation increases. You were in constant fear that they would be found and your stomach turns every time they come in contact with a soldier. This is a definite must listen to for both young adults and adults alike.

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Amazing right from the start!

Reviewed: 04-11-18

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I loved the first set of audiobooks in this series and this one doesn't disappoint at all! This audiobook starts with a bang with Michelle's kidnapping and stays intense throughout the whole novel.

Michelle is an independent, strong witch who feels no alliance to any clan and wants to keep it that way. Her Grandmother feels differently. I love that we were able to learn quite a bit more about her family history and the line of strong female witches in her family. Her Grandmother does not want to see this line end and goes to extreme measures to get Michelle to consent to her wishes, almost shocking at times!

I have always loved Michelle's character throughout the first set of books and in this book she still remains my favourite. She has such a kind heart and just wants to do what is right and help others but she just can't get a break. I loved that the focus of this book is her - no extra big case, just Michelle. Her character deserves it, she is just one of those individuals that gives of herself with no expectation of something in return. Her relationship with Elron is blossoming (yay!), they both deserve a loving relationship and not to mention some time to work on it.

The narration in this audiobook is excellent and adds to the drama and flair of the writing. I couldn't stop listening as I just wanted to hear what was going to happen next with her. The plot is fantastic and keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is by far my favourite book in this amazing series. This series constantly leaves you guessing on who or what will show up and happen and leaves you wanting more.

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A Must Listen to Book!

Reviewed: 01-31-18

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This was an AMAZING audiobook from the start, I was hooked and could not stop listening. It was full of power, strength, romance and myth – everything I love and more.

The setting takes place in a mythical world with people praying and sacrificing to the Gods but so many of them have actually forgotten the Gods themselves or have dreamed up a different version of the Gods in their own minds. Cassia is a young woman who is betrayed by her country who view her as an enemy. Her parents are gone and she has lost everything she held dear.

Near the beginning of the book, Cassia is sacrificed to the God of War by her fellow citizens. You can just imagine her shock, pain and the sting of betrayal. Theo, the God of War, accepts her as a sacrifice and brings her to his home. While he does this he doesn’t initially full accept her as his “bride”.

Theo is full of raw power, strength and an almost anger. War and fighting is in his blood and he is plagued with sibling rivalry and his own betrayals. Cassia, with her innocence and proud nature, brings out a new side of him. One of hope and trusting. We watch as his character evolves and he slowly begins to fall in love with her.

The pair are thrown together not by choice but soon discover they have a strong attraction towards each other. They have to learn to trust but with their past history and the current political and war going on this makes it very difficult. They would tend to take one step forward and two steps back.

The plot in this story is amazing and I loved every moment of it. What I really enjoyed was having the two narrators, male and female. This made a huge difference in the telling of this story and really helped to bring the story to life. They also included background noise (chatter/rocks crumbling, etc..) which made the novel that much more real. I have never listened to that type of book before and it was fantastic.

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A New Spin - Great Tale for Youth and Adults Alike

Reviewed: 01-31-18

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Frostbitten is a fun, paranormal romance based in Cedar Falls in Northern Ontario (woohoo thought this was pretty cool hearing Toronto and Ontario in an audiobook as this never happens). The story will be a huge hit for fans of youth paranormal novels like Twilight and Vampire Diaries (although in this case a werewolf takes centre stage, which I actually enjoyed reading about as I think we have had enough of vampires).

Cedar Falls is a remote, beautiful, isolated town that holds a dark secret – a history of attacks and wolves. This is where Anastasia finds herself after getting in trouble at her previous school, her Mother’s home with her Grandparents. She is a very typical teenager – unsure, wanting to fit in and conflicted about her emotions.

Anastasia does not find life any easier in Cedar Falls – the youth in her school are mean and untrusting. Something I am sure many teens can relate to (I know I could have), they torment her with their lies and gossip. She falls hard for Frost a young man with his own troubled past (most that is not his own fault). Their relationship seems doomed from the start – her Grandfather despises the young man and it doesn’t help her social life at school. He also has a very huge secret that could destroy their friendship.

The story really picks up here as we dive into the town’s history and the legends of the werewolves. Their relationship is starting to build and when werewolf hunters come to the town – they are forced to make a huge decision.

This was a well written, fun and interesting audiobook, Heather has done a great job with this story. It has a great plot line that paranormal fans will love. The narrator in the audiobook is excellent and kept me engaged and interested throughout the novel. There is some mild language throughout the book so depending on your comfort level with this it may be better geared for older youth. A great read and/or listen overall!

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LOVE IT!

Reviewed: 01-31-18

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I fell in love with Witch for Hire, book one in A Witch's Path - witches, trolls, elves and more, what isn't there to love?

Michelle is a different kind of witch. She didn't grow up knowing her clan and or her entire family. She has a lot of strength and powers, which to be honest growing up I always wanted to have the magical powers of a witch so this was kind of awesome listening to. She is also a special kind of witch who works for the police department! This is definitely not your average type of town right?

In this case, escaped trolls are at the heart of her problem and she needs to find them before they start to eat the locals. Who would have known that trolls like to eat humans?! Tied into this is a mysterious elf that has entered her life (who is fascinated by her but she seems to be at times indifferent) and a wizard who is also interested in dating her. On top of this, she finds out some pretty shocking information about her Father's identity and whereabouts. Exhausting right?

A Witch's Path Book One is an excellent introduction to Michelle, her life and her work. We get an excellent work up and history of her and what she does plus the plot builds itself up excellently to lead into book two and three. I could not stop listening to this audiobook, I had to know exactly what happened next in not only her personal life but her case, which takes an awful turn in itself. This audiobook was full of action, excitement and more! A definite must listen to.

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Fantastic!

Reviewed: 01-04-18

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I received a copy of this audiobook. All opinions expressed are my own.


Dark Retreat is based in a post apocalyptic world where you can trust no one.

Megan is a strong, fierce woman who would do anything to ensure that her daughter and her survive in this world that makes it difficult for anyone to survive. I loved how strong her character was, she is a single Mom with a young sick child and her focus at all times is her child and their survival. She has so many skills that ensure their survival (tracking, hunting, etc..) and I really enjoyed that these shined out throughout the book. Her current survival mission? Find medication for her very ill daughter. Which sounds easy in theory but is proving to be quite difficult. It is in the hunt for this medication that she stumbles upon the cottage of Wyatt.

Wyatt and his family have built the ultimate survival home. It actually left me in awe listening to how much thought and preparation went into their home. If there was any home that Megan could find then this was her best chance. She struggles with accepting their help due to her independent streak - could she really trust them? Why would complete strangers want to help her? They also struggle with the same thoughts, would helping her come back to haunt them? Thrown in is a twist that doesn't become apparent until the end of the novel.

This was an exciting novel from start to finish. We have this post apocalyptic world which has turned people against each other, a young Mother trying to help her daughter and throw in an evil stranger tracking her daughter and we have an excellent plot! The story is well-played out and the narration was well done and suited the novel. I liked that it wasn't heavy on the apocalypse and death but more on hope and trust.

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Fantastic!

Reviewed: 12-01-17

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In this novel we are transported to a fantasy world of magic, religion and myths. The audiobook opens with a little bit of background information and the death of our main character, Annabelle's parents. Their death marks a huge turning point in her young life, a parent passing away is awful enough for a young child but in her case it becomes even worse. Annabelle begins to lose all of her colour - it literally drips off of her. To top it off anything she touches loses its own colour - her furniture, paintings - everything she holds dear. Slowly everyone forgets her and it is almost like she has never existed. What I found amazing was that animals could still recognize her presence and a few special people who want to help her.

The monks in this story are maddening and creepy. They make you feel angry and wish they would just leave Annabelle alone. She is fighting for her life against the monks and you want to be able to defend her every step of the way. You are constantly on the edge of your seat the whole book waiting to see what happens next for her.

I listened to the audiobook of this novel and I really enjoyed the narration of the characters. It was easy to identify by voice alone who was speaking and the narration really helped to bring the characters alive. The monks voices especially! They leave you with this yucky feeling and that you want to lash out at them on Annabelle's behalf.

This was a fantastic audiobook although the beginning left me a bit confused as I tried to follow the history, I would have loved to have known a bit more about the history and religious beliefs in the beginning but it doesn't affect your understanding of the novel throughout.

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Fantastic!

Reviewed: 10-03-16

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

The Murders at Astaire Castle is a fantastic, adventure (and murder packed!) audio book that you don't want to hit pause - you don't want to miss what happens next to Mac Faraday and Gnarly!

This novel was intense, full of mystery and suspense. You need to give the audio book (and I am sure the novel as well) your full attention. There are lots of murders and information that you can easily miss if you are not paying full attention. I found myself going back at some points to ensure I had key figures right (editors, authors, etc..). The story evolved in such a way that I did not expect! What began as a superstition that you thought was easily solved, turned into a cycle of past murders that prompted a new set of murders! Just when you think the story can not possibly make another twist, it did! It was very well written and thought out. The ending was nothing what I expected but was incredible. It literally blew my mind!

Gnarly (you have to give such a cute character some love!), was his usually spunky and hard working dog! He makes me laugh with his antics (garbage dump diving) but is such a hard working, intelligent partner. He played a big part as usual in this novel.

The Murders at Astaire Castle was an intense, suspenseful murder mystery that you will truly love! It is a definite must read.

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