Torrie McAllister
- 10
- reviews
- 37
- helpful votes
- 11
- ratings
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A Court This Cruel and Lovely
- Kingdom of Lies, Book 1
- By: Stacia Stark
- Narrated by: Tim Paige, Meg Sylvan
- Length: 14 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,829
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,749
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,749
Just hours after humans are born, the gods take what little power we have. In return, they protect our borders from the vicious, merciless fae. The humans who manage to keep their power are known as the corrupt. And they are burned. When my forbidden power is discovered, I’m forced to flee my tiny village and the life I adore. To survive, I make a desperate bargain with the mercenary who abandoned me at my weakest moment. Our deal is simple: I’ll help him and his mysterious friends sneak into the city, and he’ll help me learn to wield the strange, dark power I’ve always kept hidden.
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5 out of 5 stars
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ACOTAR 2.0
- By Kori Frank on 08-06-24
- A Court This Cruel and Lovely
- Kingdom of Lies, Book 1
- By: Stacia Stark
- Narrated by: Tim Paige, Meg Sylvan
Compelling heroine’s journey to rally the oppressed to unite in common interest and save the world. Adventure, Romance. Spice
Reviewed: 08-06-24
Interesting story world. Love the mercenary team and characters.
Love that end evolves and sets up next story without a total cliff hanger. Excited to read what comes next.
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1 person found this helpful
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Gideon the Ninth
- By: Tamsyn Muir
- Narrated by: Moira Quirk
- Length: 16 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 12,038
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 10,573
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 10,547
Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth unveils a solar system of swordplay, cut-throat politics, and lesbian necromancers. Her characters leap out of the audio, as skillfully animated as arcane revenants. The result is a heart-pounding epic science fantasy. Brought up by unfriendly, ossifying nuns, ancient retainers, and countless skeletons, Gideon is ready to abandon a life of servitude and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Fun. Not art, very gory, but 100% fun.
- By Sarah K. on 10-27-19
- Gideon the Ninth
- By: Tamsyn Muir
- Narrated by: Moira Quirk
No Thanks. Can’t Stick it Any More
Reviewed: 12-13-23
Starts interesting but rapidly became a tiresome, dark, seemingly endless boring battle of skeletons, bones, helpless brainless dead and undead and two rival girls tricking each…which could be interesting quickly became unsurprising and tedious. Several chapters in the stakes have no meat. Narrator is good but there not enough life and no fun to sustain through the grim.
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Ship of Destiny
- The Liveship Traders, Book 3
- By: Robin Hobb
- Narrated by: Anne Flosnik
- Length: 33 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 3,351
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 2,921
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,912
As Bingtown slides toward disaster, clan matriarch Ronica Vestrit, branded a traitor, searches for a way to bring the city's inhabitants together against the Chalcedean threat. Meanwhile, Althea Vestrit, unaware of what has befallen Bingtown and her family, continues her perilous quest to track down and recover her liveship Vivacia from the ruthless pirate Kennit.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Wraps it all up nicely.
- By Lore on 10-15-13
- Ship of Destiny
- The Liveship Traders, Book 3
- By: Robin Hobb
- Narrated by: Anne Flosnik
Fabulous Finish to Live Ships Classic
Reviewed: 05-10-23
An amazing climax beautifully voiced by Anne Flosnik. Robin Hobb gives us a such a culturally and class rich world. I love the characters—each so different in hopes and the reality they confront in love, power and the personal choices they confront. The live ships, serpent’s and dragons are their own vivid, fascinating personalities and cultures. The pleasure of Robin’s books are they are many stories impacting one another in one. I love Robin’s explorations of love exploring family, romance, narcissism, partnership, friendship, and teams. About the rape this author is in un flinching in addressing the ways power and entitlement and personal history traumatize others and derail dreams. Her fantasy world allows us to see ours and the joy, challenges, pain and beauty of our own reflected. It is all sensitively managed and honest about the trauma. This is an adult story that sheds light. And, yes, could be difficult for those traumatized by violence.
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Royal Assassin
- The Farseer Trilogy, Book 2
- By: Robin Hobb
- Narrated by: Paul Boehmer
- Length: 29 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 11,308
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 9,896
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 9,885
Young Fitz, the illegitimate son of the noble Prince Chivalry, is ignored by all royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has had him tutored him in the dark arts of the assassin. He has barely survived his first, soul-shattering mission, and when he returns to the court, he is thrown headfirst into the tumult of royal life.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Utterly Frustrating
- By John on 04-30-12
- Royal Assassin
- The Farseer Trilogy, Book 2
- By: Robin Hobb
- Narrated by: Paul Boehmer
Love the Farseer World Rich in Character-Driven Intrigue
Reviewed: 01-03-23
I’m not sure how it can have taken me so long to discover Robin Hobbs and her series of the Farseers, and the Realm of the Elderlings.
I’ve just finished books 1 and 2 and can’t wait to start book 3 of the Farseers. The audio versions are excellent. So is the reading.
If you are a fantasy reader who loves a fantasy world with a multitude of books and characters to dive deep in I highly recommend. There are at least nine books and three trilogies.
Hobbs creates has a gift for writing rich major characters of all ages. Characters with richly different secrets and gifts faced with morale dilemmas that require devil’s bargains.
Plots turn on the worth of one’s word, the soul caught between personal life choices and loyalty to a higher cause, and the difference between taking action and controlling outcome.
This is character-driven fantasy at it’s best. If you love a fast-pace, decisive battles, and cleanly resolved plot Hobbs is not the author for you.
Likewise, if you don’t like reading or skipping through some repeated world building rules, history and backstory, give this series a miss. A world this complex with so many intertwined lives and story threads inevitably must be written to welcome new readers in and to remind those who have been away a while chances to reconnect.
But if you love a world to steep yourself in and revisit like Earthsea or Middle Earth, or Sevenwaters, or Game of Thrones (but a slower boil in violence), then savor the Assassin’s series. Best read starting with Assassin’s Apprentice Book 1.
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Nettle & Bone
- By: T. Kingfisher
- Narrated by: Amara Jasper
- Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,828
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,611
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,609
Marra never wanted to be a hero. As the shy, convent-raised, third-born daughter, she escaped the traditional fate of princesses, to be married away for the sake of an uncaring throne. But her sister wasn’t so fortunate—and after years of silence, Marra is done watching her suffer at the hands of a powerful and abusive prince. Seeking help for her rescue mission, Marra is offered the tools she needs, but only if she can complete three seemingly impossible tasks:
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3 out of 5 stars
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If Only I Could Cut Out Half the Story
- By Ree on 04-28-22
- Nettle & Bone
- By: T. Kingfisher
- Narrated by: Amara Jasper
So Glad I Discovered Kingfisher
Reviewed: 11-22-22
What a wonderful story weaver. I love Nettle and Bone and look forward to more. Anyone who enjoys Juliette Marillier and Seven Waters series or the Warrior Bards will find this story satisfying and so original. Great writing and such a fabulous Audible narrator.
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Tyll
- A Novel
- By: Daniel Kehlmann, Ross Benjamin - translator
- Narrated by: Firdous Bamji
- Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 302
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 256
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 255
Daniel Kehlmann masterfully weaves the fates of many historical figures into this enchanting work of magical realism and adventure. This account of the 17th-century vagabond performer and trickster Tyll Ulenspiegel begins when he’s a scrawny boy growing up in a quiet village. When his father, a miller with a secret interest in alchemy and magic, is found out by the church, Tyll is forced to flee with the baker’s daughter, Nele. They find safety and companionship with a traveling performer, who teaches Tyll his trade. And so begins a journey of discovery and performance for Tyll.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Like a Tapestry
- By David on 02-18-21
- Tyll
- A Novel
- By: Daniel Kehlmann, Ross Benjamin - translator
- Narrated by: Firdous Bamji
Brilliant.
Reviewed: 09-23-21
A truly extraordinary blend of history and legend of one of the events of European politics — the 30 Years War through the German tales of the fabled trickster Tyll Eulenspiegle. An authentic glimpse into the lives ofrulers, peasants and clergy a revolutionary time in European history when the Catholic/Protestant rivalries 1613 to 1648
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Shadowfell
- Shadowfell Series, Book 1
- By: Juliet Marillier
- Narrated by: Henrietta Meire
- Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 255
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 232
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 233
Sixteen-year-old Neryn is alone in the land of Alban, where the oppressive king has ordered anyone with magical strengths captured and brought before him. Eager to hide her own canny skill - a uniquely powerful ability to communicate with the fairy-like Good Folk - Neryn sets out for the legendary Shadowfell, a home and training ground for a secret rebel group determined to overthrow the evil King Keldec.
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5 out of 5 stars
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HONEST REVIEW & why OTHERS say what they say
- By Pamela Smith on 07-24-21
- Shadowfell
- Shadowfell Series, Book 1
- By: Juliet Marillier
- Narrated by: Henrietta Meire
A Wonder Tale of Courage, Betrayal, Love & Uncanny Gifts
Reviewed: 04-18-20
I loved reading the Shadowfell series and it is a treat to hear narrator Henrietta Meire bring the story to life. Hearing the fey folk brought to life is a particular treat. This is a classic quest set in ancient Alban—Scotland of myth and legend. A traumatized young heroine, hunted by a ruthless king, sets out to learn the secrets of her uncanny gifts, and what they mean. Author Juliet Marillier creates a world rich humanity, legend and lore, full of grief, hope, love and friendship. Food for the soul.
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7 people found this helpful
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The Ruin of Kings
- By: Jenn Lyons
- Narrated by: Feodor Chin, Vikas Adam, Soneela Nankani
- Length: 27 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 1,482
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,338
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Story4 out of 5 stars 1,337
Kihrin is a bastard orphan who grew up on storybook tales of long-lost princes and grand quests. When he is claimed against his will as the long-lost son of a treasonous prince, Kihrin finds that being a long-lost prince isn't what the storybooks promised. He also discovers that the storybooks have lied about a lot of other things, too: dragons, demons, gods, prophecies, true love, and how the hero always wins. Then again, maybe he’s not the hero, for Kihrin is not destined to save the empire. He’s destined to destroy it.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing
- By Kevin Potter on 02-07-19
- The Ruin of Kings
- By: Jenn Lyons
- Narrated by: Feodor Chin, Vikas Adam, Soneela Nankani
High Hopes for a great concept but plodding
Reviewed: 10-17-19
This is a hard book to listen to while driving and that’s when I enjoy audio books. Complex plot, shifting narrators, editorial comments on e on facts and motives. All demand undivided attention when traffic is priority #1. Novel has interesting concept but it’s complicated...very complicated. Not sure if I would enjoy more it as a reader. The first few chapters plot unwinds slowly probably because of world building. A lot to grasp between brake lights.
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1 person found this helpful
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Beautiful
- By: Juliet Marillier
- Narrated by: Gemma Dawson
- Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,632
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,447
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,448
Hulde is a queen’s daughter and lives in a palace. But her life is lonely. Growing up atop the glass mountain, she knows only her violent and autocratic mother and a household of terrified servants. Then a white bear named Rune comes to visit, and Hulde learns what kindness is. But the queen has a plan for Hulde. When she turns 16, she will wed the most beautiful man in all the world. Hulde has never met her intended husband, and her mother refuses to explain the arrangement.
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4 out of 5 stars
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If you like Marillier, you'll like this book.
- By Julie Allen on 06-03-19
- Beautiful
- By: Juliet Marillier
- Narrated by: Gemma Dawson
Wonderful story from my favorite author
Reviewed: 06-08-19
Such a fun and full story that I’m excited to have available as an audible original. I listened until late to finish the book I was so interested. The characters are wonderful, as is the changing definition of beautiful throughout
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28 people found this helpful
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Timeless
- The Parasol Protectorate, the Fifth
- By: Gail Carriger
- Narrated by: Emily Gray
- Length: 11 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,817
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 2,536
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,521
Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, has settled into domestic bliss. Of course, being Alexia, such bliss involves integrating werewolves into London High society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler who is prone to turning supernatural willy-nilly. Even Ivy Tunstell's acting troupe's latest play, disastrous to say the least, cannot put a damper on Alexia's enjoyment of her new London lifestyle.
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5 out of 5 stars
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So long but not goodbye?
- By Leanna on 03-04-12
- Timeless
- The Parasol Protectorate, the Fifth
- By: Gail Carriger
- Narrated by: Emily Gray
Delightful
Reviewed: 03-06-19
Love this world of Victorian steampunk supernaturals. Carriger’s wit and inventiveness makes each book a confection. Superb narrator.
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