Coastal Grammie

We finally experience Farise!

Reviewed: 11-26-24

I have LOVED this entire series - from the storyline to the characters to the performer, John Lee. Terry Mancour has such a profound appreciation for the variety of people in his worlds. They are all people similar to ones we know, except, hopefully, the truly evil ones. I enjoy Mancour giving his hero, Minalan, a strong character with a deep desire to do as much good around him as he is able. And he is VERY able! I am sad this one is over. I always wanted to know more about Farise and here it was! Looking forward to the fallout from his choices in this one when the next one comes out. So hard to wait!

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This was a story that drove me to listen!

Reviewed: 05-31-24

Hard to say which was more compelling - the plot, the characters, or the performer/reader. I loved it all! I am not usually a fan of female performers, but Kate Reading is outstanding!!! She managed clarity, expression, and changed up voices seamlessly. I will be checking out more of what she has done. The story (of the entire trilogy) is captivating - it is a prequel to JA Andrew’s earlier works. But it never feels like a prequel. The characters are multi-dimensional and fascinating! You won’t be sorry to make the investment of money or time!!

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Very captivating!

Reviewed: 05-12-23

I enjoyed this book quite a lot! Intriguing and varying characters. Twists in the plot that really surprised me, but added to the flow. The reader/narrator is good, but her voice changes are not particularly consistent so that gets confusing sometimes. All in all, well worth the time spent. It’s not quite as “elegant” as some books, but it’s well thought out and the descriptions of the images are well done. And I feel like I came away with some genuine wisdom from the writer’s words, which is always a treat.

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Gripping story!

Reviewed: 07-16-22

This is a captivating series. The characters are intriguing and multi-faceted and the story often has me on the edge of my seat. I really chafe waiting for the next one out, but it's always worth waiting for. The narrator is excellent, too, which only improves on the whole series.

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Worth waiting for!!!

Reviewed: 03-08-22

I really love the complexity of this ongoing story. The characters are richly developed and the trials they face further emphasize their individual growth. I appreciate how the author weaves in enough of the prior story to bring to mind the episodes that brought the narrative this far without dragging on the recaps. I was totally caught up in this alternative world!!

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Delightful and absorbing!

Reviewed: 09-08-20

The characters are rich and fascinating in their depth. The story is totally engaging. The Narrator is amazing!! You won’t be sorry you spent the time!!!

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Gripping!

Reviewed: 04-12-14

This series is excellent. The story is well thought out and the characters are rich. Also, I appreciated the way that the ending was not rushed. So many authors either run out of steam or are ready to move onto other things and the ending brings no satisfaction for the reader. This series allowed for good closure for most of the characters. I would have relished a little bit longer to enjoy the wrapping up, but I am a woman, so I suspect that I just like the joy part dragged out a bit to overcome the exhaustion of prior torment. The narrator was pretty good. His pacing was usually good and his voices were effective. Warning, though. His is an American accent. It took a little getting used to, for me, and I am American. :)

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1 person found this helpful

Distressing and Amazing!

Reviewed: 02-23-12

Although this story is painful on SO many levels, it is brilliant. I have never read such a different, but so well thought out belief/religious system. It is truly frightening in its brutality, but so believable and consistent throughout. The writing itself is clear and descriptive without being filled with endless unnecessary trivia. The characters are multi-faceted and engaging. I was driven by a need to know where it was going in the next two parts of the trilogy. Finally, Josephine Bailey is truly one of the very best narrators I have ever heard!

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3 people found this helpful

Embarrassing

Reviewed: 09-25-10

There are elements of a good story in this second book of the Bitterbynde trilogy, but I have to agree with other reviewers of Dart-Thornton's books. She seems to be in love with words to an excessive degree. I love good description, and a varied vocabulary, but it is almost as though she has something to prove by giving lengthy and overblown description of absolutely everything. It becomes exhausting and causes the plot itself to drag. Her rich embellishments would be far more effective if they were used much more sparingly. It really does become embarrassing. To make matters worse, the narrator clearly reads as though she is reading poetry most of the time, which I suppose she must surmise it is from the flowery style. Faulkner lifts her voice at the end of almost every sentence, as one might read poetry from line to line. In addition, she mispronounces many of the words, which detracts from the flow. I am sure she got awfully tired of looking up words and just guessed at many of them. Unfortunately, her reading has caused me to be certain that I don't listen to any more books read by her.
Oddly, though, she does an admirable job of slogging through the verbiage and often can distract me from the pure agony of hearing the lists of 50 food items. I just let my mind rest and go without paying attention (until she mispronounces something). I WILL finish the series, though, because I want to know how it is resolved. It is sad that it has become such a chore. A trusted editor and coach could have helped this book so much.

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Refreshing

Reviewed: 06-14-08

I read the first 4 books for myself and was thrilled to hear Lisette Lecat's beautiful, rich voice so easily pronouncing all those strange names. I had a very good recording on my iPod, and it was crystal clear. Don't know what happened to the other person who had a poor recording. These books are just a "breath of fresh air," that take me away from the crowds and traffic of Southern Cal.

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1 person found this helpful