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Humorous look at the unexplained

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-15-25

Jack Owens is the host of a late-night radio show that explores the unexplained. It is popular and delves into strange phenomenons brought to you by the listeners from cursed paintings to tiny volcanos. Jack explores everything from the comfort of his home. Amber, a young videographer, is a huge fan and delighted to have the opportunity to take Jack’s show on the road. Jack isn’t pleased, but must fulfill the terms of his contract. The tale that unfolds was hilarious, creepy, and a closeup look at the unexplained. Did I mention Jack is a skeptic?

The tale was set up as short stories featuring different encounters with the unexplained. We will come across monstrous creatures, scientific anomalies, shadowy conspiracies, secretive agencies, medical abnormalities, ancient curses, life after death and/or the key to immortality and some of the creepiest kids you’ll ever meet. It was brilliant and addictive. I think my favorites were the head-band kids and the mini-volcano. But the lizard man was good too… oh heck, I loved all the stories.

We get to know Jack, who never ceased to make me laugh from his attire to his reactions. Amber is trying to prove herself and the two become friends. We have a little conflict which keeps things interesting. I am really hoping Meyer revisits these characters, as I am sure there are plenty of unexplained stories/theories out there!

Luke Daniels delivered a stellar narration from voices to his tones capturing the mood of the book perfectly. The story lends itself to the audio format, and I highly recommend listening.

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A fresh, action-packed gaslamp fantasy

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-10-25

In a city where heists are a sanctioned spectacle, one thief’s ambition will ignite a revolution—and risk everything to steal the future.

Our story begins as Lars Hallow, and his band of trusty thieves are pulling of a heist in the city Azoria when his rival appears. Karam immediately thrusts us into the action and I knew I was in for a treat.

I enjoy steampunk with its Victorian setting and gadgets put this tale falls within the gaslamp fantasy genre with the element of magic. The author skillfully fleshes out the world as he weaves the story, creating a flow that hooks the listener. The motley crew of thieves and villains drew me in to this fast-paced world where the disparage between social classes is wide. Lars and his crew are viewed as heros, for each heist is used to assist the city. There is a competitiveness between the gangs of thieves in the city. Each competing to pull off the biggest heist and unseating the others.

A new client soon sends Lars and his team down a rabbit-hole as a conspiracy theory involving the man who legalized theft emerges. I loved the tale that unfolds from the clever gadgets to the magic used. We get twists and turns that kept me listening into the wee hours. I wish the characters were fleshed out more. The engaging pace and action hampered further development, but I am hoping we learn more in the next audiobook. This was a fun listen and perfect for fans of the genre.

With his rich tones and unique voices, Luke Daniels’ narration elevated the story. I am particularly fond of his narrations in the fantasy genre. This format was well-suited to the story, enabling me to keep track of all the characters. I cannot wait for the next audiobook in the series.

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Suspense, romance and provoking narrative

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-21-25

I was looking for something different to listen to when the author reached out to me, and I accepted a review copy of My Boss is the Devil. I was a little nervous about an audio narrated by the author, but it turns out Ben has a theater degree and the audiobook was well done.

Our story begins when we meet Nick, a twenty-something college dropout working as a barista in New Haven, CT. He enjoys the job even as he dreams of better things. He and his ornery cat, Odin, live alone. He likes a girl but has been too shy to make a move. Instead, he hangs out with her and a group of friends who believe themselves to be Satanist. Nick doesn’t, but he has fun mixing drinks for the group.

When the group plans to perform a ritual in the local cemetery, Nick comes along to make a traditional Absinthe drink with a spoon he has been dying to use. The night doesn’t go at all as planned and Nick ends up gets the offer of a lifetime from Lucifer. But everyone knows a deal with the devil is never a good idea. Right?

The tale that unfolds pulled me in as Lucifer presented his offer, complete with a probationary period where he got to try out his new job and life. Nick goes to the office and things aren’t as he expected, but he also doesn’t trust Luc. Nick wants to help people, he tries to do that even in this role. From the ticking clock on the wall to those angered that he got a deal, the suspense built even as Nick’s life improved, as did his romantic relationship.

The plot development was excellent and kept me engaged in the building danger and Nick’s upcoming decision. Will he accept Lucifer’s offer? Nick himself is funny but morally grounded. He is smart, awkward and overall a likeable character. Lucifer is a smooth salesman. Slick is a word I would use to describe him. The others in the office added interest, and Nick’s girlfriend made a great sounding board for his concerns.

I am curious to see where the trilogy takes us and look forward to the next audiobook. As I stated, the author has a theater background and did a good job with the narration. Sometimes Lucifer and Nick sounded similar, but the rest of the cast had distinct voices.

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another great story

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-18-24

One of the things I most enjoy about these post-break stories is how Tullbane expands our view of the world where The Murder of Crows trilogy takes place. It really gives us insight into the world after the break and the reality for so many humans.

In The Stars That Sing, we head to Old Baltimore, where Lord Legion a power rules. Sure, he keeps the town safe, but humans are nothing more than numbers in their pods. The nuclear family is no more, and bots watch over the streets.

Samara and Cornelius James are two children growing up in Old Baltimore. They are too young yet to be assigned work, and that is determined when they tested for powers. The dream of escape but reality offers little hope. One day, a stranger enters the city and everything changed.

This was an addictive tale as the children befriend this strange and risk discovery when they visit him. We got a look at how the town works and the power struggle over resources and food between the different pods. Powers, struggles, fear, hope and news of the world outside Baltimore was well done. The climatic scenes were spectacular.

Once again, Tullbane’s skill at crafting complete stories, regardless of length, blew me away. I devoured this and want more. Joseph Vernon narrates and brought the characters to life.

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dark and intense

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-18-24

In the second stories from a post-break world, we head to Mobile, Alabama. The city is controlled by Melendez brothers; crime lords, murderers, and would-be kings. It’s a ruthless place until an electric motorcycle rolls in. I was so stoked to get a story about the Queen of Smiles. We met her in the Murders of Crow trilogy and she’s a character you won’t forget. Dressed in black with a helmet sporting a yellow smiley face, I prepared for a reckoning. Tullbane delivered that and more! Her powers are unique and she is definitely on a mission.

Lots of action, intense scenes and some gore had me listening to this in one sitting. It’s a little over an hour, but certainly packs a punch. Joseph Veron narrates and I love his voice for our Queen of Smiles.

Dark, intense and action-packed, The Storm in Her Smile is a must listen for fans and new listeners alike.

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Loved exploring more stories in this world

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-18-24

This story takes place in the same world as the Murder of Crows trilogy. The story takes place in Los Ángeles where Clive Treeble, a petty criminal, is trying to hold on to his mother’s house. When an opportunity to work for a secret organization working in the shadows of the underworld, he leaps at the chance and promised income. Fate has other plans.

Clive is not a power, but he is clever and once he passes, he is invited to be a member of a high stakes heist. The tale that unfolds shares what happens on that fateful night and the outcome.

Tullbane pulled me in from the powers to the heist. Once again, morals and redemption play a factor in the story and I was held captive. I don’t think it is necessary to listen to the trilogy to enjoy this tale.

At under two hours, the author proves he can write a full story regardless of the length. Joseph Vernon narrates and did a wonderful job of giving voice to Clive and the cast.

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Brilliant. Superheroes and fantasy

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-10-24

I love the world and characters Tullbane has created with the Murder of Crows series. It’s a story of a broken world, redemption, friendship, growth and saving the world. Since the beginning of the series, we have known how Damian Banach’s journey will end because he told us. The journey was brilliant and I cannot recommend this fantasy superhero series enough. If you enjoy Sanderson, Butcher and Ilona Andrews, this series is for you.

It’s year three at the academy and the best capes are selected to join one of the Cape teams as an apprentice. Before anyone can request Damian, he volunteers to join the expedition into the badlands. You see, Damian owes the Queen of Smiles a favor and she has come calling. He will look for Mr. Nowhere, the one responsible for the Break and all the chaos it rendered.

The badlands sit well beyond the protected borders of the Free States. There you will find communities of humans who stayed in this lawless land. Damian and the others are delivering precious supplies. It was much like I imagined the wild west, with fortresses, and gated towns in the middle of nowhere. Along the way, Damian’s skills grow as we draw ever closer to danger.

The dead, the creatures and dangers we encounter in this lawless land kept me listening into the wee hours. Tullbane does a stellar job of allowing the reader/listener to connect with our protagonist and secondary characters. The obstacles they face and how each reacts differently… some for the greater good and others crying no man left behind. It will make you ponder your own reactions. I loved the inner struggle we bear witness to.

The characters are well developed and flawed. You feel their struggles, wins and loses as they bond. Damian is so much more than his power and the author really allows him to grow despite it all.

The ending delivered an epic battle scene as we learn how the Break occurred and face of a nemesis. We suffer loss, as Damian fully understands his own fate. I felt EVERY emotion. This was an epic trilogy.

If you haven’t yet purchased the audiobooks, I recommend grabbing the boxed set of the Murder of Crows trilogy. It contains the novelette, Only the Dead Remains, which shares what happened after the ending scene of the trilogy. It was all I hoped for, and more.

While the trilogy is over, there are more stories to explore. A Sure Thing, The Storm in Her Smile and The Stars That Sing all take place in the same world and stand on their own. Tullbane just released an all new full-length audiobook set in the same world called The Queen of Smiles. I cannot wait to listen!

Joseph Vernon narrates and elevates the stories by giving voice to each character. He does a remarkable job with Damian, and I highly recommend listening.

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Absolutely comical. I needed this!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-10-24

It’s Ashley Perrin’s first day at the council offices in a district that has more aliens than humans. If you love the Parks and Recreation television sitcom, you’ll slip right into this tale. Scalzi has fun sharing Ashley’s days as she handles complaints, goes in the field with animal control and deals with the inhabitants of her community and office.

I laughed and throughly enjoyed this story from the chicken to the sewers mishaps and killer hornets. Ashley handles things with stride determined to outlast the last human who held her position. The world is wacky and delightful. Even if it’s far-fetched, Scalzi made it all feel real. Seeing how Ashley tackles one issue after the other, sometimes with disastrous consequences, left me wanting more stories from the Third District.

If you’ve never tried Scalzi’s brand of fantasy, I highly encourage you to listen to Consituent Service. Amber Benson does a wonderful job with all the characters as she brought the story to life.

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Loved the story.

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 07-15-24

Stephanie Németh-Parker did a lovely job of bringing this tale to life. I enjoyed the lore, world and characters. I am looking forward to the next audiobook in the Holly Library. Great for fans of October Daye series.

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fun, science fiction tale in a world I want more o

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 07-15-24

Widow Winnie Mae Chisholm moves from Tennessee with her teenage son, Pax, to Oregon, hoping the change will allow them to heal. When Winnie buys their lakefront property, the realtor warns her about her recluse neighbor Mr. Fisher, and the elderly woman next door who travels frequently. This is exactly what Winnie Mae wants… peace and quiet. Hint… that isn’t exactly what she gets.

I loved the tale Mr. Hearne delivered and hope we get more. As with all of Hearne’s works, I went into this one completely blind with no expectations. Pax is glum about the move until he returns from the backyard, all excited about having met the neighbor. That’s right, that neighbor, Mr. Fisher. Pax seeks permission to help him with a project. Being an exemplary mother, Winnie insists on meeting Mr. Fisher and the tale that unfolds was simply brilliant.

Mr. Fisher is from another world and has been secretly working towards building a vessel to take him home. I loved the story Hearne created from where Mr. Fisher is from to the crazy neighbor across the street. The story, while whole, wasn’t nearly long enough. The author does a great job of giving us a complete story, but also kicked the door wide open for more tales. I am hoping that he and Subterranean Press bring us more and soon.

Admittedly, it was odd not having a book narrated by Luke Daniels. However, with a female protagonist, it made sense to select a female narrator. Be assured that Mr. Hearne made a spiffy choice. Annalee Scott was fantastic. She captured both the characters and tone of the tale, bringing everything to life.

The Hermit Next Door is the PERFECT audio for a family road trip or flight at just under three hours.

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