
Beggar Magic
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Narrated by:
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Sheri Sheridan
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By:
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H. L. Burke
About this listen
In Gelia City, magic is music: a constant ever-changing melody known as the strains. Hereditary ability to use the strains divides the city into two classes: the wealthy Highmost, who can access the full potential of the strains, and the common tradesmen, who are limited to mundane spells, known as beggar magic. With the help of the strains, common teen Leilani rescues and befriends a gifted Highmost girl, Zebedy. The girls' friendship opens Leilani's eyes to the world of the Highmost. She's intrigued by Zeb's close relationship with the strains, and longs to know them as she does. Zeb, in turn, comes to depend on Leilani's strength and intelligence, making them an inseparable team, ready to take on anything with the strains at their back. As their unlikely friendship strengthens and endures, Zeb draws Leilani further into the Highmosts' intrigues. Beneath the polished, academic facade of the Highmost manors lurks a threat to the strains. An unknown force consumes their music, leaving only heart-rending silence behind. Leilani and Zeb will do anything to save their beloved strains, but as the silence grows, they face danger their previously sheltered lives could never prepare them for. Whoever is behind the death of the strains is willing to kill to keep their secret safe. To preserve the strains, the girls may have to sacrifice their friendship, or even their lives.
©2014 H. L. Burke (P)2016 H. L. BurkeListeners also enjoyed...
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Who was your favorite character and why?
I really admired Leilani, because she was so down to earth, especially compared to her friend Zebedy. She never settled for anything she didn't want, and she never let anyone walk over her in the slightest (a trait she tries to imbue in Zebedy).What does Sheri Sheridan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
I thought the narrator's voice was fairly unique, and she had a strong grasp on the individual characters' voices. Zebedy in particular stood out--the breathy, words-tumbling-out-of-her-mouth sentences, and, of course, the snark.Any additional comments?
The story itself is really well written (and told). Even before the main conflict arises, I was drawn in to the unique setting--the type of magic they use is a completely new idea to me.Imaginative world with a great story
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Recommended to me by my son
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Listener received this title free
NARRATOR WAS GREAT AND EASY TO FOLLOW
I'M BEGGING YOU, USE YOUR MAGIC AND WRITE MORE
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Listener received this title free
The audio narration was a little less than stellar. I found the reader had a tendency toward a using a flat ending. The performance would have five stars if she had used a little more variety in her inflections.
A fascinating twist on magic
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Additional Comments:
What I didn’t like:
- The narration was okay overall, but Zeb’s voice in particular sounded like a perpetually whiny 10-yr-old child.
- Repeated use of “strains” as an expression. (“strains this” and “oh strains that” … at one pt I believe there was even an “oh, strains, the Strains can be…” expression)
- There were a few plot points that didn’t seem to add much yet detracted from “kid appeal.” Generally, the story’s suitable for middle grade.
- The characters whine, a lot.
Neutral:
- The book had a little trouble picking a mood. It started as a “girls from opposite worlds come together as friends tale” then morphed into a “Nancy Drew-like mystery” then turned into a teen romance and finally wrapped up as a feel-good “let’s fix our broken world” story.
- Title’s unique but doesn’t really capture the story.
What I liked:
- Brick. (Can’t say much more without spoilers.)
- The tiffs that happen between the friends are well done.
- The world-building was unique. The idea of magic being music is very interesting. I don’t think that aspect was as developed as it could be because one of the main characters was somebody who had trouble accessing it.
- The ending contained a few neat twists. Some of them were a little too “convenient” but as a whole, the last hour was highly satisfying.
- The characters are likeable.
- The writing is high quality.
Conclusion: It’s definitely a worthwhile read.
Unique Take on Magic
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Listener received this title free
I look forward to more from this author!
Great Story
Beggar Magic
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Listener received this title free
Cute, fun mystery filled with friendship and lessons in understanding those who are different from us. The story itself is fairly fast paced and made this book a breeze to listen to and enjoy.
Parents: this is an incredibly clean adventure and is appropriate for anyone with a desire to read it. There is mention of blood and murder just as a heads up.
If you’re curious/on the fence I would wholeheartedly recommend picking up this fun tale!
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Clean fun read
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The characters were real, likable, and we cared about the outcome. the ending was well done.
A great friendship tale with adventure and magic
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Listener received this title free
Throughout the story this dynamic leads to several class based issues, the majority of which are Lalanie's opinions and witness being dismissed because she isn't high most.
The strains are a very unique magic system that really perks my imagination. The main characters are well developed and engaging. Throughout the story runs a mystery that keeps you guessing right to the end.
Most of all though I loved the way Sheri Sheridan brings the book to life. She does something really neat, rather than just change her voice for each character, she alters her speech patterns. Zeb has the fast paced excited voice she deserves and Lanlanie is the thoughtful, measured speaker.
All told, this audiobook was an enjoyable listening experience and would recommend further books from both this author and this narrator.
A wonderfully original fantasy.
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*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.*
Fascinating premise and world-building
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