Terrific Story & Narration🎧 Engrossing & Intense!

Wow, this story grabbed my attention right from the start and captivated it straight to the end. It is a well written and fast-paced story that is original and thought provoking. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. Diana Webster, a 10th grade loner, almost 16 years old, knew she would never be popular in school like her older brother, which she was ok with. She found her escape online in a gaming room where she played and chatted with other gamers. That was where she met Dastardly Dan and they quickly became friends and agreed to meet each other at the Game Cave’s Halloween party. They never exchanged real names with each other but would when they meet in person, which she was looking forward to. But that night turned out to be her nightmare, a nightmare she survived but forever changed her life and not in a good way. Her life spiraled out of control after that and two years later she went on a mission to get revenge and her life back. She is sure her plan will draw out Dastardly Dan, who was never identified or captured, except her plan does not go off without a hitch and backfires in her face. Thank goodness for the friend she met at the halfway house, Julian, who she opened up to and became tight with, and they both wind up freeing each other of their inner (and outer) demons. This is novella sized book packs a lot of punch, powerful ones, it is a cleverly plotted story with plenty of drama, angst, mystery, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions, and even a little romance.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Andrea Smith cast the perfect narrator to bring her characters and their story to life. Alexander Cendese is a wonderfully talented narrator and a versatile voice artist, he did a great job covering both he male and female roles. He had a complete understanding of the characters he portrays, giving each a voice that suited that character’s persona and was believable in every role he played, including Diana. He set the perfect tone for the story, captures all the characters’ emotions and projects them into his performance and had you feeling every single one. Cendese is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to, his narration enhances an already great story to another level. Thank you for another great listen.

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It may be short but it really packs a punch!

Wowzer! This story packs a punch! I absolutely loved it! It has mystery, drama and thriller in the bag! Even though this is a shorter story don’t let that deter you. The writing is smooth, straight to the point and has a nice flow. The characters are plentiful and all add to the puzzle of Diana.

I did listen to this on audio and Alexander Cendese is the narrator. He does an outstanding job doing all the different voices (both male and female). It is always a pleasure to listen to him.

Plus That cover is so darn attractive! I love it! I can see Diana in her!

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Perfectly intense!

Diana isn't like the rest of her classmates, but then she never wanted to be. Her brother is the one who gets the glory, and she's content to have a community of friends that she's never met. Her not-so-secret joy is gaming and, online, she found a friend who shares her love of gaming and goes by the name of Dastardly Damned. There's a Halloween Party coming up and they plan to meet for the first time but, before that can happen, she's kidnapped and left for dead. Once she comes out of her coma, she has no recollection of the incident and she's not at all compliant with the therapist who is trying to help her heal. Diana is going to heal her way and has hatched a plan of revenge that backfires and almost costs her the best friend she's ever had. Julian and Diana have been drawn together in the classes they share in school, at the "halfway house" they live in, and he tries to talk her out of doing something horribly risky. Danger is still lurking around, waiting to finish the job, and what a surprise it is! It's a superb conclusion and Julian and Diana get their happy ending. And, yes, it's true that karma is a bitch! This is a fabulous, short story that hits all the feels.
Alexander Cendese does a tremendous job with the narration, giving each character a unique attitude and lively personality that brings them alive.
tw: rape

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Overcoming Tragedy

I wish this story was longer. It felt like it all flew by really fast. Liked the struggle, the mystery, the revenge, and the triumph. Would’ve liked a bit more character development. More insight into Julian would’ve been good, but I like seeing the heroine take control and take back her life. First listen from this author, but I’d like to check out more.

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SOOOO GOOD

This book was so very good. I was not sure what to expect going into it since it was not the normal writing style I was used to from Andrea Smith. Diana's character goes through so much. The growth of the character was great though. With everything that happens to her she is so strong even when she is doing the wrong thing you feel for her. You want to reach out and give her a hug and just hold her at the end and tell her everything is going to be ok now. This is not one of the steamy books I am used to reading but it did keep me on the edge of my seat to know what was going to happen next. I would love to see another book about Diana. If I had to say one thing about this book it is that I really wish it was longer. I just wanted more by the end. If you are looking for a quick read though this is the book for you.

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Fascinating Thriller

This audiobook was intense. The story and the characters kept my attention from the beginning until the end. There was some mature content and some foul language found within the pages. Alexander Cendese's narration was superb, and his performance enhanced this thrilling tale. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

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awesome book!

Poor Diana. Growing up feeling as the ugly duckling, Diana's only social interaction is interactive online gaming. But Diana has no clue who is on the other side of the virtual wall. She makes a huge mistake - one that someone needs to pay for - but will it be HER?

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Amazing!

OMG! What a powerful story!! I hung onto every word! It was so well written, I am sure it happened to someone.
Alexander did a wonderful job narrating it! He drug me right into it every step of the way. I highly recommend it!

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Such A Great Listen

At sixteen I felt I would always be a misfit. Popularity had eluded me, and I was pretty much a longer by choice. My world existed on the internet; gaming, and chat rooms were my escape, because there, my anonymity was my shield. Known only by my handle, D-10, i fit in with the others, and met some phenomenal virtual friends. One special friend in face was Dastardly Damned. We clicked. We gamed online, and finally we made plans to meet at a local hangout for gamers. Only I never saw his face. I never saw what was coming. And Dastardly Damned would pay!!!

If you are wanting to listen to a book that is going to keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing then you are going to want to listen to Dirty Diana right away. If you have read or listened to a Andrea Smith book then you might be a little surprised to find out that this book is going to get a little dark. I was loving every second of seeing this new side of Andrea Smith too!!! This is the story of Diana who is not anything like the rest of her classmates at all. Her brother he can have all the glory and popularity that he has and just keep it all away from her. She is really happy behind her computer and has really mad a little community of friends that she really has connected to but she has never met a single one of them in person. She really loves gaming and everyone knows it. It's not a huge secret or anything and she has really connected with a guy who goes by Dastardly Damned. As much time as they spend gaming together and with a huge Halloween party coming up it is the perfect time for them to meet. However before that can actual happen and on her way something horrible happens and her life is changed forever!!! Revenge for Diana is her way of healing. Never mind the therapist who is helping her heal. But is that really such a good idea and is she in much deeper than she realizes and is putting herself in more danger than she was already in. You have to listen to find out but I am telling you now once you start you are not going to want to take your earbuds out of your ears. I was so on edge while listening to this book that I almost jumped off the couch when my daughter came home from work and I didn't hear her I was so into this book. Talk about a double whammy!!! You guys need this book in your life. Don't even hesitate. Get it and try not to give yourself heart failure like happened to me!! This is such a great listen and is for sure one of my top favorite Andrea Smith books of all time.

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dark, intense

A riveting book about how one night changed Diana's life forever. Andrea Smith brings out the dangers of the chat room for online gaming . Diana arranged to meet her chatroom friend at a public event, but was that person really her friend?
Andrea Smith stories are very well written, with an unexpected twist. this story is emotional, dark, and intense.
Alexander Cendese narration is very good. He brings the intensity and angst in the story. Very well done.

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