Embrace of the Shade
Part 1 of The Berylian Key
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $15.81
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Austenne Grey
About this listen
Amarie’s legendary magic could incinerate her enemies, but it’s her sword she trusts.
While running from the men who killed her family, she learns of an ancient text locked within the Great Library that might be the final key to understanding her curse. During the daring theft, a stranger inserts himself into her scheme. Kin’s roguish good looks and boundless charm threaten to distract her, but she has no intention of landing in the city jail.
Kin’s life, riddled with shadows and death, is as dark as his soul.
He embraces his power, given by a wicked master, but then he meets Amarie … She shatters the walls he’s built, piercing his solitude with vibrant light. But if she learns he hunts the power cursing her family, he will lose her forever.
Trusting him could risk her heart and her life, but it might be the only way to destroy the world’s most sinister evil. Unless Kin’s master finds her first …
©2019 Amanda Muratoff and Kayla Hansen (P)2019 Amanda Muratoff and Kayla HansenListeners also enjoyed...
-
House of Beating Wings
- The Kingdom of Crows, Book 1
- By: Olivia Wildenstein
- Narrated by: Olivia King
- Length: 15 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Until an oracle predicted my regal future, I'd never imagined myself rising above the curve of my round ears. After all, I was the magicless halfling loved by beasts but loathed by every pure-blooded faerie at court. Well...by all but one.
-
-
this main character is intensely immature 🙄
- By Anonymous User on 06-01-23
-
A Kiss of Iron
- Shadows of the Tenebris Court, Book 1
- By: Clare Sager
- Narrated by: Sarah Sampino, Liam Price
- Length: 19 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A penniless noblewoman, Kat is on the verge of losing everything when she's offered a well-paid job that could be her salvation… or her ruin. Drawn into court's deadly intrigues, she's given a single task: spy on the powerful fae lord known as the Night Queen's Shadow. Bastian Marwood is handsome, ruthless, and cunning, but Kat can't decide if he's a threat to her kingdom or just her heart. To uncover the truth, she must play a dangerous game of desire and deceit, pushing him to reveal his secrets while protecting her own.
-
-
Finally!
- By Kindle Customer on 12-12-23
By: Clare Sager
-
A Shadow in the Ember
- Flesh and Fire, Book 1
- By: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Narrated by: Stina Nielsen
- Length: 25 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a Maiden as the Fates promised, Seraphena Mierel’s future has never been hers. Chosen before birth to uphold the desperate deal her ancestor struck to save his people, Sera must leave behind her life and offer herself to the Primal of Death as his Consort. However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania - she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission - one target. Make the Primal of Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then...end him.
-
-
A credit lost.
- By Jodeei on 10-25-21
-
From Blood and Ash (Part 1 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation)
- Blood and Ash, Book 1
- By: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Narrated by: Full Cast, Khaya Fraites, Matthew Bassett, and others
- Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.
-
-
Great
- By 📚Erin 📚 on 07-30-24
-
Assistant to the Villain
- Assistant to the Villain, Book 1
- By: Hannah Nicole Maehrer
- Narrated by: Em Eldridge
- Length: 13 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn's most infamous Villain results in a job offer—naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don't find evil so attractive, Evie. But just when she's getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat . . . and not just the literal kind.
-
-
New voice actor please?
- By Cassi Garcia on 09-01-23
-
Serpent & Dove
- By: Shelby Mahurin
- Narrated by: Holter Graham, Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned. As a huntsman of the Church, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. But when Lou pulls a wicked stunt, the two are forced into an impossible situation - marriage. Lou, unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, must make a choice. And love makes fools of us all.
-
-
Story is okay, Male narrator almost ruins it
- By Megan Barber on 01-23-20
By: Shelby Mahurin
-
House of Beating Wings
- The Kingdom of Crows, Book 1
- By: Olivia Wildenstein
- Narrated by: Olivia King
- Length: 15 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Until an oracle predicted my regal future, I'd never imagined myself rising above the curve of my round ears. After all, I was the magicless halfling loved by beasts but loathed by every pure-blooded faerie at court. Well...by all but one.
-
-
this main character is intensely immature 🙄
- By Anonymous User on 06-01-23
-
A Kiss of Iron
- Shadows of the Tenebris Court, Book 1
- By: Clare Sager
- Narrated by: Sarah Sampino, Liam Price
- Length: 19 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A penniless noblewoman, Kat is on the verge of losing everything when she's offered a well-paid job that could be her salvation… or her ruin. Drawn into court's deadly intrigues, she's given a single task: spy on the powerful fae lord known as the Night Queen's Shadow. Bastian Marwood is handsome, ruthless, and cunning, but Kat can't decide if he's a threat to her kingdom or just her heart. To uncover the truth, she must play a dangerous game of desire and deceit, pushing him to reveal his secrets while protecting her own.
-
-
Finally!
- By Kindle Customer on 12-12-23
By: Clare Sager
-
A Shadow in the Ember
- Flesh and Fire, Book 1
- By: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Narrated by: Stina Nielsen
- Length: 25 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a Maiden as the Fates promised, Seraphena Mierel’s future has never been hers. Chosen before birth to uphold the desperate deal her ancestor struck to save his people, Sera must leave behind her life and offer herself to the Primal of Death as his Consort. However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania - she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission - one target. Make the Primal of Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then...end him.
-
-
A credit lost.
- By Jodeei on 10-25-21
-
From Blood and Ash (Part 1 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation)
- Blood and Ash, Book 1
- By: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Narrated by: Full Cast, Khaya Fraites, Matthew Bassett, and others
- Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.
-
-
Great
- By 📚Erin 📚 on 07-30-24
-
Assistant to the Villain
- Assistant to the Villain, Book 1
- By: Hannah Nicole Maehrer
- Narrated by: Em Eldridge
- Length: 13 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn's most infamous Villain results in a job offer—naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don't find evil so attractive, Evie. But just when she's getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat . . . and not just the literal kind.
-
-
New voice actor please?
- By Cassi Garcia on 09-01-23
-
Serpent & Dove
- By: Shelby Mahurin
- Narrated by: Holter Graham, Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned. As a huntsman of the Church, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. But when Lou pulls a wicked stunt, the two are forced into an impossible situation - marriage. Lou, unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, must make a choice. And love makes fools of us all.
-
-
Story is okay, Male narrator almost ruins it
- By Megan Barber on 01-23-20
By: Shelby Mahurin
-
The Complete Earthsinger Chronicles Novellas
- Earthsinger Chronicles, Books 1.5 - 3.5
- By: L. Penelope
- Narrated by: Allyson Johnson
- Length: 10 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Delve deeper into the world of the Earthsinger Chronicles with these prequel novellas full of magic, adventure, destiny, and love.
-
-
well done
- By Wonder Rose on 09-25-21
By: L. Penelope
-
Daughter of No Worlds
- The War of Lost Hearts, Book 1
- By: Carissa Broadbent
- Narrated by: Dan Calley, Esther Wane
- Length: 15 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ripped from a forgotten homeland as a child, Tisaanah learned how to survive with nothing but a sharp wit and a touch of magic. But the night she tries to buy her freedom, she barely escapes with her life. Desperate to save the best friend she left behind, Tisaanah journeys to the Orders, the most powerful organizations of magic Wielders in the world. But to join their ranks, she must complete an apprenticeship with Maxantarius Farlione, a handsome and reclusive fire wielder who despises the Orders.
-
-
I couldn’t finish it
- By Kinsey on 05-26-22
-
The Night and Its Moon
- The Night and Its Moon, Book 1
- By: Piper CJ
- Narrated by: Natalie Naudus
- Length: 16 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Farleigh is just an orphanage–at least, that's what the church would have the people believe. But beautiful orphans Nox and fae-touched Amaris know better. They are commodities for sale, available for purchase by the highest bidder. So when the madame of a notorious brothel in a far-off city offers a king's ransom to purchase Amaris, Nox ends up taking her place—while Amaris is drawn away to the mountains, home of mysterious assassins.
-
-
Ok story for racist troupe abound!
- By JBee on 05-30-23
By: Piper CJ
-
Kingdom of Exiles
- By: Maxym M. Martineau
- Narrated by: Brian Pallino, Jennifer O'Donnell
- Length: 12 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Exiled Charmer Leena Edenfrell is running out of time. Empty pockets forced her to sell her beloved magical beasts - an offense punishable by death - and now there's a price on her head. With the realm's most talented murderer-for-hire nipping at her heels, Leena makes Noc an offer he can't refuse: powerful mythical creatures in exchange for her life. Plagued by a curse that kills everyone he loves, Noc agrees to Leena's terms in hopes of finding a cure.
-
-
Love it
- By Anonymous User on 07-18-24
-
Shattered Kingdom
- Shattered Kingdom, Book 1
- By: Angelina J. Steffort
- Narrated by: James Wolven
- Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sworn to a goddess. One with her blade. A heart yet unbroken. It would have been only one more year of training. One year in the dust and wind of the Calma Desert. But Gandrett Brayton’s fate storms in disguised as a beautiful stranger with a damning secret. As he forces her into the service of the lord who tore her from her mother’s arms ten years ago to commit her to the Order of Vala, Gandrett is left with a choice: run, or work for the man she despises and earn the chance to see her family again.
-
-
really struggled with the narration choice
- By hetalp on 05-03-22
-
Between Wrath and Mercy
- The Divine Between, Book 1
- By: Jess Wisecup
- Narrated by: Kelsey Navarro, Sean Crisden
- Length: 27 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After her daughter is kidnapped, Emmeline Highclere—a thirty-four-year-old mother living in isolation with memories and grief her only companion—must do everything in her limited power and divine abilities to get the girl back. Emmeline believes her daughter, Elora, is the Beloved—the conduit with goddess-granted divine abilities prophesied to bring peace to the Three Kingdoms. Because the last person thought to be the Beloved was brutally murdered by the enemy kingdom of Folterra, Emmeline has dedicated the last sixteen years to hiding her daughter and keeping her safe.
-
-
Quite possibly my all time favorite book.
- By Emma B on 03-14-23
By: Jess Wisecup
-
Fortune Favors the Cruel
- Dark Maji Series, Book 1
- By: Kel Carpenter, Lucinda Dark
- Narrated by: Amy McFadden
- Length: 9 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Quinn Darkova, freed from the chains of slavery, wants nothing more than vengeance against those who sold her. But with her dark powers on the rise and her ascension nearing, Quinn's blood retribution will have to wait in favor of her immediate survival. Lazarus Fierte is a nobleman without equal. He's as controlling as he is stubborn, and for the last six years, he's been waiting for a woman to appear - but not just any woman. A Maji of great power, capable of terrible things. She could be the key to everything he holds dear.
-
-
10/5 stars!
- By Jaclyn679 on 10-31-19
By: Kel Carpenter, and others
-
Deception of a Highlander
- By: Madeline Martin
- Narrated by: Liam Gerrard
- Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Scottish romance doesn't get much steamier - or more dangerous - than a spy hunting her quarry and losing her heart to him instead. To pay a seemingly impossible debt, Mariel Brandon has become a spy for Aaron, one of England's deadliest minds. Aaron's latest mission for the sharp-witted and daring Mariel is to find two people in a heavily fortified castle on the Isle of Skye, a castle headed by the clan MacDonald and the powerful Kieran.
-
-
So good....
- By 🌿🌸Susynne🌸🌿 on 03-13-17
By: Madeline Martin
-
Highland Spy
- Mercenary Maidens, Book 1
- By: Madeline Martin
- Narrated by: Dave Gillies
- Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ariana Fitzroy has lost her family and her fortune. The fight for survival leads her to the shadowed card games of court, where she discovers she has quite a talent for slipping cards into her favor. While the winnings are enough to sustain her at present, they will not last forever.... Connor Grant, trainer of the fallen women from the English court and personal assassin to the king, is just as broken as the women he trains. After losing his own land and all his people in a brutal attack from a trusted friend, he has no choice but to rebuild any way he sees possible.
-
-
Connor and Ariana are my new power couple!
- By Megan | Bookstacks and Golden Moms on 02-19-18
By: Madeline Martin
-
Shielded
- Shielded, Book 1
- By: KayLynn Flanders
- Narrated by: Caitlin Davies
- Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The kingdom of Hálendi is in trouble. It's losing the war at its borders, and rumors of a new, deadlier threat on the horizon have surfaced. Princess Jennesara knows her skills on the battlefield would make her an asset and wants to help, but her father has other plans. As the second-born heir to the throne, Jenna lacks the firstborn's magical abilities, so the king promises her hand in marriage to the prince of neighboring Turia in exchange for resources Hálendi needs. Jenna must leave behind everything she has ever known if she is to give her people a chance at peace.
-
-
I couldn't put it down.
- By Ripley on 01-16-22
By: KayLynn Flanders
-
The Song of the Marked
- Shadows and Crowns, Book 1
- By: S.M. Gaither
- Narrated by: Jesse Vilinsky
- Length: 14 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mercenary Casia Greythorne cares about two things: completing whatever her latest job is and earning enough coin to buy the expensive medicine that's keeping her mentor alive. So when the king himself offers her a job, she can't resist the massive reward he offers - even if it means working with Captain Elander, the arrogant, mysterious right-hand to that king. Her partner may be infuriating, but at least their mission seems simple and quick enough: investigate the origins of the strange plague that's been ravaging their empire, help find a cure, and then call it a day.
-
-
this doesnt make sense
- By K Short on 09-19-22
By: S.M. Gaither
-
Shardless
- Tempris, Book 1
- By: Stephanie Fisher
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Evans
- Length: 19 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On Tempris, time magic is outlawed, and suspected time mages are hunted. Humans are second-class citizens, shunned by the immortal fey that live on the island. They even have a name for their kind: Shardless. Taly is one of the lucky humans. Taken in by a fey noble and his family, she's lived a good life, surrounded by people she loves. But when an accidental brush with magic causes her to see things - ghostly apparitions that give her small glimpses into the future - it has deadly consequences. The Sanctorum has returned to the island, and if they find her, they'll kill her.
-
-
4 star that could have been a 5 star
- By mat on 11-18-20
By: Stephanie Fisher
Related to this topic
-
How My Neighbor Stole Christmas
- By: Meghan Quinn
- Narrated by: Vanessa Edwin, J.F. Harding, Robert Hatchet, and others
- Length: 13 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Living in a year around Christmas town has its drawbacks. The caroling, the decorations, the insanely cheery spirit, it never disappears. It's why I like to hibernate away in my cave - I mean housekeeping a healthy distance from the holly jolly spirits. And all was going according to plan until my nemesis, Storee Taylor, moved in next door to care for her Aunt Cindy. Without blinking, she turned my simple world into a real nightmare-before-Christmas, especially when she decided to enter the town Christmas Kringle contest - which she was determined to win.
-
-
This was a treat from beginning to end!
- By SashaSays on 11-01-24
By: Meghan Quinn
-
Booked for the Holidays
- By: Liz Maverick
- Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky, Andrew Eiden
- Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When mystery author D. B. Ziegler is late delivering her book, Abi Schore steps in to help. Surely she can give her favorite author moral support over the holiday break and get the manuscript to her boss at Tea & Sympathy Publishing in time for the new year. When Abi shows up on Ms. Ziegler’s doorstep bearing holiday treats, she’s met by the author’s handsome grandson Dov, who reveals a startling plot twist. His grandmother isn’t able to finish the book and Dov promised he’d complete it so fans won’t be disappointed—a task that’s harder than he ever imagined.
-
-
What a gem!
- By Joanna N. on 11-14-24
By: Liz Maverick
-
Verity
- By: Colleen Hoover
- Narrated by: Vanessa Johansson, Amy Landon
- Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of best-selling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish. Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity's notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn't expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read.
-
-
intriguing but skip if triggered by child abuse
- By Amazon Customer on 05-16-19
By: Colleen Hoover
-
Cruel Winter with You
- Under the Mistletoe Collection
- By: Ali Hazelwood
- Narrated by: Vivienne LaRue
- Length: 2 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
All newly minted pediatrician Jamie Malek wants is to borrow a roasting pan for Christmas dinner. Unfortunately, that requires her to interact with Marc—her best friend’s troublemaking brother, who’s now a tech billionaire. He’s the one who got away. She’s the one who broke his heart. Outside, a howling blizzard. Inside, a crackling fire. Suddenly, being snowbound with the man she never expected to see again might not be such a bad way to spend a winter’s night.
-
-
Endless insecurities and translation fails
- By 🔥 Phx17 🔥 on 11-12-24
By: Ali Hazelwood
-
The Glitch
- By: Leeanne Slade
- Narrated by: Sam Claflin, Daisy Edgar Jones
- Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Five Years Earlier: Henry Dunne knows three things: that agreeing to host this raucous house party was a terrible idea, that he absolutely cannot show up to his nursing shift tomorrow with a hangover, and that the beautiful redhead in the corner will be sleeping in his bed tonight.
-
-
A Love Story. A Predictable One.
- By AS on 09-13-24
By: Leeanne Slade
-
Den of Vipers
- By: K.A. Knight
- Narrated by: Cornell Collins, Hollie Jackson
- Length: 19 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ryder, Garrett, Kenzo, and Diesel - The Vipers. Their deals are as sordid as their business, and their reputation is enough to bring a grown man to his knees, forcing him to beg for mercy. They are not people you mess with, yet my dad did. The old man ran up a debt with them and then sold me to cover his losses. Yes, sold me. They own me now. I’m theirs in every sense of the word. But I’ve never been meek and compliant.
-
-
Shrek
- By Shemika Holmes on 02-25-21
By: K.A. Knight
-
How My Neighbor Stole Christmas
- By: Meghan Quinn
- Narrated by: Vanessa Edwin, J.F. Harding, Robert Hatchet, and others
- Length: 13 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Living in a year around Christmas town has its drawbacks. The caroling, the decorations, the insanely cheery spirit, it never disappears. It's why I like to hibernate away in my cave - I mean housekeeping a healthy distance from the holly jolly spirits. And all was going according to plan until my nemesis, Storee Taylor, moved in next door to care for her Aunt Cindy. Without blinking, she turned my simple world into a real nightmare-before-Christmas, especially when she decided to enter the town Christmas Kringle contest - which she was determined to win.
-
-
This was a treat from beginning to end!
- By SashaSays on 11-01-24
By: Meghan Quinn
-
Booked for the Holidays
- By: Liz Maverick
- Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky, Andrew Eiden
- Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When mystery author D. B. Ziegler is late delivering her book, Abi Schore steps in to help. Surely she can give her favorite author moral support over the holiday break and get the manuscript to her boss at Tea & Sympathy Publishing in time for the new year. When Abi shows up on Ms. Ziegler’s doorstep bearing holiday treats, she’s met by the author’s handsome grandson Dov, who reveals a startling plot twist. His grandmother isn’t able to finish the book and Dov promised he’d complete it so fans won’t be disappointed—a task that’s harder than he ever imagined.
-
-
What a gem!
- By Joanna N. on 11-14-24
By: Liz Maverick
-
Verity
- By: Colleen Hoover
- Narrated by: Vanessa Johansson, Amy Landon
- Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of best-selling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish. Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity's notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn't expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read.
-
-
intriguing but skip if triggered by child abuse
- By Amazon Customer on 05-16-19
By: Colleen Hoover
-
Cruel Winter with You
- Under the Mistletoe Collection
- By: Ali Hazelwood
- Narrated by: Vivienne LaRue
- Length: 2 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
All newly minted pediatrician Jamie Malek wants is to borrow a roasting pan for Christmas dinner. Unfortunately, that requires her to interact with Marc—her best friend’s troublemaking brother, who’s now a tech billionaire. He’s the one who got away. She’s the one who broke his heart. Outside, a howling blizzard. Inside, a crackling fire. Suddenly, being snowbound with the man she never expected to see again might not be such a bad way to spend a winter’s night.
-
-
Endless insecurities and translation fails
- By 🔥 Phx17 🔥 on 11-12-24
By: Ali Hazelwood
-
The Glitch
- By: Leeanne Slade
- Narrated by: Sam Claflin, Daisy Edgar Jones
- Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Five Years Earlier: Henry Dunne knows three things: that agreeing to host this raucous house party was a terrible idea, that he absolutely cannot show up to his nursing shift tomorrow with a hangover, and that the beautiful redhead in the corner will be sleeping in his bed tonight.
-
-
A Love Story. A Predictable One.
- By AS on 09-13-24
By: Leeanne Slade
-
Den of Vipers
- By: K.A. Knight
- Narrated by: Cornell Collins, Hollie Jackson
- Length: 19 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ryder, Garrett, Kenzo, and Diesel - The Vipers. Their deals are as sordid as their business, and their reputation is enough to bring a grown man to his knees, forcing him to beg for mercy. They are not people you mess with, yet my dad did. The old man ran up a debt with them and then sold me to cover his losses. Yes, sold me. They own me now. I’m theirs in every sense of the word. But I’ve never been meek and compliant.
-
-
Shrek
- By Shemika Holmes on 02-25-21
By: K.A. Knight
-
Merry Ever After
- Under the Mistletoe Collection
- By: Tessa Bailey
- Narrated by: Summer Morton, Connor Crais
- Length: 1 hr and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Evie Crowe is starting over in a strange town with her newborn, and men are the furthest thing from her mind. If only the quiet, hulking farmer, Luke Ward, would stop coming into the thrift shop and piquing her reluctant interest. Evie wants to stay single all the way—she can’t trust anything more than friends-with-holiday-benefits. But Luke is in it for the long haul. He’s fixed on making this a Christmas Evie will remember forever. If she gives him a chance.
-
-
An ode to his monster Yule log.
- By 🔥 Phx17 🔥 on 11-13-24
By: Tessa Bailey
-
Drop Dead
- By: Lily Chu
- Narrated by: Phillipa Soo, John Cho
- Length: 11 hrs and 25 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Obituary writer Nadine Barbault doesn’t mind being called “Lady Death”. It suits the ice queen persona she’s cultivated to survive the fast-paced Toronto Herald. So when Nadine learns that famous (and reclusive) author Dot Voline has died, she doesn’t hesitate to run the obituary…only to discover that Dot is very much alive. Nadine’s screw-up has brought Wesley Chen of the rival Spear no end of joy—she’s been a thorn in his extremely ambitious side for years. But the renewed interest in Dot also surfaced chatter about a mysterious past scandal.
-
-
Clean and sweet
- By Momma Nae on 08-02-24
By: Lily Chu
-
Holiday Hideaway
- A Short Story
- By: Mary Kay Andrews
- Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky
- Length: 1 hr and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tilly Farriday isn’t feeling very jolly this season. Recently divorced and broke, she’s squatting in one of her rental agency’s properties until her new home is ready. The sprinkles on top of the burnt Christmas cookie that is her life? The new owner shows up early, forcing Tilly to hide in the attic to save her job…and what remains of her dignity.
-
-
I ain’t afraid of no ghosts
- By 🔥 Phx17 🔥 on 10-31-24
By: Mary Kay Andrews
-
Nocticadia
- By: Keri Lake
- Narrated by: Aaron Shedlock, Stella Hunter
- Length: 18 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After watching my mother succumb to a mysterious illness, I promised myself two things. I'd find the cure for what ravaged her and leave the godforsaken city where she abandoned me. Four years later, I received an acceptance letter from Dracadia University, one of the oldest most prestigious schools in the country. Nestled on a secluded island off the coast of Maine, it's rumored to be haunted by the souls of the mental patients exiled there centuries before, those whose bones are said to make up the island's white sandy shores. And restless ghosts aren't even its most daunting peculiarity.
-
-
Good but a slight miss
- By Destinyreadsbooks on 01-17-24
By: Keri Lake
-
Mr. and Mrs. Christmas
- By: Michelle Stimpson
- Narrated by: Marcella Cox, Ian Hackney
- Length: 7 hrs and 28 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
There's no place like home for the holidays ... especially for Lesley Carver. Life in the big city just wasn't her jam and now she's back in Hickory Falls, working at the family diner and helping her mom after she took a tumble. Lesley longs to build a life here, working at the cafe, selling her handmade ornaments and ... er, apparently reviving her high school crush on her best friend’s older brother. Only one problem, her mom wants her to leave Hickory Falls far behind.
-
-
Loved the book!
- By Amazon Customer on 11-15-24
-
All by My Elf
- Under the Mistletoe Collection
- By: Olivia Dade
- Narrated by: Andi Arndt
- Length: 1 hr and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nina and William are underpaid adjunct professors at the same university, where winter break is no break at all: ’tis the season to make extra money. When their holiday side hustle has them stranded by a blinding blizzard in the middle of nowhere, there’s nothing to do but cuddle up for warmth and play a game of Never Have I Ever to pass the time. But in the game of love, secrets never stay secret for long…
-
-
A cool, considerate romance
- By 🔥 Phx17 🔥 on 11-13-24
By: Olivia Dade
What listeners say about Embrace of the Shade
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- A pretty nice dude
- 02-10-24
A hidden gem that was worth remaking
Male listener here,
I originally purchased the first two Pantracia audiobooks after speaking with Kayla at Comic Con years ago. While I like fantasy, romantic fantasy is not normally my genre, with the occasional exception. In spite of that, I was impressed enough with her sales pitch and 10 (now 13 and finished) book series to give them a shot. On first listen, I found the characters and story to be both charming and quirky enough to keep my interest. Lucky for me, they had the audiobooks redone with a new narrator who did a fantastic job at bringing the book to life for a second listen.
While the only other review at the time of writing this makes a couple points, namely the laundry list of tropes present in the book, I would argue that romantic fantasy as a genre thrives by playing on tropes as a bylaw. I think they've massively undersold this audiobook. I don't normally write reviews, but I also don't believe EotS belongs at the bottom of the 1 star trash heap.
I'll try to divide the review down into categories with a tl;dr at the end for those who just want a breakdown. Novel incoming:
Characters: 3.5/5
First and foremost, I found the characters, though occasionally frustrating, were crafted well enough. The authors managed to infuse them with enough depth to make them feel like unique characters with occasionally relatable struggles. Amarie is a slightly idealized FMC with magic powers and trust issues, while Kin is the edgy, mysterious, hot guy with a dark past. A match made in heaven, obviously. The supporting hero(in)es, dubious villains and other side characters all felt distinct in their motives and personalities that made them stand out from one another, which is a detail that many independent authors struggle with. I had trouble relating to some of the character's decisions at times, some of which periodically felt forced, but overall I enjoyed most of the characters.
Narration: 4/5
I'm not normally a fan of female narrators, who are a staple in romantic fantasy, but Austenne does a great job in her role. With only a few instances of monotone sections or struggling with deeper voices, she managed to keep them all distinct enough to differentiate between each character, while simultaneously breathing life into the text. Hearing the disgust, disbelief or the quickening of her rhythm of speech during key moments made the listening experience more enjoyable than I had expected. It was a good performance, marred only by a few nitpicks, and I look forward to the next Austenne/Pantracia collaboration.
Side note: As is tradition, this is a spicy book, with tasteful/meaningful sexual encounters. Thus, there is no satin curtain to pull or door to close, so do prepare yourself with headphones. Especially if you have curious roommates (ask me how I know).
Story: 4/5
Despite this not being my preferred genre, I found myself surprisingly engaged in the story. The narrative had a magnetic quality that kept me hooked, while also infrequently making me roll my eyes. Yet, I still wanted to see where the story would go next. It speaks volumes about the authors' ability to craft a compelling tale that transcends genre preferences.
Although the story does lack the polish of certain other authors, and despite this being their first novel, the authors' writing demonstrated a commendable level of skill and creativity, promising a lot of potential for the rest of the series and beyond. The ability to create a captivating story, especially within the challenging realm of fantasy, is a testament to both authors' storytelling capabilities.
Flow: 4/5
I didn't have too many issues with the pacing of the story, barring a few instances. As someone who regularly listens to 20-40 hour audiobooks, the 9 hour duration of this book felt like a blink. That being said, there were one or two moments in the book that were either painfully slow or far too quickly glossed over. Thankfully, the transitions from chapters or scenes seemed more or less, clear and easy to follow, so I rarely had trouble orienting myself. The sexual content, as mentioned above, is tasteful, doesn't drag on for overly long, and only present where it adds to the storytelling.
Tl;dr
Characters: 3.5/5
Narration: 4/5
Story: 4/5
Flow: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
In conclusion, Embrace of the Shade offers a delightful journey into a Romantic Fantasy world, filled with decent characters, great narration, and a compelling narrative. While a few frustrating moments may arise, the overall experience is one that I would recommend to both fans of the genre and those open to exploring new literary realms. Since discovering this series, I have recommended Pantracia to many friends and family members who went on to absolutely devour the paperbacks ahead of me, which only makes me look forward to the next installments more.
I'd give this a 4/5, but I'm going to tack on another star to counter balance the only other review at the moment. I hope in doing so that more people get a chance to listen to this hidden gem. In the vast tapestry of audiobook opinions, where a reviewer named “OnlyPaid ReviewsStay” resides in the realm of perpetual negativity, my 5-star encounter with Embrace of the Shade sparkles like an unexpected gem. While some may find comfort in paid up or downvote perspectives, my journey through Pantracia affirmed that true appreciation can't be bought. Amidst the shadows of cynicism, my review stands as a testament to the genuine magic woven into the fabric of this Romantic Fantasy. So, here's to embracing the authenticity of an unfiltered narrative and letting the stars shine without the need for a financial constellation. #UnpaidAndUnfiltered #GenuineAppreciation
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- OnlyPaid ReviewsStay
- 11-28-23
The cringe is just too much for me.
Holy smokes this book was cringy. You hit every single stereotype in the market before chapter 10. Instant lust, hand holding, virginal damsel, cocky hero, and the god forsake miscommunication trope. I bought this book when it first came out and kept restarting and stopping before chapter 3. Now I know why. The cringe is just too much for me.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!