If I Speak True (Flora, #1) by Jessica L. Brooks (Goodreads Author), Angel Clark (narrator)

If I Speak True by Jessica L. Brooks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book very much! I have to be honest, if it had not been an audiobook, I do not know if I would have liked it as well. Angel Clark was the narrator for this book, and she was simply perfect! I would never have "heard" Dahlia's voice in my head as Angel used, and that would have made the book quite different for me.

The story is about a teenage girl who dreams of her own little oasis, somewhere she can relax and think. She only visits there in her dreams, because it only exists there. Then, one day everything changes when a boy named Rowen makes himself known.

Where it goes from there is truly engaging, and well written. Jessica Brooks can write! I am so grateful that Jessica gave me a copy to listen to and review, because I would never have found this book otherwise. Angel does the voice of a 16 year old girl and her friends perfectly. I wouldn't change a thing! Please, PLEASE have Angel narrate the next books in the series. I've got to know what happens next!

Disclosure: I received the audible copy in return for an honest review.

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Botanicaust by Tam Linsey (Goodreads Author), Meghan Kelly (Goodreads Author) (Narrator)

Botanicaust by Tam Linsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was very interesting. It had a scifi/post apocalyptic thing going on, which I enjoyed very much. I was happily enthralled with the story until the final 1/4 of the book when it turned into a scary religious debate. This killed the end of the book for me. A little bit might have been fine, and fitting, but it took over the story in the end. This is why I gave this 4 out of 5 stars. The writing was good, and the story in general was fantastic.

Narrated by Meghan Kelly: Ms. Kelly did an awesome job! Her voices were appropriate, distinct, and consistent. I would absolutely listen to her again.

Disclosure: I received the audible copy in return for an honest review.

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The Magpies by Mark Edwards (Goodreads Author), Elliot Hill (Narrator)

The Magpies by Mark Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A couple buys a flat, meets their neighbors, and hangs with them. Everything seems fine, they all get along... don'they? Apparently not. Read The Magpies and you'll find out why.

I'm not sure how to review this novel. In the end, I liked it. It was getting to the end that was unusual for me. I am used to horror/thriller novels that are in your face, obviously some stuff is about to go down, type of feeling. The Magpies is more of a slow build, but you're not entirely sure of what is building, and therefore unsure of where the story might go.

I think this is intentional since the novel is based on the personal experience of the author. Now that you know this, you're curious aren't you? I hope so, give it a go.

Elliot Hill (Narrator): Mr. Hill has a wonderful voice, and did a superb job with his narration. His voices were spot on.

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As Night Falls by Jenny Milchman (Goodreads Author), Susie Berneis (Narrator)

As Night Falls by Jenny Milchman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Intense is the first word that comes to mind when I think about this book. I liked the story, it's one that has been told before. The difference with this story is that there is more as to the why it's happening, and not just a focus on the current situation.

For me, while it was excellent writing and amazing storytelling, the back story just pissed me off! So much so, that it made it hard to want to continue. Of course I pushed forward, because I just HAD to know what was going to happen.

Narrated by Susie Berneis: She did a wonderful job with the voices, and easily had me into the story right away. She was perfect for this novel.

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The Bourbon Kings (The Bourbon Kings, #1) by J.R. Ward (Goodreads Author), Alexander Cendese (Narrator)

The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was fantastic! The story read like Dallas, or Knots Landing. So much happening, and I couldn't stop reading. This is not normally they type of book I read, but I trust J.R. Ward, and was willing to give this a try. No disappointment here!

The narrator, Alexander Cendese, has a perfect southern gentleman voice. If you are not sure which version to get, I highly recommend the audiobook.

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Wicked Gods by Eilís Leyne

Wicked Gods by Eilís Leyne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"It’s about the ways people abuse religion, not about the question of God’s existence."
- Eilís Leyne

I enjoyed this book immensely! This book reminds me of The DaVinci Code, by Dan Brown. Not in the way of topic, but in the way of a thriller with a purpose. This book forces us to ask ourselves questions about what we believe, why we believe it, and how we believe it. It’s the how that gives this book the fuel it needs to take us on an adult version of Mr. Toads Wild Ride, and lead us to some insanely scary truths about society and its motivations.

I found this novel by randomly clicking on an article on Facebook, then another article from that page, and then another click or two that brought me to a site with this novel mentioned on it. I was intrigued by its description, and, well, here we are.

Something that I especially liked about this novel by Eilís Leyne is that I was drawn in, and held there. When I stopped reading to give my eyes a break, I watched the clock and wondered if sufficient time had passed and my eyes were ready to continue. I also appreciated the use of words that were unfamiliar to me. I learned new words, and they were words that fit perfectly as opposed to words that were obviously found through use of a thesaurus.


Don't pass this book by because you think it's bashing religions, it's not. Not at all. Don't believe me? Then read it.

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The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey (Goodreads Author), Finty Williams (Narrator)

The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The writing in this novel is beautiful. In fact, it was so emotional, so suspenseful, and so filled with fitting concerns and reactions from the female characters, that I wrongly assumed the writer was a female. I've given many novels 5 stars, and right now, I feel like I may have been too generous. That most likely is not true, and the other novels were deserving of their ratings from me; however, right now I am smitten. I love this novel. I do. Take from that what you will.

I chose to listen to the audiobook of this, and it was phenomenal. While I am sure that I would have adored Melanie with just reading about her, the inquisitiveness and awe that Finty Williams (Narrator) gives Melanie is a dimension that I don't think can be inferred with words on a page. In fact, Flinty Williams is able to do that with all of the characters, and I think she may be my new favorite narrator.


I honestly cannot think of a criticism for this book. I am sure there are many critics out there who have much to say, but this reader is not unhappy with this book at all. I love it, and I look forward to the movie as well.

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