A strange book, that's mostly kind of dull until you get into the secrets.
It follows a lonely teenagerNarrated by Jesse Baek Presented by Octopus Audio
A strange book, that's mostly kind of dull until you get into the secrets.
It follows a lonely teenager as she seeks attention in many destructive ways, but without the context it's quite hard to like the protagonist. I guess that's probably the point.
This is a rather short story, about innocence and its destruction. It's not really long enough to be clever and memorable, but it raises some interesting ideas about the fragility and impressionability of youth.
The narrator does a decent job, but the voice didn't feel quite right to me. It was easy enough to listen to, but there were strange inflections here and there, with a few awkward pauses and emphases. I'd happily give this narrator another chance, though.
It was an average sort of story for me, but a full length novel of a similar idea would be rather interesting from this perspective.
Narrated by Rebecca LaChance Presented by Dreamscape Media
This one hooked me pretty well!
It's a fun little Southern mystery about a dead cheerleader aNarrated by Rebecca LaChance Presented by Dreamscape Media
This one hooked me pretty well!
It's a fun little Southern mystery about a dead cheerleader and who had reason to kill her. Cue drama.
There was plenty going on behind the scenes, so we get the slow unravel, courtesy of her former best friend and a nosy journalist who team up to get to the bottom of things.
There is some interesting insight into the world of professional sport/cheerleading, but ultimately this is all about the drama. We get pages from Jentry Rae's diary leaking some clues, but we also get unreliable details from ex-bestie Shaunette, who sometimes seems to clear things up but at other times muddies the water.
This was a great mystery, and an easy listen. The narrator does a decent job telling the story, though at times the voices do sound a little too similar and it can be hard to differentiate between who said what. But her voice was lively enough and conveyed the story in an interesting manner.
I'd happily recommend this to crime fans who like a side of drama, and the audio is an easy listen.
This was an okay read, but I found chunks of it to be just a little too intense given the rest of the book. It feels very much like the pleasure projeThis was an okay read, but I found chunks of it to be just a little too intense given the rest of the book. It feels very much like the pleasure project of someone who is used to being polite and friendly at all times but really wants to give in to their darker side.
A rather insightful train wreck story, with some important themes written with a great balance of comedy and heart.
Queenie is a chaotic black woman beA rather insightful train wreck story, with some important themes written with a great balance of comedy and heart.
Queenie is a chaotic black woman being undermined by everyone around her. She's 'too -' everything - too loud, too bold, too sensitive, too ... HER.
Now if that doesn't resonate, this book might not be the one for you.
While I can't relate to Queenie's Jamaican-British heritage in any way, I can relate to the experience of people trying to silence you because you make them uncomfortable.
Sure, Queenie doesn't respond the best to some situations - making for some great comedic moments, as well as some more tragic results - but she is constantly undermined and subjected to racism and sexism, both blatant and more subtle. I felt for her and what she was experiencing, and I was glad there were characters who loved her exactly as she was anyway.
This is not a story about fitting in. This is a story about being loud and (eventually) proud; of owning who you are, even if there are some problematic behaviours while you figure out how to do that. There's a respect for mental health, and this book raises some interesting topics around it.
There's no guidebook to life, and Queenie is figuring it all out the best way she can. I loved that, even if it didn't always go Queenie's way. This book understands the messiness of life, and treats it with respect, humour, and unconditional love.
The writing finds a great blend of seriousness while still remaining comedic; it raises multiple topics and treats them with respect and insight, yet still finds a way to keep things lighthearted and amusing.
I really enjoyed reading this one as it gave me a better understanding of racial challenges as well as just a fun time watching this human trainwreck from a safe distance. It's easy to cringe and judge some of her decisions, but ultimately Queenie is a character you will root for and embrace.
This was Book 4 of my Advent Calendar Challenge...more
Bit of a misleading title, considering this is more concerned with Alice and two different men.
There's some darker stuff about the war that is familiaBit of a misleading title, considering this is more concerned with Alice and two different men.
There's some darker stuff about the war that is familiar in this kind of story, but it also struggles to hold any kind of reasonable plot.
The Marilyn stuff is barely there and weak at best - it really doesn't add to the story at all and there wasn't time to build any kind of meaningful connection between the two women.
This isn't my normal fare so it's not my preferred genre, and unfortunately this wasn't strong enough to change my mind. It was nice and short yet still felt like it dragged.
Not my taste at all, and a little too bland to be meaningful.
This was Book 2 of my 2025 Advent Calendar Challenge...more
Narrated by Susie Riddell Presented by Bolinda Audio
This was really fun! A great, easy listen.
Hazel was such a conflicting character - I definitely wenNarrated by Susie Riddell Presented by Bolinda Audio
This was really fun! A great, easy listen.
Hazel was such a conflicting character - I definitely went through a range of emotions towards her!
Highly recommend.
Hazel is a successful author who hates people. When she receives some disturbing fan mail, it sends her on a quest of sorts, to root out the stalker and turn it into her next hit.
Honestly, Hazel was such an interesting protagonist. You really go through all kinds of emotions where you dislike a lot about her immediately, but then some aspects win you over, only to then be disappointed again in something she says or does.
At the same time, there's an aspect of fun in watching the wrecks she makes, and seeing her struggle as a consequence.
This is light and zippy, but it has some darker themes too that are worth consideration. There's a feministic streak that will have women onside, and will allow for deeper reflection beyond Hazel's antics.
A lighthearted story, but certainly not lacking depth.
The narrator did a great job differentiating between characters, and used appropriate tones without any awful long pauses. I'd happily listen to this narrator again.
All in all, a fun audio diversion for cosy crime fans.
Really enjoyed this one, nice and quirky and a fun murder mystery to solve!
I'm a fan.
Obviously I'm coming into this series a book late, but it does maReally enjoyed this one, nice and quirky and a fun murder mystery to solve!
I'm a fan.
Obviously I'm coming into this series a book late, but it does make me want to go back and read the first book!
Molly is quirky and strange but her bluntness is quite endearing and you really can't begrudge her straightforward manner. Her inability to understand sarcasm or figures of speech makes for some funny misunderstandings, but ultimately she's a good soul.
She gives an interesting, fresh perspective for the crime genre, but the rest is all about the clues and working out who is responsible for each element of dastardly behaviour.
I enjoyed the lighter take on the genre, and found Molly to be a really enjoyable protagonist. I'll probably go back and read the first when I get a chance to, as this one was a lot of fun.
A great start to the Advent Calendar Challenge!
This was Book 1 of my Advent Calendar Challenge...more
Some elements of it were a little too hard to make out and the art style, while perfect for the gritty storI get why this is considered a masterpiece.
Some elements of it were a little too hard to make out and the art style, while perfect for the gritty story, wasn't entirely appealing to me.
Still, an absolutely brilliant read that I highly recommend.
It's a dystopian future where people are constantly watched and controlled - a la 1984. V is an anarchist, rebelling against the system with plots and bombs. He rescues a young girl, allowing her a glimpse behind the curtain - thus giving us access as the reader.
There's a rather large cast of characters, which can be confusing at times, and the story can sometimes be so compelling that you forget to take in the intricate details of each panel. Which can be quite detrimental, as the art is used brilliantly to tell the story in its own subtle way.
There's a reason so much of what Alan Moore writes becomes iconic - he uses the medium brilliantly, making sure both words and visuals complement and enhance the reading experience.
Essential reading for fans of George Orwell's 1984, and for graphic novel fans in general....more
Honestly a disappointing offering from someone who started so strong. I find Jane Harper's stuff really hit or miss!
If you're into the atmospheric stuHonestly a disappointing offering from someone who started so strong. I find Jane Harper's stuff really hit or miss!
If you're into the atmospheric stuff, you might enjoy this tale of a dying town, but I wouldn't look here for a good crime story.
The story begins with a kid going missing, after visiting three abandoned houses. The story then shifts to the present, where we learn more about the abandoned houses than we do about the kid that's gone missing.
It sets the tone for a novel that then discusses every element of the town's collapse, and draws all fun out of the mystery by burying it in dust and broken things. There are broken relationships across town, with many caused by people staying-or-going as the town becomes slowly less inhabited.
It was written well, for sure - no one can ever say Jane Harper doesn't know how to craft a well-written story. It's just that the subject matter wasn't all that interesting.
We do get a payoff eventually, with the mystery unravelling towards the end, but it's mostly dull up until that point so rather disappointing.
If you like the slow stuff that explores relationships between people and setting, this might still entertain. But crime fans might be disappointed if drawn here after reading the more entertaining The Dry or The Lost Man.
It's the end of November but I'm calling it now - this is my Book of the Year for 2025.
The world is so incredibly lucky to have a man like Javeno McLeIt's the end of November but I'm calling it now - this is my Book of the Year for 2025.
The world is so incredibly lucky to have a man like Javeno McLean, and we could all learn so much from the way he treats everyone with unconditional respect.
This book details how the J7 Health Centre came about, as well as the stories of some of the disabled people he trains and why he is so passionate about helping them. It comes directly from the heart, and by the end you will feel like a little piece of this story is now yours to nurture.
You will read stories of pain and despair, but ultimately strength and resilience. These people will inspire you to never take for granted what you are able to do. They will motivate you, encourage you, and lift you. Their stories will make you cry but the way they react to their stories will have you grinning through the tears.
Javeno is passionate about training disabled people, and pushing them to find out what they're truly capable of. He sees them - truly sees them - as the individuals they are, not the disabled folk who are so easily dismissed or overlooked by society. This is just an inherent quality that allows him to connect to them on such a deep level, and it's clear in both his story and theirs that there is a strong love and respect between him and the people he trains.
I honestly am a bit lost for the right words to describe how profoundly this book affected me. It is inspiring, motivating, and authentic. It will force you to think differently and challenge you to put yourself in the shoes of the less abled, for a time.
If you yourself are someone who is disabled, you will read these stories and be inspired to challenge your own limits. You will find a friend here among the pages, and realise there are people out there who WILL see you, and not just your disability. I hope you can find strength and love through reading this book.
Honestly, I encourage EVERYONE to read this book. At the very least, check out the social media account @j7healthjaveno and see what he's doing for yourself....more
Narrated by Diana Hill & Katy Bowman Presented by Uphill Books
This was a really motivating listen.
It wasn't all relevant, as there's a lot that revolveNarrated by Diana Hill & Katy Bowman Presented by Uphill Books
This was a really motivating listen.
It wasn't all relevant, as there's a lot that revolves around kids, or pets, but it had some really great snippets of inspiration.
This one is narrated by the authors, and I think it does really make a difference. You can hear the authenticity in the messages they're trying to convey, and they're clearly passionate about what they do. I appreciated that.
This lists a whole bunch of different excuses, so chances are at least one of them will be relatable for you. It allows self-compassion and a chance to pick apart the true feelings that might prevent us taking better care of our physical health.
It definitely feels like it's aimed at middle-aged mothers, but there's plenty here for the rest of us, too. While some sections may not relate at all, it still conveys that idea that there ARE no excuses - there's a workaround for everything, if you can learn to think outside the box.
I found this highly motivational, and I think it's a good one to pick up if you wish you exercised more but are held back by perceived limitations. This will enable you to think differently and treat yourself with kindness, so that you can take back a little control.
Highly recommend, particularly this audio version that allows the writers to reach you directly.
Narrated by Julian Elfer Presented by Highbridge Audio
DNF @ 56%
I heard more about DIPLOMAS and COINS than the actual subject of this book.
Halfway throuNarrated by Julian Elfer Presented by Highbridge Audio
DNF @ 56%
I heard more about DIPLOMAS and COINS than the actual subject of this book.
Halfway through, and I couldn't tell you a single thing about this man.
This is dull and dry and talks more about the way information is gathered rather than presenting any kind of interesting narrative. It's so concerned with giving the source of the information that it forgets to actually tell any of the story. I was tuning out from the beginning, and persisted way longer than I should have.
The narrator does an okay job, given the dull content, but it still all just sounds like getting stuck in a conversation with someone who is passionate about something incredibly dull and not knowing how to get out of it. You're nodding along but really your mind is thinking, 'Is he going to say anything I understand? Is there a point to all this superfluous information? Is it going to stop? Am I going to be here til dinnertime? What am I going to have for dinner? Did I remember to pull the meat out of the freezer? What show am I going to watch tonight? Is Stranger Things Season 5 out yet? ...' I did a lot of thinking about everything other than this audiobook.
Maybe history buffs will appreciate this more - particularly the scholarly type that derive joy from boring facts about historical legal sources. This was absolutely not my cup of tea at all.
To be honest, this didn't do as much for me as I wanted it to.
It's the 'epic' adventure of a forgotten daughter, shunned by all because of a birthmarkTo be honest, this didn't do as much for me as I wanted it to.
It's the 'epic' adventure of a forgotten daughter, shunned by all because of a birthmark on her face. She wants to find love, but is cursed to betray the husband that's been chosen for her.
What follows is a bit of a soft adventure in which everyone and everything tells her she needs to love herself, society is gonna hate her no matter what, etc. It gives the message of loving yourself then doubles down, then TRIPLES down. It is really hammered home again and again and it was just a little too overbearing for my tastes.
There's also maiden goddess Artemis following along, and the relationship between the two felt a little odd. None of it was subtle, but Artemis also never acts like a goddess unless she's getting mad about something so it didn't really convince me.
The art style doesn't add much to the story - it's basic, black and white with splashes of red. I didn't really understand the symbolism of the colouring - I get the reasoning behind colouring in her birthmark and other oddities, but clothing and action marks seemed like odd choices to colour. So that might have been a little over my head. Instead, I was just a bit bored by the style. A fantastic adventure in black and white is a bit of a washed out thing.
There's an interesting idea here, but the delivery didn't really work for me. Those interested in forgotten myths may enjoy this little piece of creativity, and those who need it hammered home that they're worthy of love no matter their appearance should definitely give this one a go.
Narrated by Frances Butt Presented by Tantor Media
Wow wow WOW I LOVED THIS.
I had no idea what I was getting into, and I'm SO GLAD.
This was FEROCIOUS.
FiNarrated by Frances Butt Presented by Tantor Media
Wow wow WOW I LOVED THIS.
I had no idea what I was getting into, and I'm SO GLAD.
This was FEROCIOUS.
Firstly, I'm really glad I didn't read too much of the blurb on this one (or promptly forgot it, whatever). We begin with Otrera, an abused wife forced to relocate to a small town with her drunk and abusive husband and their aging servant. There, she meets other women in similar circumstances as well as the confidant Phile, and begins to learn of her own power.
At first, when Otrera talked about rising up, I wasn't sure how it was going to go. She seemed too hot-headed for me, but I liked her in spite of it. But then the story just took off and man, I LOVED it.
These women are POWERFUL. The rise is something beautiful to behold, and it ended up being such a great adventure. When I finally figured out where it was heading (a spoiler in some blurbs) I was sucked in completely.
There was just so much to love about this one, but most importantly it is a fierce, feminine tale. It allows women to be strong, capable warriors, while also allowing them the softer side of love and affection, and maternal instinct. The balance in this story was perfect.
If it wasn't for the amount of time spent in the early, weaker days, I probably would have rated this 5 stars. It really drew me in!
The narrator did a brilliant job of voicing so many women, as well as the men. She used distinctive voices and gave appropriate inflections where necessary. Her voice was perhaps too urgent at times, but I did enjoy listening to her performance.
This is definitely a book I'll recommend to fans of Greek Mythology - particularly if you're after something powerfully feminine, without any gender-bending to make a point. An exceptional feminist tale about finding your inner power and using it to build up others around you.
This didn't feel like horror to me - more like just hellish parenthood.
The premise is a troublesome child who is an angel for dad but targets mum withThis didn't feel like horror to me - more like just hellish parenthood.
The premise is a troublesome child who is an angel for dad but targets mum with psychotic behaviour.
Presumably, the horror is how demonic the child is, but honestly she really just strikes me as a bad kid, rather than anything supernatural. Because of that, it's hard to really get sucked into the novel. It really feels more like you're reading about the experience of a mother trying to manage a child with chronic bad behaviour.
There are some interesting ideas around parents hating their kids, or loving them unconditionally, or wishing to go back to the simpler time before kids, so I think these themes will really resonate with people who have kids and have secretly held similar thoughts. These are taboo topics that you're almost forbidden to discuss as a parent, so the sentiments in the book might help examine personal feelings.
As a childless adult, though, it just wasn't that entertaining.
There's nothing horrific here, and while the kid does some messed up stuff, none of it really jumps out as particularly demonic. A little evil, perhaps, but not enough to bring a lot of liveliness to the story.
I enjoyed it okay but it just wasn't anything particularly special....more
A fast, fun mystery - easy to predict but still a fun reading experience.
I love McFadden's stuff for a quick thAnother easy read from Freida McFadden!
A fast, fun mystery - easy to predict but still a fun reading experience.
I love McFadden's stuff for a quick thriller. They're always easy to digest, and usually revolve around the tangled relationships between 3 or 4 people with a lot of false clues and suggestion.
The first person narrative will keep you guessing, and even predictability doesn't lessen the fun.
The petty vengeance in this one kept things interesting, particularly as things escalated. I would have liked more of this, but as it is, it keeps the book at a nice, easily-digestible size.
It's no work of literary genius, but it is good fun if you like fast-paced crime and second-guessing everything....more
Bruh. This was all kinds of not-for-me and I will be forever scarred by its one spectacularly graphic sex scene.
The whole story feels pretty weak fromBruh. This was all kinds of not-for-me and I will be forever scarred by its one spectacularly graphic sex scene.
The whole story feels pretty weak from the get-go: a forced marriage between a Princess who is often excluded from politicking by her brother, to a brutal king who is rumoured to be bloodthirsty and awful. And unfortunately her deadly assassin best friend can't save her.
Naturally, all of the roles are lies - the princess isn't pampered, the brutal king is a sweetheart, and the deadly assassin is broken by his past. The alpha male here is the king, so get ready for him to be overprotective and somehow immediately saving their asses at every turn.
The story is a rather bland journey from one kingdom to another, filled with more loaded glances and stroking hair off faces than any kind of drama or action. There's so much touching and mooning that it becomes unbearable almost immediately. It is very much a story that is just an excuse to build a romance, rather than an organic romance that grows from the story.
The whole thing is actually painfully PG up until the last 50 or so pages when it becomes extremely explicit, so romance fans will be mostly disappointed until the last little bit, and non-romance fans have to suffer through an excruciating slow-burn for the entirety of the book.
This really was painful from start to finish, and very clearly a romance written for romance's sake, without much thought to building a strong story. I was not a fan at all, and I don't think I could even recommend it to romance fans as it's dramatic 180 in the romance side of things makes it alienating for both explicit and non-explicit fans. Perhaps those who enjoy slow-burn and are willing to skip over the graphic stuff will enjoy this the most.
Narrated by Natalie Naudus Presented by Hachette Audio
This was great fun, if a little predictable and slightly too long. Some great characters, and theNarrated by Natalie Naudus Presented by Hachette Audio
This was great fun, if a little predictable and slightly too long. Some great characters, and the setting is gorgeous.
Yet another Cinderella re-telling, but this one weaves in some beautiful Chinese mythology to make it unique. Our protagonist, Yining, has a ring stolen by her evil step-aunt, and trying to get it back sees her tangling with a handsome prince. Add in a handsome adviser and political machinations and we're off and running.
I really enjoyed this at the beginning, but as with many audiobooks, I eventually found my mind wandering. I think I'm getting a little tired of fairytale retellings and romance cliches, though, so this was more a me thing, I think.
The writing is actually done well, and there are some really unique ideas here, so it's not boring by any means. It's stretched out, though, and eventually feels overly dramatic.
The romance side of things was nice and tame - just how I like it. Mostly suggestion and innuendo, but with some great character development as the driving force. I enjoyed it for the most part, though as mentioned, the cliches get a bit tiresome.
The narrator did a great job of defining voices and keeping the tone interesting. She had a great pace and cadence for this one. I'd easily listen to her narration again.
There's plenty of action and adventure, and it's a beautiful setting. I think readers who have enjoyed this author's previous work should really enjoy this offering; in general, I think fans of fantasy will still get a kick out of this one.
