Two wonderful protagonists & a slow burn romance make this NA Fantasy a real pleasure.

BOOK DETAILS:

No Good Dragon Goes Unpunished by Rachel Aaron, read by Vikas Adam, published by Audible Studios (2016) / Length: 18 hrs 50 min

SERIES INFO:

This is Book #3 in the "Heartstrikers" series. The author confirmed on Twitter that there will be 2 more books (for a total of 5) and that she hopes to publish them both in 2017.

**This review may contain minor spoilers for the previous books.**

SUMMARY:

You really should be reading this series. Each book builds the story and the characters further. So much happens in this book; yet I don't want to spoil anything, so this review won't have a lot of details.

CHARACTERS:

Julius: Although I don't always agree with his decisions, I am very impressed by how much he has grown. By the end of this book he knows who he is, what he wants, and what he is willing to do to get it. And he is not ashamed of any of it.

A quick, fun SF adventure that's perfect for MG boys (and girls).

BOOK DETAILS:

Crash Landing by Zac Harrison, read by Michael Fenton Stevens, published by Audible Studios (2013) / Length: 3 hrs 55 min

SERIES INFO:

This is Book #1 of 6 in the "Hyperspace High" series. All are available on audio.

SUMMARY:

This is a fun story that both I and my young nieces & nephews enjoyed.

There are a few over used elements here: 3 friends (2 boys & 1 girl), 1 snooty nemesis boy, and a wise headmaster at a boarding school. But it is very different in many ways as well. First of all, this is SF. And second, the series is a set of independent adventures that take place over a single semester, rather than a larger tale divided up into years.

I like that they didn't try and Americanize this. That means younger readers may need to find out what things such "trainers" are (sneakers).

Another YA Contemporary Fantasy sequel that I liked better than its predecessor.

BOOK DETAILS:

Blood Prophecy by Bonnie Lamer, read by Emily Durante, published 2014 / Length: 6 hrs 4 min

SERIES INFO:

This is Book #2 is the (very long) "Witch Fairy" series. So far, the first 4 are available on audio, and there are indications that more are coming.

**This review contains spoilers for the previous book.**

SUMMARY:

I liked this one more than the first. There is more going one & more people involved. Plus the initial antagonism between the original characters is mostly resolved.

CHARACTERS:

Xandra: We know from the start that she's a special snowflake with a prophecy about her. I like that her unique heritage continues to cause as many problems (magic/power wise) as it solves. (Although I do think that things are sometimes resolved a bit too easily, and that the others should be allowed to participate more.) She continues to be more than a bit of a smart-alec.

Kallen: There are novellas that tell each story from his POV. I quite liked the one for Book #1, which is the only one I've read so far; and which actually improved my rating of the original book. The problem (for me) is that they aren't available on audio. So I personally wish the material was simply integrated into the main books.

Without the information in that book, he is a very typical YA hero - tall, gorgeous, powerful, adoring. With it, he is much more interesting. I like that he takes her emotional temperature, and defends her father.

Xandra & Kallen: They really still barely know each other (and come from very different backgrounds), so they naturally have misunderstandings of various magnitude throughout the book. I like that, typical teenage response aside, they always get around to talking about it.

It is interesting to watch Xandra & her parents try to find a new dynamic. She is still only 17, but has become very powerful. And their foolish choice to keep her in the dark about her heritage still stands between them somewhat. I really like her (human, ghost) Dad.

WORLDBUILDING:

Like the first book, this takes place almost entirely on the mountain where Xandra was raised. The first one introduced witches & fairies, this book eventually adds a third group (I won't say who, to avoid spoilers).

We learn quite a bit more about the witches government here. And also more about their kinds of magic. Note: I was thinking that the poetry of the witch spells was kind of lame, when Xandra called out that very thing.

PLOT:

This book beginning the next morning after the previous one ended. The beginning did a good job of getting you up to speed (Xandra even says, "long story short")

The ending resolves the current problem completely, but then throws in a new element.

HIGHLIGHTS / CAUTIONS:

• Kallen is safe from one of her spells (and the reason).
• Zack (her little brother). I wish he was in it more.
• Xandra fit the punishment to the crime (and recognized that there's a legitimate need for some of her opponents).

I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT: I still seriously question the wisdom of sleeping together when you don't intend to have sex. (This is especially true when a lapse in control would mean you were automatically married, and you aren't ready for that. Note: Xandra specially expresses that she thinks the whole sex = marriage thing is out dated.)

OTHER CAUTIONS: There is some heavy making out.

NARRATION:

Character voices differentiated = Yes / Opposite sex voices acceptable = Yes. The grandfather sounds gruff and very grandpa-ish to me / Accents = She does a good "bad British accent" / Phrasing, Pacing & Pronunciation = Good / Emoting = Good / Speed = Good. My usual 1.25 speed is a bit fast

BOOK DETAILS:

Blood Prophecy (Witch Fairy #2) by Bonnie Lamer, read by Emily Durante, published 2014 / Length: 6 hrs 4 min Buy Now | +Goodreads

Talk to Me (pretty please)

• Who's your favorite younger brother or sister character?
• Do you read sequels of books that you merely liked?

--

• If you are a first time visitor, how did you discover my blog?

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

This review will be linked up with the following (hover for descriptions):

I didn't expect to enjoy this SF comedy as much as a did.

BOOK DETAILS:

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, read by the author / Length: 4 hrs 59 min

SERIES INFO:

This is Book #1 of 5 (6 if you count the sequel written by Eoin Colfer) in the "Hitchhikers..." series. All of the books are available on audio (both unabridged and as radio dramatizations).

SUMMARY:

I received this book for free (many years ago). I had heard of it, of course, but didn't expect to enjoy it much since I am widely believed to be humor impaired, and I really don't like farce. However, I found this unexpectedly enjoyable. (I only made it through about 1.5 of the sequels though.)

It was fun, with occasional thought provoking comments on the human condition.

A fun MG Fantasy with a whole lot of heart.

BOOK DETAILS:

Castle Hangnail by Ursula Vernon, read by Tara Sands, published by Tantor Audio (2015) / Length: 7 hrs 38 min

SERIES INFO: This book is a standalone. I would love a sequel someday though.

SUMMARY:

Is it possible to be a Wicked Witch without being evil? Molly is going to give it a try. After all, she must be wicked since she has a good twin. It's a good thing she's a very practical person, since it isn't very often that one of the main problems in a fantasy book is broken plumbing.

This is one of those books I turn to when I need a pick-me-up. It is fun but has depth.

Note: Despite the rather glamorous cover photo above, she is described as quite ordinary looking. Also, unfortunately, we audiobook readers miss out on some very well reviewed illustrations in the text version.

CHARACTERS:

Molly: She reminds me a bit of Tiffany Aching (although their personalities are fairly different). It's probably the big boots, in addition to being a young witch. She is smart & kind. I like that she isn't some super witch. She has a natural talent, but still has to research and work at it.

Majordomo: The castle's chief minion, he is extremely skeptical of Molly and very protective of the others. This is his story as much as it is hers.

The wonderful cast of characters is a highlight of the book, and each of the minions gets a chance to shine. Even villagers we meet rather briefly are interesting and contribute to the story. (It is mentioned in passing that a few are POC.)

WORLDBUILDING:

Although this isn't a world with strict lines and borders (past masters of the castle include a vampire, a sorceress & a mad scientist), nor is it one where just anything can happen. It appears that most fantasy creatures are real (or used to be). But magic has rules, although there are different kinds.

What is important in the book is the castle and the bureaucracy that threatens it. Apparently castles without masters can become a magical menace. The rather ordinary village & castle lands are explored as well.

PLOT:

The story begins at the perfect point, with the minions awaiting Molly's arrival at the castle. We get the information we need about Molly as we go along. A major point in the story is the unhealthy friendship Molly was in before coming to the castle and her growing recognition of it. There is a very satisfactory ending with a practical solution to their problems.

HIGHLIGHTS / CAUTIONS:

• Bugbane (Molly's little bat friend)
• Molly's new coat
• Molly learns to stand up for herself

NARRATION:

Character voices differentiated = Yes / Opposite sex voices acceptable = Yes / Accents = Good / Phrasing, Pacing & Pronunciation = I only noticed one small error / Emoting = Excellent / Speed = listened on 1.25, my usual

BOOK DETAILS:

Castle Hangnail by Ursula Vernon, read by Tara Sands, published by Tantor Audio (2015) / Length: 7 hrs 38 min Buy Now | +Goodreads

Talk to Me (pretty please)

• What's your favorite quirky MG Fantasy?
• Do you have any strange hobbies? (See the interview below for the author's answer.)

--

• If you are a first time visitor, how did you discover my blog?

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

This review will be linked up with the following (hover for descriptions):

A Sad, Sweet & Sassy YA Ghost Story

BOOK DETAILS:

Slow Dance in Purgatory by Amy Harmon, read by Emily Woo Zeller, published by Tantor Audio (2014) / Length: 7 hrs 27 min

SERIES INFO:

This is Book #1 of 2 in the "Purgatory" duology. Both books are available on audio.

SUMMARY:

She isn't actually a Ghost Whisper, since the ghosts she sees are mostly just echoes that don't interact with her. But she has been able to see them since she was young.

I like most everything about this one, and only wish we had gotten more of the wonderful interactions between Johnny & Maggie.

What can I say about Terry Pratchett & Discworld that hasn't been said before? His fantasy has layers inside it's layers.

BOOK DETAILS:

Going Postal by Terry Pratchett, read by Stephen Briggs, published by HarperAudio (2005) / Length: 11 hrs 27 min

SERIES INFO:

This is the first Discworld book about Moist von Lipwig, and is one possible (among many) starting point for newbies. There are two additional books, Making Money & Raising Steam in this sub-series, but they were sadly affected by the author's extended illness.

SUMMARY:

Terry Pratchett is in a category all his own. His writings can be nothing more than a fun romp, or they can be insightful statements on the human condition, depending on what you're looking for and willing to invest.

I especially like this one for two main reasons. First, unlike many other Discworld novels, there aren't multiple intertwined plots. I've never been a big fan of those. Second, because of the way he deconstructs the "harmless conman" character (I have always had a problem with making criminals out to be heroes). A favorite scene is where Mr. Pump tells Moist (who has always insisted he is just moving numbers around):

“You Have Stolen, Embezzled, Defrauded And Swindled Without Discrimination, Mr Lipvig, You Have Ruined Businesses And Destroyed Jobs. When Banks Fail, It Is Seldom Bankers Who Starve. Your Actions Have Taken Money From Those Who Had Little Enough To Begin With. In A Myriad Small Ways You Have Hastened The Deaths of Many. You Do Not Know Them. You Did Not See Them Bleed. But You Snatched Bread From Their Mouths And Tore Clothes From Their Backs. For Sport, Mr Lipvig. For Sport. For The Joy Of The Game.”

CHARACTERS:

Moist von Lipwig: A conman who has based his career on the fact that nobody ever really sees or notices him.  A main theme of the book is that he must learn to see himself for what he truly is (never a comfortable thing).

Adora Belle Dearheart: Don't let the name her parents gave her fool you. She is fondly known as Spike, or even Killer. A chain smoking & foot piercing stiletto wearing misanthrope. She sees through Moist's patter and calls him on it.

Moist & Adorabelle: He himself isn't quite sure what he see in her, but I think it's the fact that she actually sees him. She is someone with whom he can be himself.

My favorite supporting character is Mr. Pump, the golem.

WORLDBUILDING:

Discworld is a large world consisting of more than 40 books, many of which take place in the city of Ankh-Morpork as does this one. Those who have read other books in the series will be rewarded with many in-jokes & cameos. However, new readers will still be able to get along just fine. Moist is not a native citizen, and that makes it possible to comment on the various quirks of the city without it seeming awkward.

The main setting of the book is the abandoned Post Office. It is wonderfully atmospheric (and inhabited by extremely quirky character).

PLOT:

Some books/movies have many endings. The book has many beginnings. It has a 9000 year prologue, a 1 month prologue, and then introduces Moist and his situation. Although some of this material might be viewed as unnecessary or could have been placed elsewhere, it serves as on-ramp into the sideways world that is Discworld and an analogy for the layers in the writing.

Although there are additional books, this one has a complete ending with no cliffhanger.

HIGHLIGHTS / CAUTIONS:

So many little things, there are endless great quotes & scenes.

• The whole concept that words have actual power and letters want to be delivered
• Moist contemplates an alternative future before choosing
• Sly Lord of the Rings reference

I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT: Minor swearing / Some innuendo & vulgarity / Adora's cigarette habit

OTHER CAUTIONS: Discworld is not a fluffy fantasy setting despite being extremely humorous. The underworld is often the standard world.

NARRATION:

Character voices differentiated = Yes, but it is done mostly via subtle accents & speaking style / Opposite sex voices acceptable = Yes / Phrasing, Pacing & Pronunciation = Good / Emoting = Good / Speed = listened on 1.25, my usual

He handles the footnotes really well. And I especially enjoyed a scene when we were getting bits & pieces of various undelivered letters; he did a great job of giving each letter a different tone based on the sender & content.

BOOK DETAILS:

Going Postal (Discworld: Moist #1) by Terry Pratchett, read by Stephen Briggs, published by HarperAudio (2005) / Length: 11 hrs 27 min Buy Now | +Goodreads

Talk to Me (pretty please)

• Which is your favorite Discworld novel?
• Do you prefer to read mega series in chronological order, publication order, or something else?

--

• If you are a first time visitor, how did you discover my blog?

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

This review will be linked up with the following (hover for descriptions):