The Library: Where Life Checks Out by Carmen Desousa-5 stars

Desousa, Carmen, The Library: Where Life Checks Out. 6.33 hrs. (unbar.). Carmen Desousa, 2015. $19.95. Audible download

Source: Review copy in exchange for honest review

The Burkes and Allens have a long history together, but Ashlyn and Mark are just finding it out. After her boyfriend, Devin tries to kill her, he runs off and get hit by a train. Worried that she’ll be the prime suspect, she hides the tape from the bar. In enters Mark Waters. As smart as he is sexy, his gut, and his developing feeling for her, tells him Ashlyn’s innocent of Devin’s death. As he looks further into the man’s death, however, he opens up a can of worms that not only dates back to Ashlyn’s grandmother’s death, but also some dark secrets in the Burkes’ past. As old and new murders pile up and ghosts start appearing to him, can Mark solve the case before the body count gets any higher?  Is he losing his mind or can Mark really see the dead? How deep does the history between the Burkes and Allens really go?

Narrator, Michelle Babb’s unique voice and intonations bring to life the unique characters of Desousa’s book. The characters are well developed and easy to relate to. Babb’s transitions between humor, mystery, and romance are well done and complements Desousa’s writing style. Told through two short, connected stories, readers who enjoy a little paranormal mixed in with their mystery and romance will appreciate the masterpiece this audiobook provides. 

5 stars, ADULT

Sprinkled by Gina LaManna-4.5 stars

LaManna, Gina, Sprinkled: A Lacey Luzzi Mystery. 7.54 hrs. Gina Thorwick, 2015. $19.95. Audible download

After failing to follow in her mother’s stripper shoes, Lacey looked into her family history and discovered she was related to not only the mafia, but the boss himself. As the estranged granddaughter of Carlos Luzzi, Lacey wants to make her grandfather proud. For her first assignment, she’s asked to find Carlos’ large shipment of the “good stuff” that was stolen by the Russian Mafia. With the help of her ex-cop friend, Meg, her tech-wielding cousin, Clay, and her mysterious hot personal trainer/person on Carlos’ occasional payroll, Anthony, she tries to uncover the truth. Is the “good stuff” what Lacey thinks it is? Did the Russian Mafia really steal it? Will Lacey find her place at her grandfather’s heart or does she already have one?

Narrator, Caitlin Kelly does a great job of drawing Lacey’s world to life. Her unique intonations match well with LaManna’s quirky characters. The plot is well developed, entertaining, and has lots of twists and turns. Kelly easily navigates the sudden plot changes and matches speed with this well-paced book with ease while effectively mixing up the humor and mystery. Together, Kelly and LaManna make a great pair. Fans of Janet Evanovich or Jeaniene Frost will have a hard time putting this audiobook.

4.5 stars, ADULT

Master Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg-4 stars

Holmberg, Charlie N. Master Magician. 6.47 hrs. Brilliance Audio, 2015. $13.99. Audible download.

Source: Bought 

Ceony Twill’s at the end of her studies and is about to take her magician’s exam. Her relationship with Emery has continued to grow romantically, but politics regarding master-apprentice romances is heating up. If Ceony every wants to be with Emery, she must pass her test as soon as possible. Sent to prepare for the exam with another folder, magician Prit. Being enemies with Emery, Prit has every intention of delaying Ceony from passing her exam. With old enemies resurfacing and Emery temporarily out of the picture, will Ceony be able to survive to pass her test? Will she be able to take her test or will Prit find a way to sabotage her?

Narrator, Amy McFadden does a great job of bringing to life Ceony's world. Her unique voices provide the listener with a unique, versatile narrative style. The plot is well developed, engaging, and keeps a fairly fast pace despite its historical setting. The characters are likable and humorous. The dynamics between them are enjoyable and McFadden easily navigates their dialogue. Readers who like to get to know the characters well will appreciate the mix of action adventure with the more serious matters of the heart. It does feel off for the time period, however, for Ceony to be so gung-ho about trying to solve her own problems without any help.  Also, he problems with Prit never really resolved themselves, but the humor and rivalries that come to light make up for it. Overall, a satisfying ending to the trilogy. Recommended for those readers who like an action-packed, historical fantasy adventure.

4 stars, ADULT

Glass Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg

Holmberg, Charlie N. Glass Magician. 6.37 hrs. Brilliance Audio, 2014. $52.97. Audible download.

Source: Bought 

Well into her apprenticeship with Emery Thane, 20-year-old Ceony Twill is still studying paper magic. She has, however, been harboring the secret that she can also wield other magics as well. Although she has told no one of her secret, two men from her and Emery’s past are convinced that she knows the secret behind wielding multiple magics. Vowed to stop at nothing to get the secret from her, Ceony knows she must discover the true limits to her powers before it’s too late. Will she succed? Will Emery figure out her secret? 

Narrator, Amy McFadden does a great job of bringing to life Ceony's world. Her unique voices provide the listener with a unique, versatile narrative style. The plot is well developed, engaging, and keeps a fairly fast pace despite its historical setting. The characters are likable and humorous. The dynamics between them are enjoyable and McFadden easily navigates their dialogue. Readers who like to get to know the characters well will appreciate the mix of action adventure with the more serious matters of the heart. It does feel off for the time period, however, for Ceony to be so gung-ho about trying to  solve her own problems without Emery’s help.  Also, some of the battles with Grath and Sarag drag on a bit, but the humor and action mixed in make up for it. Recommended for those readers who like an action-packed, historical fantasy adventure.

4 stars, ADULT

Flunked by Jen Calonita-4.5 stars

Calonita, Jen, Flunked. 5.17 hrs (unbar.) Dreamscape Media, 2015. $34.99. Audible Download.

Source: Bought

When Gilly is caught stealing bread for her family, she is sentenced to three month at the Fairy Tale Reform School. The school would be a dream place to live it weren’t for the former villain teachers who may or may not have given up their evil ways. Something sinister, however, is going on at the school. When the royal princesses come to inspect the school and someone tries multiple times to kill the, Gilly wonders if someone is trying to start a war or worse. She enlists the help of her friend, Jax. He, however, is hiding something. Can Gilly save the school and her new friends? Can she trust Jax? Who is trying to sabotage the school? 

Narrator, Kristin Condon brings to life Gilly’s world with her unique intonations and easy to follow voice. Her unique voices bring out the characters’ personalities and make them easy to relate to. The plot is well developed, engaging, and has lots of plot twists. Kristin navigates the different scene paces and plot twists with ease without losing the reader.  Fans of fairy tale retellings, snarky main characters, fantasy, and mystery will enjoy listening to this audiobook. 

4.5 stars, Grades 6 to 10

As You Wish: The Inconceivable Tales From the Making of the Princess Bride by Cary Elwes-5 stars

Elwes, Cary, As You Wish: The Inconceivable Tales From the Making of the Princess Bride. 6 CDs. 7.01 hrs.  $22.49. Simon and Schuster Audio, 2014. mp3 download. 

Source: Bought

Do you remember watching Princess Bride for the first time? The magic that came as you watched the swashbuckling fantasy adventure romance unfold? Hear Cary Elwes tell his own story of how he came to be a part of the Princess Bride, what his experiences were being on set for the first time, what is was like to learn to sword-fight, and more. Experience Princess Bride for the first time all over again.

Cary Elwes does a fantastic job of narrating his story. The addition of some of the other cast members narrating their parts of the story was unique and fun to listen to as well. The mix of humor with internal dialogue was well depicted and easily drew listeners into the book. The chapter set up made sense and helped to paint a picture for listeners of how the film unfolded in its creation. Fans of Princess Bride or who like Cary Elwes in other productions will enjoy listening to this audiobook.

5 stars, Grades 7 to ADULT