Hunter by Mercedes Lackey-5 stars

Lackey, Mercedes, Hunter. 11:24 hrs. 1mp3 cd. Blackstone Audio, 2015. $105. Audible Download.

Source: Review Copy

Since the Diseray occurred, the barriers between our world and the Otherworld have come down. Terrifying creatures right out of nightmares have crossed over.  It is the job of a group of elite people known as Hunters to stop these creatures down without the Cits (normal people) from noticing. After her parents’ deaths, Joy Creatures has lived in a monastery where they train people to fight them. One day, her 7 hounds appear, which marks her a Hunter. When her uncle finds out, he sends for her to join the others in Apex City. Homesick, Joy has a hard time adjusting to the extravagant, video-taped, wasteful lifestyles of the Cits. As she trains, however, she begins to realize that the government has been hiding a lot more about the Otherworlders than she could have ever imagined. With the Otherworlders getting more dangerous and clever by the day, can she and the other Hunters stop them before too many get hurt?

Narrator, Amy Landon’s experienced voice brings a unique dimension to Lackey’s story. Her unique intonations bring each complex character’s personality to life in an engaging, realistic way. Her narrative style complements Lackey’s faster paced style and easily navigates between action, mystery, and dialogue. Plot is well developed and easily pulls the reader into Joy’s world. With an ending that will make readers wish the next book was available in the series, science fiction and fantasy fans will have a hard time putting this audiobook down. 

5 stars, Grades 7 and up

Murder al Dente by Jennifer L. Hart-4.5 stars

Hart, Jennifer L., Murder al Dente. 6.23 hrs. Jennifer L. Hart, 2015. Audible download.

Source: Review Copy
 

Three months ago, Andy Buckland botched her big break. She gave a live television audience food poisoning. Now, after being blacklisted by most of the food industry, Andy’s back working at her family’s failing pasta shop. Unfortunately, her first job is to cater her ex-boyfriend’s engagement party. When a chef from her past is murdered at the event, it’s up to Andy to figure out who really did it. With the help of a hot private investigator, who just happens to be her ex-boyfriend’s fiance’s half-brother, she looks into the chef’s past. Some things, however, are better left buried and someone is trying real hard to keep it that way. Can Andy solve the case before it’s too late? Can she save he family’s pasta shop?

Narrator, Suzanne Cerreta brings a humorous touch to Hart’s food mystery. The well-developed characters are brought to life with Cerreta’s unique voices and intonations. She easily navigates the author’s mix of action, internal dialogue, intrigue, and humorous scenes with ease. The plot is well developed and engaging. Readers who like humorous food mysteries with a little bit of romance will have a hard time putting this audiobook down. 

4.5 stars, ADULT