Tell the Wind and Fire by Sarah Reese Brennan-3 stars

Brennan, Sarah Rees, Tell The Wind and Fire. 8CDs. 9.52 hrs. Dreamscape Media, 2016. $39.99. Audible Download

In a world divided by light and dark magic, Lucie lives between two worlds. Her father a light magician, her mother a light magician born to dark, their love was forbidden. When Lucie’s mother gets murdered by the light guards and her father was put in the death cages, she managed to get her father free, but unknowingly became a symbol for the revolution. Now the dark magicians known as the San Merci, 2 years later, are starting a bloody revolution in her name. Torn between the man she loves, Ethan Striker and the revolution that wants him dead, can Lucie enact change without costing herself her boyfriend?

Narrator, Lisa Larsen does a great job of bringing to life Lucie’s world with unique voices and great narrative pace. The secondary characters, however are a bit under developed and their motives feel forced. The plot is well developed, but extremely far-fetched, even for a fantasy. I’d definitely listen to this narrator again, but probably won’t listen to a sequel in this series. If listeners are die-hard, dark fantasy fans, you might enjoy listening to this audiobook. 

3 stars, Grades 8 to 12

Elite by Mercedes Lackey-5 stars

Lackey, Mercedes. Narr. by Amy Landon. Elite. 9 CDs. 10:11 hrs.  Blackstone Audio, 2016. $34.95. Audible Download.

 In a world overrun by monsters from fairy tales called OtherSiders, Joy is an elite hunter. She is powerful due to her 11 hounds that help her to harness her power. Taking off where Hunter left off, Joy is asked by her uncle to patrol the tunnels beneath the city and keep him updated on anything she finds down there. Soon, she starts finding dead Psyman in the tunnels. During a battle, her archenemy, Ace, escapes from Army custody. To make matters worse, the OtherSiders’ numbers seem to be growing and getting harder to defeat. Are these three situations connected? Can Joy and the other hunters figure out how to keep the city safe without alerting the cits (city dwellers)?

Narrator, Amy Landon uses her vast experience to bring to life Joy’s world. Her unique intonations brings depth to each character’s personalities while giving them each a distinct voice. Her navigation of the complex, well developed plot and subplots is masterfully done. Lackey’s writing style combines all the element of mystery, fantasy, and adventure in an engaging way without losing a beat. Pacing is fast and action-packed. Fans of Lackey’s books or those who like fantasy adventures will enjoy listening to this book. 

5 stars, Grades 7 to 12

Zero Day by Jan Gangsei-5 stars

Gangsei, Jan, Zero Day. Blackstone Audio, 2016. 8 CDs. 9:3 hrs. $105. Audible Download.

Source: Copy in exchange for honest review
 

When she was 8, Addie Webster was kidnapped and disappeared without a trace. Now 16, Addie has returned. She claims she escaped from her captors. After her childhood friend and national security advisor, Darrow Ferguson, gets called in to monitor Addie’s return to her family. As the two become re-acquainted with each other, however, it becomes clear that she has an ulterior mission. Is Addie really a terrorist threat?

Narrator, Andi Arndt’s intriguing, dynamic voice brings Addie and Darrow’s characters and world to life. The plot is intriguing, fast paced, engaging, and well developed. Arndt easily navigates the twists and turns while drawing the reader into the story. The author masterfully intermixes action, thriller, and mystery together. With characters who aren’t what they seem and enchant the reader with their likable personalities, but intriguing characters, fans of action thriller fiction will enjoy reading this book. 

Grades 7 to 12, 5 stars