September 2023 MBR The Audiobook Shelf

The Audiobook Shelf

There's No Coming Back from This
Ann Garvin, author
Andi Arndt, narrator
Brilliance Audio
9781713616313, $19.99, MP3-CD (9 Hours 57 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Theres-No-Coming-Back-This/dp/1713616319

Synopsis: It seems lately that Poppy Lively is invisible to everyone but the IRS.

After her accountant absconded with her life savings, newly bankrupt Poppy is on the verge of losing her home when an old flame, now a hotshot producer, gives her a surprising way out: a job in costumes on a Hollywood film set. It's a bold move to pack her bags, keep secrets from her daughter, and head to Los Angeles, but Poppy's a capable person - how hard can a job in wardrobe be? It's not like she has a choice; her life couldn't get any worse. Even so, this midwesterner has a lot to learn about the fast and loose world of movie stars, iconic costumes, and back-lot intrigue.

As a single mom, she's rarely had time for watching movies, she doesn't sew, and she doesn't know a thing about dressing the biggest names in the business. Floundering and overlooked, Poppy has one ally: Allen Carol, an ill-tempered movie star taken with Poppy's unfiltered candor and general indifference to stardom.

When Poppy stumbles upon corruption, she relies on everyone underestimating her to discover who's at the center of it, a revelation that shakes her belief in humanity. What she thought was a way to secure a future for her daughter becomes a spotlight illuminating the facts: Poppy is out of her league among the divas of Tinseltown.

Poppy must decide whether to keep her mouth shut, as she's always done, or with the help of a scruffy dog, show the moviemakers that they need her unglamorous ways, whether the superstars like it or not.

Critique: Brought vividly to life in a true and memorable 'theatre of the mind' experience by the vocal talents of narrator Andi Arndt, "There's No Coming Back from This" by novelist Ann Garvin will have a special and particular appeal to fans of Women's Friendship and Domestic/Family Life Fiction. "There's No Coming Back from This" this complete and unabridged edition from Brilliance Audio is highly recommended for both personal and community library audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Ann Garvin (www.anngarvin.net) is the author of five funny and sad novels about people who do too much, in a world that asks too much from them. Ann teaches in the low-residency master of fine arts program at Drexel University and lives with her anxious and overly protective dog, Peanut. She is the founder of the Tall Poppy Writers and is dedicated to helping authors find readers and vice versa.

Editorial Note #2: Andi Arndt (https://www.andiarndt.com) is an acclaimed Audiobook Narrator known for her captivating voice and ability to bring stories to life. Andi is in the Audible Narrator Hall of Fame. Her work has earned 3 Audie Awards and 4 Audie Finalist Medallions, 6 AudioFile Earphones Awards, and she's twice been mentioned on AudioFile's list of the Best Voices of the Year.

A Soul of Ash and Blood
Jennifer L. Armentrout, author
Tim Campbell, narrator
Brilliance Audio
9798400147609, $34.99, MP3-CD (19 Hours 42 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Ash-Blood-Novel/dp/B0BTHSG4WF

Synopsis: A great primal power has risen. The Queen of Flesh and Fire has become the Primal of Blood and Bone -- the true Primal of Life and Death. And the battle Casteel, Poppy, and their allies have been fighting has only just begun. Gods are awakening across Iliseeum and the mortal realm, readying for the war to come.

But when Poppy falls into stasis, Cas faces the very real possibility that the dire, unexpected consequences of what she is becoming could take her away from him. Cas is given some advice, though -- something he plans to cling to as he waits to see her beautiful eyes open once more: Talk to her.

And so, he does. He reminds Poppy how their journey began, revealing things about himself that only Kieran knows in the process. But it's anybody's guess what she'll wake to or exactly how much of the realm and Cas will have changed when she does.

With "A Soul of Ash and Blood, fantasy novelist Jennifer L. Armentrout revisits Poppy and Casteel's epic love story in the next installment of the Blood and Ash series. But this time, Hawke gets to tell the tale.

Critique: Expertly and vividly performed with the impressive narrative vocal styles ofTim Campbell, this complete and unabridged edition of "A Soul of Ash and Blood" from Brilliance Audio will have a very special attraction to fans of vampire romance fantasy fiction. Original, self-contained, and a must for the growing legions of Jennifer L. Armentrout fans, "A Soul of Ash and Blood" is a clearly endorsed addition to both personal and community library audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Jennifer L. Armentrout (https://jenniferlarmentrout.com) writes young adult, paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion, Harlequin Teen, and Blue Box Press; and PassionFlix recently made her Wicked series into a feature film. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2020 Goodreads Choice Award in Romance for her adult fantasy, From Blood and Ash. She has also written Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn.

Editorial Note #2: Tim Campbell (http://www.timcampbell.me) is an award winning actor and singer. He works primarily in audiobook narration and voice over and has narrated over 800 titles spanning almost every genre. He has won or been nominated for almost every major award in the audiobook industry including a 2018 Audie, multiple Audie nominations, a 2019 Voice Arts Award and several Audiofile Earphones Awards and Independent Audiobook Awards.

The Shell House Detectives
Emylia Hall, author
Kate Rawson, narrator
Brilliance Audio
9798400115516, $19.99, MP3-CD (12 Hours 13 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Shell-House-Detectives-Mystery/dp/B0BF2ZXX89

Synopsis: Late one night, a distraught young man knocks on the door of retired and recently widowed Ally Bright's remote home on the Cornish coast. But before she can make sense of his confused words, he's gone -- not to be seen again until he's found the next morning at the foot of the nearby cliffs.

In an instant, the peace of Ally's beachcombing life is shattered. Feeling responsible for the young man's fate, she wants to help find answers -- as does ex-cop Jayden Weston, whom Ally meets at the scene. He shares her certainty that there's more to the story than attempted suicide. When it emerges that the man is newly released ex-offender Lewis Pascoe, and that Helena, the wealthy new owner of his grandmother's home, has subsequently disappeared, the tight-knit community of Porthpella is thrown into turmoil.

Driven by their need to know more, the duo decide to investigate the mystery together. Is there a connection between the Pascoe family's tragic history and Helena's disappearance? And if there is a killer stalking Porthpella, do Ally and Jayden have what it takes to catch them?

Critique: With a very special appeal and attraction for fans of Cozy Mysteries and Private Investigation murder mysteries, this complete and unabridged Brilliance audio production of "The Shell House Detectives" by Emylia Hall is brilliantly narrated by the verbal narrative talents of Kate Rawson. Simply stated, "The Shell House Detectives" is a fun listening experience and a welcome and prized addition to personal and community library Mystery/Suspense audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Emylia Hall lives with her husband and son in Bristol, where she writes from a hut in the garden and dreams of the sea. The Shell House Detectives is her first crime novel and is inspired by her love of Cornwall's wild landscape. Emylia has published four previous novels, including Richard and Judy Book Club pick The Book of Summers and The Thousand Lights Hotel. Her work has been translated into ten languages and broadcast on BBC Radio 6 Music. She is the founder of Mothership Writers and is a writing coach at The Novelry. Emylia can be followed on Instagram at @emyliahall_author and on Twitter at @emyliahall

Editorial Note #2: Kate Rawson is a talented narrator who has a complete listing of her available audio book titles at: https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Kate+Rawson

Role Playing
Cathy Yardley, author
Chris Brinkley, narrator
Elyse Dinh, narrator
Brilliance Audio
9798400115769, $19.99, MP3-CD (10 Hours 3 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Role-Playing-Cathy-Yardley/dp/B0BFV3YHWQ

Synopsis: Maggie is an unapologetically grumpy forty-eight-year-old hermit. But when her college-aged son makes her a deal (he'll be more social if she does the same) she can't refuse. She joins a new online gaming guild led by a friendly healer named Otter. So that nobody gets the wrong idea, she calls herself Bogwitch.

Otter is Aiden, a fifty-year-old optimist using the guild as an emotional outlet from his family drama caring for his aging mother while his brother plays house with Aiden's ex-fiancee.

Bogwitch and Otter become fast virtual friends, but there's a catch. Bogwitch thinks Otter is a college student. Otter assumes Bogwitch is an octogenarian.

When they finally meet face to face (after a rocky, shocking start) the unlikely pair of sunshine and stormy personalities grow tentatively closer. But Maggie's previous relationships have left her bitter, and Aiden's got a complicated past of his own.

Everything's easier online. Can they make it work in real life?

Critique: If every there were a story for our times, "Role Playing" by novelist Cathy Yardley is it. This complete and unabridged audio book edition from Brilliance Audio is deftly narrated by the team of Chris Brinkley and Elyse Dinh who are able to bring the entire story along with its distinctive characters to life in a true theatre of the mind experience for the listener. "Role Playing" is a choice pick for both personal and community library audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Cathy Yardley (https://www.cathyyardley.com) is an award-winning author of romance, chick lit, and urban fantasy. She writes fun, geeky, and diverse characters who believe that underdogs can make good and that sometimes being a little wrong is just right.

Editorial Note #2: Chris Brinkley (https://www.chrisbrinkleystoryteller.com) is an accomplished narrator, voice actor, writer, producer, NCAA Division I broadcaster, radio personality, and emcee. Brinkley penned the recently released My Story of Us book and audio series.

Editorial Note #3: Elyse Dinh (https://elysedinh.com/About) is a Vietnamese-American actress who is also active in voice over work, narrating audiobooks and doing loop groups/ADR, in addition to commercials, podcasts, audio plays, and PSAs.

Dragon Lover: A Dragon Kings Novella
Donna Grant, author
Anthony Ferguson, narrator
Brilliance Audio
9798400144677, $14.99, MP3-CD (6 Hours 18 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Lover-Kings-Novella-Nights/dp/B0C2CLD87K

Synopsis: Sensual. Clever. Daring. There's only one thing Kendrick yearns for -- peace that has eluded the Dragon Kings. Zora may have been made in the image of Earth, but it's a far cry from home. For too long the Kings have been on the defensive, betrayed time and again. When Kendrick has an opportunity to stop a foe, he takes it. Except he isn't the only one tracking it. Soon, he finds himself face-to-face with an exquisite swordswoman who holds him enthralled...and sparks passion within his cold heart.

As an Asavori Ranger, Esha has dedicated her life to protecting her people. She trains relentlessly to become one of their best warriors, forsaking everything else. When a treacherous new enemy invades their lands, she vows to destroy it. Esha's rash decision has her crossing paths with that of a mysterious, handsome outsider. He's trouble the Rangers don't need, but she can't walk away. He awakens desires long buried and dreams neglected. The temptation of their forbidden union is more than she can resist. She's soon walking a treacherous path -- one that could be the downfall for them both.

Critique: A fun combination of high fantasy, forbidden romance, and action/adventure, this complete and unabridged audio book edition of "1001 Dark Nights: Dragon Tower" by fantasy novelist Donna Grant is expertly performed by voice actor and narrator Anthony Ferguson in a tour-de-force presentation that is unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended for both personal and community library Science Fiction & Fantasy audio book collections.

Editorial Note #1: Donna Grant has been praised for her "totally addictive" and "unique and sensual" stories. Her acclaimed series, Dark Kings, features a thrilling combination of dragons, Fae, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. Her fans can visit her at www.DonnaGrant.com, at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDonnaGrant

Editorial Note #2: Anthony Ferguson (https://narrator.page/n/antony_ferguson) is a native of London, England and an AudioFile Earphones Award winner. He is a classically trained actor and has appeared in numerous productions in London, Off-Broadway, and regional theater. As a voice actor, he has over 150 audiobooks to his credit and was recommended by the All About Romance Web site as one of the best male narrators at performing female characters. He is equally comfortable with British, Scottish and Australian dialects

After Death
Dean Koontz, author
Edoardo Ballierini, narrator
Brilliance Audio
9798400115462, $29.99, MP3-CD (9 Hours 24 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/After-Death-Dean-Koontz/dp/B0BHHW883C

Synopsis: Michael Mace, head of security at a top-secret research facility, opens his eyes in a makeshift morgue twenty-four hours following an event in which everyone perished - including him and his best friend, Shelby Shrewsberry.

Having awakened with an extraordinary ability unlike anything he (or anyone else) has ever imagined, Michael is capable of being as elusive as a ghost. He sets out to honor his late friend by helping Nina Dozier and her son, John, whom Shelby greatly admired. Although what Michael does for Nina is life changing, his actions also evoke the wrath of John's father, a member of one of the most violent street gangs in Los Angeles.

But an even greater threat is descending: the Internal Security Agency's most vicious assassin, Durand Calaphas. Calaphas will stop at nothing to get his man. If Michael dies twice, he will not live a third time.

From the tarnished glamour of Beverly Hills to the streets of South Central to a walled estate in Rancho Santa Fe, only Michael can protect Nina and John -- and ensure that light survives in a rapidly darkening world.

Critique: A master of the suspense thriller genre, "After Death" is still another brilliant, original, memorable, and entertaining novel master storyteller Dean Koontz. Deftly narrated by voice actor Edoardo Ballierini, and presented in a complete and unabridged audio book edition from Brilliance Audio, "After Death" will have a special appeal for fans of conspiracy thrillers and science fiction adventures -- and will prove a prized pick for Dean Koontz fans and community library audio book fiction collections..

Editorial Note #1: Dean Ray Koontz (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Koontz) is an American author whose novels are billed as suspense thrillers, but frequently incorporate elements of horror, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and satire. Many of his books have appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list, with fourteen hardcovers and sixteen paperbacks reaching the number-one position. Koontz wrote under a number of pen names earlier in his career, including "David Axton", "Deanna Dwyer", "K.R. Dwyer", "Leigh Nichols" and "Brian Coffey". He has published over 105 novels and a number of novellas and collections of short stories, and has sold over 450 million copies of his work.

Editorial Note #2: Edoardo Ballierini ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edoardo_Ballerini) is an American actor, narrator, writer, and film director.

Who Fears Death
Nnedi Okorafor, author
Anne Flosnik, narrator
Brilliance Audio
9781491577486, $9.99, MP3-CD (16 Hours 59 Minutes)

https://www.amazon.com/Who-Fears-Death-Nnedi-Okorafor/dp/1491595450

Synopsis: In a post-apocalyptic Africa, the world has changed in many ways, yet in one region genocide between tribes still bloodies the land. After years of enslaving the Okeke people, the Nuru tribe has decided to follow the Great Book and exterminate the Okeke tribe for good. An Okeke woman who has survived the annihilation of her village and a terrible rape by an enemy general wanders into the desert hoping to die. Instead, she gives birth to an angry baby girl with hair and skin the color of sand. Gripped by the certainty that her daughter is different, special, she names her child Onyesonwu, which means "Who Fears Death?" in an ancient tongue.

From a young age, stubborn, willful Onyesonwu is trouble. It doesn't take long for her to understand that she is physically and socially marked by the circumstances of her violent conception. She is Ewu -- a child of rape who is expected to live a life of violence, a half-breed rejected by both tribes.

But Onye is not the average Ewu. As a child, Onye's singing attracts owls. By the age of eleven, she can change into a vulture. But these amazing abilities are merely the first glimmers of a remarkable and unique magic. As Onye grows, so do her abilities -- soon she can manipulate matter and flesh, or travel beyond into the spiritual world. During an inadvertent visit to this other realm she learns something terrifying -- someone powerful is trying to kill her.

Desperate to elude her would-be murderer, and to understand her own nature, she seeks help from the magic practitioners of her village. But, even among her mother's people, she meets with frustrating prejudice because she is Ewu and female. Yet Onyesonwu persists.

Eventually her magical destiny and her rebellious nature will force her to leave home on a quest that will be perilous in ways that Onyesonwu can not possibly imagine. For this journey will cause her to grapple with nature, tradition, history, true love, and the spiritual mysteries of her culture, and ultimately to learn why she was given the name she bears: Who Fears Death?

Critique: Impressively performed by the vocal narration talents of Anne Flosnik, "Who Fears Death" is an original fantasy novel by author Nnedi Okorafor. A memorable listening experience, we enter a world of magical realism as we are drawn into a potent and powerful story of genocide set in the far future -- and of a unique woman who labors to overcome prejudice and hostility to survive and reshape her world. This truly extraordinary, complete and unabridged MP3-CD edition of "Who Fears Death" from Brilliance Audio is strongly recommended for personal and community library Post- Apocalyptic Science Fiction & Fantasy collections.

Editorial Note #1: Nnedi Okorafor (www.nnedi.com) was born in the United States to two Igbo (Nigerian) immigrant parents. She holds a PhD in English and is a professor of creative writing at Chicago State University. She has been the winner of many awards for her short stories and young adult books, and won a World Fantasy Award for Who Fears Death. Nnedi's books are inspired by her Nigerian heritage and her many trips to Africa. She can be followed on Twitter at twitter.com/nnedi

Editorial Note #2: Anne Flosnik (https://www.anneflosnik.com) is a 5 time Audie Finalist, SAG-AFTRA British/US, as well as an Audiobook Narrator & Producer, Voice Artist, Actress, Creator & Host of the "Narrator Uplift" House, on Clubhouse.

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Midwest Book Review