BORROWED MAGIC

Borrowed Magic by Stephanie Foxe
Book 1 in the Witch's Bite series
Narrated by Laurel Schroeder
Genre: urban fantasy
Format: ebook & audiobook

About Borrowed Magic:

A witch with a troubled past and a dangerous secret...
And bills to pay.

Peddling legal potions isn’t enough, so Olivia Carter works for the vampires now. She heals the people they feed on and does her best to avoid any trouble. She has a new boyfriend, a place to live (pay no mind to the rats living under the porch), and a cauldron for every occasion. Building a life in a new town isn’t easy, but Olivia is doing alright.

When the police show up at her door trying to pin a murder on her employer, and then her, she’ll have to risk everything to save her only friend and her future.

All magic has a price. Are you willing to pay it?

Source: Info in the About Borrowed Magic was taken from GoodReads at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36310899-borrowed-magic on 19/10/2019.

My Thoughts:

Short and sweet!

Borrowed Magic may read like a book but it is so short, it is more like a novella. The print version is only 146 pages long. Having said that, it did manage to have a plot, which is more than I can say for a lot of full lentgh urban fantasy books that I have read. Plot-less-ness seems to be a plague in the urban fantasy genre! And of course, it ended in a cliffhanger, but only to point to the plot of the next book in the series. The plot in this one, actually sort-of resolved.

I first encountered this narrator in Dragon's Gift: Valkyrie by Linsey Hall, I didn't like her singsong then and I still don't like it now.

Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 4
World building = 5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = 5
Plot = 3
Narration = 3

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 cherries


Books In The Witch's Bite Series:

(TBC)

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Meet The Author

About Stephanie Foxe:

Stephanie Foxe was born and raised near Houston, TX. She grew up playing in the pond and woods in her backyard, and devouring every book she could get her hands on.

Her teen years were spent transitioning slowly from reader, to writer. She spent most evenings on the phone with her cousin writing the first few pages to many books that would never be finished.

Her adult years were spent toiling away at a corporate job until one fateful day when she heard about a little writing project called NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). From there, the idea of writing a book went from a fanciful dream to a finished manuscript. The first book in the Witch’s Bite series was written, and Stephanie was addicted.

Now, she has plans to publish everything from paranormal fantasy to science fiction.

One book at a time.

Join the Newsletter to be kept updated on any new releases. Sign up today to receive Unsteady Magic, the short story prequel to the Witch’s Bite series, for free!

stephaniefoxe.com | twitter | facebook | pinterest | amazon | goodreads

The Narrator

About Laurel Schroeder:

Laurel Schroeder is a classically trained actor who received her MFA in acting from the University of Houston. She's narrated over 100 audiobooks, and although her genres vary widely, she's particularly fond of narrating young adult and mystery novels. When not in the booth working on her latest project, she can sometimes be seen in film or on stage, most recently in the world premiere of Good for Otto, by Tony Award–winning playwright David Rabe. A Colorado native, she now lives in Chicago with her boyfriend and their dog, the cutest little troublemaker you ever did see.

tantor | twitter | facebook | linkedin | goodreads

FTC Disclosure:
The different formats of this book were purchased with private funds.
No money received for this review.

STONECUTTER'S SHADOW

Stonecutter's Shadow by James Haddock
Narrated by Daniel Wisniewski
Genre: fantasy
Format: ebook & audiobook

About Stonecutter's Shadow:

A coup has thrown the kingdom of Farshores into turmoil, and one of the Pretender’s first moves was to order mercenaries to invade the Mage District and put all its inhabitants, men, women, and children, to the sword. There is one survivor, Horace Stonecutter, the youngest son of the Stonecutter family. Though a member of a stone cutting mage family, his stone cutting gift had yet to manifest itself. Instead, he had a talent he first used playing hide and seek with other children. He discovered could hide “inside” shadows, and the other kids nicknamed him “Hyder”, because no one could spot him once he hid. Embarrassed to tell his family about this seemingly useless talent, he kept it to himself.

But his ability to hide saved his life when the soldiers came to kill his family. Though there was no love lost between him and his five elder brothers, he dearly loved his mother and the mercs killed her. That night vengeance — in the form of an enraged Horace — moved from shadow to shadow killing the attackers without mercy. After all, it takes no arms training to bury an axe in the back of an enemy’s head when attacking from deep shadow. Consumed with anger and a hunger for retribution, he journeys out to find who ordered the murder of his family. He owes someone a blood debt, and he wants to collect.

Along his bloody journey, he meets kings, princes, princesses, noblemen — and not so noble men. He learns that in troubled times few are to be trusted. Join him as he becomes a fully developed Shadow Mage and follow as his abilities and powers grow while he seeks to collect the blood debt he is owed. May God have mercy on his enemies — because he won’t.

Source: Info in the "About Stonecutter's Shadow" was taken from GoodReads at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58541311-stonecutter-s-shadow on 09/04/2024.

Buy Link(s):

 

My Thoughts:

A wonderful stand-alone fantasy from James Haddock!

This is my fourth "story" by this author. By now, I am already an entrenched fan of James Haddock. His stories reads, more or less, the same. But I never get bored with them!

The problem with that, is, household chores and other adulting responsibilities don't get done! Dang!!

I obviously don't read when I am in work. So when I pick this book up in the evening when I get home, I have a little momentary pause as I read because sometimes I get confused... was it this book that travels by wood road? Oh, no, that was Dale! That is the major draw back with reading similar books. Especially when they all kinda have the same "flavour" because they are all written by the same author.

James Haddock has never written a too stupid to live (tstl) character before. So, I was quite surprised to read it in this book. Luckily, it was only at the start, never to be repeated again. Thank g*d!!

The plot kinda became a tiny bit confusing towards the end. Which was the dream and which was true?? So did the Blood Bank actually got straightened out or was that just a dream? Did he have the magic energy dagger already by then??

I am an old Daniel Wisniewski fan, and again with this book, he did not disappoint!... Or, I am now used to his reading...

Quantitative Evaluation:

Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 3.5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 4
World building = 5
Cover art = 5
Pace = (12 hrs and 10 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 4.5

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 cherries

The Author

About James Haddock:

My first career was as a Warrant Officer in the US Army, I am now retired with 22 years of service under my belt. Moving into the next phase of my life, I am a full-time author and RV'er. After seeing everyone else's Country during my first career, we decided to see our own. My wife and I enjoy traveling to see the wonders of America.

I love reading and watching Sci-Fi books, television shows, and movies. To think, "what if" and "why not." I am a pantser writer, I'll get an idea, or see a photo and think, "that would make a great story!". Writing as a pantser, to me, is like reading a new story. I have no idea where the story is going to end up. Writing the way gets me excited to pick up a pen; I look forward to writing each time, and can't wait to write many more.

www.jameshaddock.us | facebook | instagram | amazon | goodreads

The Narrator

About Daniel Wisniewski:

Audio book Narrator, Character Voices, Baritone, Bass, Tenor, Heroes, Villains, Dark, Bright, Young, Old, Comedy, Tragedy, Accents, Dialects.

I am a New York based actor who has performed across a variety of platforms both domestically and internationally. I am also a graduate of Ithaca College with a BFA in Musical Theatre, have studied and worked as a dialect coach, have access to a professional grade studio, and am an experienced editor. When not performing, I can usually be found either leading my friends on a DnD campaign or playing in one myself (usually as a dashing Half-Elf bard or brazen Half-Orc fighter).

www.danielwisniewskiactor.com | twitter | facebook | instagram | youtube | linkedin | goodreads

FTC Disclosure:
The ebook and audiobook were bought with private funds.
No money received for this review.

HEARTWOOD MAGE

Heartwood Mage by James Haddock
Narrated by Daniel Wisniewski
Book 1 in the Heart Mage series
Genre: fantasy
Format: ebook & audiobook

About Heartwood Mage:

When they hanged mage Baron Homburg and his family for treason, they missed one of his sons. The fourth son, ten-year-old Dale, witnessed the execution of his family, and something inside him broke. Two things happened that day: one, Dale became a borderline sociopath, and two, his mage abilities manifested at almost full strength, especially his wood or forest magic. That night he used his new wood magic to hang the earl who ordered the killing of his family.

Now he has only one thing on his mind, killing all those involved in killing his family or seeing them brought to justice. But he also wants the inheritance of his father’s title and lands. The only person who can give him that is the king, so he must petition the king for restitution.

Before he can petition the king, he finds out that the king plans to kill him. Because if the kingdom finds out who’s responsible for the murder of the Homburg family, the minor nobles and landowners would revolt against the crown screaming for justice. Those guilty are the king’s greatest supporters, which he would have to hang. The king cannot allow that to happen.

Seeing that the nobility is against him, Dale goes into hiding and changes his name to Eric Heartwood. Eric begins killing his enemies rather than negotiating a peaceful settlement. Eric decides that since nobility doesn’t play by the rules or laws, neither will he.

But Eric has a lot to learn about people and their motives. It seems almost everyone will lie, cheat, steal, and even kill to get ahead in the world. So Eric follows suit, killing those who oppose him, until he meets a kindly merchant and his wife. They show him kindness, which tempers his blood lust, but not by much. Follow mage Eric Heartwood as his powers grow and he is confronted by enemies at every turn. He tries to reconcile what he feels is just and what society says is just. He finds that most times, it’s just easier to kill your enemies.

Source: Info in the "About Heartwood Mage" was taken from GoodReads at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199056952-heartwood-mag on 05/04/2024.

Buy Link(s):

 

My Thoughts:

I like the story. I like the premise. And the story telling quality is compelling. I know the story is a bit blasé. But this is a fiction book. I'm an escapist reader. I like my reads to take me away from reality. So they do not have to be totally truthful.

There are little plots and resolutions along the story. It follows our main protagonist as he adventures on to find love and betrayal. Happiness and pain. I think that the author is wrong in calling him a psychopath because he is capable of empathy. He is just neurodivergent.

Louise in A Game Of Ghosts by John Connolly is a sociopath. Bill in Tuesday's Child by Dale Mayer is a psychopath. And I think our hero is none of those.

Daniel Wisniewski has a deep bass of a voice and it suits our hero.

Quantitative Evaluation:

Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 4.5
World building = 5
Cover art = 4
Pace = (8 hrs and 17 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 5

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 cherries

Books In The Heart Mage Series:

 

Meet The Author

About James Haddock:

My first career was as a Warrant Officer in the US Army, I am now retired with 22 years of service under my belt. Moving into the next phase of my life, I am a full-time author and RV'er. After seeing everyone else's Country during my first career, we decided to see our own. My wife and I enjoy traveling to see the wonders of America.

I love reading and watching Sci-Fi books, television shows, and movies. To think, "what if" and "why not." I am a pantser writer, I'll get an idea, or see a photo and think, "that would make a great story!". Writing as a pantser, to me, is like reading a new story. I have no idea where the story is going to end up. Writing the way gets me excited to pick up a pen; I look forward to writing each time, and can't wait to write many more.

www.jameshaddock.us | facebook | instagram | amazon | goodreads

The Narrator

About Daniel Wisniewski:

Audio book Narrator, Character Voices, Baritone, Bass, Tenor, Heroes, Villains, Dark, Bright, Young, Old, Comedy, Tragedy, Accents, Dialects.

I am a New York based actor who has performed across a variety of platforms both domestically and internationally. I am also a graduate of Ithaca College with a BFA in Musical Theatre, have studied and worked as a dialect coach, have access to a professional grade studio, and am an experienced editor. When not performing, I can usually be found either leading my friends on a DnD campaign or playing in one myself (usually as a dashing Half-Elf bard or brazen Half-Orc fighter).

www.danielwisniewskiactor.com | twitter | facebook | instagram | youtube | linkedin | goodreads

FTC Disclosure:
The ebook and audiobook were bought with private funds.
No money received for this review.

BLIND RUN

Blind Run by Patricia Lewin
Book 1 in the Blind Run series
Narrated by Dick Hill
Genre: crime fiction
Format: paperback & audiobook

About Blind Run:

Ethan Decker is a specialized 'hunter' for one of the most secretive agencies of the US government. His mission is to track down ruthless international fugitives.

But when a daring mission takes a lethal turn, he exiles himself to a remote desert in New Mexico to live in a jail of his own guilt and grief. Until a former member of his covert team arrives at his door, shepherding two children. She entrusts them to Decker’s protection and leaves without explanation.

Suddenly he's the hunted instead of the hunter and the race is on to unlock the mystery behind these two children — innocent pawns in a dark conspiracy so evil that even this former spy could not imagine the peril that lies directly in his path.

Source: Info in the "About Blind Run" was taken from GoodReads at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36291674-blind-run on 18/03/2024.

Buy Link(s):

My Thoughts:

This is my first Patricia Lewin read and I'm so glad that I found this author!

I like the way that the author built the tension. The plot has just enough twist in it to have a lovely resolution in the end!

At first I thought that this book is some kind of science fiction where we have super-humans running around as superheroes. But no, this book is crime fiction.

Why isn't there any more books in this series? I am hoping to read about the kids and what happened to them afterwards... Because Patricia Lewin is good at character building that I want to read more about them!

This is my first Dick Hill audiobook and I would listen to him again.

Quantitative Evaluation:

Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 4.5
World building = 5
Cover art = 3.5
Pace = 4.5
Plot = 4
Narration = 5

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 cherries

Books In The Blind Run Series:

 

Meet The Author

About Patricia Lewin:

Patricia Lewin is the pseudonym for author, editor, and writing teacher, Pat Van Wie.

Pat’s published eleven novels for three major publishers, including: Ballantine, Bantam, and Harlequin. Her last three books were hardcover suspense novels.

Pat has also worked as an editor and taught writing workshops and classes in various formats and lengths around the country, including her local Community College.

patricialewin.com | twitter | facebook | instagram | bookbub | amazon | goodreads

The Narrator

About Dick Hill:

Voice actor, actor, playwright, author.

As a Golden Voice (so honored by Audiofile Magazine), winner of 3 Audies and dozens of Earphone Awards, Dick Hill brings his own personal touch of vocal creativity to every project.

He brings stories to life with a wide variety of characterizations, dialects, and accents... reviewers have compared his work to a full cast recording. His rich baritone and insightful interpretations have also earned him praise for his many non-fiction titles.

Publishers and authors speak highly of Dick's work, too. Best selling thrill-master LEE CHILD , whose award winning Jack Reacher novel ONE SHOT earned Dick an Audie nomination for best solo male narrator and is on its way to the big screen, says:

"While few audiobook fans become authors, plenty of authors become audiobook fans — especially if they're lucky enough to get Dick Hill as their voice."

You can read more reviews of Dick Hill's work and listen to audio samples. When you're ready, he'd love you to get in touch about your next project.

www.dickhill.com | wiki | goodreads

FTC Disclosure:
The ebook and audiobook were bought with private funds.
No money received for this review.