Sort but intense

It is a standalone book inside The Order Universe, beautiful and exquisite, as usual with this autor. I don't know how she manage it, but her characters tug your heartstrings and not too much words are needed.

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Short and sweet

This Christmas short was my first taste of Kasia Bacon’s elven fantasy world and because it was so short, it was hard to judge. It describes a brief romantic moment between Captain Torhdhar and his loyal orderly, Sæbastyn. I found the glossary at the end helpful because it gave me a tantalising glimpse of the wider world Bacon has created. I liked the narration but felt it could have flowed a little better. I’d certainly explore more works by this author based on this taster.

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Wonderful short story

This was the first of Kasia’s stories I read and it still holds a special place in my heart.
It amazes me how she can create complex worlds and likeable, engaging characters in so few, but obviously incredibly well-chosen, words.

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A quick peek

When an author embarks upon world building, it’s always a challenge. There are usually elements recognizable (aside from some SFF books although even the most elaborate have something we can relate to.) In Ms. Bacon’s books, there are characters whose emotions we can recognize. Sæbastyn is observing the preparations going on around him, both for the Night of Winter Lights and the upcoming invasion. He’s an Orderly who has seen a snippet of battle and that didn’t end well for him. He’s a favorite for Captain Torhdhar who, in the guise of protecting him, tries to send him away.

Sæbastyn wants none of that and is willing to stand by the captain. To support his commanding officer. To express that which he holds dearly in his heart. Turns out the Night of Winter Lights has more surprises instore.

I enjoy short stories and this one worked well. The world building is clear, the conflict concise, and the outcome satisfying. Overall it was a nice quick read. Michael Fox narrated the story and I think he’s great. I hope to hear him doing more stories by Ms. Bacon.

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Words well wielded

An amazing amount of chemistry packed into such a brief story. A beautifully written short.

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as good as the ebook

The story is always full stars, because if I wouldn't like the story as ebook, I wouldn't listen to the audiobook. I can't listen to an audiobook without knowing the book, that's not possible for me.

The performance from the narrator is also very important for me. I can't listen to a lot, because my English as a non-native-speaker isn't so perfect to follow a whole story over hours, when the narrator speaks too fast or too sloppy. Normally I have to SEE the person, who is talking to me in English. It took me a little bit, to come into the narrator, but at the end, it worked. I only have to take a few breaks between. I'm just not yet finish with the book, but I listen enough to give a review.

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:

5* - very very good
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often re-listening
it's like an A

3* - it's more then a one-time-listening.
it's like a B

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🎧 Audiobook listener 🎧

Blessing and Light ( An Order Universe Holiday Short)by Kasia Bacon. This was a sweet short holiday listen. This story was well written. I would love to have more of these characters and the world they live in.
The Narrator Michael Fox did a fantastic job bringing these characters and story to life.

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A lovely winter story!

Even though it's the shortest of The Order Universe stories, it feels complete. Actually, it can serve as the first glimpse into this fascinating world. There a lot of showing and the emotions are palpable.
Michael Fox's narration is yet again tantalising and it brings the book alive.

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2 people found this helpful

Just Lovely, Michael Fox Is Perfect

What an incredibly sweet and romantic holiday short. I'm enjoying everything I'm reading by Kasia Bacon, everything is beautifully written and truly creative. As this one comes from "the Order" universe, I'm going to check into that series and see what I've been missing.

The audiobook is performed by Michael Fox who has a lovely voice and does a wonderful job with these voices.

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Packed full of emotions!

Well done! A short story but deeply moving. You can really feel the emotion, the cold air, the festive spirit. I loved the cat (nice touch).
The narration was excellent: fluid, unhurried--it suited the mood. The voices for the main characters were distinctive and fitting. A very pleasant experience on the whole. Recommended.

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2 people found this helpful