Beautifully done

A perfect narrator to a beautiful book. The accents are well done, the prononciation even more so.

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Epic forward-thinking fantasy

I can't write a better summary than what the author has provided, so read that to get the gist of the book. I think I first read this story 20ish years ago, so it was interesting to see it made into a modern audiobook. I wasn't disappointed.

Performance: Jessica Whittaker does an amazing job with the VERY odd names, places, titles, gods, and other words that I wouldn't have the vaguest idea how to pronounce. I mean, our main character is "Phèdre nó Delaunay " good luck with that! And yet Whittaker manages and brings life to Phèdre's tale.

Story: At times I had difficulty keeping track of the characters, places, relationships between them as we tried to figure out who was promised to who, who was supposed to be sitting on which throne, etc. And don't get attached to the characters, they have a tendency to kill them off frequently.

Get the next in the series? Yes, but not right away. Phèdre has a Happy For Now ending and I kinda want to give Phèdre a chance to relax (at least in my mind) before she ends up in whatever hell that her life seems to be. That girl just does NOT get a break.

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Totally love this!

This is one of my again and again stories. Where is the next? Can’t wait!

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2 people found this helpful

Slow start accelerates to a resounding climax...

Give it time - the characters develop over the first few hours but the pace gathers and once you get going the breakneck gallop draws you into its heart pounding embrace as Phedre and friends navigate the exotic, erotic political and literary DE Angeline mansions to the brutal Skaldi winters.
I never expected to like this book which came as a recommendation following my reading #(listening) of "A Discovery of Witches" and the "Witcher" books and was bemoaning the use of the credit after an hour but i persisted because of the reviews, both here and on "Goodreads". And, some 25 hours later - over 50, if I include Part II, by gum I'm glad I did!!
The book, the narration all come together in a harmony of excellence - I hate comparing books, movies, TV shows etc or ranking them but this one is right up there with my other favourites - and I have added Carey to my other beloved authors - too many to list here.
Just try it out if you like adventure and action laden period pieces with the merest soupcon of elegantly-described, fragrant and flagellant (sic) BDSM Erotica - never graphic or coarse.

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Loooong, but compelling story. The narrator needs a pronunciation lesson though!

Firstly, and most importantly, I did really enjoy this. Although, it felt like it could have been 3 separate and more manageable books.
The narrator did a great job 90% of the time, but mixed up when words should have silent ‘t’ and when the ‘t’ is spoken. I wondered what a ‘doubley’ was and looked at the text to find out that it was the garment ‘doublet’!
Also, the sexual encounters at the beginning of the book are the most detailed, when the characters are still undeveloped and the reader/listener cares little. Whereas, the sexual interactions between highly developed characters when the reader/listener is really invested in the story get glossed over.
However, overall, still worth a listen/read.

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Absolutely Epic would give it 6 stars if I could

I first read this on kindle a few years ago but came back to try the Audio version and this doesn't disappoint. The narration is top class and really brings out the story and the characters. Also there are things missed the first time round which make more sense on a second reading.

This is one of those books that is just brilliant with a mixture of adventure, comedy intrigue and sex. Throw in a forbidden romance and is up there with the best of the best.

Really great and lovable characters especially Phedre our heroine. Even the evil rival is a fully developed 3D character who its hard not to like. Its maybe a little slow to start but once it gets going its a real page turner and holds the interest to the end and beyond...
Its the first of a Trilogy and the other 2 books don't disappoint either
Absolutely recommend this, its one of the best of its genre

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1 person found this helpful