Melissa and Josh
- 520
- reviews
- 968
- helpful votes
- 535
- ratings
-
The Last of the Giant Fire Lizards
- By: Christopher John Fetherolf
- Narrated by: Christopher John Fetherolf
- Length: 17 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When her nest is destroyed and her forever mate slaughtered, Zephyr Ignitus, the last of an ancient breed of fire-breathing dragon, gathers together a team of saber-toothed panthers, woolly mammoths, and a crew of howler monkeys brandishing swords and weapons stolen from the ships of men, all to hunt down and scorch the evil beast-killing wizard that did her wrong.
-
-
What a delightful story!
- By storieswithsoul on 10-20-24
Stay awhile, and listen!
Reviewed: 05-20-24
The title of this review is an homage to Decard Cain from Diablo 2, who I am reminded of with one of the voices in this absolutely fabulous tale!
I love a story that gives a unique arch in terms of characters, and this one definitely did that! From points of view of Zephyr the dragon, to the goat people, to the panthers (Love the metal band reference), to the monkeys, to every single other character brought about in this marvelous adventure.
Do yourself a favor and give this one a listen. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I found myself rolling a number of times throughout the listen. Chris did an amazing job in both writing and narration. I wasn't shocked at the narration, given his previous works, but man, he can tell a tale!
Also, hey! hey! hey! The goat people were my favorite! But I will freely admit that I would have fallen victim to the mermaids.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Awakening Wicked
- Duchess Diaries, Book One
- By: Violet Sinclair
- Narrated by: Juliette Longwell
- Length: 1 hr and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One year after the death of her husband, the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire gladly shed her mourning clothes. At six and twenty, Lilly is one of the richest and most influential young women of the ton. And quite possibly the most innocent of the widows. Finally free from her horrid marriage, one devoid of love, tenderness, and any kind of pleasure, the last thing Lilly longs for is the company of gentlemen.
-
-
Short
- By Chrishel on 10-22-23
- Awakening Wicked
- Duchess Diaries, Book One
- By: Violet Sinclair
- Narrated by: Juliette Longwell
Meh.
Reviewed: 11-30-23
Had I read the blurb prior to asking for an audiobook code... I wouldn't have asked for one because I'm bored with erotic. I saw the cover and simply thought Historical Romance, nice! Needless to say, this was an okay story. There were several details that weren't necessary/didn't add anything to the story. For example, she was married (hubby died) and she has three kids. She could have just been a young girl waiting to marry. Lastly, there was a questionable assumption. Given the time period the story takes place in, I would think the majority of "daughters" were told who they would marry. Rarely did they get to choose. The fact society/the male lead thought she had chosen her husband seemed strange to me. The fact she got turned on by his noises when he was with another female seemed questionable to me and somewhat icky. Is that what gets the juices flowing? Needless to say, if this story had been longer, there's no way they would have worked out as a real couple. Why? Because he was turned on by the idea of someone watching them have sex outside and he never asked about her kids or family life.
The narrator did a great job!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
The Book of Sven
- By: Nicholas Kocan
- Narrated by: Scott Dawson
- Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When an avowed atheist finds himself in the afterlife, he is trapped in a bureaucratic nightmare where no one seems to be in charge. With the help of various bored and disgruntled angels, he navigates the absurd maze that is Heaven, Hell, Purgatory and Limbo.
-
-
So different!
- By Melissa and Josh on 11-26-23
- The Book of Sven
- By: Nicholas Kocan
- Narrated by: Scott Dawson
So different!
Reviewed: 11-26-23
I loved it! The author is a great storyteller, and the narrator is a great... narrator. It all came together beautifully.
One line that stuck with me was when Sven asked Jesus if he could get his business card. LOL
I would definitely be interesting in reading/listening to more by this author.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Fortune House
- A Ghost Story
- By: Jeannie Rivera
- Narrated by: Lori Olsen
- Length: 3 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fortune House is a spine-chilling middle-grade mystery that invites young listeners on a suspenseful journey, teeming with restless spirits and hidden dangers. Will Janie and Caroline uncover the truth behind the house's mysteries? Can they outsmart the ghostly forces, or will they be swept up in a whirlwind of suspense?
-
-
Ghost story
- By Sanet Geldenhuys on 12-16-23
- Fortune House
- A Ghost Story
- By: Jeannie Rivera
- Narrated by: Lori Olsen
Great Ghost Story
Reviewed: 11-13-23
Story - 5
Narration - 4
I received this audiobook in exchange for a review.
I’m all for a good ghost/haunting story. The author provided some great descriptions that helped to “create” the image of the creepy house they moved into in my mind. I would definitely read something by her again.
There were a lot of instances when the incorrect tense was used. When they were talking about someone having taken the photos of Jane’s dad, it was “He had to take them” when it should have been “He had to have taken them.” Or “Janie HAD hoped she made a friend” would be used if she were thinking in the past and hoping to have made a friend… in the past, but that wasn’t the case here because she was currently hoping “she HAD made a friend.”
I wasn’t a fan of the narrator’s stilted narration (could be her natural way of talking), but thankfully, it wasn’t distracting enough to make me want to stop listening.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
The London Rose
- By: Rosanne E. Lortz
- Narrated by: Maria Nicola Johnson
- Length: 6 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This clean and wholesome regency romance follows the adventures and exploits of a sensible widow, a managing earl, an absent-minded botanist, a high-strung heiress, a coldhearted guardian, and a villainous kidnapper.
-
-
Compelling
- By ami on 08-09-23
- The London Rose
- By: Rosanne E. Lortz
- Narrated by: Maria Nicola Johnson
Great listen
Reviewed: 09-13-23
I received a free audiobook code in exchange for a review.
I love most historical fiction, and, thankfully, this story had a lot going on to keep me focused and entertained. My only complaint was the overuse of adverbs. That's probably just me, though.
The narrator did a great job. I'd listen to more stories by her.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Skull Road
- Mountain Man, Book 7
- By: Keith C. Blackmore
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Killing the sadistic warlord known as the Dog Tongue took everything Gus Berry had, including the woman he loved. Now, all he wants is to get away from the bloody scene of their final showdown. But when he heads west in a stolen truck, a brutal snowstorm forces him to turn back—and seek refuge in the Dog Tongue’s former headquarters. Though it’s littered with human carnage, the abandoned luxury hotel has a lot to offer a guy like Gus. But in addition to soft beds and working toilets, he encounters still-lurking dangers both living and undead.
-
-
Excellent! Loved it!
- By Gary on 08-20-23
- Skull Road
- Mountain Man, Book 7
- By: Keith C. Blackmore
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
It was so much fun jumping back into Gus's world!
Reviewed: 09-03-23
Man, I didn't realize just how much I missed Gus until I started listening to Skull Road. This was an absolutely amazing addition to the series. I want to give a long review, but I can't without adding spoilers. Let me just say that I absolutely love Maya's character, watching her morph throughout the story, and her friendship with Gus blossom.
Thank you Keith, you've clearly outdone yourself with this one!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Devil's Hill: Stories
- By: E. Reyes, Velox Books
- Narrated by: Sean 'DrC' Cordry
- Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Welcome to Devil’s Hill, Arizona, a place that runs rampant with the occult, paranormal, and supernatural. As Halloween approaches and a group of teenage witches inadvertently summon an ancient deity into a scarecrow, they set off a chain of events that unleashes true evil upon the town.
-
-
Intense, horrific, and fun
- By CJDsCurrentRead on 09-21-23
- Devil's Hill: Stories
- By: E. Reyes, Velox Books
- Narrated by: Sean 'DrC' Cordry
Not a Fan
Reviewed: 07-26-23
DNF
I received a free audiobook copy in exchange for a review.
I like that the author used the same town for all the stories. There were times when I wondered if this collection of stories, or certain specific stories, were written for the younger crowds (teenagers/kids) because they seemed a little childish to me (I’m 42). Or maybe I’ve just seen and read too many “scary” movies/stories, so that’s why most in this collection didn’t do anything for me. I’m not sure if it’s just because these were short stories or because I’m not a youngin’, but I didn’t feel a connection to any of the characters, so I didn’t care what happened to them. I just went from one story to the next.
Going from the present to the future, back to the present, at times, was a little confusing. As others have mentioned, some wording could have been written differently/better, but, overall, I think his writing skills are pretty good. This just wasn’t a batch of stories for me.
The narrator did a good job in that he did different voices and spoke naturally. My only complaint was that his tone would change, sometimes getting quieter. But there were also times when the characters sounded younger/stupider. I’m not sure if that’s his fault, per se, or what, but…
If I didn’t rate a story, it’s because I wasn’t a fan.
“Satan’s Tree”
This story was boring because the author just told the reader what happened as opposed to letting them experience it.
“The Scarecrow”
Unfortunately, this story was kind of boring, too, because a bunch of stories have already been written relating to scarecrows coming to life and killing people and whatnot.
I’ve never heard the stereotype of Walmart employees wearing muumuus, and I’ve been to many in many states.
If Haley was bleeding into a bowl for several days to get a significant amount for the ritual, how would her sister not have known until she was handed the bowl? Sorry, but period blood stinks. She and whoever else used that bathroom (if the bowl was left there) would have noticed the smell.
Mess-up: The scarecrow’s hand was decapitated. Nope, decapitation relates only to the head.
“Clowns” 3/5
This was an okay story. I’ve never had a fear of clowns, but even I would know to run if I stumbled across some in the woods, especially if they were acting weird.
“Serial Killers” 3/5
This was okay. I couldn’t help but notice that it seemed the longest story out of the bunch.
Mess-ups: First, Instagram doesn’t allow pictures relating to death scenes, blood, gore, etc. Secondly, if these women were killed recently and no killer was found yet, there’s no way in the world pictures of their corpses would be online, especially that soon. Nope, sorry. Try again.
“Cats of Friday the Thirteenth”
Agnes, the witch, wants protection from the cat people. So what does she do? She kills cats. How would that not have been an insult to them?
Mess-up: At one point, Michael’s throat and mouth are as dry as the “Sonoran” desert.
“Groceries”
Mess-ups: First, Amber is wearing shorts. I can’t remember if the material was mentioned. Either way, her phone gets knocked out of her hand, knocked to the ground, and breaks. Yet, some of the “tiny pieces of glass” end up stabbing through the material into her butt cheek. I consider this a mess-up because the pieces were described as “tiny” and should have been flat on the ground, especially considering the glass came from a phone. Secondly, when the killer picks her up, her phone suddenly falls from her pocket. … It was still on the ground, though.
Goodreads says the author lives in Arizona. I’m curious if he’s always lived in the US because he uses “floor” multiple times when referring to the ground outside. That’s not a common US reference.
Overall, I feel like there wasn’t much to this story. I mean, it would have been one thing if Liz had gotten away at the end, but nope. The killer kidnapped girls, killed them, and was that. He doesn’t get caught. I wasn’t looking for a happy ending, either. Like have her escape from the van and a town person see her/what’s going on.
“The Worst Hangover” 2/5
I got excited when zombies were mentioned, but that excitement fizzled. What was the point of this one?
“La Llorona Returns” 2/5
How the ghost came about was interesting and creepy.
I’m curious why Maria and Mark’s mom took so long to help them.
“The House of Souls”
...
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
The Company of Death
- Immortal Journey, Book 1
- By: Elisa Hansen
- Narrated by: Traci Odom
- Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's been two years since the zombie uprising devoured 99% of the world's population - and the vampires have come out of the shadows to claim the spoils. It's Emily Campbell's job to destroy vampire communes and rescue their human herds, but when a mission goes wrong, and she faces certain undeath, she would rather die than ever let them transform her. The problem is that when she makes a desperate suicide attempt, not only does the Grim Reaper fail to take her life - he also somehow loses all his powers in the process.
-
-
Good Omens meets The Walking Dead
- By C.T. on 06-04-19
- The Company of Death
- Immortal Journey, Book 1
- By: Elisa Hansen
- Narrated by: Traci Odom
Nice listen
Reviewed: 07-15-23
I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for a review.
I loved this story. I think this is the first zombie story I've read/listened to that also involved vampires, or robots, for that matter. Unfortunately, I think I was spacing when that part was explained, IE, how the two supernatural creatures came about in the same story. The idea of Emily being dead but not was interesting. I've read several stories about Death and this was definitely a different take on him.
The narrator did a great job. No complaints.
While I enjoyed the overall story and the editing (great job!), I did notice some lines, here and there, that were questionable. One such example is: "Carol said at a whispered volume." Why not be direct by saying: "Carol whispered"? Or "Death looked utterly disgusted." How when he's a skeleton?
Otherwise, I wasn't a fan of how it ended... It didn't really end, did it? It's like the writer wanted to keep going but was told or decided she'd written enough and was going to continue with book 2.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Cold-Hearted Rake
- By: Lisa Kleypas
- Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells
- Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Devon Ravenel, London's most wickedly charming rake, has just inherited an earldom. But his powerful new rank in society comes with unwanted responsibilities...and more than a few surprises. His estate is saddled with debt, and the late earl's three innocent sisters are still occupying the house - along with Kathleen, Lady Trenear, a beautiful young widow whose sharp wit and determination are a match for Devon's own.
-
-
Glorious!
- By bluestatereader on 03-31-16
- Cold-Hearted Rake
- By: Lisa Kleypas
- Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells
Meh.
Reviewed: 05-24-23
I listened to the audiobook version after doing a search for great “Historical Romances.” That means I paid for it... :(
I liked the story until the end. I could handle all the bickering back and forth between the protagonists, especially given women didn’t normally stand up for themselves during this period. But the big fight relating to Helen at the end and then finding out they’re pregnant… It didn’t work for me. It came across as an unfinished story to where the author should have added more, but she had reached her required page limit, so she wrapped it up all nice and neat (at least she thought she did) and said, “The end.” Yet, what was resolved? Nothing. Both protagonists still couldn’t stand each other (not really) unless it related to having sex or making out. Kathleen didn’t know about the $$ West and his guys found on the property, so Kathleen and her females were still of the mindset that they were essentially poor. That was about the time I realized that neither character had grown. They were both bitter, angry people.
The fact Helen and Winterborne’s secondary love story seemed to take over once Winterborne was introduced while Kathleen and Devon barely spent any time together … again, it didn’t work.
Given this wasn’t a marriage of convenience and they didn’t really have anything in common besides wanting the best for the property and people who lived on it, I’m not sure what attracted Kathleen to Devon or vice versa, other than their looks. I feel he found her confrontational personality interesting AT TIMES, but that was it.
The narrator did a great job. My only complaint was that she would pause during dialogue tags. For example, “he said … angrily.” There was always a pause between the verb and the adverb when there shouldn’t have been, and it annoyed me. The fact adverbs were overused throughout the story was another thing.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Manic
- Episode Series
- By: Amy Perez MS Psychology
- Narrated by: Katrina Medina
- Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Come get locked away in a low budget mental hospital in Miami. Take this ride with the newest psych patient and see everything from her perspective. The shots, the pills, the mania. The FBI gets involved. A deadly virus takes over the facility. People are shuffling in. Who can be trusted? The world is coming to an end. All the while the love of her life is doing everything to save her. You will have to take the ups with the downs during this psychological thriller. This series is based on a true story.
-
-
Needs work.
- By Melissa and Josh on 05-16-23
- Manic
- Episode Series
- By: Amy Perez MS Psychology
- Narrated by: Katrina Medina
Needs work.
Reviewed: 05-16-23
I received a free audiobook copy in exchange for a review.
The idea was interesting, but I think this would have been better as a short story. Considering all her worries and whatnot were from her mind messing with her/imagination, it’s like nothing was going on in the story, just her imagined ramblings. I wish there would have been more dialogue because that slowed the story even more.
On that note, the repetition and redundancy were overwhelming. Here’s one such example showing both: “I am standing in a small YARD surrounded by a metal chain-link FENCE. There is barbed wire along the top of the FENCE. There is a small covered area in the corner of the YARD. There are three guys standing underneath.” I would have changed this to: “I’m standing in a small yard surrounded by a metal, chain-length fence topped with barbed wire. Three guys stand under a small-covered area in the corner of the yard.” Or a simpler example: “My dad sits on the other side of me. My dad winces as he sits down.” Even with the repetition/redundancy issue, this sentence is basically saying: “Her dad sits beside her. Her dad sits down.” I don’t remember what chapter it was in, but when her family brought her a sandwich, I should have counted the number of times “sandwich” was used. It was crazy! In my head, repetition = boring (the person couldn’t think of a different way to say something), while redundancy = unnecessary words (fluff/slows the story). Having so much of both = poor writing and editing. The fact the majority of the story was told to the reader as opposed to allowing them to “experience” it… Not a fan.
Given the main character is telling the story through her thoughts, I would have recommended using contractions throughout because how often when you’re thinking are you not using contractions? Why was there barely any dialogue? Again, the lack of slowed the story. There were times when the MC wondered why she was there and what was going on. Ask!
The narrator did an okay job. I wasn’t a fan of the fact you can hear her talking into the microphone. Like I had the image of her sitting in a little studio reading with a microphone in front of her. I’d rather not imagine what the narrator’s doing “behind the scenes.” I wish I could have seen the story’s format regarding all the long pauses. At first I thought they were scene breaks but there were times when she’d finish narrating, the long pause, and then start narrating in the same scene.
In the end, I was bored, the writing annoyed me, and I ended up skipping a lot of the story.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!