AMP5

Couldn’t finish

Reviewed: 01-22-25

It started out with promise. Had feel of an early work so I’d expect better from later works maybe.
But couldn’t figure out where it was going or even get a feel for what the overall premise was, and couldn’t slog through any more scenes of insta-lust by whoever sees this girl then she gets rescued by next person who reacts weird. The self-absorbed part of teen angst I’d prefer to forget versus the still interesting growth found in “coming of age” stories.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Unique world-building and story

Reviewed: 01-11-25

I liked the variety of characters, and wondering what’s happened to the world which unfolds slowly and not by lots of explaining since it’s that’s what characters are trying to figure out as well.
I’m not as used to switching between various groups and perspectives, but it’s not a bad thing to do. And once know a few characters know which group have jumped to.
All the reasons new authors are great.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

About both books …Beautiful language, intriguing story …what I look for.

Reviewed: 11-26-24

I haven’t really read/heard this take towards “fae-ish” but probably closer to reality of ancient beliefs towards “spirits” or the sense of earth and air and elements that humans lived with. The story placed in this was rather creative too. I came to care for pretty much all of the characters. I loved the way it came together in the end.
My English major heart rejoiced at the level up in use of language. The natural, not forced, changes in people.
I was a bit surprised by the way the story got wrapped up but I felt satisfied.
The narrator was perfectly chosen for this story.
Strongly recommend unless you lean towards nihilism and not hope for better things. It wasn’t at all too sweet. I’m 59 so if I can enjoy it and recommend to pretty much anyone though maybe older not younger teens. These are the gems I search for.
Super bummed it’s over.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great story once it gets going

Reviewed: 11-07-24

Once got past the first mandatory “awful life lived by a scrappy girl who knows how to fight” the story became really interesting. I’m glad there’s a second book so I can find out how the story evolves. Performance great.
(I kinda prefer a bit less explicit sex, even though between mates which does make it better. I’ve become used to cursing tho. But characters interesting, distinct and grow to care for them.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great characters, interaction, story, world. sweet

Reviewed: 08-29-24

Love the world built here. The interaction of characters is fun. Storyline intelligent and what I’ve noticed in both books of series, author slips in genuinely thought-provoking concepts or insights.
Romance of first book perhaps has more delineation. Romantic side of main relationship a bit underdeveloped, or seems could have used an extra scene before conclusion but what the heck, enjoying is enjoying.
I hardly ever give 5 ⭐️ to anything, but guess feel like rewarding a no regret purchase. It’s like having to be my own filter for what’s worth “publishing” these days. Some stuff past few years is just .. gah.
Narration good. I always appreciate when narrator can make voices of characters distinct.
When I know what’s spoken or internal monologue. Though that may be true n the writing too.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Good stuff

Reviewed: 08-25-24

Space. Action. Unusual species of aliens. Thought- provoking and very insightful at times, caused me to rewind and listen again a few times.
With one of those “super tight family against all odds” that’s somehow comforting to all of us as we navigate life.
But overall, it’s not too heavy and entertaining. Tight writing that keeps story moving at a quick pace that keeps interest.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Unique, intelligent, funny heart-warming, surprised b/c Martian was kinda dark

Reviewed: 08-17-24

Andy Weir is obviously both brilliant and a good writer. Or at least movies of some of his books I’ve watched.
Which is why I was a little concerned to buy this, not in mood for anything too heavy or dark.
Story is gripping and it’s not a joyride, More of a rollercoaster and I was thoroughly entertained the WHOLE time. I often didn’t see plot turns or could figure out how would end.
I seldom wholeheartedly recommend any book but I would this one.
Need to enjoy science and space, though it was amazing how Weir made complex science easy to understand and why important. Very creative story and world building. Earth is Earth but the rest is very inventive.
Narration was perfect. Half of enjoying an audiobook is narration so.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

mix of everything out there - dark of course

Reviewed: 07-29-24

This author has so much experience and so many stories out there, I’m maybe being too hard because I expected more.
This is such a mix of so many bits of other stories and a tweak of all the same tropes of practically everything.
Evil angels, check. Post-apocalypse, check. Fairies and trolls etc etc but a little different from every other authors little bit different, check. Dragons for some reason… that’s a bit different and I don’t know why. Dragons used by evil angels is a new one.
Anything works for me if good conversation.
Camaraderie I can root for, By chapter 6, it wasnt happening.
I did let it play on for awhile as I wrote this, and I heard a half-way decent person, a rebel?, talking to main character so maybe there’s hope.
The narrator never changes inflection which can really get old too. Changing speed around helps.
A decent voice though and good accent change.
Since I paid a credit, decided to take a break around chapter 6 and maybe come back and try later.
I usually scroll past first 5 star reviews that are obvious ARC readers… to find some real reviews. Maybe that’s why I’m grouchy, letdown from decent reviews.
I remember books that had editors when it cost a fortune to publish anything - not great since only like 10 authors thrived, but this current situation of anything goes is still just as expensive to consumers. Reviews need to be more helpful, folks.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Good idea but it’s mostly sex

Reviewed: 04-30-24

I liked the beginning because it got me to liking the characters but I need more story than sex scenes. I didn’t finish. Sorry. Maybe more story kicks in, since they are supposed to be running for their lives.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

One of my favorite series ever, and I’m picky

Reviewed: 04-30-24

I was enjoying the original series by Annette Marie when I found this spin-off series in same world.
I was dubious of idea of anything to do with demons but the totally original way author approaches this- it’s more a different but sorta related world and species.
I’ve listened to this now maybe three times which I seldom ever ever do. That’s how much I love this series. I like it better than the original story it was spun from. I sometimes got frustrated with Robin but maybe because the demon Zylas (Za-ee-lis) so completely steals the show. He’s an amazing character. The concept is amazing and well thought out. Kudos to Marie.
So bummed for story to end but it ended perfectly.
The narrator Chris D. really knocks it out of the park. Her reading and voice for Zylas perhaps is also part of the success. Really got me in the heart.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!