classic

3.45/5 Stars Classic Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie

Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, classic, Young Adult , ,

(Performance 4/5 stars) Narrated by Victor Warren

Run Time: 5 hrs and 29 mins

Summary:

The original and definitely not the Disney version of the Peter Pan classic. A boy chases his shadow into a girl’s room and ends up inviting her and her brothers on an adventure.

Additional Comments:

  • I’d never heard the original. My only previous impressions were the Disney illustrated movie. Basically, every change they made to the story is for the better.
  • This version is dark, and Peter’s an arrogant jerk. The story narrator declares this pretty quickly. The characterization is spot on for that, but it made him not that fun to hear about. This is the storybook hero … and I hate him because he is legitimately forever a spoiled, selfish, idiot child. Oh, he’s clever, but that’s about the extent of his redeeming qualities.
  • 4/5 stars The performance is solid. The voices are distinguishable. The reading is smooth and correctly inflected.
  • Not sure how this became a classic. It’s not very kid-friendly. Way more outright murders and death by meaningless fights going on.
  • It’s certainly fantasy. There are a lot of excellent world-building elements.

Conclusion:

If you want to see where it all began for Peter Pan, go for it. This is a nice reading of it.

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Audiobook Promotions …

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Many of my 57 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Review copies for many titles are available from StoryOrigin.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Awakening – Redeemer Chronicles Book 1, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
The Holy War – Redeemer Chronicles Book 2, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
Reclaim the Darklands – Redeemer Chronicles Book 3, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
River’s Edge Ransom – Prequel to Redeemer Chronicles (Amazon) (email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)

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Aeris Legends Books 1-3 ~17 hrs of epic fantasy. (Request a Review Copy)

3.5/5 Stars Sherlock Holmes and the Rune Stone Mystery by Larry Millet

Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, classic, mystery , ,
pic from audible

Narrated by Steve Hendrickson

Series: Minnesota Mysteries 3

Run Time: 9 hrs and 56 mins

Genre: Mystery

Summary:

Sherlock Holmes and Watson travel to Minnesota to check out a small-town mystery. A strange rune stone shows up on a farm. It could be the archaeological find of the century or an elaborate hoax.

Additional Comments:

  • It’s a typical mystery that wanders all over this small town.
  • Almost seems beneath Holmes to investigate.
  • The inclusion of the evil chick from previous volumes was quite the stretch. The author seems bent on making her out to be the next Moriarity, but she just doesn’t live up to the reputation. Oh, she’s clever, but not quite truly heartless, cunning, and conniving.
  • The drinking contest was amusing.
  • As with most mysteries of this sort, there’s a long-winded infodumping session, but for some reason, it comes off charming when Holmes does the infodumping.
  • The kid’s obsession with taking pictures was cute. Rafferty’s interactions with Moonie turned out to be excellent. They almost stole the show.

Conclusion:

This wasn’t the best of the series, but it’s a decent series overall. These tales are always good for a clean read.

*Found on Audible plus.

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Audiobook Promotions …

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Many of my 50 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Awakening – Redeemer Chronicles Book 1, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
The Holy War – Redeemer Chronicles Book 2, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
Reclaim the Darklands – Redeemer Chronicles Book 3, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
River’s Edge Ransom – Prequel to Redeemer Chronicles (Amazon) (email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)

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Devya’s Children Series Links:

Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts – short stories featuring Jillian. (Amazon) (free codes)
The Dark Side of Science – official prequel to Devya’s Children; Genetically altered kids fight for the right to live. (Amazon) (Please email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)
Ashlynn’s Dreams – Genetically altered Dream Shaper learns her gift. (Amazon) (free codes)
Nadia’s Tears – Jillian tries to awaken her sister, Nadia, from a coma. (Amazon) (free codes)
Malia’s Miracles – Jillian and her siblings try to save a friend’s mother. (Amazon) (free codes)
Varick’s Quest – Jillian and Danielle get kidnapped. Nadia’s also in trouble. (Amazon) (free codes)
More Scifi:
Reshner’s Royal Ranger (epic sci-fi) just made it there. (Amazon) (free codes)

Guardian Angel Files:

Spirit’s Bane – Allister and Mina are training to be Guardians. Satan’s out to get them. (Amazon) (free codes)
Kindred Spirits – Mina’s exiled to Earth. Allister’s stuck in the Heavens. (Amazon) (free codes)

4.5/5 Stars Sherlock Holmes and Hitler’s Messenger of Death by Petr Macek

Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, classic, mystery , ,

Narrated by Kevin E. Green

Run Time 5 hrs and 13 mins

Summary:

Sherlock Holmes geriatric version. Literally. The author has placed our intrepid detective and his faithful sidekick, Watson, well into their golden years.

Additional Comments:

  • Written in classic Sherlock Holmes style with a few concessions for the venerable detective’s advanced years.
  • If you like Sherlock Holmes, this could go either way. You could think “hey, it’s close enough. Cool.” Or you could think “this is a pale shadow of the classic story. No. Just no.” I guess I’m more a casual fan of the detective because I fall in the former camp.
  • The death of a young man propels Watson and Holmes on a spy caper reminiscent of their old adventures but with a few less fistfights on their part.
  • Performance: Very fitting. Has the classic feel to it.

Conclusion:

Like the bajillion Jane Austen knockoffs, this is a story homage that manages to tell a good tale.

Interested in a fun writing course designed for teens? Check out Storyquest Academy. (Note: affiliate link – if you sign up for the class through this link, I earn a commission … you get a great deal – win-win 😉 … seriously, most writing courses are a LOT more expensive.)

Audiobook Promotions …

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Many of my 42 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Awakening – Redeemer Chronicles Book 1, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
The Holy War – Redeemer Chronicles Book 2, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
Reclaim the Darklands – Redeemer Chronicles Book 3, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
River’s Edge Ransom – Prequel to Redeemer Chronicles (Amazon) (email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)

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Devya’s Children Series Links:

Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts – short stories featuring Jillian. (Amazon) (free codes)
The Dark Side of Science – official prequel to Devya’s Children; Genetically altered kids fight for the right to live. (Amazon) (Please email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)
Ashlynn’s Dreams – Genetically altered Dream Shaper learns her gift. (Amazon) (free codes)
Nadia’s Tears – Jillian tries to awaken her sister, Nadia, from a coma. (Amazon) (free codes)
Malia’s Miracles – Jillian and her siblings try to save a friend’s mother. (Amazon) (free codes)
Varick’s Quest – Jillian and Danielle get kidnapped. Nadia’s also in trouble. (Amazon) (free codes)
More Scifi:
Reshner’s Royal Ranger (epic sci-fi) just made it there. (Amazon) (free codes)

Guardian Angel Files:

Spirit’s Bane – Allister and Mina are training to be Guardians. Satan’s out to get them. (Amazon) (free codes)
Kindred Spirits – Mina’s exiled to Earth. Allister’s stuck in the Heavens. (Amazon) (free codes)

Audiobook Reviews 4/5 Stars: A Son at the Front by Edith Wharton

Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, classic, literature ,

Narrated by Robin Siegerman

Run Time: 11 hrs and 52 mins

Find it on ACX: A Son at the Front

Summary:

The back cover copy/ book description pretty much spells out the book start to finish. John Campton’s only son, George, by an accident of birth is a French citizen. So, when WWI opens, he’s conscripted into the army. John, his ex, and his ex’s husband try their darndest to get George a cushy staff posting instead of going to the front, but George has his own plans, duties, and ideals to adhere to.

Additional Comments:

–        The summary at the end was quite helpful.

–        Length 3/5: Probably would have been more powerful as a 6-hour book instead of almost 12.

–        Plot 3/5: A lot happens, but the perspective hampers the experience. It’s limited to John’s point of view, which is fine, but since he’s not really involved in any action per se, the book drags a lot. There are huge events talked about instead of experiences. It rehashes the horrors of war and the nervousness the parents feel by talking about the situation instead of showing the mud and blood of the trenches. WWI kicked off a long, bloody century. Now, a little over a hundred years have past and the problems of the day dominate thoughts, making the sufferings recounted seem mute, almost trivial.

–        Characters 3.5/5: As Mr. Buitenhuis nicely summed up, the other characters are completely self-absorbed. That makes them realistic but not very likable. Even John’s not exactly a character who stands out in many ways. That’s kind of the point. He’s an artist and a father put in difficult circumstances, but always on the edge of the action because he’s legit powerless to change the war that threatens his most precious possession, his son. (That can be taken as endearing or creepy.)

–        Performance 4.5/5: Solid. The characters are distinguished well. The French phrases and accents are also handled nicely. I would certainly listen to more of her efforts.

Conclusion:

In many ways, it’s a beautiful story, but it’s too literature-y for me to be in love with. Maybe I’m just a soda fan being served wine.

Audiobook Promotions …

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Many of my 44 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Awakening – Redeemer Chronicles Book 1, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
The Holy War – Redeemer Chronicles Book 2, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
Reclaim the Darklands – Redeemer Chronicles Book 3, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
River’s Edge Ransom – Prequel to Redeemer Chronicles (Amazon) (email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DC-set-ad-1024x536.jpg

Devya’s Children Series Links:

Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts – short stories featuring Jillian. (Amazon) (free codes)
The Dark Side of Science – official prequel to Devya’s Children; Genetically altered kids fight for the right to live. (Amazon) (Please email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)
Ashlynn’s Dreams – Genetically altered Dream Shaper learns her gift. (Amazon) (free codes)
Nadia’s Tears – Jillian tries to awaken her sister, Nadia, from a coma. (Amazon) (free codes)
Malia’s Miracles – Jillian and her siblings try to save a friend’s mother. (Amazon) (free codes)
Varick’s Quest – Jillian and Danielle get kidnapped. Nadia’s also in trouble. (Amazon) (free codes)
More Scifi:
Reshner’s Royal Ranger (epic sci-fi) just made it there. (Amazon) (free codes)

Guardian Angel Files:

Spirit’s Bane – Allister and Mina are training to be Guardians. Satan’s out to get them. (Amazon) (free codes)
Kindred Spirits – Mina’s exiled to Earth. Allister’s stuck in the Heavens. (Amazon) (free codes)