Audiobook Review: The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett

I'm a huge fan of Terry Pratchett's writing, in particular his Discworld series. I've re-read many of the books multiple times and I've decided to listen to them as audiobooks for the first time. The first one up is The Light Fantastic, which follows the adventures of Rincewind, the Wizard, and Twoflower, the tourist, in Ankh-Morpork. Part of this adventure starts in The Color Magic and continues on in The Light Fantastic. It's high adventure for Rincewind, as he has a history of running away from trouble, but it seems trouble is chasing him!

There is so much to love about the Discworld, and especially the first two books in this series. I love Twoflower for many reasons. One is that my career is the same as his - he sells insurance (or in-sewer-ants as he describes it to Rincewind). He's definitely a glass-is-half-full kind of guy and a perfect match for Rincewind, who is sure the glass is pretty empty. It's fun when these two get together, especially with their invincible Luggage along for the ride, and Conan the Barbarian, who is almost reaching 90!

I really enjoyed this on audio. I have only listened to one other Discworld on audio (Raising Steam) and I'm glad that Nigel Planer's narration lived up to my expectation. His voice for Death is just perfect, as was the scene where Twoflower teaches Death and several gods to play cards! After imagining all these voices in my head for the last two decades of reading these novels, I'm glad to discover that the audiobooks are just as fantastic. I plan to listen to more on audio.

About this Audiobook:
Written by: Terry Pratchett
Narrated by: Nigel Planer
Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins
 Series: Discworld, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-16-99
Publisher: ISIS Audio Books

Audiobook Review: Mentats of Dune by Kevin J Anderson & Brian Herbert

I'm a longtime fan of the Dune series and even though I have started with the House trilogy (written by Kevin J Anderson & Brian Herbert) I have read the original Dune books (many, many times) and I continue to read/listen to new books as they come available.

Mentats of Dune follows Sisterhood of Dune, and the mayhem that is flooding the new empire until the rule of Salvatore Corrino. He ordered the Sisterhood to disband and now they are split into two factions, the Harkonnens are still trying to unleash their fury at the Atreides and at the Mentat school, the headmaster is holding onto a very dangerous secret. There is a lot going on and forever Arrakis stays the same as Venport Holdings retrieve the spice and have their expanded fleet travel across the Empire.

This is not the original Dune and I don't know if this is how Frank Herbert would've written it. I feel like even though humans never learn from their mistakes, I wonder if they would've made this many mistakes. It will be interesting to see how all of this unravels in Navigators of Dune.

The original Dune book is an amazing novel of political intrigue and ecological debate. This new series tends to focus more on the houses and the schools and less on Arrakis. They are vastly different, with the same characters. While I like that Kevin J Anderson & Brian Herbert have continued on with the series, I will still love the original books more. Having said that I will continue to read/listen because I'm curious to see how it all plays out.

About this Audiobook:
Written by: Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson
Narrated by: Scott Brick
Length: 22 hrs and 15 mins 
Series: Schools of Dune, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-11-14
Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Audiobook Review: Agatha Raisin & the Potted Gardener by M.C. Beaton

I'm a very fickle reader. I rarely read more than a couple of books in a series before moving onto another series. I switch my series a lot. However, I've now listened to three Agatha Raisin books almost back-to-back. This is a clear indicator that I'm loving this series so much!

In the third book in the series Agatha Raisin has returned from a holiday abroad to find that her neighbour, James Lacey, is dating newcomber, Mary Fortune. Mary seems to be perfect - a great baker, a fantastic gardener and everyone is talking about her. Not only has she stolen James from her (even though James and Agatha have not dated - yet!) and she is now the center of attention from all the villagers in Carsely. However, when Mary turns up dead it would seem that not everyone is Mary's biggest fan. James and Agatha join forces again to try and solve the mystery.

Agatha, Agatha, Agatha! She talks her mind, and has no problem swearing and saying "crap". Her emotions certainly go through through the ringer in this book. She has such strong affections for James and it breaks my heart that he doesn't return her affections. Instead he almost flaunts Mary in her face. Poor Agatha!! Because of his relationship with Mary, I almost despised James in this book. He wants Agatha as a friend, Mary as a lover and yet he seems excited by the fact that he knows that Agatha adores him. It will be interesting to see whether I like James in the next book.

This series is so perfect for me. There is village gossip, murder and the fabulous Agatha and I absolutely can't get enough of her!

I was so thrilled that Penelope Keith was back to narrate in this third book. She is by far the best narrator of this series. Her delivery is flawless and I can't ever imagine anyone else voicing the impetuous Agatha. I absolutely can't wait for the next book in this series.

About this Audiobook:

Written by: M. C. Beaton
Narrated by: Penelope Keith
Length: 4 hrs and 45 mins
 Series: Agatha Raisin, Book 3
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:11-02-12
Publisher: AudioGO

Audiobook Review: The Tragedy of Marsdon Manor by Agatha Christie

Hercule Poirot is asked to investigate the death of a heavily-insured country squire whose estate is in financial ruin. The man is deemed to have committed suicide, which would negate his insurance policy. Upon investigating Poirot is certain that the case is murder, and goes about trying to prove his theory.

Another Agatha Christie short story. Oh how I enjoy them!! Poirot is his crafty, cocky self in this one as he tries to frame the murderer. In fact he is very dramatic about it all, which suits Poirot's personality to a tea.

I listened on audio, and I would highly recommend it. The high drama in this short story is certainly suited to the audio.

About this Audiobook:

Written by: Agatha Christie 

Narrated by: Hugh Fraser 

Length: 30 mins 

Unabridged Audiobook 

Release Date:12-18-12 

Publisher: HarperAudio

Audiobook Review: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

In The Sky is Everywhere Lennie Walker is grieving over the sudden death of her sister, Bailey. One minute Bailey was with them, laughing, planning her life, and the next she was gone. With their mother having walked out on them when they were babies, Lennie turns to Bailey's boyfriend for comfort, and becomes entangled in a messy relationship between herself and Toby, and also herself and a new guy to town, Joe Fontaine. As the summer unfolds, Lennie and her family come to terms with their grief and a life without Bailey, and Lennie herself learns more about herself then she ever knew.

There are a lot of teen books about grief of lost ones, whether a sibling, a parent, a boyfriend. I had bought this one at a Audible sale a while ago and hadn't heard of the author before so I wasn't sure what to expect. What a got was a very real story about the conflicting emotions of a teen after the loss of her sister. Bailey and Lennie weren't just sisters, they were everything to each other. After their mother abandoned them they were raised by their Uncle and Grandmother. This non-traditional family unit were very close, and the loss of Bailey deeply affected them all.

In the story Lennie turns to Bailey's boyfriend, Toby, for comfort. At times I couldn't believe that she was making out with her dead sister's boyfriend, but at the same she was grieving. This part of the story made me feel like Lennie was unbelievable selfish and immature, not seeing the grief that the rest of her family were going through. However, the other characters in the story really turned it around for me. Between the colorful and bright Uncle Big, and her Grandmother's beautiful gardens, and to the every happy Joe Fontaine.

I wasn't expecting to enjoy The Sky is Everywhere as much as I did. In fact half way through I thought that Lennie's immature behaviour would make this a "Do Not Finish", but I stuck through it and ended up really enjoying the end.

It was a good story about growing up and dealing with the loss of not just your sister but your best friend.

This was my first Julia Whelan audiobook, but it won't be my last. I loved the voices she used for the grandmother and Uncle, and definitely plan to listen to more of her audios.

About this Audiobook:

Written by: Jandy Nelson

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 7 hrs and 14 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:03-09-10

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Audiobook Review: What Really Happened in Peru by Cassandra Clare & Sarah Rees Brennan

In the first book in the Bane Chronicles, the reader journeys with warlock Magnus Bane to Peru on adventures of the mortal and magical kind. Magnus, together with fellow warlock Ragnus, causes all sorts of mischief and adventure as he unravels the tale of why he is banned from Peru.

I've only read the first two books in the Mortal Instruments series but I couldn't resist trying this new series that centres around Magnus Bane. I must confess that Magnus is one of my favorite characters in the Mortal Instruments series. I really like his style, flair and sense of humor and was looking forward to reading more about him in this new series.

The first book tells of his adventures in Peru and oh what wild adventures they are! In one time he gets so drunk that he enchants a carpet and flies across the desert in it. In another he tries to help a ship avoid pirates and both Rangus and Magnus end up in a mess of guano!

Ragnus was a fun, snarky character, who is the opposite of Magnus, but still a hoot. They make a good combination together.

I liked this first story and plan to read the rest of the short stories in this series. Well recommended for fantasy fans and fans of the Mortal Instruments.

About this Audiobook:

Written by: Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan
Narrated by: Jesse Williams
Length: 1 hr and 13 mins 
Series: The Bane Chronicles, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:04-16-13
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Audiobook Review: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Amy has had a difficult time lately. Her father died in a car accident, her brother is in rehab and her mother has fled to Connecticut. Now that school is over, Amy is expected to drive across country with Roger, a friend of the family. The only problem is Amy is too scared to get behind the wheel since the accident. So with Roger behind the wheel, they ahead across the country. With Amy dealing with her grief, Roger has his own reasons for wanting to take a detour. Thus they take the detour of their lives and learn more about themselves then they thought was possible.

I bought Amy & Roger's Epic Detour over a year ago and its been sitting on my audio shelf for a while, unlistened to. I decided I was in the mood for some contemporary YA fiction and picked this one up. I don't listen to a lot of contemporary YA fiction, maybe 1-2 books a year. I love paranormal, fantasy, dystopia and science fiction in the YA genre, but not a lot of contemporary fiction. So I went into this one with a little hesitation. I came out the other side with a huge appreciation for Morgan Matson and this great story.

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour is the best road trip book ever. It is told from Amy's point of view, and includes songs they listened to, places they visits and each state's motto. I'm an Australian that now resides in Canada, and I've only visited 2-3 US states. I felt like I was experiencing the US for almost the first time as Amy and Roger take a trip from California, through Nevada, Colorado and so many detours until they end up in Philadelphia and Connecticut.

It was a great road trip full of self-discovery and I enjoyed listening, watching each of their stories unravel. Amy & Roger's Epic Detour was at times emotional, especially as Amy unravels the full story of her father's death. She meets people she never thought she'd meet, and she starts the road to recovery and healing from the loss of her father. It was a beautiful, beautiful story that makes me want to hop in a car and head somewhere!

This was my first time listening to Suzy Jackson and I liked that her voice was just young enough to match the idea I had of Amy's voice in my head. She really put all the emotion into the narration that was in Morgan Matson's words and made it a very enjoyable experience. I will definitely pick up another audiobook narrated by Suzy Jackson.

I'd recommend Amy & Roger's Epic Detour to not just fans of YA fiction, but anyone that wants to remember that great feeling of hoping in the car and driving, and making those detours that make life interesting.

About this Audiobook:

Written by: Morgan Matson

Narrated by: Suzy Jackson

Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:12-10-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Audiobook Review: Sisterhood of Dune by Kevin J Anderson & Brian Herbert

The Battle of Corrin is long over, and the Imperium is still in recovery mode. It's been 83 years since the last thinking machine was destroyed, and the Emperor is now Salvatore Corrino. The descents of Harkonnen are still seeking vengeance against the Atreides, as they live exiled and in disgrace. The schools of the Imperium are trying to make headway: the Mentats school, the Sisterhood and the Suks. With Manford Torondo leading the charge of the Butlerians and trying to find (and destroy) any last remains of technology, its a very fragile Imperium. A Imperium trying to recover and forge a new way for the future.

I want to start this review with a little disclaimer. I'm a fan of the original six Dune novels, but I was introduced to Dune, as an adult, with House Atreides. I devoured that trilogy and moved onto the original six novels and have loved the Duneverse ever since. That was 14 years ago and every year I either re-read several Dune novels or catch up on the latest release. I'm thankful for Kevin J Anderson and Brian Herbert carrying on this legacy. The additional novels will never be like the originals, but I appreciate them for what they are - a delightful continuation of the Dune saga. I'm part of #TeamAtredies and #TeamSisterhood. Ever since House Atreides I've been fascinated by the history behind both of these parts of Imperium.

In the trilogy set around the thinking machines we learn about how the feud between the Atreides and the Harkonnens began, and it is still in full force in Sisterhood of Dune. Griffen Harkonnen goes to find Vorian Atreides and to avenge his family. Meanwhile his sister, Valya, attends the Sisterhood to become a sister and discovers a very ailing school.

In Sisterhood of Dune I quickly got swept up in the action across the Imperium. I was fascinated by how many industries, that we take for granted in the later books, made their start in the recovering Imperium. Norma Cenva, who developed the fold space technology, is still alive and the Venport Holdings is trying to take over all of the space travel.

I listened to Sisterhood of Dune on audio and I enjoyed Scott Brick's interpretation of all the characters. While there is more of a full cast on the originals, Scott Brick does a great job of capturing the atmosphere of the troubling Imperium and it was a enjoyable listen.

Sisterhood of Dune was a re-read for me (first time listening on audio) and it was the perfect way to catch up before I start Mentats of Dune (which was released today). If you are new to the Duneverse, I recommend starting with the classic Dune.

About this Audiobook:
Written by: Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson
Narrated by: Scott Brick
Length: 20 hrs and 39 mins
Series: Dune Saga, Book 17
Series: Schools of Dune, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-03-12
Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Audiobook Review: Death of a Snob by M.C. Beaton

It's the holiday season, and Hamish Macbeth is heading to the Happy Wanderer, a scottish health farm. The owner, Jane Weatherby, is worried that someone is plotting to kill her and invites Hamish for the holidays to investigate. At the Happy Wanderer Hamish discovers an eclectic group of Jane's friends, none of which would seem to want Jane dead. However, when one of the guests is killed instead, Hamish wonders if it was a case of mistaken identity or whether the snobby, mean woman, Heather, was the intended victim.

I really enjoy the Hamish Macbeth mysteries. They have a beautiful English-Scottish flair to them, and Hamish, as the bumbling police officer is simply adorable. Death of a Snob had a nice holiday setting, and even though it's March I was getting into quite the holiday spirit listening to this one.

I found it interesting, that in Death of a Snob, Priscilla gets to meet Hamish's parents. In the previous books there has been a on-off flirtation between Priscilla and Hamish. While there is no relationship between them, I liked that Priscilla got to meet Hamish's family while Hamish was away. Hamish comes from a big family, and the complete opposite of Priscilla's fancy yet small family and I think she definitely looks at Hamish a different way after spending time with the Macbeths.

The mystery in this one was good and for those us that like mysteries involving authors then you will definitely enjoy the author angle here.

Shaun Grindell voices Hamish Macbeth and he does a superb job on the accents. I love all the Scottish and English and even an American accent! I plan to listen to the rest of the books in this series as audiobooks because this one was that enjoyable. The audiobook is short at just over 4 hours but I think it would be perfect for a car trip! Definitely a good series to discover on audio.

About this Audiobook:
Written by: M. C. Beaton
Narrated by: Shaun Grindell
Length: 4 hrs and 34 mins
 Series: Hamish Macbeth Mysteries, Book 6
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-23-13
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.