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.

Audiobook Review: Just One Year by Gayle Forman

After spending a perfect day with "Lulu", Willem wakes up in the hospital, with Lulu nowhere in sight. Willem retraces his steps to discover how he ended up in the hospital and sets out to find Lulu. Along the way he tells the story of his family and the great disconnect between his mother and himself, and learns more about himself then he thought he knew.

I don't read a lot of contemporary YA fiction. I have a couple of favorite authors that write contemporary YA fiction and I generally try to read/listen to their books. These include Maureen Johnson, John Green, Rainbow Rowell and Gayle Forman. I loved the If I Stay/Where She Went books and also Just One Day (the first half of this series). I'd heard mixed reviews about Just One Year, but I decided I needed to know how Willem and Lulu's journey would end.

After having finished the audiobook of Just One Year, I have to say this was the story that "I" wanted told. It might not be the story that everyone wanted to hear, but it was the one I wanted. I wanted to know why Willem had been travelling for so long, never stopping long, never spending any real time with anyone. In Just One Year we find out why he is this way and what it takes to make him keep his roots in Amsterdam. We find out the story of his past and his family, and how the disconnect between his mother and himself and his Uncle starts to narrow and they become more of a family. We delve into his acting and feel his passion for it. It is a beautiful story.

Gayle Forman writes a beautiful story, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Loving travel myself, I loved all of Willem's travels from India to Amsterdam to Cancun - it was a great a adventure! I loved all the colorful people he meets on the way and we meet his friends in Amsterdam and his family. It was a great story and even though I personally would've liked more Lulu, I still loved every second of it.

Daniel May narrates Just One Year and gives a great voice to the character of Willem. There is a diversity of accents in this book and he delivers them all superbly. I wouldn't hesitate recommending this series to YA fans. I do recommend starting with Just One Day though to get the full experience of these two books.

About this Audiobook: 
Written by: Gayle Forman
Narrated by: Daniel May
Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins
 Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-10-13
Publisher: Penguin Audio

Audiobook Review: Killing Cupid by Laura Levine

It's almost Valentine's Day and the only date on Jaine's horizon appears to be her cat, Prozac. However things start looking up when she's asked to write a brochure for a dating agency, Dates of Joy. However Joy Amoroso is the latest thing from joy, instead she's a cruel woman that is intend on taking money from people and not finding them their true loves, as she promised. Jaine wants to write her brochure, earn her money and get as far away from her as she can. Unfortunately Joy also promises to set Jaine up with someone. However her intended date is the last person Jaine would want to date, a rich, old guy that seems obsessed with her cat. Jaine isn't surprised when Joy drops dead from a poisoned chocolate, as there seems to be a lot of people that wanted her dead - herself included. With Prozac's, her cat, help she will have to untangle this mystery before she ends up behind bars.

I've read all of the mysteries in this series, starting with This Pen For Hire. I like the zany antics of Jaine and her gay shoe-salesman neighbour, Lance, and her kooky parents that live in a retirement village in Florida, and have a addiction to buying unnecessary items on late night tv. Together they make for a fun mystery series and I've been hooked from the start.

I was thrilled to discover that Killing Cupid would be available as an audiobook as I've previously read all the books in this series and I wanted to experience Jaine in audio format. While the narrator, Brittany Pressley, wasn't the voice I had thought of in my mind, from reading the previous eleven novels, I quickly adapted and grew to enjoy her impressions of Jaine, Lance, Prozac and all the oddballs at the dating agency.

The mystery itself was fun. I love discovering that the murder victim wasn't well liked because there is always a great variety of murder suspects. In this case, there was a long line of disgruntled dating customers and even Joy's own Aunt, who she stole the business from. It was certainly difficult trying to figure out who the killer was.

Killing Cupid was another fun, zany instalment in the Jaine Austen mysteries. If you're looking for a mystery series with a lot of laughs, then I suggest trying out these mysteries. They are best read in order, so start with A Pen For Hire. For me, I'm now patiently waiting as I look forward to discovering what Jaine gets up to next and I'm hoping that there might be some romance in store for Jaine too!

About this Audiobook:
Written by: Laura Levine
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley
Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins
 Series: Jaine Austen Mysteries, Book 12
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-31-13
Publisher: Audible Studios