Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Halfway to the Grave

Loved Bones but Kat drove me crazy sometimes.

What I liked:
– Lots of vampire killing vampire action
– Bones. He is pretty much everything you’d want in a vampire trainer / love interest
– Fun banter

What I didn’t like:
– Kat sometimes drove me a little crazy about her mom
– Not a huge fan of the ending. Definitely depends on a book 2 to be satisfying, and I didn’t feel like it was a great choice from Kat.

Still, I think I’m game to see what book 2 is all about! Recommended for those looking for a vampire romance with action and spice.

Update: I tried book 2, but it was produced by a different narrator and I could not *stand* Bones’s voice. Had to DNF.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I do wish Graphic Audio had also produced the sequel, so I could give it a solid shake, but what can you do?

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – The Best Thing You Can Steal

I’m pretty much always down for a heist in a magical world. The narration was fantastic, it had a quick pace to it and a satisfying end… but the characters didn’t quite pop for me. Not quite for me, but if you’re looking for a fast-paced magical heist, this one might be for you !

⭐⭐⭐½

Not quite for me, but it might be for you!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Priceless (Rylee Adamson)

I picked this audiobook up from Audible because it was included in my subscription and it was produced by Graphic Audiobooks. (They include sound effects and a full cast and legit sound like a movie.)

And it was basically everything I could ever want from an urban fantasy. Bamf FMC, excellent chemistry with the MMC, a magical world that keeps you guessing, and some excellent fast-paced action. I am SO here for book 2 and recommend to basically everyone. *chef’s kiss*

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yep – this was perfectly for me. Highly recommend.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – The Risk (Mindf*ck 1)

Another complete surprise! I stumbled on this book when I was on a road trip searching Libby for an audiobook to read and picked this one up at random without knowing anything about it. Based on the cover (not the one featured here… but the others), I honestly thought it would be too spicy for me, but it was so fun! It basically felt like Dexter except with more romance and if Dexter was a girl out for vengeance and also falling for the FBI agent that’s on her case.

Super fast paced with spice and some darkness, I’ll totally be looking for book 2!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Love a book that surprises you!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – A Touch of Darkness (Hades & Persephone)

This was another audiobook I picked up from Libby on a road trip. And I actually thought I was going to DNF it at 40% (I legit returned it.) but then I ended up checking it out again because I didn’t feel like looking for another book to read. Buttttt I probably should’ve. Though the world was interesting, I found Persephone’s character grating. And while I enjoyed her character growth, I wasn’t super into the relationship between she and Hades.

Trust your gut feelings, friends. If you’re thinking about DNF-ing, then DNF and find a book more suited to you

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Zodiac Academy The Awakening

This was another one that I picked up at random from Libby on a road trip. It was my first “Graphic Audio” audiobook and honestly the production quality FLOORED me. With a full cast and sound effects, it really was like watching a movie in my head.

But the story… um. It was like Harry Potter, but with brutal fae who only respond to power & taking what they want, with a really unhealthy frat culture, twisted bullying, and two girls who (knowingly) make very awful decisions about trusting the people who are legit torturing them because they’re super hot.

So this one wasn’t for me, but I’ll *definitely* be picking up more audiobooks by Graphic Audio.

Big mixed feelings on this story, but Graphic Audio was definitely cool.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Book Review – Save the Cat Writes a Young Adult Novel

Save the Cat writes a novel completely changed my writing process for the better. So I decided it was time for a reread and I wanted to get a hard copy instead of an ebook, so I figured I’d pick up the YA version (since I write almost exclusively YA.) While I still find the plotting and the beatsheets to be incredibly helpful, I preferred the non-YA version. (It just felt more universal with sharper examples.) But I was glad I reread it to brush up on plotting tools, archetypes, and devices.

Since it’s a craft book, no star rating for this one.

All for saving the cat, but not super into the YA version.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries)

What I liked:
– Murderbot’s voice is hard not to love, man
– Absolutely FABULOUS narration

What I didn’t like:
– Honestly, I just wanted more. Murderbot kind of steals the whole show and I was hoping for a little more bonding between the characters. Totally in for book 2 though!

Recommended for anyone looking for short but engrossing and very character-driven sci-fi.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

I get the hype. Solid sci-fi with a classic feel.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Knight’s Bride

This book was such a fun surprise!

What I liked:
– Cozy Romantasy Vibes
– Likable protagonists
– Fabulous Audiobook Narration
– Magical forest hijinks
– In general, just a sweet fun story
– Nice tension throughout. I honestly found myself worrying (in a good way) if it would have a satisfying ending or if I’d have to wait for the sequel.

What I didn’t like
– The pacing of the last 25% or so didn’t quite fit for me. In some ways, it feels like they’re having the same communication for a little too long.

Recommended for those looking for a fun romantasy with likable protagonists and a pinch of spice. And I’m totally game for book 2!

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Why yes, I’ll take a cute romance any day of the week, please and thanks.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Heavenbreaker

I really enjoyed this read! It basically reminded me of a mix of Gundam Wing and a medieval joust.

What I liked:
– Unique World Building
– Strong emotions (all the righteous rage and grief)
– Morality is in all shades of gray.
– Multi-POVs from characters with very contrasting perspectives
– Slowly unfurling political intrigue
– Solid audiobook narration

What I didn’t like:
– The relationship between Rax and Synali. While I like both Rax and Synali individually, their relationship felt a bit forced to me and rather stagnant. For some reason, I see this is listed in the romantasy genre and brahhh, that is inaccurate. This is a straight sci-fi.
– Very plot-driven. In general, there’s not a lot of deep, evolving relationships between the characters but that may be because… (see next bullet)
– This book doesn’t stand alone in any way. Most readers won’t mind this, but the end reads like we kind of dropped off in the middle of the book, and it’s a bit of a pet peeve of mine.

Recommended for those looking for an engrossing sci-fi with some interesting world building and intriguing political turmoil. (But definitely not a romantasy)

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

If we can compare it to Gundam Wing, you’ve probably got me already.

Thanks for reading!