AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Jaye Wells' THE MAGE IN BLACK

Title: THE MAGE IN BLACK (Sabina Kane bk 2)
Author: Jaye Wells
Narrator: Cynthia Holloway
Release Date: September 22, 2010
List Price: $19.99
Audio CD: Unabridged, MP3 CD
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400169038
ISBN-13: 978-1400169030



My Ratings

Plot: 5/5
Setting: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Originality of Plot: 5/5
Characters Development: 5/5
Ending: 5/5
Cover Art: 4/5
Narrator : 9.5/10
Likelihood to Recommend: 4.5/5

Overall: 47/50 = 94%


First Line

The Kum-N-Go's roadside-chic interior was bathed in a sickly fluorescent glow.

Synopsis

Sabina Kane, the fierce, sexy, take-no-prisoners half-mage/ half-vampire assassin, returns in this jaw-dropping sequel to Red-Headed Stepchild.

Sabina Kane doesn't have the best track record when it comes to family. After all, her own grandmother, leader of the vampire race, wants her dead. So when she arrives in New York to meet her mage relatives, the reunion puts the fun in dysfunctional. Not only is mage culture completely bizarre, but everyone seems to think she's some kind of 'Chosen' who'll unite the dark races. Sabina doesn't care who chose her, she's not into destiny. But the mages aren't Sabina's only problem. In New York's Black Light District, she has run-ins with fighting demons, hostile werewolves and an opportunistic old flame. Sabina thought she'd take a bite out of the Big Apple - but it looks like it wants to bite back.

My Review

Vamps and Mages and Weres! Oh my! Sabina Kane, ex-assassin for the Dominae, is traveling to New York with her sexy mage partner Adam to meet her long-lost twin sister. To say Sabina Kane has trust issues, would be the understatement of the century! Her grandmother, the only family she ever known, tried to kill her. She is now being hunted by the Dominae and her grandmother. Will her sister be the key to taking down the Dominae? Will connecting with her mage side, make her more powerful or create more issues? And will a powerful ex-fling coming back into her life, drive a wedge between Adam and Sabina?

I love the way Jaye Wells mixes the preternatural creatures in her Sabina Kane series. Sure she isn’t the first author to do this, but I felt that the was she approached the idea was fresh and different. She brought vampires, mages, fey, weres, and demons into the present, without feeling fake or forced. I also really enjoyed how she examined what it is like to live a dual life. I mean, how many half-vamp, half-mages are there? How does a person associate with a side of herself that she never even knew there? This is also very unique and important storyline.

Sabina is an amazing, kick-butt heroin! She is a physically, mentally, and now magically strong character. Even after having her love shoved back at her by her own grandmother, Sabina is willing to let her twin sister Maisie into her life. She also has a bit of a stumble emotionally, but she admited to her downfalls and picked her self up brilliantly. She proveed that she is resilient and amazing, if only she could let open her heart romantically.

The secondary character in this story take on a life of their own and love them for it! Giguhl is probably one of the most hysterical character I’ve ever read. He’s clever, he lacks social grace, and should never be let loose in high society! Most of my favorite quotes come from him. Maisie, Adam, and Slade also make great additions to the cast. I believe that they have helped Sabina open up emotionally, even after being shut down for so long.

Cynthia Holloway’s narration of this series is one word, brilliant! She is actually one of my favorite audiobook narrators, and the main reason I picked up this series on audiobook rather then eBook. She has a great variation in voices for each character, and really draws the reader in. Plus, no one does sexy like Ms. Holloway!

This is audiobook is a fast-pasted, emotionally packed joy ride from page one, with an ending that will leave the readers begging for the next book in this series.

Sabina Kane Series

Related Websites

Jaye Wells' Site
Jaye Wells' Twitter
The Mage in Black Audiobook - Tantor Media


Author Video - Jaye Wells reading The Made in Black

After seeing this video, I just couldn't help but add it to this review. I have one thing to say, Jaye Wells is hysterical!!!