AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Carrie Vaughn's KITTY'S GREATEST HITS

Title: KITTY’S GREATEST HITS
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Narrator: Marguerite Gavin
Release Date: August 16, 2011
Format: MP3 Audiobook CD
Length: 11 Hrs
List Price: $29.99
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Language: English
ISBN-10: 140016804X
ISBN-13: 978-1400168040


My Ratings

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

Overall: 39/45 = 86%

Synopsis

Kitty Norville, star of a New York Times bestselling series, is everybody's favorite werewolf DJ and out-of-the-closet supernatural creature. Over the course of eight books she's fought evil vampires, were-creatures, and some serious black magic. She's done it all with a sharp wit and the help of a memorable cast of werewolf hunters, psychics, and if-not-good-then-neutral vampires by her side. Kitty's Greatest Hits not only gives listeners some of Kitty's further adventures, it offers longtime fans a window into the origins of some of their favorite characters.

In "Conquistador de la Noche," we learn the origin story of Denver's Master vampire, Rick; with "Wild Ride," we find out how Kitty's friend T.J. became a werewolf; and in "Life Is the Teacher," we revisit Emma, the human-turned-unwilling-vampire who serves the aloof vampire master of Washington, D.C.

This entertaining collection includes two brand-new works: "You're on the Air," about one of Kitty's callers after he hangs up the phone; and the eagerly awaited "Long Time Waiting," the novella that finally reveals just what happened to Cormac in prison, something every Kitty fan wants to know.

My Review

KITTY’S GREATEST HITS is a collection of Kitty Norville short stories written by Carrie Vaughn. Some of these stories are recent and occur around the same time as the Kitty Norvile Series, while other stories help shine a light on your favorite characters pasts. Did you ever wonder how Cormac and Amelia found each other in prison or how Rick became a vampire? These short stories shed a light on unknown stories from Kitty and her group of friends.

My favorite short story of the bunch was "Long Time Waiting". I have a massive soft spot when it comes to Cormac. His time in prison was like a black hole in the storyline. Everything that happened inside the jail never come out, until now. I always felt that he and Amelia were such and odd pairing, but after reading this short story I really was able to understand. It was also nice to see that even though Cormac’s so dark, he has a place of light inside that basically no one could touch. It makes him more human.

My second favorite short story was, “Kitty and the Mosh Pit of the Damned”. This story most of all felt like a true Kitty Norville story. Kitty’s goes into a club to get a harmless interview with a popular local band, and gets herself in way over her head. It had the energy, wit, and mythos I have come to expect from this series. It’s always fascinating when Carrie brings new monsters to the party!

“Temptation of Robin Greene” was the most unique of the bunch. Robin is a scientist with observing and caring for a group of mythical creatures, including Kitty’s best-vamp cohort Rick. Everything changes for Robin when a a male selkie is brought into the lab. While I found this story haunting in the end, I just wished it had been a stand alone book. It was such an ingenious story line, I didn’t want it to end. Plus, I loved the role Rick played in this short story.

While I found most of the short stories to fascinating, some I had a hard time connecting the dots and finding their ties to Kitty’s world. And some had no connections what-so-ever, which confused me. I wish that their had been an introduction at the beginning of each story explaining it’s importance.

As the narrator, Marguerite Gavin has an uncanny ability to really set the perfect mood for a story. Whether bright and cheery or dark and mysterious, she is able to transport the reader alone for the ride. Marguerite’s wide range of character voices brings each story to life in my head. I also find myself forgetting that this series is narrated by a female narrator alone, because she does a wonderful job voicing each male so flawlessly.

While I connected with some short stories more then others, I enjoyed listening to them as a whole. I would defiantly recommend this audiobook to anyone who loves Kitty and her cast of characters. KITTY’S GREATEST HITS was fantastic chance to revisit past and present characters from Kitty’s world and getting to know a little more about each one!


Kitty Norville Series

1) Kitty and the Midnight Hour
2) Kitty Goes to Washington
3) Kitty Takes a Holiday
4) Kitty and the Silver Bullet
5) Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand
6) Kitty Raises Hell
7) Kitty's House of Horrors
8) Kitty Goes to War
9) Kitty's Big Trouble
9b) Kitty's Greatest Hits (Anthology)


Related Websites

Buy KITTY'S GREATEST HITS on Audiobook
Marguerite Gavin - Narrator
Carrie Vaughn - Authors Site
Carrie Vaughn's Blog

REVIEW: Rachel Vincent's IF I DIE (Soul Screamer's Bk 5)

Title: IF I DIE
Author: Rachel Vincent
Release Date: September 27, 2011
List Price: $9.99
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373210329
ISBN-13: 978-0373210329




My Ratings

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

Overall: 38/40 = 95%


Synopsis

The entire school's talking about the gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck. Everyone except Kaylee Cavanaugh. After all, Kaylee's no ordinary high-school junior. She's a banshee—she screams when someone dies.

But the next scream might be for Kaylee.

Yeah—it's a shock to her, too. So to distract herself, Kaylee's going to save every girl in school. Because that hot new teacher is really an incubus who feeds on the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend's needy ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren't quite human, either.

But Kaylee's borrowed lifeline is nearing its end. And those who care about her will do anything to save her life.

My Review

IF I DIE is the absolute best book in the Soul Screamers series so far! There are two things I have come to expect from Rachel Vincent’s books. First, expect the unexpected. She has an impressive ability to break genre rules and work outside the box. And second, her books have an uncanny ability of breaking my heart into teeny-tiny pieces. Couples are never promised a Happily-Ever-After and no character is untouchable by death or injury. IF I DIE didn’t let me down.

Rachel Vincent starts this book out with a bang. She tackles a very serious life and death issue within the first couple chapters. It hooked me in and couldn’t put this book down. It was an emotionally tough for me to read, but was extremely well written. She handles these issues in a very delicate and real way. It has probably never been said that Rachel shies away from controversial subject matter

Kaylee has once again found herself sinking in quicksand. Her life is falling down around her. Her friends and family are trying everything they can to help her out of an impossible situation. She has grown emotionally from book to book, and this book is no different. She excepts her limitations, and uses her energy, time, and skills to help her friends and family.

As always, Kaylee’s love life isn’t making things any easier. Kaylee and Nash are trying to get their relationship back after some bumps in the road. They are trying to move on, make new memories, and forgive past indiscretion. Then there is Nash’s mara ex-girlfriend Sabine, who is torn between stealing Nash from her and wanting to be Kaylee’s friend. Kaylee isn’t sure if she can really trust Sabine when the chips are down. Not to mention Nash’s sexy brother Tod, the reaper who is always there to help when Kaylee is in need. He has become her white knight, but instead of wearing shining armor he’s dressed in his pizza delivery uniform.

Rachel Vincent has a knack of turning her fictional worlds up-side-down, and making them all the better for it. Things happen that I never see coming. She has a way of finding unique and ingenious solutions to problems. This always keeps me guessing. The last few chapter of this book shattered my heart, but gave me hope for Kaylee’s future.

IF I DIE is heart-wrenching, shocking, and whispers of new beginnings to come! This book is a real game changer for this series. Bravo Rachel Vincent, you have skillfully develop characters that the readers can‘t help but be emotionally attached to! This book has cemented the Soul Screamers series on my must read list. If you enjoy reading unique and thought provoking Paranormal YA, you should picked up Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamer’s series!


Rachel Vincent's Books

Soul Screamers (YA Series):
0.5) My Soul to Lose (2009)
1) My Soul to Take (2009)
2) My Soul To Save (2010)
3) My Soul To Keep (2010)
4) My Soul to Steal (2011)

Unbound Series (Adult Series):
1) Blood Bound (2011)
2) Shadow Bound (2012)

Shifters Series (Adult Series):
1) Stray (2007)
2) Rogue (2008)
3) Pride (2009)
4) Prey (2009)
5) Shift (2010)
6) Alpha (2010)


Related Websites
Buy IF I DIE
Rachel's Website
Rachel's Twitter
Rachel's Message Board



Book Trailer

REVIEW: Rachel Vincent's BLOOD BOUND (Unbound Bk 1)

Title: BLOOD BOUND (Unbound Bk 1)
Author: Rachel Vincent
Release Date: August 23, 2011
Publisher: Mira
List Price: $7.99
Language: English
Reading Level: Adult
ISBN-10: 0778312550
ISBN-13: 978-0778312550



My Ratings

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

Overall: 38/40 = 95%


Synopsis

By blood, by word, by magic...

Most can't touch the power. But Liv Warren is special – a paranormal tracker who follows the scent of blood.

Liv makes her own rules, and the most important one is trust no one.

But when her friend's daughter goes missing, Liv has no choice but to find the girl. Thanks to a childhood oath, Liv can't rest until the child is home safe. But that means trusting Cam Caballero, the former lover forbidden to her.

Bound by oath and lost in desire for a man she cannot have, Liv is racing to save the child from a dark criminal underworld where secrets, lies, trauma and danger lurk around every corner...every touch...every kiss.

And more blood will be spilled before it's over...

My Review

Sir Walter Scott's quote "What a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!" came to mind when I read Blood Bound. Layers upon layers of lies and oaths bind this story together.

In the Unbound world, you are bound by your word. Whether by blood or verbal oath, you are compelled to keep your promises. Going against your word can be hazardous to your health and even deadly. This world is filled with Skilled and un-Skilled humans. Most Skilled humans align themselves with one of two mob-type bosses, sometimes against their better judgment or even against their own will.

Liv Warren's life isn't always her own. A school girl promise, has Liv using her Blood Tracking Skills to help a childhood friend against her will. Liv is also forced to team up with he oh-so-sexy x-boyfriend Cam. He’s the one man she can’t live without, but has to. She is also secretly bound to a syndicate that basically owns her body and mind.

I absolutely loved the dynamic between Liv and Cam. They have a sexual tension that is so electric it jumps off the page. You can feel it in every word shared and even in every casual touch. I enjoyed uncovering their past while reading the story, it make me root for them more and more. Liv is strong both physically, mentally, and emotionally. She’s willing to give everything for the people she cares about. She isn’t a victim, like most modern female characters. You can’t help but fall in love with her character. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, and cannot wait to read more about them in Rachel’s Unbound upcoming books.

In true Rachel Vincent fashion, the ending of Blood Bound left me aching for more. She writes the most dramatic endings, that leave you torn between throwing the book at the wall and selling your first born for an advanced copy of the next book.

Rachel has an amazing knack for building unique fictional worlds. In a sea of carbon copy urban fantasy series, Blood Bound is a breath of fresh air. Her writing is both multifaceted and brilliant!

Overall, Blood Bound is a dark and seductive thrill ride. I found myself getting pulled in the Rachel’s Unbound world, and not wanting to leave. I enjoyed untangling the web that is Blood Bound!

Websites

Buy BLOOD BOUND from Amazon
Rachel Vincent's Website
Rachel's Discussion Board
Rachel's Twitter


BLOOD BOUND - Trailer




Other Books by This Author

Soul Screamers (YA Series):
0.5) My Soul to Lose (2009)
1) My Soul to Take (2009)
2) My Soul To Save (2010)
3) My Soul To Keep (2010)
4) My Soul to Steal (2011)

Shifters Series (Adult Series):
1) Stray (2007)
2) Rogue (2008)
3) Pride (2009)
4) Prey (2009)
5) Shift (2010)
6) Alpha (2010)

My Naughty & Nice Must Reads for 2011 Part 2 (Aug.-Dec.) *CONTEST*

Hey readers! Now that we're more then half-way done with 2011, it's time for My Naughty & Nice Must Reads Part 2. Several of my favorite authors have up-coming releases. New books, new series and new characters...I can't wait!

Scroll down to enter to my August New Release eBook contest. I am giving away copies of 3 amazing up-coming books: (1) Rachel Vincent's BLOOD BOUND, (1) Richelle Mead's BLOODLINES, and (1) Rachel Caine's WORKING STIFF.

AUGUST:

• 2nd Another Kind of Dead by Kelly Meding
• 2nd Working Stiff (A Revivalist Novel) by Rachel Caine
• 2nd Blood Song by Cat Adams
• 23rd Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
• 23rd Blood Bound (Unbound Novel) by Rachel Vincent
• 23rd Devil to Pay (Novella) by Jeaniene Frost
• 23rd Dark Taste of Rapture by Gena Showalter
• 30th One Grave at a Time (Night Huntress Novel) by Jeaniene Frost
• 30th Succubus Revealed (Georgina Kincaid) by Richelle Mead
• 30th Once and Again (Petal, Georgia) by Lauren Dane
• 30th Crossroads (Anna Strong) by Jeanne C. Stein

SEPTEMBER:

• 6th Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunter) by Nalini Singh
• 6th Virtue and Vice by Megan Hart
• 6th Dark Predator (Carpathian) by Christine Feehan
• 6th Wayfinder (Worldwalker Duology) by C.E. Murphy
• 6th Never Enough by Lauren Dane
• 6th Envy (A Novel of the Fallen Angels) by J.R. Ward
• 27th If I Die by Rachel Vincent
• 27th The Darkest Surrender by Gena Showalter
• 27th Sexiest Vampire Alive (Love at Stake) by Kerrelyn Sparks
• 27th Only His by Susan Mallery
• 27th Darkness Unbound (A Dark Angels) by Keri Arthur
• 27th Spider's Revenge by Jennifer Estep

OCTOBER:

• 4th Angels of Darkness by Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews, Meljean Brook and Sharon Shinn
• 4th Much Ado About Vampires (A Dark Ones Novel) by Katie MacAlister
• 25th Destined (House of Night) by P. C. Cast & Kristin Cast
• 25th The Bite Before Christmas by Lynsay Sands & Jeaniene Frost
• 25th Darkness Rising (Dark Angels) by Keri Arthur
• 25th Adam (The Nightwalkers) by Jacquelyn Frank
• 25th The Hollows Insider: New fiction, facts, maps, murders, and more in the world of Rachel Morgan by Kim Harrison

NOVEMBER:

• 1st Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires) by Chloe Neill
• 1st Last Breath (The Morganville Vampires) by Rachel Caine
• 1st Heart of Darkness by Lauren Dane
• 1st The Guardian (Dream-Hunter) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
• 1st Courting Darkness (Otherworld) by Yasmine Galenorn
• 1st Magic on the Line (Allie Beckstrom) by Devon Monk
• 22nd Immortal Rider (Lords of Deliverance) by Larissa Ione
• 29th Fate's Edge (A Novel of the Edge) by Ilona Andrews
• 29th Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep
• 29th Lawe's Justice (Breeds) by Lora Leigh

DECEMBER:

• 6th Nautier and Wilder by Lora Leigh & Jaci Burton
• 6th That Old Black Magic (A Living in Eden Novel) by Michelle Rowen
• 28th Spirit Bound (A Sea Haven Novel) by Christine Feehan
• 28th Silver-Tongued Devil (Sabina Kane) by Jaye Wells

What books are you looking forward to most? Did I miss an up-coming book from your favorite author? Please comment and tell me below.


ENTER TO WIN: BLOOD BOUND, BLOODLINES & WORKING STIFF

I am giving away 3 eBooks from my top releases for August: (1) Rachel Vincent's BLOOD BOUND, (1) Richelle Mead's BLOODLINES, and (1) Rachel Caine's WORKING STIFF. The contest closes August 25, 2011 at midnight. The winners will be notified via e-mail and will have FIVE days to respond & claim their prize! Since I'm gifting this eBook through Amazon.com, the winner must be have a US amazon.com account set up to receive their prize.

Here is what you need to do:

• In the contest entry box below, please leave your first name/last initial and e-mail address
• Tell me which book you are most looking forward to this year
  
• Link contest via Twitter/Facebook/Blog 1 point for each link provided.
• Follow this blog for bonus 2 points! (button located on left-hand side)
• Follow my twitter for bonus 2 points! (button located on left-hand side)

Rules and Legal Disclaimers:

• I will use random.org to choose the winner.
• Contest is open to readers in the USA only.
• The winners have FIVE days, from the day I e-mail them, to claim their prize. Failure to contact me result in forfeit of your prize. At that time, I will choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
• These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
  
• Contest is void where prohibited.
• By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry.

(Scroll down in the box to fill in contest information. Please make sure to hit submit.)

TRAILER & UP-COMING RELEASE: Rachel Vincent's BLOOD BOUND

Today, Rachel Vincent released the trailer for her up-coming new series, Blood Bound. I actually just started reading my ARC copy, and I love this new and unique world she's created. If this is as amazing as her Shifters and Soul Screamers series, you won't be let down. Rachel has also posted the first chapter from Blood Bound on her website. Take a few minutes, and check out her new series!

Title: Blood Bound, Book 1
Author: Rachel Vincent
Release Date: August 23, 2011
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Mira
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778312550
ISBN-13: 978-0778312550




Synopsis

By blood, by word, by magic…

Most can't touch the power. But Liv Warren is special— a paranormal tracker who follows the scent of blood.

Liv makes her own rules, and the most important one is trust no one.

But when her friend's daughter goes missing, Liv has no choice but to find the girl. Thanks to a childhood oath, Liv can't rest until the child is home safe. But that means trusting Cam Caballero, the former lover forbidden to her.

Bound by oath and lost in desire for a man she cannot have, Liv is racing to save the child from a dark criminal underworld where secrets, lies, trauma and danger lurk around every corner…every touch…every kiss.

And more blood will be spilled before it's over…

Places to Pre-Order

Amazon
Barnes &Noble
Books-A-Million

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Carrie Vaughn's KITTY'S BIG TROUBLE (Kitty Norville, Book 9)

Title: KITTY'S BIG TROUBLE (Kitty Norville, Book 9)
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Narrator: Marguerite Gavin
Release Date: June 30, 2011
List Price: $18.99
Publisher: Tantor Media
Media: Unabridged,MP3 - Unabridged CD edition
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0765365650
ISBN-13: 978-076536565

My Ratings

Plot: 3/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 3/5
Originality of Plot: 4/5
Characters Development: 4/5
Ending: 4/5
Narrator: 5/5
Cover Art: 4/5
Likelihood to Recommend: 4/5

Overall: 35/45 = 77%


Synopsis

Kitty Norville is back and in more trouble than ever. Her recent run-in with werewolves traumatized by the horrors of war has made her start wondering how long the US government might have been covertly using werewolves in combat. Have any famous names in our own history might have actually been supernatural? She's got suspicions about William Tecumseh Sherman. Then an interview with the right vampire puts her on the trail of Wyatt Earp, vampire hunter. But her investigations lead her to a clue about enigmatic vampire Roman and the mysterious Long Game played by vampires through the millennia. That, plus a call for help from a powerful vampire ally in San Francisco, suddenly puts Kitty and her friends on the supernatural chessboard, pieces in dangerously active play. And Kitty Norville is never content to be a pawn. . . .

My Review

I have been a massive fan of Carrie Vaughn’s Kitty Norville series for a while now. I devoured books 1 through 6 in just a matter of weeks. This series is a joyride through the eyes of Kitty Norville filled with mystery, action, wit, and a touch of sexuality. The books are centered around Kitty and her family, the ones that she was born with and those whom she has chosen to surround herself with as a were. Her lifestyle, radio show, and quick tongue get her in all kinds of trouble.

That being said, KITTY’S BIG TROUBLE just didn’t sit right with me. This story felt like it didn’t fit into the series usual mold. The story also felt a bit unfocused. I kept telling myself, eventually we’re going to get to the meat of the story, but we never did. I felt that it was more of a narration of persons day, then the action packed series I was used to reading. Though Kitty does want to take down Roman, this wasn’t her fight. I also felt a little weary on how the story wrapped up. I’m just waiting for the next book and the other shoe to drop. If I had to rate this story as more of a stand alone piece, I may have rated it a bit higher. In my eyes, it just didn’t hold up to the incredible Kitty Norville series standards.

Brightest point of the story was getting a chance to see my some of my favorite characters. One of my favorite parts of Kitty, is the fact that she is a strong female character that is willing to seek help from her friends and pack. She know that she can’t handle everything all on her own. Ben was his usual wonderful, loyal, and supportive self. He is Kitty’s strength and family. He makes it possible for her to live the crazy she leads, and still be able to feel safe and loved. I’m so happy to have the new and “improved” Cormac back into the story. With his new arsenal of weapons, he’s stronger then ever. I also love the interaction his interaction with Kitty and Ben. They are his family and he’d give his life for them.

As always, Marguerite Gavin’s narration made this story come alive. She has a way with dialogue and pacing, that she puts most narrators to shame. She is the Kitty Norville series to me. When I go back read the books in this series, I can almost hear her voicing the characters.

This series, as a whole, is full of action, heart, and adventure. If you haven’t picked up the Kitty Norville series, do yourself a favorite and pick it up in book or audiobook format! If you already love Kitty, like I do, go ahead and give this book a chance.


Kitty Norville

1) Kitty and the Midnight Hour
2) Kitty Goes to Washington
3) Kitty Takes a Holiday
4) Kitty and the Silver Bullet
5) Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand
6) Kitty Raises Hell
7) Kitty's House of Horrors
8) Kitty Goes to War
9) Kitty's Big Trouble


Related Websites

Buy Kitty's Big Trouble from Tantor Media

Marguerite Gavin - Narrator Info

Carrie Vaughn's Website

Carrie Vaughn's Blog

GUEST BLOG & GIVEAWAY: Xe Sands - Narrator of Jacquelyn Frank's Nightwalker Series

In celebration of the release of GIDEON (book 2 in the Nightwalker Series) by Jacquelyn Frank, I have invited the series' narrator Xe Sands to discuss taking on this dark, sexy series. Also, scroll down to the bottom of this blog post to enter to win GIDEON on audiobook.

I am currently sitting in my home studio, taking a break from recording Elijah, the third book in Jacquelyn Frank's Nightwalkers series. “Taking a break” for me is akin to a forced march through the desert wearing a parka. I despise taking breaks from recording, whether for five minutes, five hours or five days. I always feel the project tugging at me, whispering to me about the next scene, luring me back in. At the moment, however, I am plagued by temporarily insurmountable digestive rumblings, which unfortunately add unwanted dialog to the recording.

Witness the last few minutes:

Siena: You must let me tell you how sorry I am.

Elijah: There will be time for that. Later.

Stomach: Mwraoroararahrahahor!

Not exactly in line with the author's intent. But, think I’ll use this forced break to reflect on what an interesting ride narrating the Nightwalkers series has been. The process has certainly differed from other projects I’ve done, and not just because of the extraordinarily hot demons.

When I was first offered Nightwalkers by Tantor Audio, I wasn’t sure what to think. This is an established series with a devoted fan base, and approaching an existing series can be a bit daunting. I know that devoted readers have a very clear voice in mind for every character…could I meet their expectations? Do justice to their favorite characters and storylines? Many of the main characters are deeply voiced, richly accented males (wait, Croatian/Eastern European? What?!); would I be able to credibly bring those accents in while carrying the emotional content of the dialog?

Signing on for this series was an honor...it was also rife with the sort of anxiety you feel when you are just one shot away from being ushered into the front car of the rollercoaster. You watch others get on, they climb out of sight, then the screaming begins - and you know you're next. After an indepth conversation with Jacquelyn Frank about characterizations and accents used throughout the series, I swear I could hear the telltale “tick tick tick” of the coaster car ascending toward the sky.

In the words of Gideon the Ancient, "Run, run, as fast as you can..."

Know what else it felt like? Delicious. Exhilarating.

Something to know about me: like the heroines in this series, the more I feel like running away screaming – the better it’s going to be when I give myself over to it. The challenges simply meant this would be an amazing project to work on. And I wasn't wrong.

Of course, also like these same heroines, there is a whole bunch of plot between waiting in line for that ride, and getting out of the car at the end…

After that conversation with Frank, I realized two things. One, I needed to shed the pressure associated with trying to match others' imaginings of the characters' voices and just discover them for myself - first as a reader, then as a narrator. Two, the accents required to truly do justice to the text would need a bit of coaxing to come out of my mouth. To that end, I sought direction from (and continue to work with) a dialect coach. I wanted to develop a natural, accented manner of speaking for the characters – one that wouldn’t detract from the listening experience, but simply embody personality as intended. After meeting with the coach (and watching a possibly unhealthy number of interviews with Goran Visjnic), I spent an entire day speaking with the accent, much to the delight and horror of my family. I needed the accent to be easily accessible while performing dialog, and to be able to broaden it to fit a range of characters. Over the course of the day, the accent settled into something natural...so natural in fact that I started inadvertently using it in public! Point being that once it became a part of my natural speech pattern, the narration of Jacob as a whole began to take shape.

And there is a unique challenge to recording a series: having to design vocal characterizations that can stand for the entire series – that can grow/shrink with the character. This series compounds that difference in that character traits are not always presented in the book in which the character first appears – they might appear later in the series (Noah’s accent and vocal characteristics for example, are not presented until Noah, the fifth book). I recently commented that prepping characters for this series was akin to reading one, 2,000 page epic to glean all the characteristics for the main character of the first 350 pages - and it's true. But being forced to review all five books in at least a cursory fashion in prep for recording Jacob and Gideon has been a blessing. It has given me a perspective on the characters and the overall arc that I would not have had, had I not peeked ahead. That insight helps informs the tone I use and the vocal nuances of the characters.

Also, true to the genre, the romantic leads change with each book. What I've found intriguing is that, because the leads differ greatly in temperament (and even species) between books, the emotional tone of the narrative shifts, aligned with the personality of the leads. As a narrator, this is a tasty challenge – to subtly shift the emotional delivery of the narrative within a series to match the shift intended by the author. To date, this has been most challenging with Elijah. Elijah has become a bit of an obsession during the recording process. I eat and breathe this project, muttering to myself about it. It has even begun to bleed into my dreams (though not in the way you might imagine), as I process what is working and what isn’t. And I’m loving it. The harder it is to achieve, the more satisfying it is in the end.

However, while Elijah currently has my attention, Gideon is actually next to release. Although somewhat similar in feel to Jacob because it features known demon characters as the leads and of course shares the same world, Gideon will likely feel a bit different to readers as well. The difference comes courtesy of Gideon himself. He is a very intellectual, controlled man, which is, of course, his flaw…and it means that a great deal of the action of this book happens in dialog and mental musings between him and his intended, Magdalena (Legna). For me, this made for a more cerebral, interesting tale. Do not mistake me: there is still plenty of action…of all sorts. And the story arc that moves through the entire series is further delineated in Gideon.

And now, I can feel Elijah pacing the perimeter of my consciousness, daring me to come back and finish what we started. Can’t let a challenge like that go unanswered.

So yes, a rollercoaster ride of a process…and just like the ride, by the end, I feel blown away, glad I got in the dang car, and completely ALIVE. Wouldn’t have it any other way.

Thanks Xe Sands for stopping by!

Nightwalker Series

Jacob, #1
Gideon, #2
Elijah, #3
Damien, #4
Noah, #5
Adam, #6


Related Websites

Xe Sands - Website
Xe Sands - Twitter
Xe Sands - Tantor Bio
Jacquelyn Frank - Website
Jacquelyn Frank - Twitter
Tantor Audio

ENTER TO WIN: GIDEON ON AUDIOBOOK

Enter below for the chance to win Jacquelyn Frank's GIDEON audiobook from Tantor Audio. The contest closes Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at midnight. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have FIVE days to respond & claim their prize!

Here is what you need to do:

• In the contest entry box below, please leave your first name/last initial and e-mail address
• Follow this blog for bonus 2 points! (button located on left-hand side)
• Follow my twitter for bonus 2 points! (button located on left-hand side)
• Link contest via Twitter/Facebook/Blog 1 point for each link provided.

Rules and Legal Disclaimers:

• I will use random.org to choose the winner.
• Contest is open to readers in the USA only.
• The winner has FIVE days, from the day I e-mail them, to claim your prize. Failure to contact me result in forfeit of your prize. At that time, I will choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
• These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
  
• Contest is void where prohibited.
• By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry.

Fill in contest information in the box below, and make sure to hit submit.