Jan 2 2017

#favreads2016 for Kanundra

So this post has taken me all morning to start to put together, but I think it’s been worth it.

I’ve had the great pleasure of being involved in 2016 with my own audiobooks. That alone immersed me into the world of many authors who I didn’t know or had known but had no real time for reading anymore.

For that, and to listen2abook I am very grateful. 🙂

Everyone remembers their first time right? Well let me know what your first audiobook was and what you loved about it….

For me, I’d personally had my audio account for over 8 mths, and never used it. I got books each month because I had credits to burn but they like my ebook collection was just growing.

When searching for my own narrator, I actually was passed what I now class as my first time, and I think this as an audiobook will still always be one of my very favourite.

I am going to try and keep this list short…. honest.

2016 All time fav Sci Fi in 2016!

I can’t stress enough about the amazing writers and books I’ve listened to this year, this is my fav category. And knocking this down to One Book was the hardest thing I’ve had to do. 169 amazing books from all genres!

But after being asked to listen to a duel narration and being introduced to Jeffery Kafer, I saw this advertised and picked the first book up.

“Different, but amazing.”

When I like someone, I kinda follow them, so when I saw that Jeffrey Kafer posted about a new sci fi. I was like, Oh, yes please!

I did learn that it wasn’t the usual kinda sci fi I read or have started to listen to, but that didn’t mean I did not enjoy this.

Best Female Narrator and Writer Combo –

“Very cool!”

For the most part this story kept me on edge and I wanted to know what happened. I can’t believe the Author hasn’t had the narrator back to do the second book, I’m just gutted, so much so I had to buy the book, and I don’t often do that. I don’t have the time to read a real book. So I do hope that the author will have this on the cards next.

Top book read of the year is her second book in the series. (not available as audio shame)

Best Male Narrator and Writer Combo –

“Excellent listen!”

I think when you start to listen to AudioBooks in the way I have, you do become fans of people. Jeff’s books were some of the first I had the pleasure of listening to, even within a genre I wasn’t a lover of, and I am a fan of his.

Add in the sci fi element and well I’m sold before I even know the premise. 🙂 Some things you know are just going to be a good listen. The fact that a story can be written so many ways just excites me.

Best Fantasy –

“Loved this story.”

This was defo a little more fantasy than I’m used to, with wizards and magic, and all that jazz. But, with Joe narrating, from horror to fantasy I know it’s pretty much got to be a good listen, it didn’t disappoint.

Best Horror – Sorry, but again this one goes to Joe Hemple (Fantastic all round Narrator)

“Horrific! but so good.”

This was a fantastically horrific and just gross out collection of horror stories. But they were so so good, and in bite sized chunks that were great for listening at work. There was a couple of them I really wished were much longer and this was the only reason I marked it down a bit. We only just got a good feel for the characters and what was going on around them that when it ended it was too soon.

Weirdest (yet strangely satisfying)

“Dark, mysterious and action packed!”

Would you listen to The Atomic Sea: Omnibus of Volumes One and Two again? Why?

I would listen to both of these books again, because there was so much to the world and story, I felt it was a lot to take in and digest as an audiobook.

Longest Series I listened to –

“Great Intro listen to at anytime.”

As I said above, this is a great addition, and you can really listen to it at anytime. I got through all the 12 books and then had the worst hangover, so this was a nice addition to the series. The two Seals with the guys in here, are fab characters, both fought till their last breath, as said in the main series, but going through it with them is hard on the emotions.

And Finally some Honourable mentions.

Sci Fi Fun and the most Unique world building –

“Exciting new sci fi!”

Full disclosure. I had the wonderful opportunity to read some of this in one of my author crit groups, but I was super excited to then learn of it as an audiobook! Especially read by Ray Porter, who I enjoyed for some of his other works. So I had to go and buy this. 🙂

Dennis’s Bobiverse was a little strange at first. But, you’re soon taken in by the wonderful humour of Bob and the weird circumstances he’s got himself into and has to keep himself sane from…. I admit there’s a lot going on, and there are some ‘Bob’s I like more than others. But that’s to be expected. They are all so different…. and of course as a trecky fan I love Ryker. And Homer 🙂

Most Emotional and Raw.

“no words….”

This literally was one of the hardest books I’ve listened to, but not in a bad way at all. I mean it’s just so raw, so emotional and just makes you shiver with what happens. It’s one that really will tear your heart out, make you think and then again still shatter your beliefs in the world.

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So there you have it, these are 2016’s best books in my eyes. 🙂 Roll on this year. I’ve got an amazing line-up already and I can’t wait.

~ Dawn

Dec 28 2016

AudioBook Review – Another Man’s Treasure

“Enjoyed it a lot.”

I noticed Janelle post on a facebook group I’m in looking for reviews on the next book, she was kind enough to let me listen to this one (with no obligation to review)

What I found in this story was a very interesting main character who had a pretty ordinary life. But that life is blown out the water by a treasure chest. And a whole load of mystery revolving around her family.

Janelle has a wonderful sweet character voice for Audrey and she even plays really well the gents characters, just enough lower depth to them. I liked Tai too he had such awesome drawl. 🙂

What kept me entertained had to be the whole mystery, I can admit that I’ve not listened to or read many in this genre so the twists and plot points around the story kept me very entertained, and wondering the who, what and why. I was glad that it played out as it did and the ending was extremely well done.

I’d like more in this series to see what happens with Audrey and her friends, and maybe even to see if there’s some genuine romance between her and the policeman. Their relationship was great, protector to friend. That’s the kind of story I’m interested in, not the posh guy who was asked to date her, then kidna fell for her that trope is over done. I think my only main concern was the length of the overall story, it held my interest but it might have been a little on the long side.

Looking forward to more. Thank you for the opportunity to get to listen in. 🙂

Dec 21 2016

AudioBook Review – Independence

Love Nick Webb and would defo recc this one if you enjoyed the Legacy Series. 🙂

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“New series to follow?”

Overall

Performance

Story

I had this on pre order and when I got to listen found it very interesting.

Much later on in the life of Proctor, which I found to be cool. After all there would have been a hopefully good space of peace etc. But, it seems not everything went as well as we’d hoped for humanity after Granger saved us. There’s been a lot of controversy still. And when Proctor is asked back to Captain a new ship because of a new threat, it soon becomes clear that there’s more afoot and has been for many years.

There’s a fair bit of will she won’t she at first, and learning her nephew’s involvement with a planets annihilation and the hows and why is what drives her to do the best she can.

Good to see some gamiliar faces in here too, and his son, who is mostly like his dad, and does exaclty what his dad does disobey orders.

Lots of exciting battles fought, loved the grangerites, haha I guess a hero really can be idolised that much, but somehow they were right and there was a message for her.

Greg, as usual does a great job with the narration. He puts so much effort into each character, and he really makes the older ‘proctor’ such a gem to follow into space. We are really routing for her in this story, and for those under her command. Some don’t make it, but what war can be fought without losses. Good emotional story… kudos to both writer and narrator 🙂

As an aside, I did think there were a couple of funny moments, where I laughed at the writing choices, like tranny-jump… but the science still behind the new tech, the aliens and the war is good. Enjoyed it a lot, and will look out for more.

Pokes to see if there are any written… Oh yes, lots in Nick Webb’s Kindle Worlds… they’re great BTW shame Greg isn’t narrating all those as well 🙂

Dec 21 2016

AudioBook Review – Owners Share

Got behind already with my reviews, sigh.

Finished this about two weeks ago! eeek. But life got in the way, so I’m scheduling these over the holidays.

Review – Owners Share ——-

Owner’s Share: Trader’s Tales from the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper, Book 6

UNABRIDGED
View Series

Reviewed: 19/12/16
“no way… last one!”

Overall

Performance

Story

It’s taken me a while to get to writing up some reviews, my bad.

I was excited for this, because I knew it was the last in this series. But also a little worried about the length of it. Most of the other books were a lot shorter.

However, I didn’t think at all that it was overly long at all. Each day I listened (about 4 hours a day) there was enough entertainment and interest for me to keep on wanting more and more.

The death of anyone can upset the apple cart, but to lose the main man who he reports to is tough, and the echo from that, and the proposal that comes his way is very intriguing. There are so many hidden depths to the story and you’re guessing what is going on, and making wrong calls, because we don’t expect things. Ishmael takes on a new ship and crew and amazingly enough seems to do okay.

And this audiobook took us through, okay, anger, heartache, love, heartbreak, and had me totally on the edge of my driving seat. I admit, there were a couple of things I saw coming, but they also had me crying. With one deft twist there too. So be prepared to be emotionally involved a lot with this book, it’s gripping to the point you won’t want to stop listening. (and in fact after getting home one day from work, I couldn’t I had to get to the end) Kudos to Nick for that.

There’s a couple of things that grated on me a little more than it did in the other stories, some repetitive word choices that I really think he needs to watch out for in his other works, as well. haha.

but other than those, I was extremely glad to have been on this journey with Ishmael, handled expertly well by the great voice of Jeffery Kafer. Is there going to be more? I hope so, because it’s interesting to actually see and witness, the cooking and cleaning and the basic rituals of life on board a ship. Yes it seems to be just that, and stocking and supplying everything on a ship you’d think to be totally boring, some might, but it doesn’t come across like that in the novel. It seems just right, and seems to work. 🙂

I am going to take a look around and see if there’s anything else by this fab team. I’m going to miss Ishmael and his life.

Thank you very much for the journey. It’s been a pleasure.

Dec 9 2016

AudioBook Review – SpaceMan

I am really behind on posting these, so I’m out of order, and so sorry…

Really, highly recommended! for all Post Apocalyptic lovers.

“Excellent new spin on this genre!”

Overall

Performance

Story

I remember reading the synopsis in Audiobook Boom and having listened to a few of Kevin’s narrations already I thought I’d request the book.

I admit, I wasn’t too sure about the ‘space part’ but this book was a very unique tale that I soon got behind.

The fact is no one expects bad news, or something to happen so quick that you don’t get to think, feel or react without severe consequences. What happens here for Clayton, his family and those who are close is very hard to swallow.

The fact is it could happen, at anytime. And the more I listen to these kinds of stories from the authors that Kevin has narrated, the more I’m concerned. The realistic 3d characters that these writers portray, especially Tom are a joy to the ears. Everything happens for a reason, every character twist and turn is there because I can clearly see them as real human traits.

The story is not without it’s horrid situations, no one can see a plane crash and listen to people dying and not be turned off, but also feel… it’s the feeling and the emotion that this story evokes in you, that really makes this one stand out in the crowd.

I am not that upset that it ended when it did, but it’s defo part of a larger story, that I hope won’t be too long in production for the next one. Highly satisfied that I listened to this, and I thank both author and narrator for the experience. It was so different from most other Post Apocalyptic books, that it would stand out amongst the best. Very, very well done guys. And I really want the next one! like now! haha

But, patiently will wait. 🙂

This audiobook was provided through AudioBook Boom free of charge, and without obligation.

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Kanundra's Blog

Writing and life. Life and writing.

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