Title: The Probability of Miracles
Author: Wendy Wunder
Narrator: Emma Galvin
Series: N/A
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Release Date: 12/8/2011
Length: 8 hours, 7 minutes
Format: Audio CD
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Young Adult
Challenges: 2012 Audiobook Challenge, 2012 TBR Challenge
Source: Publisher
Purchase: Audio CD | Digital Audiobook
Rating: 5/5

Dry, sarcastic, sixteen-year-old Cam Cooper has spent the last seven years in and out hospitals. The last thing she wants to do in the short life she has left is move 1,500 miles away to Promise, Maine – a place known for the miraculous events that occur there. But it’s undeniable that strange things happen in Promise: everlasting sunsets; purple dandelions; flamingoes in the frigid Atlantic; an elusive boy named Asher; and finally, a mysterious envelope containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies. As Cam checks each item off the list, she finally learns to believe – in love, in herself, and even in miracles.

Amazing. Beautiful. Funny. Heartbreaking. Good God, I loved this book. It took me through such a range of emotions. I would be laughing one minute and on the verge of tears the next. I am truly, truly grateful to Penguin Audio for sending me this wonderful audiobook. Listening to it, hearing Cam’s story, was a very special experience that I won’t forget… ever.

Cam is wonderful. She’s witty and sarcastic. She made me laugh out loud several times. Wtihin the first ten minutes of listening, I knew I loved her. By the end of the book, I knew she would always be a special character for me. Her cynicism causes her to make some mistakes along her journey, but she learns from them. She does a lot of naysaying in the beginning. She learns from the people around her and the wonderful miracles that surround her throughout the book. Watching her grow and really live was amazing. I feel like I don’t have the right words for it.

Every single character in this book was complex and absolutely crucial to the story. Nana, Perry, Alicia, Asher, Lily, etc, all of them had a part to play in making Cam’s life wonderful. She was so blessed to have each of them and to be showered with all the love they gave her. It took her a little while to grasp that, but when she did it gave me this warm feeling inside, edged with a little bit of sadness.

That actually describes the book pretty well. There is this theme of hope and love, and how they can change lives. It made me feel warm and fuzzy, but there was always an edge of despair. It was never overwhelming, which is why the book works so well. It’s not just some sad story about a dying girl. It’s a story about a girl who’s making the most of the time she has left. It’s so beautiful abd breathtaking. And I’m starting to gush, but seriously, if you haven’t read this, do it. This is a book you really shouldn’t miss out on.

The narrator did such a wonderful job. She really became Cam for me. Her voice really suited Cam’s personality and she delivered Cam’s witty lines perfectly. And, oh my goodness, her voice for Nana was so perfect. She made me love Nana so much. It was all great, and she did so well with the emotional scenes. It was impossible not to tear up listening to her performance. I’m actually really glad I experienced this on audio first, because I got really wrapped up in the story that way. I was always looking forward to getting in my car.

-Laura Ashlee

Title: High Season
Author: Jon Loomis
Narrator: Charles Bice
Series: N/A
Publisher: Iambik Audio
Release Date: 4/21/2011
Length: 7 hours, 38 minutes
Format: Digital Audiobook
Genres: Fiction, Crime, Mystery
Source: Purchased
Purchase: Digital Audiobook
Rating: 3/5

Frank Coffin had been a well-respected Baltimore homicide detective. But when he started having panic attacks at crime scenes, he was forced to go home to Cape Cod, where the worst crimes were usually break-ins, bicycle thefts, and domestic disputes. That is, until a vacationing televangelist turns up dead on the beach wearing a wig, a muumuu, and one size-twelve pump. Not to mention the raspberry-colored taffeta scarf strangling his neck.

Frank and his partner, Officer Lola Winters, begin checking out the drag bars and isolated trysting spots the reverend might have frequented. However, when the body count starts to rise, it becomes alarmingly clear that a killer with an agenda is at large in Provincetown. And Coffin’s fears – like unwelcome summer tourists – have returned in full force….

I had some Audible dollars from a recent promotion that were expiring, so decided to pick up this book. I’ve never been to Provincetown, but the description was vivid enough that I had no problem “seeing” the action unfold, including the many indoor episodes. The characters (with one exception) were well-done, without being over-the-top, especially Lola, and Coffin’s anti-social friend Kowalski. I was surprised by the identity of the killer, but it was a reasonable choice, rather than one of those “huh, where did THAT person come from?” as sometimes happens. So, all things considered, it was a pretty good listen … with two “drawbacks” for me.

1) Coffin’s girlfriend does the “my biological clock is ticking, and now I’m hell bent on having a baby” thing partway through, announcing that she refuses any more birth control (presumably including condoms), which I found a bit offputting as a plot device. By the time she was (briefly) in danger late in the book, I was rooting she wouldn’t make it – not just because of the fertility bit, but that I felt she’d become unlikeable in general by then.

2) The explicit sex scenes – erotic they are not. There are only a couple, but they read almost like a selection from “famous bad sex” in literature. Not that they ruin the book, but a bit of fast-forwarding won’t go amiss when the first anatomical term appears.

So … would I recommend this one? Yes, bearing in mind the above points. Coffin and Lola are an incredibly likeable duo, with the narrator doing a fairly decent job differentiating the characters.

-John

Title: The Eye of the World
Author: Robert Jordan
Narrators: Michael Kramer & Kate Reading
Series: Wheel of Time #1
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Release Date: 1996
Length: 29 hours, 32 minutes
Format: Unabridged Digital Audiobook
Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
Source: Purchased
Purchase: Audio CD | Digital Audiobook
Rating: 5/5

When their village is attacked by trollocs, monsters thought to be only legends, three young men, Rand, Matt, and Perrin, flee in the company of the Lady Moiraine, a sinister visitor of unsuspected powers. Thus begins an epic adventure set in a world of wonders and horror, where what was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

The Eye of the World is the first book in the Wheel of Time Series. The author, sadly, passed away before completing the last book and the series will be completed with the publication of Book 14 (due 2012) written by Brandon Sanderson.

Reading a series of this magnitude is a real commitment as each book is approximately 30 hrs long. Multiply that by 14 books and I think you get the idea. I’ve seen reviews that compare it to other Science Fantasy epics such as “Lord of the Rings” and “A Song of Ice and Fire” both of which I have read and loved, but THIS world is bigger, the characters are deeper and there are many, many, more of them.

The Eye of the World is just the beginning. As book one, it focuses on telling us all we need to know about the main characters. Who they are, where they are and their experiences to date. Then, the world as they know is changed forever – the scary tales from their childhood, only half believed with the passing of time, turn out to be more than stories. What would you do if you were told at age 18, that you had to leave your family, your village, your life or they will all be killed? What would do if you were suddenly told you were born to change the world – to fulfil an eons old prophecy and unite a world you have little knowledge or experience of? And so it begins…..

I think the main reason this book so appeals to me, is that it explores the need (in most people) to be more than we are. I was hooked after reading the first paragraph and knew I would see this story to the end. The narrators are wonderful and give the story an edge I have not previously experienced. Swapping narration throughout the book between the male and female reader, gives the listener a different experience to a solo narrator. It changes the pace and often alerts the reader to a new POV (point of view). Very clever.

I loved this book and couldn’t wait to start the next one. If you like a long, complicated plot with lots of characters and details, I highly recommend this book.

-Tracey

All her world’s a stage.
Bertie Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater. She’s not an orphan, but she has no parents. She knows every part, but she has no lines of her own. That is, until now.
Enter Stage Right
NATE. Dashing pirate. Will do anything to protect Bertie.
COBWEB, MOTH, MUSTARD SEED, and PEASEBLOSSOM. Four tiny and incredibly annoying fairies. BERTIE’S sidekicks.
ARIEL. Seductive air spirit and Bertie’s weakness. The symbol of impending doom.
BERTIE. Our heroine.
Welcome to the Théâtre Illuminata, where the actors of every play ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Théâtre by The Book — an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family — and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.
Lisa Mantchev has written a debut novel that is dramatic, romantic, and witty, with an irresistible and irreverent cast of characters who are sure to enchant the audience.
Open Curtain

Eyes Like Stars tells the story of Beatrice Shakespeare Smith, Bertie for short. This whimsical girl lives a common childhood dream, to live in a theater. Her home the Theatre Illuminata is a magical place. She spend all her time inside the Théâtre, but she has no limit to the amounts of places she can visit by call for a scene change. The theatre is full of actors from every play ever written. Some are ghostlike echoes of their acted characters, but others like Bertie’s closest companions are very spirited players who live beyond the confines of their written parts. She can go anywhere and anytime as long as it has been captured in a play. She lives a dream live inside the theater, but it isn’t free from trouble.

Bertie loves mischief, and lately this has gotten a bit out of hand. Faced with possibly having to leave the theater, the only home she’s ever known, Bertie must prove that she has something invaluable to bring to the theater.

Eyes like Stars is performed by Full Cast Audio. Every character in the story has a voice actor, helping to bring to life Bertie’s world. The part of Bertie is read by Lydia Shahan, but there are a couple dozen performers who lend their voice to this project. At the end of the recording, there is long list of credits including some who only had one line.

I love Full Cast Audio productions, but this is one of the best I’ve heard. The cast is excellent, and makes you fell like you are eavesdropping into Bertie’s world. Listening to the story was more like being one of the extras on stage experiencing the story instead of just hearing a retelling of the events.

I would recommend this book to Teens and adults. It has many familiar characters who live in a new skin. I would also recommend this book to anyone that loves Theatre and performances.

-Jami

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street – and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move – and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will – the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Warning: This review contains spoilers for the first book in the series, Clockwork Angel.

Once again, I am blown away by how much better this series is than The Mortal Instruments. I feel like those books get all the praise, but these are the ones I get excited about. I’m actually connected to these characters and what will happen to them. The characters of The Mortal Instruments don’t do much for me, and I keep reading only because I feel like I should finish what I started. I didn’t mean to start this off bashing The Mortal Instruments. I don’t hate that series; I just don’t really like the characters.

GUSH ALERT! Oh, sweet Jem! I’m pretty much in love with him. For most of this series, I could take or leave Will. I guess I’m just not into the broody, screwed-up type. I mean, seriously, Jem has had way more to deal with than Will and he doesn’t sit around and sulk and act like an asshole. And he’s dying! He’s so kind and he thinks before acting. He’s such a gentleman, and he absolutely adores Tessa. Will grew on me a lot. I learned so much about him and why he acts the way he does, and my heart really broke for him. I’m starting to feel a little confused about who I want Tessa to end up with. I’ll always love Jem the most though, no matter what I decide about their romantic relationships.

A lot went down in this one, plot wise. I was so pumped. Every single turn was just perfect. I love where this story is going. I can’t get enough of it. It’s one of those books that stays with me when I’m not listening. I worry about what will happen while I have some down time at work or I’m standing in line at the bank. In fact, it’s been a week since I finished it and it’s still with me.

I was really excited when I heard about Ed Westwick reading this, but I was actually kind of disappointed. I loved him when he read City of Fallen Angels. I think it’s just that his voice was a little more suited to that one, though. I loved the other Heather Lind. Though I really enjoyed Jennifer Ehle when she read Clockwork Angel, this narrator didn’t let me down. She was a perfect voice for Tessa. I absolutely loved her voice for Jesamine. It was perfect. I thought the switching of narrators was weird and unnecessary. It’s not like the point of view ever changed. It’s all in third person. However, the book was so good that I don’t really care that much about that, and I’m still giving it five stars.

If you enjoyed Clockwork Angel, you’ll devour this one. It’s wonderful! Can’t wait for the next one!

-Laura Ashlee

The Death of the Heart is perhaps Elizabeth Bowen’s best-known book. As she deftly and delicately exposes the cruelty that lurks behind the polished surfaces of conventional society, Bowen reveals herself as a masterful novelist who combines a sense of humor with a devastating gift for divining human motivations.

In this piercing story of innocence betrayed set in the ’30s, the orphaned Portia is stranded in the sophisticated and politely treacherous world of her wealthy half-brother’s home in London. There she encounters the attractive, carefree cad Eddie. To him, Portia is at once child and woman, and he fears her gushing love. To her, Eddie is the only reaason to be alive. But when Eddie follows Portia to a sea-side resort, the flash of a cigarette lighter in a darkened cinema illuminates a stunning romantic betrayal – and sets in motion one of the most moving and desperate flights of the heart in modern literature.

This book started out slowly, causing me to question whether I wanted to go on listening to a posh-voiced narrator setting the scene of an upper-middle-class household in 1930′s London, and then I realized that I’d actually paid for it, so continued. The story picked up with Portia’s arrival, settling down to a routine of her attending school, etc. The girl bonds with the housekeeper Matchett, more than her own relatives, distant Thomas and his self-absorbed wife, Anna. Eddie, and a couple of other men who visit the Quaynes on occasion, write to Portia, send her gifts, etc. which she takes as a sign of genuine friendship from them. Eddie encourages their … friendship to the point where she pressures him to visit her at the seaside, where she’s been sent to stay while Thomas and Anna are out-of-town. During the visit her illusion about him is pierced, but repairs itself, until upon her return they have a (sort of) confrontation, which ends badly for both of them. Eddie’s “caddish” nature refers to his leading on Portia emotionally; there’s nothing particularly sexual in the book.

I was hesitant to review a book that might not seem terribly exciting in terms of plot. However, the story plays to a universal theme of a teen who’s been shuttled about, feeling she belongs nowhere. I’m not sure this would play out well in the print version; however, the narrator brings out the characters well, so that I felt invested in an outcome: Will Thomas stand up to Anna in future, and will Anna cease manipulating events? Will Portia realize that she’s going to have to make her own life, rather than stepping into a specific “role”?

-John

Jurassic Park, Michael Crichton’s 1990 thriller, snared a triple triumph: it was a coast-to-coast number bestseller, earned stellar reviews, and inspired a film classic. When Crichton died in November 2008, he left behind a manuscript of another high adventure thriller that blends cutting-edge science with almost unrelenting suspense. Now completed by seasoned author Richard Preston (The Hot Zone), this story about a group of biotech graduate students stranded in the Hawaiian rainforest with only their wits to save them. Unputdownable.

Despite the poor reviews elsewhere, I liked this book. It reminded me of a TV show I used to watch when I was a kid called “Land of the Giants”. I was facinated with the idea then and I was surprised to have that interest rekindled. I haven’t read any of Michael Crichton’s or Richard Preston’s other work (although I did see the movie Jurassic Park with the kids back in the day)so I had no preconcieved expectations. The story seeemed seamless to me with little evidence that it was completed by a different author. Nanotechnogoly might not be up to this standard yet, but who knows what the future holds?

-Tracey

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky – taken by the Society to his certain death – only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia’s quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander – who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia’s heart – change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

When I listened to Match, I found an intriguing story about a future controlling society, and a girl who must choose the familiar boy next door, or the mysterious outcast who can help her see the harsh reality behind the society they live in. Crossed is the Sequel to this novel. It takes place after both Cassia and Ky are in the outer Providence.

Like Match the color of the book’s cover seems to hold a special meaning. Matched was green for calm, while Crossed is blue, echoing the blue pills that society gives to citizens to help them survive.

This sequel gives more background to both Ky and the Society, but unless you already had an interest in the characters from the first novel, Crossed doesn’t live up to the foundation established in Matched. I was disappointed since the book had an interesting book trailer (http://youtu.be/Ovn8-Jp3ckM), that I still can’t quite understand what it has to do with the novel I just listened too.

Most of the story felt too familiar to other great reads that have come along lately. Xander, Cassia’s match who wants her to rejoin the society, felt too similar to Gale from Hunger Games. Cassia’s devotion to Ky above all reason reminds me too much of Bella from the Twilight Saga, if Bella had ran after Edward instead of moping at home. Ky even became unbearable as I the reader lost trust him as he continued to keep secrets and distort the truth all for in the name of safety. He became no better than Society by making or taking away Cassia ability to make choices for herself. The way he withheld information mad him no better than the society they were trying to escape. Even the use of poetry and folk stories felt more reminiscent of almost every dystopian novel I’ve read.

One complaint I’ve seen about Crossed, is that readers find it difficult to distinguish the voice of Cassia and Ky in the printed text. For the audiobook the characters have unique voices which help to make the story progress more smoothly. Cassia’s chapters are read by Kate Simses, the same voice actor from Matched. They added a voice actor for Ky. His parts are read by Jack Riccobono. Together they breathe life into the pages, but still can’t save the story. Listen was better than trying to read the physical book.

The biggest flaw with Crossed as I see it, is that the characters have too many flaws, that really break the bond between the reader established in Matched. At the heart of the love story readers are supposed to want Cassia to be with either Xander or Ky, but both characters have so many secrets it seems neither is suited to be Cassia’s proper companion. Strangely I found Cassia’s companion and new character Indie the most honorable and likable in the story even though she seemed to have the biggest flaws.

By the end of the book I was really hoping that Cassia would be given a choice, every decision has been made for her by those in her life. The only thing that is hers is her choice to follow Ky, which felt forced an a bit unrealistic. After finishing Crossed, I longed for a rich story like Hunger Games. I love dystopian, but the flaws in Crossed meant I couldn’t enjoy the world building or characterization. However people that love romances might enjoy this story. I probably would not recommend Crossed to anyone. I rarely like to recommend books that in the middle of the series, and Crossed doesn’t stand on its own two feet. However if you absolutely loved Matched, you will probably enjoy Crossed, but you might find more joy in reading fan fiction: http://www.fanfiction.net/book/Matched/.

-Jami

With her knack for being in trouble’s way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte’s, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but her attention is divided when she realizes that her lover, Eric Northman, and his “child”, Pam, are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, Sookie is drawn into the plot – which is much more complicated than she knows.

I was much less disappointed with this one than Dead in the Family. The whole time I was thinking, “now this is what I’ve been waiting for.” The last book was short and kind of boring. I had no interest in all the family: Eric’s maker and Bill’s “sister.” Thank god that’s pretty much over. So here’s what I got from this book: there’s some relationship drama with Eric, I adore Pam, there’s a death plot (what’s new?), I’m kind of starting to like Bill again, Sandra Pelt is dangerously annoying, and the fey are up to something. Also, Alcide can be really dumb, but hilarious.

Now, to get into these things in depth. I thought I would be upset about the relationship drama, and, at first, I was. The thing is, Eric and Sookie are already together so they’re kind of boring now (aside from all the killing and near death experiences). It’s just that when you want two people to end up together in a story and they do, the story ends shortly after. This was is still going so I’m sort of bored. Plus, Bill was kind of sweet in this one. He’s obviously still seriously in love with Sookie, but he’s too good a man to even say anything to her about it. He doesn’t want to force his feelings on her and that’s definitely more than I can say about Eric. He’s been after her since he first saw her. Now, Pam? She showed a whole new side of herself and it made me love her even more.

Sandra Pelt = a whole lotta crazy. That’s all. I think Charlaine Harris has an outline she goes by for all these books. There was that moment, after the huge conflict was resolved and it felt like the book was going to wrap up. I kept thinking “Okay, where is it? Where’s the surprise conflict that always comes right at the end?” It didn’t take long for it to happen and it was exactly what I thought it would be. If you look and the essentials, all of these books are exactly the same. The differences are usually who Sookie is dating, what the major conflict is, and which minor character has it out for her. I’m not exactly complaining. I’m just making an observation.

Johanna Parker did an amazing job, as usual. I’ve never been fond of her voice for Eric, but her Sookie voice is spot on. She’s the reason I prefer to listen to these books.

I am interested to see what will happen with the fey and Sookie’s relationships. I’ll keep on reading! I recommend this one if you’ve been following along so far. It’s one of the better ones.

-Laura Ashlee

The fifty contestants in the Miss Teen Dream pageant thought this was going to be a fun trip to the beach, where they could parade in their state-appropriate costumes and compete in front of the cameras. But sadly, their airplane had another idea, crashing on a desert island and leaving the survivors stranded with little food, little water, and practically no eyeliner.

What’s a beauty queen to do? Continue to practice for the talent portion of the program – or wrestle snakes to the ground? Get a perfect tan – or learn to run wild? And what should happen when the sexy pirates show up?

Welcome to the heart of non-exfoliated darkness. Your tour guide? None other than Libba Bray, the hilarious, sensational, Printz Award-winning author of A Great and Terrible Beauty and Going Bovine. The result is a novel that will make you laugh, make you think, and make you never see beauty the same way again.

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray is one of those books that is better to listen to than read the text. I’ve seen many complaints about the text version of this satire on beauty pageants. However I absolutely loved listening to this novel read by the author herself. The best part was the comments which were read with the enthusiasm and vibrato of an infomercial. I thought Libba Bray was talented before, but hearing her read her own words broadened my opinion of her. While listening to this story I often found my self laughing so hard my eyes started watering.

The premise of this book is that a plane full of beauty pageant contestants crash lands on a deserted island, and must now fend for themselves. The entire novel is making fun of pretty much everything, but at the heart as I got to know the girls I could help but feel for them. My favorite was one of the Blonde Brittanys. She was lent her counting skills to identify the disc numbers as well as participate in the story.

Libba Bray had a voice for each of her characters, which really brought the novel to life. She also brought to the reading all the passion and humor that only the author could have. I don’t think anyone but Libba Bray could have read this novel. It felt like I had my own personally storyteller performing the story just for me.

Beauty Queens is a satire. It pokes fun at everything, so I would recommend it to anyone that likes humor. I would also recommend it to women and girls. There were many complaints about the obvious message found in this book which is that Beauty Pageants and Corporations are bad, but when I listened I also found that it talked about how to be a women/girl who is both independent and enjoys all those girly things like makeup, dresses, and shoes. Maybe I’m the choir that Bray was preaching too, but I found that it wasn’t as pro-feminist as many made it out to be. Mostly it was an encouragement to think for yourself instead of just doing what others tell you to do, even if you decide that you are doing all those things for yourself.

Oh and it has a Tina Fey Sarah Palin.

-Jami