The Laughing Listener
February 2020
Format: Audiobook & Paperback
Narrator: Steven Crossley
Length: 11 hours & 34 minutes

Story Rating: 5 Stars
Performance Rating: 5 Stars
Overall Rating: ALL THE STARS

GUYS. GUYS GUYS GUYS GUYS GUYS. THIS BOOK. WAS AMAZING. LOVE IT. SO MUCH. WORDS. I CAN’T. AHHHHHHHHH *Faints*



Rational thought. I can do this. FOCUSING. Okay.

It’s become my habit over the years to sit on books for a really long time. Honestly, I have no idea why I do this, but I’m a mood reader who just likes to take things at my own pace. Consequently, I’ve become pretty good at guessing which books I’ll be fanatically in love with once I read them. Call it intuition or whatever, but if a book has been around for a hot minute I can usually tell how I’ll feel about it. This one was no different. I’ve known for a while that I’d absolutely love it, which is why I’ve been avoiding it. I know that makes zero sense, but it takes ENERGY to enter a new fandom and love it with your whole heart. A few days ago, however, I realized I was ready to take the plunge and fandom?

I HAVE ARRIVED.



This book was just????? I don’t even know. I loved everything about it. The way Schwab wrote it, the world building, the magic system, the story, THE CHARACTERS??? It was all so awesome and earned a special place on my favorites shelf.

Lila might be my favorite female protagonist ever. She’s had a tough life and she’s not afraid of a fight, but she also has an amazing strength of spirit with a sharp wit. Kell is an adorable ginger who’s trying to find where he fits in, despite being a powerful Antari. Both of them are lost in between worlds and manage to find each other and I just LOVE THEM. It was great how Schwab subtly worked in some very minor romance vibes without taking away from the rest of the story.

And the story was amazing!! I was COMPLETELY invested the entire time from start to finish and couldn’t put this down. I can’t wait to dive into the next book to meet more characters and see what happens next. I’m gonna need more Rhy in my life IMMEDIATELY.

Also, HUGE shout out to the narrator of this audiobook who did such a fantastic job. I've read a few reviews of people complaining about it, which I genuinely can't compute??? I thought his voice was the PERFECT pairing to this story. Seriously can't even bring myself to listen to the other two audiobooks because they're narrated by other people. His voice reminded me a lot of the old BBC Chronicles of Narnia tapes I used to listen to a kid, so maybe it's my nostalgia talking, but I thought Crossley was great.

FINAL WORD
THIS WAS AMAZING AND EVERYONE MUST READ IT IF YOU ENJOY FANTASY ADVENTURES AND AMAZING CHARACTERS. NEW FAVORITE BOOK YA’LL.


#1 ↦ [b:A Darker Shade of Magic|22055262|A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, #1)|V.E. Schwab|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1400322851l/22055262._SY75_.jpg|40098252] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#2 ↦ [b:A Gathering of Shadows|20764879|A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic, #2)|V.E. Schwab|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1429627728l/20764879._SY75_.jpg|43242915] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#3 ↦ [b:A Conjuring of Light|29939230|A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic, #3)|V.E. Schwab|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1464017758l/29939230._SY75_.jpg|44752519] ↦ ????

The Laughing Listener
March 2020
Format: Hardback & Ebook
Overall Rating: 5 Stars

NEW. SERIES. OBSESSION. I’m not exaggerating when I say I don’t think I’ve ever loved a book series this much. This is going to be a short review because I literally have no negative things to say.



After the ending of [b:A Darker Shade of Magic|22055262|A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, #1)|V.E. Schwab|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1400322851l/22055262._SY75_.jpg|40098252] I wasn’t quite sure what to expect this time around. It was a pretty open-ended ending, but a lot of the loose ends in that book were tied up. Plus, a friend told me the pacing of A Gathering of Shadows was a lot slower, so I just wasn’t sure what direction this was going to go. But OH MY GOD, it was so good! I just???



The warning I got wasn’t wrong, this is a lot slower paced than the first book (well… mostly…). And I can actually understand some of the lower reviews I’ve seen because I’m sure the pacing won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But let me tell you, the anticipation of Kell and Lila’s reunion KEPT ME UP AT NIGHT. My yearning to see Lila return to Red London was all I needed to burn through this book. And even though it doesn’t happen until the very end, I didn’t even mind the wait because we get such an awesome in-depth look into these kick ass characters.

I’m also OBSESSED with this world. The more I learn about it, the more I love, and watching the competition at the end was SO GOOD!! I needed a film adaptation of these books YESTERDAY. GIVE IT TO ME NOW!!!!!

Just a heads up though: **CLIFFY ENDING ALERT** I was so glad I had already bought the whole trilogy because I needed to read the beginning of book three IMMEDIATELY after that cliffhange. If you’re reading this, make sure you have the third installment at the ready to prevent insanity.

FINAL WORD

READ. THIS. SERIES. READ IT. So good! I can’t wait to dive into the next one!!

#1 ↦ [b:A Darker Shade of Magic|22055262|A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, #1)|V.E. Schwab|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1400322851l/22055262._SY75_.jpg|40098252] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#2 ↦ [b:A Gathering of Shadows|20764879|A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic, #2)|V.E. Schwab|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1429627728l/20764879._SY75_.jpg|43242915] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✦
#3 ↦ [b:A Conjuring of Light|29939230|A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic, #3)|V.E. Schwab|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1464017758l/29939230._SY75_.jpg|44752519] ↦ ????

The Laughing Listener
March 2020
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Nicola Barber
Length: 11 hours & 58 minutes

Story Rating: 2 Stars
Performance Rating: 4 Stars
Overall Rating: 2 Stars

Buckle in kids, it’s time for unpopular opinion rant review.



I don’t know why I keep trying with this series, obviously it’s just not for me. During the first book I wanted to club Audrey with a baseball bat she annoyed me so much. Plus, I solved the “mystery” within the first couple of chapters. But I really loved Thomas and the world, so I wanted to try and give this sequel a chance. I was hoping there would be an Audrey character arc or something--that she would get a little less nerve-grating, but nope.

The mystery of this book was actually really great! I had no idea what was going on or who the killer was the entire time. And the twist at the end during the big reveal was pretty awesome, I was impressed. Unfortunately it was completely overshadowed by all of the tedious drama between Thomas and Audrey. During the last book Thomas was the only sane character who got me through it, but this time he was in here actin a fool. When Audrey wasn’t overreacting or agonizing about her feelings (which were SO OBVIOUS THE ENTIRE TIME) Thomas was being an idiot and

FAKING HIS OWN DEATH.

Gah! I’m still pissed off about that. Who thinks that’s okay? Who thinks that’s a good idea?!? The back and forth between Audrey and Thomas lasts THE ENTIRE BOOK with practically no progress in their relationship until the last few pages. It felt like the longest book in the world and I was counting down the seconds for it to end. Take out all the unnecessary drama and it would have been half the length and more enjoyable.

This installment brings Thomas’ sister and a few other background characters who I really loved and I couldn’t help but wish the book were about them instead. Like, a book about a Thomas and Daciana sibling mystery-solving duo??? I WOULD READ THAT SHIT. Instead we get 300 pages of Audrey wondering if she really loves Thomas or not when it’s obvious she F*CKING DOES and should probably focus on SOLVING A MURDER CASE.

*Sighs aggressively*

FINAL WORD

I’m going to end this here, I think you get the idea. The story would have been great if it had been about 200 pages shorter with a little less drama for no reason. I officially give up.

#1 ↦ [b:Stalking Jack the Ripper|40727470|Stalking Jack the Ripper (Stalking Jack the Ripper, #1)|Kerri Maniscalco|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1530823449l/40727470._SY75_.jpg|47434536] ↦ ✦✦✧✧✧
#2 ↦ [b:Hunting Prince Dracula|33784373|Hunting Prince Dracula (Stalking Jack the Ripper, #2)|Kerri Maniscalco|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1489420853l/33784373._SX50_.jpg|50890346] ↦ ✦✦✧✧✧
#3 ↦ [b:Escaping from Houdini|30375937|Escaping from Houdini (Stalking Jack the Ripper, #3)|Kerri Maniscalco|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1516896737l/30375937._SX50_.jpg|50890360] ↦ Not gonna try
#4 ↦ [b:Capturing the Devil|37539001|Capturing the Devil (Stalking Jack the Ripper, #4)|Kerri Maniscalco|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556550359l/37539001._SX50_.jpg|59140681] ↦ Nope

The Laughing Listener
June 2019
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Nicola Barber
Length: 9 hours & 26 minutes

Story Rating: 2 Stars
Performance Rating: 5 Stars
Overall Rating: 2 Stars

I read this as part of Howling Libraries #StalkAlong read-along!

This was actually a super tough book for me to rate. Listening to the audiobook was really fun and despite the meh rating, I enjoyed it. But when I started thinking about the story, I just couldn’t bear to give this more than three stars.



THE GOOD

Thomas. He’s the best part of this book. Hands down. There, I SAID IT. I’m pretty sure he’s the entire reason why I was almost fooled into giving this four stars instead of three and I’m a little in love. He’s smart and observant while still being compassionate and HILARIOUS. I loved his sass. And it was awesome that he treated Audrey with the same respect he would with a male colleague (maybe minus all the flirting).



I also really loved the atmosphere and setting of this story! I will forever be a complete sucker for historical fiction and London, so I was totally all over this. Plus, the narrator did an excellent job and really brought the story to life. Her English accent was perfect for this book and all the different characters.

THE UGLY

The story was just so damn PREDICTABLE. And since this book is mainly supposed to be a mystery, I had to dock some major points for that. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I knew who the murderer was by chapter two and wasn’t surprised by anything that happened. I still plan on reading the next book in the series because this was a fun audiobook (and I need more Thomas, let’s be honest), but I’m REALLY hoping the mystery is better because this was such a let down.



And I gotta be honest, Audrey kind of bugged the crap out of me. Half of me loved her and the other half of me wanted to give her a slap. I really LOVED the feminist part of Audrey that challenged society and wanted the same opportunities as men. YAS. Power to you sister, I love it. She wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty or wear whatever she wanted and that was awesome. But then she would do something dumb like hunt down a murderer alone in the middle of the night or run up to a strange guy hunched in an alley even though he’s been unresponsive to all her shouting. And UGH. I just couldn’t handle it.

FINAL WORD

Meh. If you read this, don’t do it for the mystery. This is more for young-adult fans who like romance and historical fiction.

#1 ↦ Stalking Jack the Ripper ↦ ✦✦✧✧✧
#2 ↦ [b:Hunting Prince Dracula|33784373|Hunting Prince Dracula (Stalking Jack the Ripper, #2)|Kerri Maniscalco|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1489420853l/33784373._SX50_.jpg|50890346] ↦ ✦✦✧✧✧
#3 ↦ [b:Escaping from Houdini|30375937|Escaping from Houdini (Stalking Jack the Ripper, #3)|Kerri Maniscalco|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1516896737l/30375937._SX50_.jpg|50890360] ↦ I give up
#4 ↦ [b:Capturing the Devil|37539001|Capturing the Devil (Stalking Jack the Ripper, #4)|Kerri Maniscalco|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556550359l/37539001._SX50_.jpg|59140681] ↦ Nope

#Smutathon 2020



*Facepalms*

Okay, obviously if I picked this up for Smutathon I'm an idiot who didn't realize what kind of book this is. If you've read it, you'll understand the hilarity. I mean, it was like reading a Hallmark movie. If you haven't read it, it's almost worth it just so you can laugh at me. Note to self: double check the fine print when choosing books for this readathon next time.

The Laughing Listener
March 2020
Format: Ebook

I was graciously given a free copy of this in exchange for an honest review

Rating: 4Stars

Since I’m complete trash for Charlie Bowater’s work, the moment I saw the cover for this book, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy regardless of what it was about. Lucky for me, the premise of this is so flipping cool! And I’m happy to report that reading it was just as fun.

This book opens with a woman singing and luring a man to his death. Like she straight up stabs him and I was SO INTO IT. Does that mean I’m a messed up person?? Probably.



But I loved that this book put women in the position of power and I got awesome girl power vibes reading this. Plus, the world building was so cool! All of the myths and stories surrounding this community of women were so interesting to read about.



I was fascinated with the powers they’re able to absorb from the animals they hunt and you know… the whole murdering your true love thing. It felt like this book had tropes in it, but they were all tropes that I like and they were done in new and interesting ways.

Plus, the characters!! I’m obsessed with Ailesse now?? Her amazing friendship with Sabine was amazing to read about. And Bastien too of course. I loved them all and I can’t wait to read more about them in the next book!!

FINAL WORD

Badass women? Check. Awesome world building? Check. Great characters? Check. Two thumbs way up from me fam!


#1 ↦ [b:Bone ​Crier’s Moon|34916578|Bone ​Crier’s Moon (Bone Grace, #1)|Kathryn Purdie|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1560367871l/34916578._SX50_SY75_.jpg|56180448] ↦ ✦✦✦✦✧
#2 ↦ [b:Bone Crier's Dawn|43078003|Bone Crier's Dawn (Bone Grace #2)|Kathryn Purdie|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|66878302] ↦ ????

The Laughing Listener
June 2019

DNF @ 36%

Ahhhhh I tried so hard to get into this one and I actually feel really bad for not being able to finish because from what I can tell, the author seems like a lovely person, but this just wasn’t my cup of tea. It’s not really the book’s fault at all, but more about personal preference. When I saw this on Netgalley, I decided to download it at the recommendations of friends despite sounding a little outside of my tastes. Plus, I was so intrigued by all the underworld stuff! In the end though, this story was very fantasy dystopia which isn’t really a genre I’m into.

The story was actually really interesting and I love the way Kerin handled the plot because it’s so unlike anything I’ve read. So hats off for that! The characters, however, seemed to lean a little on the 2-dimensional side and I couldn’t help wanting more from them. I was dying to know more about their life before General Simeon like how they grew up and what their parents were like. And I think I just wanted a little more emotion to connect with as a reader. I didn’t really perk up until we heard from General Simeon’s point of view because he’s so vile, but yet interesting at the same time—complex and layered. I also wanted to know more about the world Seycia and Miko live in. To be fair, I stopped reading, so this might come into play later on in the book. But we don’t get to see much of the world before the story shifts more towards the Underworld and I was dying to know more about the universe.

Overall, this was such an interesting story but it fell a little flat for me and was outside of my tastes as a reader.