listen to two audiobooks per month for a year

Death by the noose, immediately, or Russian-roulette death as the food taster for a military dictator is the choice given to the main character in this novel. She decides to take her chances and learn the art of poison detection under the mentorship of the Ixian spymaster.

I downloaded this one on a whim because it looked mildly interesting. I was very impressed with the quality of narration in this title as most of the characters were very clear and it was easy to discern which character was speaking at each time. The story was good, a bit stereotypical romantic fantasy, but ok for fans of Logston, Asaro and Carey (not as sensual as Carey). Teen readers who liked “Trickster’s Queen” may also like this title.

I kind of missed the deadline for this goal, but I want to be let off for life-stuff just happening.

Sabriel, by Garth Nix, read by Tim Curry, has got to be one of my favourite audiobooks of all time and I have listened to it four times (the whole trilogy twice). The story is simple: heroine goes to rescue father and befriends magic cat, saves a prince and restores a kingdom. I liked the magic system in this book-heroine lays the dead to rest-and the story, though familiar, seems fresh.

Tim Curry is probably the best reader I have ever listened to: the narrative voice is distinct and each one of the characters has their own phrasing and tone. I love the glottal Kerrigor and the drawling Moggett. This one is really worth it if you want to hear how to read out loud dramatically.

My second audio book was just ok: Tess Gerritsen’s Vanish. Pretty typical mystery, reading was ok, but though the characters were from Boston, some seemed to have a flat “New Yawk” accent that I found distracting. Maybe I didn’t like it because I don’t follow the series…

and the narration was better on this one than the last one (same narrator but some of the kinks were worked out). Nice conclusion.

Great book. Took me a bit to get into it (possibly because was on top of ladder at the time). Found the narrator’s assumed west indian accent annoying at first, but managed to get into it.

This one was a long one: carried me through prepping and painting my kitchen, making muffins and soup and finishing two knitting projects. Whew!

and am falling behind. Currently listening to “Girl, 15, Charming but Insane” and like the narrator but the main character is VERY self-absorbed and some of her difficulties seem contrived.

Good if you liked Austen’s “Emma”. Wasn’t really my favourite.

Finished.