Posts

God of Fire: Greek Myths A New Retelling Audiobook by Helen Steadman – Review by Emily H

God of FireGod of Fire by Helen Steadman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hephaestus was born and thrown away by his mother Hera. Raised by the sea witch, Hephaestus, the God of Fire, did his best to stay under the radar but his poor leg he found himself lacking but a gift becomes a power. He meets his brother and sister who he barely tolerates. Everything changes though when he meets his mother again and she demands he stay with her. Not because she feels any love, but because she wants the gifts he can make with fire and iron. All is not appears though Hephaestus is mindful in everything he does.

The story takes you on a tale filled with mythological gods and goddesses that you have heard stories of. I had not read of Hephaestus though. I listened to this on audiobook and the narration is fantastic. All the emotions with the different characters are read so well, you are swooped up in the story.

View all my reviews

God of Fire: Greek Myths A New Retelling Audiobook by Helen Steadman – Review by Gabrielle

This is an interesting tale of the Greek god Hephaestus. I am an avid fan of Greek mythology and was excited to see a retelling of the life of Hephaestus. This story is told from the viewpoint of the god himself. The author takes liberties and reimagines the stories as their own. This tale is about many of the high and low points in his life. The author gives the listener more of a personal take on the gods and goddesses and not the exact stories from Greek Mythology. I was not a fan of all the shortening of the gods’ names as they spoke to and about each other. If you enjoy Greek mythology, you will recognize many of the things that happen and the characters in this book. Narrator Christopher Swift speaks clearly and keeps the narrative flowing.

God of Fire: Greek Myths A New Retelling Audiobook by Helen Steadman – Review by Cindy Mayberry

This was a nice travel audible story. Greek Mythology has retold many of these characters and yet I enjoyed this version. The humor as well as the tragic events, made this story enjoyable to listen to. My heart went out for Hephaestus. To have been thrown away because of his looks. If that was not enough Hera threw him from heaven, breaking his little body, from his landing in the sea. But Hephaestus is a fighter. Can he live through these events? Will the unwanted child find a family?This is a New author for me. I would never have picked this book, but it caught my interest. Not only that but it was audible, so I got to listen to the story. So in the end I did enjoy the story. If you like Greek Mythology you will Love this one.

God of Fire: Greek Myths A New Retelling Audiobook by Helen Steadman – Review by Shelly Kittell

5/5 stars

Heph is a pretty cool God that ends up going through some crazy stuff. I found this to be quite the entertaining story. The author did some pretty good research on her historical research. The characters were interesting and kept me engaged. I found the narrator had a pretty good range of voices so this kept the story with variety of changes throughout. The action and drama, what can I say 🙂 At times, I feel like the Greek Gods were similar to Shakespeare plays. It’s a really good story to listen to on audio. I’m really glad I did.

God of Fire : Greek Myths A New Retelling Audiobook by Helen Steadman – Review by Caralee Loonat

I just love the Greek Myths and this book was really spot on. The author has a style that was a breath of fresh air and really brought the myths to life. I really liked how she was able to create the chemistry between the characters and retell the stories. I really found myself unable to stop the audio book. I really enjoyed the choice of narrator and really felt as though I was right in the midst of the action. I was able to relax and enjoy the narration and I really feel that this brings new levels to the books as I could just get lost in the action. I really enjoyed this audio book and feel as though I would also buy the proper book just to add to the experience. I look forward to hearing more from this author.

 

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat

God of Fire: Greek Myths A New Retelling Audiobook by Helen Steadman – Review by Bobbi Wagner

This is my first audio book by this author which I enjoyed listening to.  I found it interesting and engaging.  I enjoyed how the narrator brought the story to life with the different tones throughout the story.  I was pulled into the story by the narrator and characters.  They are engaging and keep me coming back for more.  A mystical story that will take you on an adventure of legacy and how others take advantage of artifacts made from a special power.  I enjoyed listening to this audio book and I highly recommend it.

God of Fire: Greek Myths A New Retelling Audiobook by Helen Steadman

🎧 •°•🔥•°•🎧 AUDIO BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 🎧•°•🔥•°•🎧
God of Fire: Greek Myths A New Retelling Audiobook by Helen Steadman
Genre – Audio, Mythology, Historical
Listening Length – 9 hours 2 minutes
Narrated by – Christopher Swift
Cover Designer – Heike Schüssler

Cast out of heaven at the hands of Hera and raised beneath the sea, this is the epic story of Hephaestus, god of fire. In the palace of Zeus, a son is born to the greatest goddess, Hera. Withered and ugly, the newborn Hephaestus is hurled from the heavens by his repulsed mother. The unforgiving sea offers no soft landing, and the broken godlet sinks to the depths, where his little flame falters. But as darkness looms, he is saved by the sea witch, Thetis, who raises the outcast as her own.

The only Olympian whose injuries never heal, the god of fire endures eternal pain from his wounded leg, making him perhaps the most human member of the pantheon. As if his physical pain were not enough, Zeus punishes Hephaestus further by sentencing him to life with Aphrodite. Unhappily married to the adulterous goddess of love, he is fated to repeat his childhood pattern of rejection, stoically shouldering emotional agony as part of his everlasting burden.

With his foster-mother’s help, Hephaestus lays claim to his legacy and finds his saving grace: the ability to harness fire and create magical metal artefacts. Of course, the other gods waste no time taking advantage of his inventions. A silver mouse for Apollo. A girdle for Aphrodite. Armour for Athena. A bow and arrow for Eros. Winged sandals for Hermes. A throne for Hera. A golden mastiff for Zeus. But the god of fire is nobody’s fool. The magic of Hephaestus has a shadow side, as gods and mortals learn to their cost when Zeus orders him to create Pandora and her infamous receptacle…

This retelling of the Greek myths is recommended for fans of Circe, Mythos and Pandora’s Jar.

~ AMAZON US ~ AMAZON CA ~ AMAZON UK ~ AMAZON AU ~ AUDIBLE US ~ AUDIBLE UK ~ APPLE BOOKS ~ 

Click here to view the Book Trailer for God of Fire: Greek Myths A New Retelling Audiobook by Helen Steadman

Dr Helen Steadman is a historical novelist. She is currently finishing her fifth book, Solstice, the final part of The Widdershins Trilogy. The trilogy was inspired by several witch trials in the north east of England, including the Newcastle witch trials of 21 August, 1650 where fifteen women and one man were hanged as witches.

Despite the Newcastle witch trials being one of the largest mass executions of witches on a single day in England, they are not widely known about. Helen is particularly interested in revealing hidden histories and she is a thorough researcher who goes to great lengths in pursuit of historical accuracy. To get under the skin of the various cunning women in The Widdershins Trilogy, Helen trained in herbalism and learned how to identify, grow and harvest plants and then made herbal medicines from bark, seeds, flowers and berries.

The Running Wolf tells the tale of a group of master swordmakers who defected from Solingen, Germany and moved to Shotley Bridge, England in 1687. As well as carrying out in-depth archive research and visiting forges in Solingen to bring her story to life, Helen also undertook blacksmith training, which culminated in making her own sword. During her archive research, she uncovered some new evidence and published her findings in the Northern History journal.

~ TWITTER ~ INSTAGRAM ~ FACEBOOK ~ GOODREADS ~ BOOKBUB ~ WEBSITE ~ BLOG ~ YOUTUBE ~

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

The Thieves by Susan Specht Oram Audio reviewed by Jessica Pritt

I read most of this in one sitting. This was page turner. This book keep me on my toes with suspensions of everyone! I enjoyed the ride. Plus, really liked the ending.The speaker for this book did wonderful! She changed voices for each character.

 

Reviewed by @purplesky25276

Nite Fire: Exit Strategy AUDIO by C.L. Schneider Reviewed by Taylor K Stephenson

~ A Must Read in a Shapeshifter Fantasy ~

This is the final book in the series, and I have eaten up every single one. Having the audio version available is such a treat! Cassandra King is a phenomenal narrator who does justice to the series. She really plays Dahlia well, making the character come alive in a new way. 

 

As far as the story goes, Dahlia has remained true to her core self. Without giving in spoilers away, she has also evolved into something quite new. Her supporting roles and friends along the way have developed, as well as the world(s) around her. This is such a unique story line, and is such an easy decision to pick up and read. You definitely won’t regret it.

 

I do have to say even the villains/anti-heroes I find myself empathizing with, or at least seeing from their perspective. This is such a nice wrap up to an enthralling fantasy series I know without a doubt I will be reading again. It was also, just a little bit of a shock I was not expecting!!! While Dahlia isn’t the most lovable character, she certainly is inspiring, strong, and extremely loyal. I haven’t met a character or being quite like her yet, and it was such a pleasure to hear her story. Love, love, love this series.

 

Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson

Chasing Hope Audiobook by Dana Wayne – Review by Katie Matthews

Chasing Hope Audiobook

By Dana Wayne

4 stars

 

I really enjoyed listening to this audio book. The story was really lovely and I adored the characters. The narrator in particular did a great job of trying to bring the characters to life. I loved listening to Sky and Max’s relationship evolve over the story – they were both really nice characters and I was really rooting for them. I loved Sky’s daughter too, she was sweet and sassy at the same time! There were some great secondary characters too especially Big John! I also think the author did a great job with some of the more sensitive topics addressed in this story!

A great audio book and one I would highly recommend!

 

@katiem

Chasing Hope Audiobook by Dana Wayne – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Little Maddie was so cute with her matchmaking scheme. Even though she doesn’t realize exactly what it meant to “have a male companion” in the context she heard the term, she believes that their next door neighbor Max will make the perfect companion for her mother. Having no filter whatsoever she tells the both of them her thoughts on the matter and gets the ball rolling.

Skylar was once on the path to becoming a nurse, but when she met Maddie’s father her dreams changed. Things got rocky between them when Maddie had health issues after birth and they ended up divorcing. Now as a single mother Skylar was doing everything she could to keep a roof over their head and food on their table by working as a waitress at a local diner. Will she find someone who will accept that her daughter is part if the deal when dating her?

Max Logan is back from his long stint as a Marine. He’s got battle scars that are both visible and invisible. He isn’t looking for a relationship when his beautiful neighbors daughter came barging into his life. Max can’t help but be drawn to the intelligent girl and answer all her inquisitive questions. When he hears that he would make the perfect companion to her mother he can’t help but start to invision the results. Will he be able to move past some of his demons and open his heart to the possibility of love?

Chasing Hope Audiobook by Dana Wayne – Review by Robin Rankin

Chasing Hope

What a great story.  Max and Skylar fit together so perfectly from the beginning and having precious Maddie there certainly didn’t hurt things between them.

I understood a lot of what Skylar was going through as a single mother and her daughter being her first priority.   And she was just amazing even though she let her pride get in the way.

Max has the ghosts of his past and his time in the Corp., but he doesn’t allow them to control him most of the time.

The narrator John Tanner had a very soothing voice, almost like a parent reading to his child but also did a great job bringing each and every character to life.

Chasing Hope Audiobook by Dana Wayne – Review by Ashley Hasting

Max Logan was a soldier who had to go to rehab after his duty. He’s always wanted a family with love and not loneliness anymore. Skylar is a single mom barely making it by with her daughter Maddie hoping for someone to love. Maddie hears about her mom needing a ‘male companion’ and thinks Max is the guy. This was a great listen with love, drama, family, and friendship.

Chasing Hope Audiobook by Dana Wayne – Review by Kerry Baker

This is an overall lovely story about characters finding their way to their chance at a happy family. The characters were easy to relate to and were so good because the author didn’t try and hide their flaws. I loved the way the author dealt with the issue of PTSD. It felt like a sensitive approach but one that still conveyed the seriousness of the issue.

I enjoyed experiencing the book in the audio version too as it really helped me to visualise more everything happening. It took no effort to be pulled along by the story and it was great to have it playing. This is a wonderful book that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Chasing Hope Audiobook by Dana Wayne – Review by Bobbi Wagner

This is my first audio book by this author which I enjoyed listening to.  I enjoyed how the narrator brought the story to life using different tones.  This is an engaging story about healing and how a child can help that healing.  I enjoyed how the narrator made the characters realistic and they made the story for me.  They are connectable and strong.  This is an easy and entertaining story to listen to.  There is great growth of the plot throughout.  Their chemistry is great and you can feel that through the narrator.  This is a great story to listen to on my way to work and back.  I highly recommend this audiobook.

Chasing Hope Audiobook by Dana Wayne – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Max Logan was a Marine. After losing so much he returns home, but PTSD recurs in his dreams. Therefore he has given up on having a family. Skyler Ward and her young daughter have moved in next door. Maddie hears all and tells all. She is not afraid to approach Max and starts with her questions. But will she stop there? Will Max let Skyler and Maddie befriend him? Will there be a HEA? This author has written this steamy and fast paced story. Her characters are easy to fall in love with. Maddie may be 7, but she is a typical kid with questions to be asked. While this is a romance story, I think it goes deeper with having PTSD in the story. Second chance is just that second chance at love, second chance at making a better life for all involved. I must say this author has pulled out all the stops in this story. I was hooked before chapter one ended.

Chasing Hope Audiobook by Dana Wayne – Review by Kayla Octaviano

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cutest. Family story. Ever. Oh my gosh! Listen to this book. The narrator has the perfect voice and makes the story come to life. Sky, a single mother who would do anything for her daughter Mattie, lives in a small town and does her best. Max, a veteran who has his own demons, lives next door and does everything he can to take care of everyone. Read this book. It will warm your heart and give you characters to use as role models! Love this! Keeping it in my audio library forever!

Chasing Hope Audiobook by Dana Wayne – Review by M Policicchio

Max Logan is a Marine recovering from wounds suffered during his time in the service, physical and mental.  Max moved back to the one place he felt was the closest thing he had to home.  It was working well for him.  He had a steady job, a routine, friends and he was getting better.  The only thing missing in his life was something he never thought he would find, love. 

 

Maddy Ward is the very precocious 7 year old daughter of his neighbor and waitress at the local diner.  Maddy always says hello, talks, and has questions for him when she sees him.  Maddy has determined that her mother needs a boyfriend And, she thinks Max is the perfect choice.  

 

Skylar Ward has been burned by the one man she was supposed to be able to trust, her husband.  Since he chose to walk away, Skylar has been everything to her daughter.  Now as Maddy is playing matchmaker, Skylar is finding that she might be ready for a relationship again.  But it is never that easy.  There is so much standing in their way, including past secrets and old flames.  

 

I loved how the story focused on his problems.  Yes, Sky had some baggage but she didn’t need to be protected or saved.  She needed to be loved, treasured, and respected.  Max had to work through his stuff before they could be together.  She was rescuing him.  Beautiful.  I thoroughly enjoyed the listen.  Excellent story with a little heat. 

Chasing Hope Audiobook by Dana Wayne – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

This was absolutely a wonderful story to listen to. This is the story of 2 people that come together with love and healing.
Max Logan is back home after being wounded in combat. Not only he has battle scars but also his emotional scars that burden him as well, Skylar Ward is a single mom doing her best to make ends meat while caring for her daughter, Maddie. When Max offers to help Skylar with her car, this leads to a friendship at first. As Max slowly breaks down his walls around his heart, he lets Skylar in as well as Maddie.

There are a few twists and turns along the way……that really brought this book together. This is a wonderful, feel good listen. I loved the characters, especially Maddie…I love how the author makes her wise beyond her years…and having Max and Skylar come together to heal each other in their heart and souls. Truly heartwarming.

Stand Your Ground Audiobook by A.J. Ullman – Review by Kay Stritesky

I absolutely love listening to this book! It was quite out of my wheelhouse and I am so glad I chose it! That characters are wonderful. The plot was enough to keep my attention and that narrators voice was soothing enough to not be mundane or boring! I look forward to trying more books outside of my wheelhouse thanks to Sand Your Ground

Stand Your Ground Audiobook by A.J. Ullman – Review by Ashley Hasting

When you first listen to the beginning of this audible, you think you know what’s going on. Well, let me tell you I was thrown for a loop! Cady is a lawyer who is hoping to get the partnership she has been waiting for and working for forever. Well, on the way home, she ends up shooting a man in defense as she feared for her life. When you continue listening, you will hear more and more that you will question and start cluing all of the pieces together. I loved every minute of it!

Chasing Hope Audiobook by Dana Wayne – Review by Amanda Glaspie

This was a cute romance about two people who didn’t know they needed love. Skylar, a single mom to Maddie finds herself in a small town where everybody knows your name. Max is a former Marine who recently moved back after being injured to his hometown. Lol and behold, fate named Maddie brought the two together. This was a simple romance about two people who needed each other and learned to trust again despite things going against them.

Stand Your Ground Audiobook by A.J. Ullman – Review by Amanda Glaspie

I was not expecting this book to be as politically charged as it was. It had good character development which led to the reader able to make their own decisions on the guiltiness of our leading character. The story found itself with a lot of subplots in my opinion that led to more questions that I feel were never answered. Overall, interesting listen with a twist at the end that I was not expecting.

Stand Your Ground Audiobook by A.J. Ullman – Review by Alison Risher

4 Stars. As a Kentucky gal from somewhat less-than-typical upbringing, I appreciate the author’s use of her protagonist’s background. A big- city attorney with small town roots finds herself the center of a complicated legal matter. Themes of this story parallel current events that grip our nation. Racism, classism, and sexism all rear their ugly heads. This tale will keep you guessing until the very end, and leave you reeling from the plot twist.

Chasing Hope Audiobook by Dana Wayne – Review by Deborah White

It was a great story to listen to, and although at times hearing the narrator attempt to do the voice of Maddie was a little off putting it wasn’t enough to distract from the beautiful storyline of Sky, Max and Maddie. This story had a wonderful blend of charisma, sass, and empathy. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would be interested and reading other stories by the author.It was a great story to listen to, and although at times hearing the narrator attempt to do the voice of Maddie was a little off putting it wasn’t enough to distract from the beautiful storyline of Sky, Max and Maddie. This story had a wonderful blend of charisma, sass, and empathy. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would be interested and reading other stories by the author.

Stand Your Ground Audiobook by A.J. Ullman – Review by Robin Rankin

Stand Your Ground

I decided to listen to something a little different from what I usually listen to on a whim and I have no regrets.

Through the entire book I found myself liking Cady one minute and not liking her the next which shocked me.   I’m not usually one to flip flop like that over a character several times in the same book no matter the circumstances.   Was this something the author did intentionally or is it me? I have no idea but if it was on purpose he did a great job making it happen either way.

I had no idea how it was going to play out up until the end when it was revealed which made me enjoy it more.  Definitely lots of twists and turns with what I think were very subtle hints along the way.

Melissa Reizian’s narration added more to the story and character.  She did an amazing job bringing Cady along with the others and the story to life.

Stand Your Ground Audiobook by A.J. Ullman – Review by Sunday Barnaby

Stand Your Ground by A.J. Ullman
Narrated by Melissa Reizian
Five Stars

I stepped back from my usual romance listen, for this awesome crime drama. I truly enjoyed listening to this story. It was full of current events and realistic to the times we find our nation in. I listen in one sitting.

This is the first narration I have listed to by Melissa Reizian, but definitely won’t be the last. Her voice is very easy to listen to. She brought the characters to life.

Review by @sunbarn

Stand Your Ground Audiobook by A.J. Ullman – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Cady Fox goes out to dinner with the head attorneys where she works. Afterwards she does her regular activity of riding her bike home. But tonight she is attacked by a man known for his unlawful activities. Forcing her to shoot and kill him. That’s all you get from me. No Spoilers. This author writes clearly and is very descriptive in his definition of how his book reads. This is a thrilling Audio book loaded with action and so easy to get caught up in. The characters are just right for their part in the story. They are also likable. While this story throws out many things that are going on in our lives today, Black Lives Matter and White Privilege just to name a couple. He sticks to his main goal. Tell the story and make it clear. I enjoyed listening to this story and how it played out. I know you will too.

 

Reviw@cinful

Stand Your Ground Audiobook by A.J. Ullman – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Enjoyable story that was full of suspense and intrigued and also brought in current event issues as well as this story unfolded and felt like it’s real life.

Cady Fox Was on the brink of a promotion as an attorney when her life is turned upside down as she is involved with a shooting of a man. Cady claims the shooting is justified, but is it truly?

As the story goes the layers start to unfold slowly throughout … you really question yourself is Cady innocent or guilty. Wow….great listen for sure…

Dragonslayer Dragon Heart (Dragon Heart Book 1) Audiobook by Isobelle Cate – Review by Mercedes Jones

What happens when the man you fall for is the man who is destined to kill you? Orelle has a secret, one that can get her killed. Saxton is a dragonslayer. All he wants is to be done with this task so he can move on. One night he finds himself in a club with friends, but it turns out differently than most nights. Here he finds a woman that is captivating and decides he must have her. Will love when out in the end or will it be the end for the dragon?
This book was steamy, action packed, and had wonderful characters. Read this book and come along for one hell of a ride 😉