Claimed (Unabridged‪)‬

AudioBook Review: Stars Overall 4 Narration 5 Story 4

AudioBook Review: Stars Overall 4 Narration 5 Story 4
Emma is Cara’s older sister, intelligent, independent and fiercely protective of what’s hers. Her father’s alcohol and physical abuse of the girls when young have Emma particularly uninterested in bossy, take charge men that set limits. A geneticist, she is completely confident in her own ability to solve nearly every problem with science, although she does rely regularly on her psychic abilities. Her pairing with Dage is meant to be.

Fortunately, as the King, Dage has more ‘diplomatic’ skills even as his nature is struggling to break free and take Emma for his own. It was cute watching his reactions to her refusal to accept him as mate, and his struggles with his own nature so as not to lose her. The development of the characters as a couple, and their own individual growth trajectories are wonderfully described, even if some of the approaches IN to the relationships are less than soft seduction. These alpha males are used to getting their own way. Of COURSE they aren’t used to being defied, but they never hit anger, but frustration, utter confusion and a touch of the petulant two year old do appear, usually with a laugh from the reader.

The complexities of the realm and worlds are further explained, as the war heats up with the introduction of a virus that threatens a tentative balance. A solid source of tension and immediacy from that ongoing thread is present and ties all of the stories together with the ongoing mystery.

Narration for this series is from Karen White, and she again brings a solid sense of the characters and the emotion to the forefront. I’m honestly wondering just how she kept all of the different voices straight, as Talen, Cara, Emma, Dage, Janie and all the others have distinct tones in their voices and I knew who was who from the first book right off. From a note left on the first review: I know these were all recorded in order, but my brain scrambles thinking about it. Wonderful insets that allow the emotional impact of the words are used: pauses, hesitations, even sighs and smiles all add to this narration that is fast becoming my example of stellar work.

I’m really enjoying this series: the characters, the world building and the narration that breathes life into every moment. A perfect opportunity for fans of the series to start again, or to bring in new listeners who want a long-running story trajectory with characters that intrigue and amuse.

I receieved an AudioBook copy of the title via Audible Communications for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.