I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Madison's Song by Christine Amsden Narrator: Melissa Reizian Frank
Published by Twilight Times Books on September 15th 2015
Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, New Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Pages: 272
Format: Audiobook
Source: Provided by author for honest review
Goodreads
Her voice is enchanting; his soul is black…
Madison Carter has been terrified of Scott Lee since the night he saved her from an evil sorcerer – then melted into a man-eating monster before her eyes. The werewolf is a slave to the moon, but Madison’s nightmares are not.
Despite her fears, when Madison’s brother, Clinton, is bitten by a werewolf, she knows there is only one man who can help. A man who frightens her all the more because even in her nightmares, he also thrills her.
Together for the first time since that terrible night, Scott and Madison drive to Clinton’s home only to discover that he’s vanished. Frantic now, Madison must overcome her fears and uncover hidden strengths if she hopes to save him. And she’s not the only one fighting inner demons. Scott’s are literal, and they have him convinced that he will never deserve the woman he loves.
Julie’s Review:
I really enjoyed the Cassie Scot series and was happy to devour it as part of the author’s promotional tours. So I jumped when given the opportunity to review this audiobook spin-off novel with a side character in the original series. While the original series is a 4-star read for me, this spin-off is more of a 3.
I really liked Madison in the series and wanted to know more about her gift and see her find happiness. I enjoyed getting to know her more in this book and to see how strong and loyal she is. She would do anything for her family and her loved ones, no matter what was at stake. I admire that in a character. I also enjoyed getting into Scott’s head a bit and really understanding his feelings for Madison. He is definitely an Alpha male werewolf, with his fierce protective nature and sense of duty.
But I didn’t love everything about the novel. The first thing that bugged me was the narrator. As it turn out, this same narrator does the audio for the original series. But I read those as ebooks, so I didn’t know. She sounds… more like a news reporter than a story teller. There were some emotional scenes that just didn’t come across as such.
Another issue I had was the story was a bit formulaic. While the original series had twists and some unique situations, this was a bit more like a typical urban fantasy/romance. The characters took forever to communicate, and just kept assuming things about each other (a peeve of mine in many romances) and denying their feelings. I feel like that trope is just overused.
But, I really liked how twisted and dark the plot became, with the creatures and experimentation. I also loved the family comes first theme that carries through this book’s plot.
Overall, a good read, just not as good as the original Cassie Scot series.
I received this audiobook from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I liked Madison’s Song– not as much as the Cassie series but it was still good. But I read the ebook. Audiobooks can be tricky. So much depends on connecting with the narrator’s voice and style. My mom only listens to audiobooks now, but I’m not quite ready to jump on that train. I still listen to music when I walk and workout.
Kimber Leigh Wheaton recently posted…Keeping It Real by Nicole Loughan, Author of Divine Hotel + Giveaway
I pretty much only listen to audiobooks now on my commute so I’ve heard all kinds of good and bad narrators.