OYENTE

Meredith L. Burton

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  • 33
  • votos útiles
  • 59
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A Vivid and Edgy Depiction of the Christian Life

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 03-23-25

I read this book my first year of college and have reread it several times. It was a true joy to finally discover an audio edition of this beautiful story.

Callie Hayes flounders in a state of limbo, caught in a dead-end job raising rats for laboratory experiments and in the constant efforts of her domineering mother, who demands that Callie find focus. When Callie reluctantly agrees to join her friend, Meg, in participating in a psychology experimennt, she finds herself transported to an alien world wherrenothing is as it seemms. Trapped in a world where two opposing armies battle, Callie and other participants must discover the truth and find whom they can trust. But, malevolent forces seek to keep them imprisoned, and can Callie trust the Benefactor who rules the Arena?

Karen Hancock's Arena is a riveting story with multi-layered characters and beautiful imagery. Unlike conventional allegories, the characters are fleshed out people who experience hopes and disappointments. I particularly like Pierce Andrews, a man Callie encounters in the Arena who has been there for five years seeking a way out. As Callie and Pierce learn from each other and learn who to trust, the relationship between them grows. The love story here is genuine and borne of shareed hardship and victories. Another character I loved was Evvi Albion, an awkward but stalwart participant. I loved Hancock's commentary here on how often the least expected and ridiculed person turns out to be stronger than anyone might think. I related greatly to Evie as I am often all-thumbs myself. I also enjoyed how the main protagonist made so many mistakes but grew and learned as the book progressed. Elhanu, the emperor of the Arena, is an excellent character, too.

Aimee Lilly superbly narrates this engaging story with energy and excellent aplomb. She employs many accents for the characters, none of them forced or grating. I especially loved her portrayals of Pierce, Evie and a character named Mr. C. The Scottish accent for Mr. C was particularly excellent, and I would have preferred for this character, (even when a surprise is revealed), to have maintained the Scottish accent. Lilly's depiction of British accents is great as well, though.

Recommended for anyone who enjoys unique depictions of the Christian walk that make you explore Scripture from different angles. Also recommended for anyone who just enjoys an exciting story. Be aware that Arena is edgy in places with some attempted rapes and references to the reality of deadly perils. Some characters contemplate suicide, although no one carries out this deed.

God bless you all.

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Clever and Beautiful Tale of Sacrifice

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 03-20-25

Embergold is a tale of betrayal, love and sacrifice. Gilde lives in the marshes with her aloof but protective father, cousin Gunter and his wife, Isa. Gilde's father is being pursued by a dragon, and Gilde must remain in the marsh for her safety. But, things may not be what they seem, and after a harrowing betrayal, Gilde must learn to trust the beast that holds her captive or risk losing her life to power-hungry sources that will stop at nothing to gain what they seek.

Like Nelson's debut novel, Sky of Seven Colors, this tale is about the gifts that everyone hass and the danger of trusting in the gifts instead of the giver. It is a story that explores genuine love and the monstrosity wwithin us all and the love that can vanquish our darker components. I loved the concept of ""Sparks," (unique abilities that many have, gifts). Gilde was naive but endearing. I loved Petra, the older woman in the story. Wil was my favorite character, so protective but conflicted and battling the fire within him.

Aimee Lilly is a superb narrator and truly brought the story to life with immersive emotion. I especially loved her portrayal of Wil when he was in his dragon form. I also loved the German accents she used for the secondary characters and her menacing portrayal of Gilde's father. The stellar nnarration kept me riveted.

Thoroughly recommended for those who enjoy dragon tales, stories inspired by Beauty and the Beasst, and redemption tales that explore the true meaning of sacrifice.
God bless you all.

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A Delectable Feast of a Book!

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 03-12-25

The Biblical account of Queen Esther is one of my absolute favorites, a story of God's silent work in the life of a timid but ultimately courageous woman. God places us where He chooses, and Esther's life reflects this momentous truth.
The Queen's Cook is a delightful story interweaving the account of Esther into the tale of Roxana, a young woman whose culinary talents enable her to serve the queen in many unexpected ways. Roxana's father, a Persian lord who is tormented by his past and enslaved to wine, subjects his daughter to much belittlement and abuse. Roxana finds solace in the kitchen. When an accident entwines her path with Adin, (a Jew and the palace physician), Roxana discovers that she might be worth more than she realizes. Sinister schemes are at work, and Roxana and Adin will play pivotal roles in uncovering a villainous plot.

I loved the descriptions of the mouthwatering recipes and the hustle and bustle of the palace kitchens. The head cook was one of my favorite characters, and he made me smile. I also loved that marshmallows played a pivotal role in the book.

Roxana is a wonderful protagonist, and I loved her journey of growth and the theme of gaining self-confidence and learning to trust in God's guidance. Afshar presents a beautiful portrait of God's working throughout the lives of those who place their faith in Him.
Queen Esther's quiet but steadfast strength adds a bulwark of beauty to the story as both Roxana and Esther learn from each other. I loved Adin's quiet heroism as well. The love story that develops between Roxana and Adin is genuine, delightfully understated and beautiful. I also appreciate that the love between Esther and Xerxes is explored, a relationship that is not perfect but nevertheless genuine. The theme of learning forgiveness and love of enemies is beautifully portrayed as the rivalry between Esther and Omestris is explored as well.

Rachel Botchan and Jonathan Todd Ross bring energy to their performances and made it impossible to stop listening. I especially loved the scenes in the kitchen when Roxana was confronted by hostile assistants and the readings from Esther's secret scrolls. Botchan reads the scrolls with gentle tenderness, emphasizing Esther's quiet strength and faith.

Recommended for anyone who enjoys approaching Biblical accounts from unique angles. Also a great book for those, like me, who love good food, kitchen conflict, and stories about finding your voice. And, I want to sample that braised duck, sweet jam omelette, pistachio cake, marshmallow candy and other delectable dishes from Roxana's table. Superb story with stellar narration.
God bless you all.

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No One is a Mistake: A Story of Restoration

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 03-07-25

Roots of Wood and Stone is a beautiful story of perseverance, second chances and found family. Sloane, who works at a museum and is drawn to the past, becomes intrigued by a diary that recounts the life of Annabelle, a pioneer who, along with her aunt and uncle, settles in Kansas. Sloane is also drawn to Garrett, the man who is clearing out his grandmother's house and has donated the diary to the museum. Sloane, who was abandoned as an infant and adopted, is inexplicably drawn to the farmhouse that Garrett must sell in order to finance his grandmother's long-term medical care. As events from the past and present unfold, lives become linked in unexpected and beautiful ways, and Sloane might discover that she is worth far more than she realizes. Moreover, she is not a "Plan B" person, (a mistake), but might just fit into an incredible plan woven by an awesome Creator.

I absolutely loved this enthralling story, particularly how the dual timelines fitted so seamlessly together. The author writes with authenticity, and each character has authentic struggles that make them endearing. I loved Garrett's logical mind which collides with Sloane's more spontaneous personality. The relationship that develops between them is sweet and real. I appreciate the values in the story and that, while there are definite sparks throughout, there is no insta-love or childish angstiness.
The exploration of Alzheimer's as a theme and the fraught hardship this disease brings to Garrett and his sister, Lauren, hit a bit too close to home for me, (my grandmother had Alzheimer's), but the theme is handled with grace and authenticity. I loved Lauren, too.
My favorite aspect of the book is the historical story. Annabelle is a wonderful character as is Jack, and their perseverance, hardship and love is so beautifully portrayed. The historical story is so rich and lovely.

Nancy Peterson portrays the characters wonderfully with a rich timbre to her delivery. I especially loved her portrayals of Sloane, Garrett, Grandma Rosie, the oily developer, Kimberly and Jack Brennan. The Irish brogue she employs for Jack is smooth and not over-the-top. A stellar narrator for an amazing story! I look forward to listening to the next book in this series and hope the third book will be given an audio edition. As a blind individual, I always appreciate when publishers make their books available in accessible formats.

Happy listening, and God bless you all.

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Riveting and Pulse-Poundingly Suspenseful

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 12-10-24

"Bluebeard" is a fairy tale, a cautionary story warning against curiosity and meddling. Or, is it merely a story?
This true-crime dramatization about a real-life "Bluebeard," (the first serial killer case in Los Angeles), demonstrates that truth is often stranger than fiction. Fairy tales, the "true" ones, mirror the darkness in this world, depicting the reality of evil. Evil is real and active, and this historical dramatization of real-life events inspired by a fairy tale is truly horrific.

Katherine Wombacher is a dressmaker living in Seattle. She is independent, witty and strong-willed. Yet she is also lonely, having lost her father during the Great War and her brothers and fiancee during the Spanish Influenza Epidemic of 1918. She answers a Lonely Hearts correspondence in the local newspaper. James Watson is charming and empathetic, a kind person who is also lonely and seeking a companion. After a whirlwind courtship, Katherine and Watson marry. But, Katherine soon realizes that things are not what they seem, that her husband, who claims to be an investigator, is hiding things from her. A deadly game of cat-and-mouse ensues as Katherine tries to discover the truth. Yet Watson does not wish for his secrets to be discovered, and the web of deception he has spun grows ever-more entangling.

This pulse-pounding dramatization kept me riveted from start to finish. The acting is incredible from all the cast members. I loved the actor portraying the District Attorney and the one portraying A.J., the private investigator who helps Katherine. Karen David is superb as Katherine, providing just the right amount of determined strength and vulnerability.
Joseph Fiennes is bone-chillingly perfect as James Watson. His voice is very suave and softspoken, yet it can also throb with well-controlled menace. The climax made my heart pound! I was particularly impressed by the interview sections of the story in which Fiennes exudes calm calculation and, at certain points, sadistic amusement and excitement when describing certain crimes. It is estimated that Watson, (or whatever his real name), married thirty women and killed eleven of them, although the true number of victims is not known.

This true account of a real-life "Bluebeard" is one not to be missed. I loved how the authors paid respect to the victims by including their names and how the living victims were able to tell their stories and confront Watson in court. As far as I know, this was the first case in which women were allowed to speak on their own behalf. It was a relief to find that, like the best "true" fairy tales, Evil is confronted in the end.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys true-crime stories, suspenseful dramatizations and stories inspired by fairy tales.
God bless you all.

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Excellent Mystery

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 12-08-24

I always love Agatha Christie's books. She was a genius at creating complex and engaging plots. In this BBC Radio production, Hercule Poirot must catcch a killer at Christmastime. The method of murder was very clever in this story as was the identity of the culprit.

Simeon lee, an elderly man with a lecherous past, has gathered his dysfunctional family together at Christmastime, hinting at unpleasant surprises. As the family uneasily try to get along despite estrangements and outright animosity, the family patriarch is murdered in a brutal fashion. Everyone has a motive, and Poirot must unravel lies and sift through many possibilities to determine the truth.

I love mysteries set during the holidays, and this mystery was particularly fun and clever. I disliked the murder victim and felt the culprit was slightly justified. However, I do not know what that says about me!

This dramatization is superb with outstanding narration that kept my interest throughout. I also recommend The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding, which is also superbly done.

God bless you all.

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Strange but Beautiful Story of Sacrifice

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 11-25-24

Sky of Seven Colors is a tale of two earths and the girl who is chosen to be the savior of the world devoid of the vibrant color that all humanity possesses. Meg is stolen away by a race of giants called Croppers who believe that her marriage to their Regent king will save them. But, Meg desperately longs to return to her own world where her friend Andrew is dying. Can she save both Andrew and the creatures of the gray earth, and at what cost will that salvation come? Things are not what they seem, and gifts can be used for either good or evil purposes.

I enjoyed the immersive worldbuilding of this story, especially the differences between the Croppers and the Regents. Characters are multi-layered and vivid. My favorites were Preus and Vaughn, Meg's giant captors, who are not the villains they might at first seem. In fact, all the characters, (even the frightening antagonist), are not black or white good and evil. Like the gray earth where they live, (life has many gray areas, doesn't it?) the Croppers and the Regents have strong motivations for their actions and are dynamic and easy to like. I even understood, to a small degree, the motivations of the antagonist. The gray earth is a fully realized place with beauty of its own and vibrant creatures. I loved the besmands, too.
Meg is a wonderful character, determined to save Andrew but also growing into herself throughout the story. She learns to love her new home while seeking to return to the human world. I loved her growth as the book progressed.
Most of all, I love the role color played in the story, a force of its own that the Regents and Croppers crave. It was so interesting and unique to find a book where color was such a prevalent force. I am blind, but even I understand the importance of color, that it is a true gift.
The theme of emptying oneself and of sacrifice was glorious, a theme that reminded me of Someone willing to save our own world by emptying Himself, (Philippians Chapter 3).

Stacey Glomboski reads with such vibrant energy, and I loved the posh accents for the Regents. I especially loved the rustic (Cockney) accents for the Croppers. Her voice is strong and melodic, lending beauty and vibrancy as she brings the characters to life. I especially loved her voices for Preus and Vaughn and the suave and slightly menacing voice for King Kalmus. I loved how music played such a prevalent role in the story, and Glomboski has a gorgeous singing voice.

Thoroughly recommended for anyone who enjoys unique tales with fully realized other worlds. God bless you all.

Meredith Leigh Burton, author of Wind Charmer and Seeing Beyond the Shadows.

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An Beautiful Book about Creativityion

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 09-07-24

Jordan Raynor wonderfully explores the concept of creativity and how the act of creation and entrepeneurship reflects the first Creator who made us in His image. The book is fascinating as it celebrates the myriad ways humans create and use their businesses to glorify God, make new things and serve others. I particularly loved Chapter 4, which explored the reasons behind why we create. Is the act of creating meant to make a name for ourselves or to glorify the One who gave us the creative spirit in the first place? This chapter was spiritually convicting and beautiful. I also loved Chapter 9 which discussed the need of renewing our minds through communion with God, our partners and fellow believers. The discussion of Tolkien and the Inklings was wonderful. The chapter discussing the proper ways to use our profits was helpful, discussing the need to commune with God daily and often employ self-examination to determine if our priorities and motivations align with God's desires.
Chapter 12, Creating for the Kingdom, was so fascinating and gave me hope that my work matters even if I sometimes feel it does not. The exploration of Revelation 21 and Isaiah 60 filled me with such joy!
Raynor writes with accessible language, and I could not put the book down. However, it is a book that needs to be savored like a choice dish at a banquet, for there is much spiritual wisdom to be gained. Jim Denison reads with enthusiasm and vibrancy, making the listening experience very enjoyable.
Thoroughly recommended for all creative individuals and for everyone who owns a business. Even if you simply create for fun, this book is for you as well, a celebration of the First Entrepeneur and how His creativity has been passed along to us in order that we, through our creations, might reflect His light to this dark world. God bless you all.

Meredith Leigh Burton, author of Seeing Beyond the Shadows and Wind Charmer.

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Gripping and Clever Reimagining of a Classic Tale

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 08-09-24

T. Kingfisher's A Sorceress Comes to Call is a riveting tale of self-discovery, found family and the importance of community. Cordelia is such a wonderful character, so frightened of her mother but also wonderfully courageous. Hester is a perfect counterpoint to Cordelia's mother, Lady Evangeline, and I loved how Kingfisher celebrates the role of spinsterhood. (I am a spinster myself, and it is refreshing to find a book that celebrates but does not sugarcoat, the trials elderly individuals face). This book contains palpable suspense, and you will never view horses in quite the same way again. The book also has some truly laugh-out-loud moments as well.
The secondary characters are just as dynamic as the principle ones. I particularly loved the butler, Willard, Lady Penelope, and Alice, Cordelia's maid.

The narration of A SOrceress Comes to Call is stellar. Jennifer Pickens does an incredible job of making the listener experience Cordelia's fear and gradual awakening of strength. Eliza Fosse brings wryness and tenderness to Hester's perspective, and I smiled in many places during Hester's point of view. I love the dual perspective of the book which gave the whole story a deep richness.

Thoroughly recommended for anyone who loves suspense stories, clever reworkings of fairy tales and stories of courage and found family. One not to miss.
God bless you all.

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A Historical Tale of Sacrifice and Heroism

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 06-01-24

A riveting story of a young woman's quest to rescue her older sister from the clutches of a tyrannical king and a traumatized prince who seeks to rid the land of his brother's cruelty. A Crane Among Wolves is a tale of love and sacrifice. The author does not sugarcoat the sadness and brutality of this time period in Korean history, and even the coup leaders are far from noble. As Hur states in the historical note accompanying this book, we must learn from history, even the dark times, so that they will not be repeated.
Iseul is an engaging protagonist, and i loved her growth throughout the book. Daeyun is also an engaging character, struggling with PTSD and longing to be something other than a puppet prince to his paranoid and power-hungry brother.
When a serial killer begins methodically massacring officials in the king's court, Iseul and Daeyun reluctantly join forces to discover the culprit in order that Iseul might rescue her older sister from the king's clutches. However, things are not what they seem, and the killer might be closer than either Iseul and Daeyun know.

Hur has crafted a meticulously researched and beautiful story. The struggles of the two protagonists are palpable, and they are both endearing characters. I especially loved how Iseul learned to observe her surroundings and draw conclusions based on what she could see. The subplot regarding the serial killer, (Nameless Flower,) was particularly riveting with a great climactic reveal that I did not see coming. I had my suspicions, but Hur was adept at cleverly concealing clues throughout the story.
The king himself is frightening but oddly empathetic to a certain extent. You will hate him rather strongly, but hur does well at depicting paranoia and exploring the themes of revenge and justice.

The narration of this audiobook is phenomenal. Michelle H. Lee brings a vulnerability and stalwart strength to iseul and reads with energy and compassion. I particularly loved Greg Chun's depiction of Prince Daeyun, and he reads with great energy. A stellar performance from both narrators.

Recommended for anyone who loves stories of political intrigue, unusual historical settings, subtle but genuine romance and stories of suspense.
Happy listening, and God bless you all.

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