Pamela Smith

My expanding experience of Paula Brackston

Revisado: 12-01-23

Okay, I will start with the review of this book as a stand alone novel.
It's well written, the main character shows the basic parts of human nature by showing her ever present need to survive. Though she begins her long journey through life, and as a firm standing character in multiple PB books, as a naieve and fairly healthy thinking teen girl. The story follows her life and it is a sorrowful tale.
However, this is where I am going to recommend the book, because, if you like when you read authors like Jeff Wheeler, Brandon Sanderson, George RR Martin, weave characters into others' stories, you will be glad you stuck through the sadneSs of this story.

this is why: I believe it is because I started PB's books with the Found Things series. I read this 2 part series directly after I read that series. I will not spoil it, but it REALLY DOES ALL VOME TOGETHER.
However, it doesn't start to click, or at least, didn't click for me until I was 4 chapters into the second book of the witches daughter series. It is then that you begin to see the pay off and all around BRILLIANCE of the author.

I particularly appreciate Jeff wheeler and the way that almost every series is a continuation of the story through the characters that pop in and play supporting roles and or even minor intrigues. Suddenly, the style of the spin off starts to pay off.

Paula Brackston does bring it around. I know that this book is slow, steady, wonderfully narrated and even though it is, hard to get through the gloom. Although, I believe it is because I started with the Found Things series that I was happily brought around to appreciate the character, her struggles, and the brilliant way the author hits home with ending with a beginning and beginning with an ending.

STICK WITH HER AND READ ON!

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Performance by author makes up 4Ws lacking

Revisado: 08-07-22

The bad reviews are way too harsh here. Some of them say that they couldn't help but ask the MC why she was being so stupid, while listening away. However, if you really put your mind where the character's was, situation wise, you'd have done some stupid shit too.

The only negative for me, was when chapter 35 came along and then it all was revealed to the reader within 5 chapters. I felt like the author had a maximum number of pages she could use and couldn't apend more time on unfolding the post climactic plot twists. Rather, she had yo tell us rather than the story itself being revealed in action. Not sure if that makes sense, but it certainly didn't put me off the book....In fact, it made me want more. I want a spin off....Not necessarily a sequel....But I like who the MC became.

The performance was immaculate! And with it being read by the author, it's that much more epic. She really gets into every character, and the muffled effects for phone calls makes you feel like you're actually listening in. it's the details that make it feel real. Five stars for the performance. A strong yet sultry voice that's not hard to listen to is always appreciated.

I have to argue the whole "damsel of a MC in distress' exhausting the story. She's not though, the MC continually foreshadows the twist, and acts in her own mind to fuck shit up. taking away the possibility of needing rescued by taking responsibility constantly for being a 'pretentious dumb blonde' type.

I will be seeking out more from this author

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Started from the beginning...

Revisado: 11-22-21

I started listening to JM with the Sevenwaters series. from there, I discovered a new world that tested young men and women who grew up under challenging conditions, magic or no. the antagonist and often the protagonist face extenuating circumstances with a dash of magic and lore place JM's literature in a category all it's own. I highly recommend this book.
If you are tentative because you are reading reviews about the quality of the narration, please try to push past it. It is worth it! All of the characters that I now know as friends, the ones that are my favorite characters of all, are the ones that I wasn't sure if I could stand to listen to at first. Please ignore the negative reviews about narrators.
This book was much much lighter than book two(of the warrior bard series). Oh boy, book two got a little cringe-worthy for a bit. Totally worth it as it strengthens our bonds with the characters. However, this book lightens things up a notch or two.
I was pleased with the addition of another female trainee at Swan Island. I was also pleased to finally have another appearance of Conmail.
This book is fantastic. I cannot wait for the next trickle down in the tale. What way will JM go with the story next? Whatever path she decides to lead us down, I'll follow, and I know it will be magical!

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Stepping outside the usual setting, we'll be ok!

Revisado: 08-08-21

Another JM series book that stands on it's own as a complete individual novel. The detailed historical fiction combined with fairytale fantasy sweeps you away to the streets and paths of the town and forests in this novel. One of my favorites so far. The characters are so well rounded and often surprise the listener/reader with the paths they choose. The thrilling plot set off right from the beginning as a 'who done it's type of mystery; introducing complex characters along the way. We end up falling in love with them all, while keeping a tentative nature. It is as if we are the one's coming of age, as if we are learning the lessons. That's why we emerge ourselves so deeply into the otherworldly aspects of a JM book, the escape from a harsh reality for out beloved characters is always perfectly timed by JM. Most of the plot of this book was fairly obvious, to me. However, we don't watch a movie and tell the girl to go unto the room where they hear the scary noise. the foreshadowing is intentional. Because we all come into age differently, and qt different times and ways. I love the world of JM.
I, truly, never want to stop dancing.

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A true fairy tale, with dark, Eldredge Light & LUV

Revisado: 08-06-21

Unlike many other JM series firsts, this book didn't take much time to jump right into a story that stands on its own. So, if you're aren't brave enough to cross into the other lands, the second kingdom, or through the mysterious portal deep in the forest, DON'T venture to read book 2. Me? Hell yeah, what's the fare? let's go!

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HONEST REVIEW & why OTHERS say what they say

Revisado: 07-24-21

Try to get beyond the reviews about the narration, possibly beyond your own first impression. I pushed so hard past Nick Sullivan, a narrator for the Blackthorn and Grim trilogy, and by the end of the first book, it could not have been anyone else! This character, our protagonist, is developing along the way. Our narrator shows the incredible understanding of her art to convey that in her performance, and uses her comprehension, melodic voice, and skill to read the story, while also getting the listener deeply attached, q true performance art! We gain our first, glimpses of, bad and good impressions of our own when we read it ourselves! let's not be too quick to judge this performance.

Classic JM! one of my favorite authors. First of a trilogy is setting up our mains. Simple knowledge that there is more to come. Laiden with so much foreshadowing, the shadows themselves are bouncing around the room as the second in the trilogy is downloading! The author has laid out the FOUNDATION of a wonderful story, an epic! If it seems to drone on, that is the style, that is the point. Pay attention, though, pretty soon you're on the wrong path, heading into a fierce fight, an unknown world, thinking, "when did we start fighting?" You'll love it, the world JM creates for you. You may never wanna go back to reality. Like I said, Classic Juliette Marillier.

Description says Children's/Teen....Not necessarily accurate. Bodies strewn, incredible burdens with increasing weight. NOT A CHILDREN'S BOOK, IMO. I'm 32, and this takes me back to a young age, wishing I knew what I know and that I had, even HAVE, the strength of the protagonist, and the antagonist, wait is that what they are....🤔😏😉

I always recommend that when reading a JM series, you start with the Sevenwaters series. HOWEVER, SO FAR, THIS SERIES APPEARS TO STAND ALONE. References to the importance of Lore are similar, and held in high importance. Druids?-The long sleep, perhaps? However, I am not seeing any connections to plot or hints that they are connected, in family line, certain story lines that we have seen to continue on in the past. EXCEPT FOR THE ONE TEEENSIE WEEEENSIE POSSIBILITY OF A CONNECTION! id love to know if anyone catches it! Something about an island....🤔

Don't miss this one!
Oh, also, the cover of the book.....I just.....it's not for me. Simply stunning young woman, a lovely girl, beautiful, however, not how I invision our Protagonist...That's for you to decide.

Lastly, if you have read......Who IS the antagonist? hmmmm??? You're sure? You're sure you're sure??
With that, wish we could reply to reviews! Have fun in this world!!! I don't want to leave! So, 2nd book, here I come!

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esto le resultó útil a 9 personas

How long til the next.

Revisado: 07-22-21

totally immersed in JM's world! please don't miss this. start at sevenwaters !!!love this! 💘😻💜

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Done it AGAIN! DONT PASS THIS UP!

Revisado: 07-21-21

I feel privileged to be a partof JM's world. Don't start here. Start with the Sevenwaters series!

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To be forever remembered and cherished

Revisado: 07-06-21

This being the final book of the series, I thought I would first say, that Sevenwaters is an incredible journey. You become a member of the family and there are so many personalities of the protagonist, you are bound to find someone similar to yourself. Allowing yourself to metaphorically compare your own coming of age story to that of these tales of Lore.
That being said, the sloppiness of the editing of the narration is astounding. At least once ever 3 chapters, in every book (some far more than others) there is a repeated take of a line, or something that was edited in. This made it very distracting to those particular moments in the storyline. Especially when there were edited or re-takes done of an excerpt. The tone cannot be perfected, or even matched to "go with the flow". However, this is nothing more than editing and has nothing to do with the narrators themselves. I consider each wonderful performances.
The last book in the series, thus far?, does leave open possibilities for novellas and further editions. Though, we are not left hanging.

TRUE FAIRY TALES 🧚‍♀️ FOR THE MATURE LISTENER! I WILL LISTEN AGAIN AND AGAIN!

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Better than the first!

Revisado: 06-20-21

As if these books could improve. yeah right! Then, all of a sudden, number two is just that much better! The difference in narration threw me off. Though I soon realized that there was good reson! I love how we don't get stuck in the same family members' drama over and over. Rather, its like an episode of the Kardashians, and every season is the next generation. Not much to critique, its just so good, and left me happy! Great series👏 on to the next👏

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