A little bit different today as this blog is participating in the tour sponsored by the AudioBook Publisher’s Association.  November is the busiest travel month of the year – and a perfect time to discover new audiobook titles and narrators.  In addition to the tour where every Monday through Friday different bloggers will be sharing their favorites and why you should listen, you can enter the giveaway where you could win a fantastic selection of 10 audiobooks (Titles TBD) that have been generously donated by Galaxy Press, Hachette Audio, Harper Audio, High Bridge Audio, Macmillan, Penguin Random House Audio, Post Hypnotic Press, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster Audio, and Tantor Audio.  How can you go wrong?

I’m going to share favorite Narrators of mine – those narrators who have me grabbing their titles, even if I’ve never heard of the author or read that genre frequently!   Let’s get started

David Tennant

How to Train Your Dragon (the Series) by Cressida Cowell 

If you have kids that are 5 and up – this series is like popcorn: funny, sweet, action packed and engaging – all about the adventures of Hiccup, a reluctant Viking, his dragon Toothless, and his years growing up. Full of friendship, lessons about perseverance, loyalty, dispelling myths and discovery – it’s a wonderful ride. Fun for adults too – the clean and childish humor will entertain and make the long car trips more fun. Each installment in this story is between two and four hours – it’s also a great ‘weather is bad, come in and listen” series to span several days.

Narration for this series is provided by David Tennant, best known as the 10th Doctor of the Dr. Who series. This Scottish born actor manages the multiple voices, accents and instills the stories with emotional nuance that never overwhelms but enhances, and you easily recognize each character with a voice that seems to suit their personality and the action. It doesn’t hurt that listeners come away recognizing that Tennant is enjoying the story – this is not the prototypical story hour at the library, but encouraging laughter, imagination and attention.

I’ve listened to the entire 12 title series – a bit daunting to think of the whole – but seriously worth the investment in time – and a great way to use ‘read along with the narrated version’ tactics to encourage reluctant readers.

There are 12 titles in this series – you can go directly to EACH review by following THIS LINK

Grace Grant

 

A narrator who has been responsible for some of my most intriguing romance reads, both alone or in tandem, Grant’s ability to capture a moment, allowing the emotion and impact to shine through make these titles automatic adds to the list.  From heavier romantic suspense of Lisa Renee Jones to the lighter titles from Christina Lauren and the wonderful work of Katy Evans, I always know that Grant’s narration will keep me engaged and ready for more.

Manwhore by Katy Evans 
Pages: 368
Audio Length: 10 Hours: 3 minutes
Rated: 
 Amazon ♦ AllRomance ♦ Barnes&Noble ♦ iTunes ♦Kobo ♦
 Downpour ♦ IndieBound ♦ Book Depository ♦ Google

 

Jason Carpenter

My first introduction to Jason Carpenter’s work was in the new adult romance series from Helena Hunting, Clipped Wings. Funnily enough, in the prequel book, Carpenter’s voice simply fits Hayden, becoming a solid presence with an ability to remain calm and controlled, even a touch removed (owing to his own issues) despite the chaos around him. He manages conversation (even in dual-or multi-narrator projects) cleanly, clearly enunciating and without stepping over or on the others. Another narrator to watch for!

The Clipped Wings series by Helena Hunting

Cupcakes and Ink (Prequel) Pages: 60 1 Hour: 7 minutes
Rated: 
Amazon ♦ Barnes&Noble ♦ iTunes ♦ Kobo ♦
 Downpour ♦ Google♦Audible 

 

 

Elizabeth Louise

After, the After Series by Anna Todd

First introduced to Elizabeth Louise’s work with Anna Todd’s After series, I’ve been finding her work increasingly paired with Jason Carpenter and Sebastian York. Her voice and tone is solidly youthful, making her the perfect narrator for those upper YA and NA characters, bringing an instant impression of youth to the listen. That is particularly noticeable as her voice fits the rather immature and often uncertain actions of these characters – giving that sense of ‘this too could change’ to every action. Easily accessed emotional influences experienced with hesitation, pauses and change of tone; as well as the ability to adjust tone and delivery to distinguish different characters, or points of emphasis for the plot and character. Her work is extensive – from YA to romance, she’s certainly a narrator to try out.

After (Book 1) Pages: 594  16 Hours: 30 minutes
Rated: 
Amazon ♦ Barnes&Noble ♦ iTunes ♦ Kobo ♦
 Downpour ♦ IndieBound ♦ Google ♦Audible 

Sebastian York

Sebastian York has become (for me) the narrator to find when a romance or romantic suspense title calls for a Brit, Irishman or Scot – his accents vary according to need, including small regional differences which make a HUGE difference to those who are familiar with a place. Working alone or as part of a larger cast – his transitions from one character to the next, delivery of dialogue and the ability to add appropriate emotional overlay without over-reaching that adds to the story and increases engagement.  I’ve highlighted two different stories here from him – a fun new adult romance from The Wild Seasons series by Christina Lauren and another from their Beautiful Bastard series.

Dirty Rowdy Thing (Book 2) Pages: 336  8 Hours: 43 minutes
Rated: 
 Amazon ♦ Barnes&Noble ♦ iTunes ♦ Kobo ♦
 Downpour ♦ IndieBound ♦ Google ♦Audible 

 

 

 

 

Love Audiobooks?  Check out the index of
Narrators and their work to see all the reviews at I am, Indeed for
audiobooks by narrator, in alphabetical order.