October AudioFile Book Reviews: Widdershins & CHRONO SPASM: Deathlands 109

 Yes dear readers, I have been busy while I've been away. The move to Providence went well, I currently know where MOST of my stuff is, and I'm hitting the keyboard hard to have some movie-related content coming soon. In the meantime I will share with you my latest crop of reviews for AudioFile Magazine. I also have links at the bottom of each if you would like to see the review on the original magazine website. Of course, E.E. happens to be me. Enjoy! 

Image courtesy of Audible, Inc.

 WIDDERSHINS :Whyborne & Griffin, Book 1   

Jordan L. Hawk
Read by Julian G. Simmons

 Julian G. Simmons gives a heartwarming portrayal of early-twentieth-century linguist Percival Endicott Whyborne, who finds himself unexpectedly falling in love. This experience is accompanied by a mystery of surprisingly supernatural proportions when he encounters the brash detective Griffin Flaherty, his perfect opposite. Set in Victorian New England, this story of a romance budding amid the taboos of the time is wrapped up with an intriguing plot. Simmons differentiates the two men by giving Flaherty a bold, sarcastic tone befitting his personality but trips up on delivering a convincing Irish accent when the detective has to go undercover. Thankfully, the scene is brief. Overall, Simmons's tender narration gives added dimension to this unique adventure story. E.E. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

To view the review on the AudioFile website, click here.

Image courtesy of Graphic Audio, Inc.

CHRONO SPASM :Deathlands 109
James Axler
Read by Richard Rohan and a Full Cast

The harsh elements of Alaska and equally harsh scenes are described with a cool efficiency by Richard Rohan and enhanced by a range of character voices, music, and sound effects. Although the plot can be difficult to follow due to the multiple subplots, one involving a time portal, the balance of volume between Rohan and the rest of the cast is excellent. The depictions of violence are not for the faint of heart and are made all the more realistic by the accompanying sounds; for instance, when a man is burned to death, you actually hear the crackle of the flames and his agonized screams of pain. Russian accents are believable and not overdone. A well-executed thriller. E.E. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

To view the review on the AudioFile website, click here.

 Look for my reviews of the splendiferous children's classic The BFG by Roald Dahl and The Clockwork Man by Edwin Vincent Odle in November!