Audiobook: Wolves and Roses by Christina Bauer #Review #Paranormal #Fantasy #Fairytale #BlogTour
Title: Wolves and Roses
Series: Fairy Tales of the Magicorum
Author: Christina Bauer
Publisher: Monster House Books
Release Date: October 31st 2017
Genre: YA Paranormal
My Review:
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel, narrated by the author. In the world which she has created, there are three magical races – shifters, fairies and witches, known as the Magicorum and members of these races always follow a fairy tale life story. In the case of seventeen year old Bryar Rose her fairy tale template should be Sleeping Beauty but, even though she does fall to sleep at inconvenient times unless she uses her magical inhaler to stop it happening, she’s nothing like Sleeping Beauty in her likes, attitudes and behaviour. She’s definitely rebellious and doesn’t even like Prince Philpot, the man her aunts want her to marry. She’s only got to stay out of bother till she’s eighteen but with a teacher who obviously enjoys naming and shaming her, weird dreams about an attractive, hot, young man and her fascination with Ancient Egyptian papyri things aren’t going to be easy for her. They’re about to get even worse, however, as Knox, that young man she keeps dreaming of, turns up and turns out to be a powerful werewolf . . . . Who knew magic could be so mysterious?
The story is engaging, with plenty of teenage angst, rebellion and turmoil. The relationships between Bryar and others is explored, especially that between her and (Cinder)Ella – best buddies and side kicks who regularly get into mischief together. Bryar is a feisty, stubborn and determined young lady who always stands up for herself. Knox turns out to be powerful and highly protective – especially of his mate. There are dilemmas, decisions and so much more to be revealed as the story progresses. Many of these are resolved by the end of the book but there are others still to be concluded in future books in the series – I can’t wait to discover what happens in them!
I admit to being wary when I learnt that the narrator of the book is also the author – sometimes this just doesn’t work, but it certainly does in this instance. She has a lovely, expressive voice which is used to great effect, especially during dialogue. She has made each character have their own ‘voice’, bringing the story to life in the listeners imagination. Her telling of the story is lively and highly engaging, making it great to listen to.
This is an intriguing start to a new series, with well developed characters, plenty of mystery, magic, secrets and discoveries to keep you entertained whether you choose to read it yourself or listen to the audiobook version – either way, if you enjoy adventurous teens in magical adventures, you’re in for a treat with this story!
Summary:
Seventeen-year-old Bryar Rose has a problem. She’s descended from one of the three magical races—shifters, fairies, or witches. That makes her one of the Magicorum, and Magicorum always follow a fairy tale life template. In Bryar’s case, that template should be Sleeping Beauty.
“Should” being the key word.
Trouble is, Bryar is nowhere near the sleeping beauty life template. Not even close. She doesn’t like birds or woodland creatures. She can’t sing. And she certainly can’t stand Prince Philpot, the so-called “His Highness of Hedge Funds” that her aunties want her to marry. Even worse, Bryar’s having recurring dreams of a bad boy hottie and is obsessed with finding papyri from ancient Egypt. What’s up with that?
All Bryar wants is to attend a regular high school with normal humans and forget all about shifters, fairies, witches, and the curse that Colonel Mallory the Magnificent placed on her. And she might be able to do just that–if only she can just keep her head down until her eighteenth birthday when the spell that’s ruined her life goes buh-bye.
But that plan gets turned upside down when Bryar Rose meets Knox, the bad boy who’s literally from her dreams. Knox is a powerful werewolf, and his presence in her life changes everything, and not just because he makes her knees turn into Jell-O. If Bryar can’t figure out who—or what—she really is, it might cost both her and Knox their lives… as well as jeopardize the very nature of magic itself.
Buy Links: Amazon (UK) Amazon (US) Barnes and Noble
About the Author
Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers. It is now available as an audiobook on Audible and iTunes.
Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.
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Many thanks to YA Bound Book Tours for providing materials for this post and organising the tour.
The review is my own honest opinion after listening to the audiobook version of this book.
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