Title: The Diviners
Author: Libba Bray
Narrator: January LaVoy
Series: 1st book in The Diviners series
Publisher: Listening Library
Publication Date: September 18, 2012
Source: purchased (also received an ARC)
Purchase: Amazon |
Barnes & Noble |
Audible
Something dark and evil has awakened....
Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City - and she is pos-i-tute-ly ecstatic. It's 1926, and New York is filled with speakeasies, Ziegfeld girls, and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is that she has to live with her uncle Will and his unhealthy obsession with the occult.
Evie worries her uncle will discover her darkest secret: a supernatural power that has only brought her trouble so far. But when the police find a murdered girl branded with a cryptic symbol and Will is called to the scene, Evie realizes her gift could help catch a serial killer.
As Evie jumps headlong into a dance with a murderer, other stories unfold in the city that never sleeps. A young man named Memphis is caught between two worlds. A chorus girl named Theta is running from her past. A student named Jericho is hiding a shocking secret. And unknown to all, something dark and evil has awakened....
This audiobook includes an introduction read by Libba Bray.
So, I started my ARC of
The Diviners -- which I won from the
awesome Claire LeGrande -- back in early September before the book was released, but I soon realized that I would need to be able to devote a large chunk of my time to finishing all 578 pages of this novel. And my time is limited. No, I'm not dying, but I do work full-time away from the home, I'm a devoted (okay, maybe that's pushing it, but I do love my family
ohsomuch) mother and wife, and I'm a book blogger, which many of you know can be a full-time job in and of itself sometimes. So you can see my conundrum...maybe you even identify with it. But lo and behold, the audio was released on the same day as the novel hit the shelves at bookstores, and I snatched it up and immediately shelved my ARC in favor of hearing the indomitable
January LaVoy breathe new life into the characters I'd already come to love in the first 100-150 pages I'd already managed to devour.
The Diviners is now my new favorite audiobook EVAR. I am completely,
completely serious. I loved all of the voices and dialects Tavia Gilbert used in her reading of
The Night Huntress series, but -- and no offense meant, honest -- she cannot hold a candle to January LaVoy's narration of
The Diviners. This woman managed to portray all of the following characters without ever sounding trite or unbelievable: a 17-year-old girl; two very different 17-ish boys; an old, stodgy uncle; several African-American characters ranging in age from 10 or so to the very old and disabled Blind Bill; the swarthy and sophisticated Memphis Campbell; two senile old ladies; a cocky news reporter digging for the scoop; and a deranged serial killer, hell-bent on cleansing the world. Those are just a few of the characters...there are many, many more secondary characters, and
all of them sounded completely different in their own way.
This is obviously a story that is composed of many smaller stories, each of their own importance. As the story unfolds, we meet each character separately as they start on the path that eventually leads them all to each other. I thoroughly enjoyed each characters' introduction in this manner and that the reader learns each story gradually...hence the nearly 600 page narrative. Once events are set in motion, though, the story finds its pace and really draws you into the world of 1920s New York.
It all starts with one Evie O'Neill, though. This "unflappable flapper" is quite the contrast to Gemma Doyle, who was both precocious and docile when we first met her in
A Great and Terrible Beauty. Be that as it may, Evie still stole the show for me in
The Diviners and quickly marked herself as my favorite character, though that arrogant Sam Lloyd came in at a close second. Really, though, all of these characters (and their stories) appealed to me in his or her own way.
Libba Bray is one of my favorite authors. I loved her
Gemma Doyle trilogy, and I can say with complete faith that if you, too, enjoyed that series, you will
love The Diviners just as much. The rich world-building, the superb cast of characters, the incredible story-telling...it's all there in this book, as well. There's just something about Libba Bray and hidden magic that go hand-in-hand. The sheer amount of research necessary to write a story of this caliber alone is deserving of accolades. But pair that with the unfathomable story she's created, and you have yourself a novel to be revered.
Don't believe me? Check out the free previews currently being offered:
Amazon |
B&N
Rating: 
Prepare yourself for the creepy...and don't say I didn't warn you:
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
{Audiobook Review} Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray
Author: Libba Bray
Narrator(s): January LaVoy
Series: The Diviners, book #2
Length: 20 hrs 12 mins
Publisher: Listening Library
Publication Date: August 25, 2015
Source: ARC received from publisher, purchased audio
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible
So, big books intimidate me. I love them, but they are just so daunting. I had the same problem with Bray's The Diviners back when I read it in 2012. Which, by the way, is the last time I entered this world. And that's another reason I kept putting off reading my ARC of Lair of Dreams. I thought I needed a refresher first. (You really don't, by the way. Bray is the bee's knees when it comes to that.) But the biggest reason I waited to dive into this sequel? January LaVoy is maybe the most fantastic narrator I've ever listened to, and I couldn't imagine not hearing more of Evie and company's story in her multitude of voices.
And I must say, once I returned to the story, I was so glad to be among old friends again. It was interesting to see how the world reacted to the existence of Diviners but also intriguing to see who would hold their cards close to their chest and not reveal the nature of their gift until it was forced out of them. Especially as "America's Sweetheart Seer" became more popular. And as it was becoming clearer that someone was hunting the Diviners.
But maybe more important than that storyline is that of those dying of the sleeping sickness, a sickness brought on by a killer from the dreamworld. As Evie and her friends discover more about their gifts, some of them fall pray to the lure of the dreamworld, and it's up to them to discover how to stop it from killing again.
I'm not usually a fan of stories with so many varying perspectives, but Libba Bray makes every character arc count. And it doesn't hurt that January LaVoy's narration helps me keep them all straight. There are definitely those that I favor, but there is no character who doesn't matter when it comes to this series. No action that doesn't have a consequence. It's all so very dire, and I think that's one of the things I like best. I'm not expecting happy endings for all of these characters, if any at all -- especially after what the author did to my heart at the end of The Gemma Doyle Trilogy -- so I'll be pleasantly surprised when things turn out unexpectedly...at least that's my fervent hope.
On a side note, I really like that thing that's happening between Evie and Sam Lloyd. Especially as they become a little less guarded around each other and begin to let feelings -- and secrets -- slip. I mean, I think Jericho is a great guy, but I'm of Sam's train of thought: that Jericho is not the kind of guy Evie should fall for. Maybe Sam isn't, either, but I think Sergei might be. ;0) Also, the ruse/fake engagement angle is one of my favorites! LUH-VING IT!
Obviously, I want more Sam and Evie and Theta and Memphis and the rest of the gang. If the wait for this book is any indication, I have a while to endure. That's okay, though, because being back with this series has reminded me of just how much I love Libba Bray's writing and how much I miss Gemma and Kartik, so I'm going to start a re-read soon. =)
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Waiting on Wednesday: Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's WoW selection is...
Author: Libba Bray
Series: The Diviners, book #2
Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
Publication Date: April 22, 2014
I am decidedly not in favor of this cover change, specifically because the change makes the series look ho hum and run-of-the-mill when it is most certainly not. However, I am still anticipating this book with just as much fervor as when I put down The Diviners. I adored Evie and company and I can't wait to see what hijinks ensue in this next installment.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Audiobook Review: The Diviners by Libba Bray
Author: Libba Bray
Narrator: January LaVoy
Series: 1st book in The Diviners series
Publisher: Listening Library
Publication Date: September 18, 2012
Source: purchased (also received an ARC)
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible
So, I started my ARC of The Diviners -- which I won from the awesome Claire LeGrande -- back in early September before the book was released, but I soon realized that I would need to be able to devote a large chunk of my time to finishing all 578 pages of this novel. And my time is limited. No, I'm not dying, but I do work full-time away from the home, I'm a devoted (okay, maybe that's pushing it, but I do love my family ohsomuch) mother and wife, and I'm a book blogger, which many of you know can be a full-time job in and of itself sometimes. So you can see my conundrum...maybe you even identify with it. But lo and behold, the audio was released on the same day as the novel hit the shelves at bookstores, and I snatched it up and immediately shelved my ARC in favor of hearing the indomitable January LaVoy breathe new life into the characters I'd already come to love in the first 100-150 pages I'd already managed to devour.
The Diviners is now my new favorite audiobook EVAR. I am completely, completely serious. I loved all of the voices and dialects Tavia Gilbert used in her reading of The Night Huntress series, but -- and no offense meant, honest -- she cannot hold a candle to January LaVoy's narration of The Diviners. This woman managed to portray all of the following characters without ever sounding trite or unbelievable: a 17-year-old girl; two very different 17-ish boys; an old, stodgy uncle; several African-American characters ranging in age from 10 or so to the very old and disabled Blind Bill; the swarthy and sophisticated Memphis Campbell; two senile old ladies; a cocky news reporter digging for the scoop; and a deranged serial killer, hell-bent on cleansing the world. Those are just a few of the characters...there are many, many more secondary characters, and all of them sounded completely different in their own way.
This is obviously a story that is composed of many smaller stories, each of their own importance. As the story unfolds, we meet each character separately as they start on the path that eventually leads them all to each other. I thoroughly enjoyed each characters' introduction in this manner and that the reader learns each story gradually...hence the nearly 600 page narrative. Once events are set in motion, though, the story finds its pace and really draws you into the world of 1920s New York.
It all starts with one Evie O'Neill, though. This "unflappable flapper" is quite the contrast to Gemma Doyle, who was both precocious and docile when we first met her in A Great and Terrible Beauty. Be that as it may, Evie still stole the show for me in The Diviners and quickly marked herself as my favorite character, though that arrogant Sam Lloyd came in at a close second. Really, though, all of these characters (and their stories) appealed to me in his or her own way.
Libba Bray is one of my favorite authors. I loved her Gemma Doyle trilogy, and I can say with complete faith that if you, too, enjoyed that series, you will love The Diviners just as much. The rich world-building, the superb cast of characters, the incredible story-telling...it's all there in this book, as well. There's just something about Libba Bray and hidden magic that go hand-in-hand. The sheer amount of research necessary to write a story of this caliber alone is deserving of accolades. But pair that with the unfathomable story she's created, and you have yourself a novel to be revered.
Don't believe me? Check out the free previews currently being offered: Amazon | B&N
Rating:
Prepare yourself for the creepy...and don't say I didn't warn you:
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Teaser Tuesday #23: The Diviners by Libba Bray & Winter White by Jen Calonita
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
This week's teaser comes from the following books...yes, plural:
Author: Libba Bray
Series: Diviners, book 1
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 18, 2012
Source: ARC won from author Claire LeGrand
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
My teaser:
Okay, so I cheated a bit...again. :0) But this book is soooo much fun. It's all, "See here, doll," and "Everything's jake, Pop." LOVE the twenties! I'm savoring this one...not that it isn't long enough to hold me over for awhile, as it is. :-P
Author: Jen Calonita
Series: Belles #2
Publisher: Poppy
Publication Date: October 9, 2012
Source: Southern Book Bloggers ARC Tours
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
But with cotillion season right around the corner, Izzie and Mira have barely had time to process their newfound sisterhood. Mira has dreamed of making her debut in a gorgeous white gown forever-now, if only she could find an escort. Izzie, meanwhile, is still struggling to find her place in Emerald Cove and it's seeming ever more impossible with EC mean-girls, young and old, doing their best to keep her down. As cotillion preparations heat up, though, there are dance steps to learn, manners to perfect... and secret initiations to complete? As if sophomore year wasn't hard enough!
It's time for the gowns to go on and the gloves to come off.
My teaser:
Uh oh! Sounds like trouble in paradise!
So, I'm reading two books and couldn't choose which one to tease. Did you have the same trouble this week? Share your teaser(s) in the comments! =D
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Teaser Tuesday #22: The Diviners by Libba Bray
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
This week's teaser comes from the following book:
Author: Libba Bray
Series: Diviners, book 1
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 18, 2012
Source: ARC won from author Claire LeGrand
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
My teaser:
Okay, so I cheated a bit. Sue me. But I just KNEW I was going to love this book as I much as I did Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle trilogy, and I was RIGHT! The banter, the intrigue, the chemistry...it all equals WIN as far as I'm concerned. And I adore the history of the 1920's, so it's like this book was written with someone like me in mind. I will seriously be singing Libba Bray's praises forever and ever and ever. Woman can do no wrong in my book. :D
Also, in case you weren't aware, Barnes & Noble is offering a sneak peak of The Diviners for Nook users.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Waiting on Wednesday: The Diviners by Libba Bray
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's WoW selection is...
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Why I'm waiting: Where do I start? I love, LOVE, LOVED Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle series. I really wish it could have gone on further, but it also made sense to end it where she did. Anyway, I've got a few of her other works on my TBR list, as well, and I'm sure they're raucous and hilarious, just like the author herself. But I think...no, I know, that I'll prefer when she writes in a time period other than the present. And when she writes about magic. Her writing is magical, in and of itself, and I can't wait to see what she does with the Diviners series.
Oh, and the trailer was just released! Take a peek:
Wow, that gave me chills! Beautiful and creepy! I. LOVE. IT. Seriously, I want this book yesterday!
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starryeyedjen
- I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
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