Review of ‘Aurora’s Angel’ by Emily Noon, Audiobook narrated by Abby Craden
Wow, this wlw fantasy audiobook was an incredible tour de force. First, I have to say that, for some bizarre reason, we missed this book’s release last year as it should have made into our list of best books of the year. Apologies for the omission.
Aurora is a powerful shape-shifter seeking revenge for her father’s death. Physically strong but emotionally scarred, she finds Evie locked in a cage, a beautiful winged woman who looks like an angel. Both women will embark on a dangerous journey to get Evie home safely, a path in which they will face many dangers and will bond them forever…
Fantasy books aren’t normally my cup of tea but I’m always willing to make exceptions, especially if there is a good romance. In this case, the love story is absolutely outstanding and at the forefront of the plot so much so that this should be considered in the romance more than the fantasy category. Don’t take my word for it, it won a Lambda Literary Award in Lesbian Romance competing against some of the heavyweights of the genre like Jae, M. Ullrich, and Erin Zak.
This isn’t a short book, at 642 pages, 20+ hours of audio, there is a lot of world-building, characters’ growth, chemistry buildup, romance, action, and adventure. Despite its extension, it keeps the reader/listener entertained, moved and at the edge of their seats throughout the whole story. It has the perfect balance between action, adventure, fantasy and romance.
The plot itself is at moments quite dark. I have to warn readers of possible triggers in the form of extreme violence and discussions of sexual abuse. I’m not a fan of these elements in a story but they were all necessary to the plot to show the characters’ temperaments and explain their actions completely.
The love story counterbalances the violence in the most beautiful and sensual way. At times it seems borrowed from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in an opposites-attract love that defies all misconceptions and is able to see a person for who they are in essence. Aurora and Evie are so different but, at the same time, they are both loyal and caring. Their connection is believable and deep.
I’ve listened to the audiobook narrated by Abby Craden who did an incredible job. What a tour de force narration for this epic book. The voices, the chemistry, the action scenes, the emotional moments… Everything was perfect. Ms. Craden’s narration did true justice to this story. Due to the extension and quality of both the written word and the audio, this is great value for your money. 5+ stars.
Length 20 hours, 40 minutes.
Audiobook generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Aurora's Angel
Wow, this wlw fantasy audiobook was an incredible tour de force. First, I have to say that, for some bizarre reason, we missed this book's release last year as it should have made into our list of best books of the year. Apologies for the omission.
URL: 5+ stars, Abuse, Dragons, Opposites attract, Shapeshifters, Violent content
Author: Emily Noon
5
