How to Save an Undead Life

AudioBook Review: Stars: Overall 4 Narration 2 Story 4 I love Edwards’ style for Urban Fantasy, and in this one set in Savannah Georgia, she’s managed to get me both intrigued and cheering on the heroine here, Grier. Given her past and some serious traumas, she’s passionate about the local history, but she has some solid friends and a house that never fails to be a comfort and source of strength. It’s not been an easy road for her, and she’s got a fairly overwhelming case of PTSD, we are given the backstory and some of the background of this world that she inhabits, and that leads us to the greater overwhelming fact of the paranormal community and their agenda, particularly where Grier is concerned. Far from an ‘ordinary’ girl, we’re learning about Grier’s potential and skills right along with her, after being dropped in the middle of the story, requiring listeners to pay attention (not hard to do) and put pieces together much like Grier is, without the traumas. An interesting way to engage and intrigue, the unfamiliar plot style that sort of begins in the middle is all the more intriguing when the pieces start to fall into place. Distinct characteristics and traits, as well as power and purpose, of the variant paranormal beings, the powers of a necromancer in this world, and even some insight into the very sentient house that Grier owns, a zombie parakeet (ok – you thought it couldn’t get stranger?), a next door neighbor that starts to set a stage for romance, and some very intriguing moments, even adding things that could bite…. Edwards’ writing style manages to be intriguing and layered with hints, possibilities, humor and some seriously clever and never before seen (by me) moments for characters (and the house) to shine. Grier has potential that we’ve not yet seen or been introduced to, and I can’t wait for the next. Narration for this story is provided by Rebecca Mitchell and I have to say that I wasn’t wowed by her performance, particularly in terms of distinguishing the ‘spoken’ dialogue from simple narrative needed to progress the plot. Different voices were indistinct and made following along far more difficult than necessary, while passages from Grier that were a mix of thought and spoken word were so similar that the certainty of what is spoken versus what is thought was lost entirely in the performance. I can only hope that as the series continues and pieces are solidifying for readers that the audio performances will start to reflect that trait, and that narration, particularly of different characters and spoken rather than ‘thought’ moments will sort out with clarity and more distinction. I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.