Not bad, but several flaws

I guess, as usual, I seem to be the only reviewer who cares about proper grammar and syntax and consistency. First of all, the narrator is OK, but his attempt at Irish and English accents are atrocious! I think Mr. Simmons either needs to take some classes, YouTube something, or just not even try because – terrible. Secondly, I always find it interesting when writers write about characters who have expertise in a certain field, but the writers themselves don’t have the expertise and obviously make mistakes. The main character in this series is supposed to be a philologist and a polyglot who speaks 12 languages, but he doesn’t use the subjunctive tense when speaking English, most of the time. For those who don’t know, but might care, an example is “I wish I were stronger something. That’s not a fact, I wish, desire, hypothetical situation, but Miss Hawk insists on having him and others say “I wish I was“ which is the past tense, and for those who studied English, after scratch their heads and wonder which does she mean; subjunctive, or indicative? There are other errors in this similar vein and then her version of 19 century is also. “interesting.“ I don’t know how authentic it is and I don’t know if it’s the narrator, but sometimes listening to them, for me, makes it painful, awkward, stilted, and in authentic. Having said all of that, this is a constructive feedback, not just criticism, I do like the way Miss Hawk incorporates the Kula mythos; the old ones which she calls the masters, Her nod to Frank, Belnap, Long, and the hounds of Talos, she changes the Necronomicon onto the LZ, which is cool, the plot is interesting, I find it funny that she goes into graphic detail when why born and Griffin are having sex, but didn’t give us any detail whatsoever And her girlfriend, the secretary. Interesting choice. I think Mr. Wyburn seniors change of heart was too abrupt, as was why born’s mothers but again, Miss Hawk is the God/goddess of this universe, so she has the right to do with it what she will. I like the setting, I wish there were more detail into the city, every day life, I wish she would go to more detail about what Yorn does because she’s mentioned maybe three languages he’s never spoken any of them to anyone, so he recognizes mainly, Christine in Arabic. Seems like a bit of wasted potential but again her choice. Interesting series, not the worst, not the best in my opinion, but definitely worth the time if you like this genre.

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I'm enchanted

Widdershins knows its own and things are done in a certain way in that town. Don’t look at cloaked figures and don’t involve yourself in the business of the old families. At least not if you value your health – or more importantly your life.

The new chief of police do not follow those unwritten rules, so when members of the old families are found gruesomely murdered Whyborne isn’t only interrogated by the police, but he’s also arrested for those murders. It’s up to the ever increasing gang to investigate the crimes and stop the monsters behind them before unspeakable horrors comes knocking. But they have to do in hidden from everyone as they don’t know who they can trust and there’s more than one foe against them.

There were so many great moments in this book that I want to share. The funniest by far was the whole Persephone, Miss Parkhurst revelation and Whyborne’s complete cluelessness. It was too adorable. It was also so Whyborne. The Whyborne we got to know in Widdershins so while he’s made leaps and bounds in certain areas, underneath it all, he’s still the same man we all fell for when this adventure started. Another great moment was when Whyborne finally accepted Niles, started to believe that there weren’t any ulterior motives behind the change in attitude.

Julian G. Simmons was as usual brilliant. I love how much feelings he adds to the books and characters. How he captures the moments and brings it to life. During the hours you spend listening to this book and series, you are transported to Widdershins and spend every thrilling second there alongside your friends, fighting the creatures before it’s too late. It’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed out on.

Horror of all horrors, the next book in the series, Balefire has not yet been produced and been released into audio, and I have to resign myself to wait to see what happens next in this magical town. But with an ending like that, it’s going to be a tough wait.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review for Love Bytes.

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I like this series...but

While I’ve enjoyed the Whyborne & Griffin series, Draakenwood felt like walking through cement. It feels like Hawk has lot the ability to tell a good story efficiently-ie too many repeated lines/paragraphs to catch the reader up. Yes, it’s a series, but it’s also a novel that could stand on its own with more editing. I have listened to this book 3 times, and still become lost by Chapter 25.

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Draakenwood Doesn't Dissapoint

If you could sum up Draakenwood in three words, what would they be?

1 Exciting, lots of action in this installment.
2 Homecoming, we get to see all of the favorite characters from Widdershins.
3 Funny, as usual there is a lot of funny moments when poor Whyborne is just clueless & the banter is great too.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Draakenwood?

oh goodness, some of these are hard to answer without being a spoiler...
any interactions between Whyborne & Griffin are very memorable, they love each other so much & it really shines thru, especially when in danger.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene would have to be the final battle. Whyborne comes in to save the day of course but he has help with him & the townsfolk rally with him to help save everyone. Whyborne's dad really has a shining moment at the end too.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The desk... not going to say any more than that so as to not ruin the moment when you get there but I laughed so hard I cried.

Any additional comments?

Loved this sequel, make sure to read the rest of the series first so you can enjoy it more.
Julian G Simmons did an outstanding job on the narration.

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1 person found this helpful

Fantastic!!

Another phenomenal novel by Jordan L Hawk.
she is truly gifted!!
Make sure to start at the beginning with Widdershins. You won't be sorry!

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Fantastic Climax!

Superb! It took me awhile to get into this one, but once I did, it quickly became my favorite one in the series! OK, Hoarfrost might tie with it!

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The very definition of page turner!

Loved every moment I spent listening to this book. Its written expertly, and it engages the audience from the first page.

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Doesn't disappoint

Absolutely amazing. Just when you think the series couldn't get any better, along comes another book that proves you wrong. I still don't trust the cousins, they are up to no good.

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Another Amazing Adventure!

This series never disappoints me! I love the way the author writes the story, but I really love the performance by Julian G Simmons! Honestly, a lot of audiobooks have a narrator who I put up with, not enjoy. But I genuinely think this narrator makes the story even better!

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1 person found this helpful

Love this series

Can't wait for the next installment. I think the tale gets more interesting and complex.

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