Carniepunk: The Demon Barker of Wheat Street

As with all the Kevin Hearne novels, I downloaded this one from audible. However, this time I promptly returned it. I will have to find the actual book now because for whatever reason, Luke Daniels is not the narrator for this book. When your used to a specific narrator, it just doesn't work when they change the person readers are used to listening to. I love Kevin Hearne. He is an excellent story teller. While I am sure this story is on par with the others I don't understand why they didn't get the usual guy to read for them. I think they should have Mr Daniels read this story too. Jim Butcher did it for the novel Ghost Story (The Dresden Files) when they had a different reader after the first 12 were read by James Marsters. Readers were so horrified to hear someone else reading the book that they got the usual book and pulled the old version.

This short story was so much fun. The carnie horror sequence, the continuing Oberon, Atticus, and Granuille characterizations, and the mesh of the modern world and the mythic world all make a delightful read.

The rating on this says it all - this short was "okay". I read the first book in the Kevin Hearne series and it was "okay", but not my favorite of the urban fantasy genre by any means. I like the wolfhound but have to admit that sometimes his thoughts and interactions with the main character get to be a bit much - and I love dogs!

While I enjoyed Kirby in Gone Girl, only Luke Daniels can be the Iron Druid for me. Ever. Iron Druid is my #1 recommendation to people getting into Audibleland, precisely because Mr. Daniels so aptly brings the books and their characters to life. I may read a Hearne story, but it's Luke's voice in my head. I will opt for the Kindle version on this one if available and wait for the next full length installment of my favorite Druid with Mr. Daniels back at the mic.

Wait! Luke Daniels isn't narrating an Iron Druid story? Oberon will never be the same. We have recommended the Series to friends, but only if they purchase the audible version. The written version is okay, but Luke Daniels really brings the story to life with his interpretation of the characters. I listened the the teaser and I am not sure about the new narrator...I just hope Luke Daniels narrates the next book in the series.