Audiobook Review: Venus Shining

Author: Jennifer Alsever

Narrator: Moira Todd

Series: Trinity Forest Series, Book 1-2

Publisher: Sawatch Publishing

Released: Sep. 7, 2017; TBD

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

“From across the fire, a grin spread over her face, combining delight and pure, raw power.

I could not deny the power of the chanting, the swirling red hair, my painting prophecy and the – holy crap – electric bubble around us.

This was real. Her power was real.”

Triumphant at last, Ember has fought her way back from the evil witch’s curse and reclaimed her identity, her sense of self. Now she must stop Xintra from hurting the boy she loves, even as she uncovers the truth behind her mother’s dark, twisted past.

Rejoicing in her power over the human race, Xintra is closer than ever to achieving her father’s dream – a dream she sacrificed her own life to realize. But when key members of her team defy her, she must scramble to enact her plan before obedience gives way to anarchy.

Breaking free from the chains that once bound her to a life of wickedness, Zoe must face the past she once sought to escape in order to save the futures of those she doomed. Will she make amends with the dead in time to save the living?

A teenager still lives inside author Jennifer Alsever. She spent two decades as a professional journalist, contributing to such publications as Fortune Magazine, the New York Times, Inc Magazine and the Wall Street Journal, before letting her imagination run wild in 2016. The result is Ember’s story told in the three-book Trinity Forest Series, her first published fiction work.

When not absorbed in writing, Alsever enjoys a good hike, doing some yoga, hanging with her boys, some moguls on skis, a rigorous mountain bike ride or indulging in the simple pleasures of life. Her favorites: untouched snow, frozen chocolate chips, savasina on a yoga mat and yes, bowls of pan fried brussels sprouts. Jennifer is working on her upcoming novel, Psychic Monkeys, to be released in 2019.

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“Venus Shining” could not have been a better finale for Ember’s story. We get to see how the lives of the other players are set on the right track and we get to understand so much of what’s behind Xintra and her plan.

Ember is stronger than ever, more confident and willing to undertake any risk to save the people she loves. I like her evolution throughout the series and I like that the author has slowly introduced Zoe’s story in the picture. But how can they make sure Xintra’s plans do not find their accomplishment?

It was a story that kept me on the edge of my seat and I was so looking forward to this ending. Definitely it’s not an easy way to success, but our characters are stronger than the forces that are against them. The input we have from Ember’s mom is refreshing and a great addition to the book.

The narration was great, although I would have wanted more voice acting and a little more feeling to the interpretation. However, it was easy to understand and follow.

All in all, I loved this third book, I loved the series so so much and I love the writing! This was such an interesting adventure, with many plot twists. I recommend it with all my heart – 5 stars!

P.S.: I am a little late (ok, a lot late) with my review and I apologize to Jess and the author for this. Unfortunately, it was out of my control. Go ahead and check the other blog posts in this tour, as there are many more fun facts to discover 😊

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jennifer Alsever. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.