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bookiebutterflybecky's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
4.5
2024 Review:
Balance
By: M.R. Forbes
Narration By: Jeff Hays
The Divine Series: Book #1 of 7
Audiobook: 9hrs, 42mins / 444 Pgs
Written In 2013 (Book) / AB Released 2014
3/13/24 - 3/21/24
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REVIEW:
I had to reread this book because I read it in 2016 and I didn't remember anything, so I did. Since I want to finish the series this time.
Balance is a really good start to this series of seven. I absolutely love the fact that we basically start out running and don't stop. The characters are likable, and they definitely feel indispensable. It's definitely adventure driven as well as character driven. There's joy,
happiness, sadness, anger, sacrifice and betrayal. It's about a guy named Landon Hamilton. A small time jailbird trying to put his life back together. And then he dies right away. Finding out that he is in Purgatory. As well as a Diuscrisus. A once in a lifetime creature that is equal parts Angel and equal parts demon. Although not directly in his case.
This comes with a fun set of abilities that he learns to conquer over the next few days, basically through the whole book. He befriends people on all three sides. Angelic, demonic, and human. He is here to make sure that the universe remains in balance and that neither God nor the Devil can win. As that would eliminate all of mankind. One destroying all of it through chaos and destruction, and the other to the Rapture, where only the most fervent believers will follow God and the rest will be taken out. It's a really interesting story to me. I really had a wonderful time reading it.
The narrator, Jeff Hays, is absolutely incredible. Whenever a particular character is speaking, you know it. As well as sound effects being added. He's literally the best narrator I have ever heard in an audio book. Don't expect masterful writing but it is a good ride and I really love it for what it is.
Can't wait to continue reading this series after I take a small detour to read a book by Lucille Ball called Love, Lucy. Which just became available after something like 3 weeks on hold.
Due to the enjoyability and the absolutely outstanding narration, I definitely give this a nine out of 10. (* * * * * * * * * Stars!)
~<3~ Becky ~<3~
--------------------
2016 Review: This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
Landon Hamilton dies and finds out he's a Diuscrucis: equal part human, demon & angel. Now charged with keeping the universe balanced so not entirely good nor entirely evil wins the centuries long war and so that the human race continues to be able to have a choice about their futures.
What I loved best was honestly everything & I hardly ever say that.It was fast-paced, never slowed too much where it got boring, got right to the point, didn't take 5-10 chapters to set up the situation.
My favorite characters are Landon due to his complexity, Josette due to her risking breaking the rules, for seeing the grey & Obi especially but I can't pick just one because Hays was a master. I appreciate all of the effort put into this audiobook. Every single character had a recognizable different voice. The narrator is everything I ever want in a narrator. His voice fit, he emoted, perfection.
It was an emotional, exciting, surprising & thoughtful adventure all the way. I am hooked.
Balance
By: M.R. Forbes
Narration By: Jeff Hays
The Divine Series: Book #1 of 7
Audiobook: 9hrs, 42mins / 444 Pgs
Written In 2013 (Book) / AB Released 2014
3/13/24 - 3/21/24
----------
REVIEW:
I had to reread this book because I read it in 2016 and I didn't remember anything, so I did. Since I want to finish the series this time.
Balance is a really good start to this series of seven. I absolutely love the fact that we basically start out running and don't stop. The characters are likable, and they definitely feel indispensable. It's definitely adventure driven as well as character driven. There's joy,
happiness, sadness, anger, sacrifice and betrayal. It's about a guy named Landon Hamilton. A small time jailbird trying to put his life back together. And then he dies right away. Finding out that he is in Purgatory. As well as a Diuscrisus. A once in a lifetime creature that is equal parts Angel and equal parts demon. Although not directly in his case.
This comes with a fun set of abilities that he learns to conquer over the next few days, basically through the whole book. He befriends people on all three sides. Angelic, demonic, and human. He is here to make sure that the universe remains in balance and that neither God nor the Devil can win. As that would eliminate all of mankind. One destroying all of it through chaos and destruction, and the other to the Rapture, where only the most fervent believers will follow God and the rest will be taken out. It's a really interesting story to me. I really had a wonderful time reading it.
The narrator, Jeff Hays, is absolutely incredible. Whenever a particular character is speaking, you know it. As well as sound effects being added. He's literally the best narrator I have ever heard in an audio book. Don't expect masterful writing but it is a good ride and I really love it for what it is.
Can't wait to continue reading this series after I take a small detour to read a book by Lucille Ball called Love, Lucy. Which just became available after something like 3 weeks on hold.
Due to the enjoyability and the absolutely outstanding narration, I definitely give this a nine out of 10. (* * * * * * * * * Stars!)
~<3~ Becky ~<3~
--------------------
2016 Review: This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
Landon Hamilton dies and finds out he's a Diuscrucis: equal part human, demon & angel. Now charged with keeping the universe balanced so not entirely good nor entirely evil wins the centuries long war and so that the human race continues to be able to have a choice about their futures.
What I loved best was honestly everything & I hardly ever say that.It was fast-paced, never slowed too much where it got boring, got right to the point, didn't take 5-10 chapters to set up the situation.
My favorite characters are Landon due to his complexity, Josette due to her risking breaking the rules, for seeing the grey & Obi especially but I can't pick just one because Hays was a master. I appreciate all of the effort put into this audiobook. Every single character had a recognizable different voice. The narrator is everything I ever want in a narrator. His voice fit, he emoted, perfection.
It was an emotional, exciting, surprising & thoughtful adventure all the way. I am hooked.
johnbreeden's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked this book. I let it sit for a while trying to decide if it would be any good. I purchased through Audible. It was a good ready with a steady amount of action and a few twists with the characters. The narrator for the series is excellent for the audiobook.
bodebeabay's review against another edition
1.0
Finished Reading June 11, 2013
Boring & weird.
Oh, and don't expect any sex scenes.
All & all, disappointing.
Prch Amz June 11, 2013
Boring & weird.
Oh, and don't expect any sex scenes.
All & all, disappointing.
Prch Amz June 11, 2013
ksmarsden's review against another edition
5.0
Landon is a pretty average guy. And this story starts with his death.
We follow him to Purgatory, and to the revelation of his destiny. To be a champion for humankind, and be able to wield all manner of magic and bend the world to his will. The downside - he's not fighting for good or evil; he's in fact fighting to make sure there is no outright winner, because if either side wins, humans will pay the price. Which means that both sides consider him the enemy, and he has no allies.
Landon is sent back to earth to restore the balance. The war is currently tipping in the demons' direction, and he needs to find a way to set them back.
This involves angels, vampires, weres and marines.
I downloaded this for free from Amazon a while ago, and eventually got round to reading it. I'll be honest, I wasn't overly drawn to it by the description, and I am always sceptical of high reviews, but thought I'd give it a go.
The first couple of chapters were ok, but I felt like I was reading the book accompaniment of 'The Matrix', which was only compounded by references to the film. I was worried that the rest of the book would continue to rely on established media. And do you know what, it did - but I am going to have to eat my words; because as it went on, the little references to The Matrix, Star Wars, Captain America (and any others I might have missed) were all really funny and made my geek side smile.
As soon as Landon is sent back to earth, he stumbles along from one incident to another, gradually learning what he is capable of and how to control it. He gathers an unlikely team to help him, as we learn more about his enemies.
Balance is a perfect mix of action, adventure, angels and demons. It is a thrilling ride as Landon tries to keep some sense of direction in the war he has been thrown into the middle of. There is magic, sword fights and gun battles, and they are all expertly written, never feeling clumpy or overdone.
So all in all, I turned from a sceptic to being absolutely blown away. It was so exciting that even my usual glass of wine was completely neglected as I was so wrapped-up in reading just one more chapter. I'm not sure how that translates into Goodreads stars, but I'm going to give it a 5 without doubt.
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series and see how it all unfolds for Landon.
We follow him to Purgatory, and to the revelation of his destiny. To be a champion for humankind, and be able to wield all manner of magic and bend the world to his will. The downside - he's not fighting for good or evil; he's in fact fighting to make sure there is no outright winner, because if either side wins, humans will pay the price. Which means that both sides consider him the enemy, and he has no allies.
Landon is sent back to earth to restore the balance. The war is currently tipping in the demons' direction, and he needs to find a way to set them back.
This involves angels, vampires, weres and marines.
I downloaded this for free from Amazon a while ago, and eventually got round to reading it. I'll be honest, I wasn't overly drawn to it by the description, and I am always sceptical of high reviews, but thought I'd give it a go.
The first couple of chapters were ok, but I felt like I was reading the book accompaniment of 'The Matrix', which was only compounded by references to the film. I was worried that the rest of the book would continue to rely on established media. And do you know what, it did - but I am going to have to eat my words; because as it went on, the little references to The Matrix, Star Wars, Captain America (and any others I might have missed) were all really funny and made my geek side smile.
As soon as Landon is sent back to earth, he stumbles along from one incident to another, gradually learning what he is capable of and how to control it. He gathers an unlikely team to help him, as we learn more about his enemies.
Balance is a perfect mix of action, adventure, angels and demons. It is a thrilling ride as Landon tries to keep some sense of direction in the war he has been thrown into the middle of. There is magic, sword fights and gun battles, and they are all expertly written, never feeling clumpy or overdone.
So all in all, I turned from a sceptic to being absolutely blown away. It was so exciting that even my usual glass of wine was completely neglected as I was so wrapped-up in reading just one more chapter. I'm not sure how that translates into Goodreads stars, but I'm going to give it a 5 without doubt.
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series and see how it all unfolds for Landon.
aceofknaves88's review
1.0
I tried. I really did. I got through 55% of it and hit the wall. The author clearly has a good imagination, just doesn't have the writing skills to back it up. Bland characters with all the same voice, muddled story, repetative situations.
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