This one was just ok for me, but I think some of the patrons will like it so will get this title and see how it goes!

Excellent book. So well written with compelling characters. Enjoyed this one a lot and the narration.

This is a well-written book that brings difficult topics to light and provides a thought-provoking glimpse at what it can take to survive extremely challenging circumstances. It took me a bit to get into the story, but I found myself captivated by the storyline and the author's writing style. It's not my usual genre, but I enjoyed exploring something outside of my comfort zone and the audiobook is amazing.

I had a hard time getting into this audiobook. I’m not sure if it was more dud to the writing style or the narrators voice but I just wasn’t thrilled with it. It had pore but it got lost somewhere along the way.

I just could not get into this one. The beginning lacked the “catch” to keep me drawn in to continue reading. In addition the voice of the audio book felt very much like one of the narrators from a history documentary your teaches forced you to watch in highschool.

I was given a NetGalley widget for this one a year ago and I just got around to reading it and dangit it was so good. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have consumed this wildly relevant fictional tale, which felt not at all fictional, more like historical fiction, due to the times. The cover initially was what drew me in, but I'm so thankful to have stuck with it because the outcome was magical. I always love listening to audiobooks and when they sweep me off my feet, I'm just utterly captivated! I always really enjoy multi-cultural thrillers, for I embark on a journey through a land unknown to me, while still getting spooked.

I am still new to audiobooks as a whole, especially fictional stories as my mind has a tendency to wander and I end up missing key points.  This is still the case but with Beasts of the Earth it was done so masterfully that I stopped everything I was doing and just sat and listened, finishing the entire book in one sitting.

The narrators voice is so country and so incredibly soothing!  This is the first time I’ve heard him narrate but he does it with such precision and perfection that it’s obvious that he was born to be a narrator, especially with this type of story.  This is a very dark and depressing tale, but one that was enthralling nonetheless.  The narrator’s timber really helps set the mood for this brooding narrative, taking you deep into the story in such a persuasive way.

The evil that abounds, especially when it comes to Monday, is disgusting to say the least.  I could feel the darkness wafting through the speakers as I listened to his words and actions.  The authors words paired with the brooding narration paint quite a vivid picture, and it ain’t pretty.

I will say that the vulgar language of several of the characters was definitely not my taste but it did fit right in with the overall vibe.  It was so bad in the beginning that I debated on stopping it and adding it to my DNF list, but something told me to look past it, and not give up, and I’m glad I didn’t.  This was a truly immersive experience that I have to give much praise.

Thanks # netgalley for this book in exchange for an honest review. Listened to the audio book and the narrator is good. Excellent story with an interesting main character. Highly recommend

This powerful, heartbreaking story is seamlessly plotted and tightly structured, and makes for a near-perfect novel. The advanced copy audiobook I was gifted by Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing is hauntingly narrated by Roger Clark, and it is my pleasure to be able to give the book my most glowing review.

Beasts of the Earth tells two parallel stories, one of an abused child and the other of the small-town murder of a popular, pretty high-school student. The central character is a simple, hardworking high-school maintenance man, a man who's awkward talking to women and doesn't waste words with his co-workers but who is always looking out for everyone's best interests. My heart throbbed with sympathy for this man. The story moves back and forth between his story and the tale of a young, abused boy whose mother forces him to steal to feed the family and whose father comes home from prison meaner than when he went in. My heart also throbbed with sympathy for the boy! Eventually the two stories are tied together in ways that seem utterly realistic and deeply moving. When the murderer is revealed, the story makes sense and nothing seems to come out of left field. This book just really grabbed onto me and wouldn't let go.

This audio book was thrilling and very dark. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will recommend that our acqusitions department purchase this book. I know we’ll have lots of readers who will enjoy it.

Ｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ

𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 by James Wade
Published: October 11, 2022
Reviewed by: Mel
Format: Audiobook

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Wow, this one had me all over the place. When I first started listening, my first reaction was that the narrator was incredibly intense — especially with his accent and intonation. It took a while for me to acclimate to his voice and not have to keep re-listening to chapters. Once you get acclimated to his voice, the depth and character of his voice does completely add to the story and made it incredibly atmospheric.

James Wade uses language and descriptions that are incredibly vivid and transport you deep into the story. Even though it was two storylines alternating back and forth, it was very easy to switch between the two and be incredibly invested in both storylines.

Without giving away too much, the twist at the end that links the two stories was surprising - and honestly, I didn’t really predict it at all! Overall, it was very poignant, almost to the point where I’d want to eventually reread it instead of listening on audio to be sure I didn’t miss anything. I typically listen to audio while doing chores or driving, so if I get distracted while listening, it obviously takes away from the experience and I want to be all-in on this one.

Wade’s first two books were described as rhapsodic and haunting — and I’d definitely use the same language to describe this one as well.

A strange, but interesting book that I read (via audiobook) very quickly. The author had such a distinctive writing voice that I really enjoyed though the story got a bit heavy in parts.

I would definitely recommend to fans of this authors work. It kind of reminded me a bit of Baldacci's writing but without the intense thriller aspect.

There was language in this one!

My rating: 4*


Thanks to NetGalley for this gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

I'm really torn on this one, feeling like maybe it just wasn't the right read for me when I read it. I listened to the audio, and had a hard time with the narrator, who had a very monotone voice, again, making the story hard to connect to.

*many thanks to Blackstone for the gifted copy for review

Thank you to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a chance to read and review this audiobook. I have the impression that it was written well and had a great message however I could not stay focused on the dual timeline stories and the many characters. I was not impressed with the narrator so I think that contributed to me not finishing the book.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* this was, different. would reread i suppose. would recommend.

I already reviewed the print book, so this review is strictly for the audio...

The narrator Roger Clark is pure perfection and quite literally breathes life into this story. I loved the book, but this narration takes it to that next level. Bravo!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

I listened to the audiobook. The narrator has a monotone voice and it was hard to listen to. I liked the beginning but it didn’t grow on me like I was hoping it would.

Don’t get me wrong, the writing was great, lyrical even. But the story wasn’t for me.

Special thanks to @blackstonepublishing and @netgalley for an early audiobook to review.

Have you ever read/listened to a book that you kept sensing was really good, but you, personally, couldn’t get to that place?

Well, that’s how I felt about
Beasts of the Earth
By James Wade
Narrated by Roger Clark

Beasts of the Earth intertwines two stories. One revolves around a small high school groundskeeper and a boy who is charged with murder.

Then we go 20 years earlier to a parallel story that takes place in the swamps of Louisiana where Michael Fischer is devastated when his father returns home from prison.

While the narration is excellent, I found my mind wandering and I had trouble keeping everything straight, or caring.

This is one case where perhaps the book would have worked better for me. But regardless, I’m recommending you give it a try. I did have the impression that it was written well and had a great message.

I personally couldn't get into this one - I had a hard time following the plot with the time drops. I know the setting is Texas and there is some crime in a small time, but outside of that, I couldn't tell you much. I had a hard time following the narrator.

I want to start off by saying that I received complimentary audiobook. In return for my honest thoughts and review.
I really liked this audiobook the narrator does amazing job. I wasn’t disappointed at all while listening to this book. I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next. I definitely will be adding more books from this author. The characters and the world this author created amazing and tragic. This book does talk about sexual abuse. I have to be completely until the end I didn’t put two and two together. (Have to read to find out) Not spoiling this book. I highly recommend this book. Micheal is definitely a character I will always keep close to me. And remember for long time. The things he went through when his daddy came home from prison. This book takes place in two different time lines. About two characters young boy Micheal and 40 year old Harlen LeBlanc.
About book:
When old lonely Harlen LeBlanc who works at a high school working the grounds at the school. When someone is found. LeBlanc is determined to find out who the real criminal is. Young Micheal who lives with his mother and his younger sister. And steals traps to find his family. While his daddy is locked away for a serious crime. But when Micheal daddy comes. Micheal doesn’t like the fact that he is home. He does find away to run and runs into old man and ends up becoming really good friends with the old man. I highly recommend this audiobook. Thank you to netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to listen to amazing book. With some darkness to it.
Again I highly recommend this book… My review will be up on goodreads and bookbub and amazon,