5 star audiobook. People who enjoy theatre, especially musical theatre, would love this book. I found myself visualizing many scenes as taking place on a stage. Adored the post apocalyptic setting, trash into art, and theatre magical elements. And yes, this book did make me cry.

Thanks to NetGalley for the Audio ARC!

I'll start with this - the narrator and production team are amazing.

Then this - Andrea Hairston is a gem of a human, an absolute delight. Her writing is great and I really enjoyed parts of it...but I think not being familiar with Cinnamon before this book and some of the references just made it a struggle for me. It is a book I definitely want to try reading again, but for me, right now...it's a DNF.

I very much enjoyed this futuristic, hinting at post apocalyptic story. I loved that the main character was in her 50’s! Doesn’t happen often.

I love the premise of this novel but despite trying to start it twice, I just can't get into it. The concept is objectively interesting but I am really struggling to continue this one because I'm finding it flat and dry, despite all the "personality" that this one should have.

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

I really wanted to like this book, but it just wasn't for me. The world building was too slow and that made it hard to follow the story line. I go into all books assuming nothing except i'm going to like it. and this one just fell flat.

Thank you NetGalley for this copy.
The audio book was paced very well and helped the reader to imagine this wonderful cyber punk world that Andrea Hairston painted with her words. January LaVoy truly brought this story to life. Unfortunately, the story fell flat for me and I was unable finish it. It wasn’t for me, but I know others will absolutely love it!

Thank you Netgalley for the gifted copy. This book was slow paced but it was a nice read. It's very different and I love how the author articulated the unique genre.

I found the premise really interesting and intriguing. Just by the end of it, it went a little all over the place. Loved the diversity it showed.

This book was fun and out of this world in so many ways. I've never been on any sort of "trip" but I certainly hope they can be as wildly imaginative as this book played out. This was my first foray into a world crafted by Ms. Hairston and it will certainly not be my last. I was intrigued from beginning to end by the choice of words, the flow of the prose, and how I was able to picture so much of the setting in my mind,

Ms. Cinnamon has a lot on her plate. Not only is she no longer young and spry any more, She has circus-bots, dogs, farmer, motorcycle faeries, and a host of other people circling around her. Each year, she hosts a "Next World Festival which seems to blend the sci-fi with the intrigues of circus acts and music. She is kind in a gruff sort of way, and she has worked to create a community of inclusion which isn't as ruled by greed as the outside world.

I think my only real question is whether this is a stand alone or if it was meant to be part of a series I was unaware. I did feel a bit lost at times thinking I was missing something and wasn't sure if there was a book before this I should have read.

Overall, I think this book could hit some people in all the right places if they are looking for an incredibly diverse cast of characters , family issues, and cultural inclusion. However, for others, there may be a lot going on, so give it a chance and see what you think of this out of this world sci-fi, dystopian, psychedelic festival of new wave traditions.

Even though this was a slow read, I couldn’t help but absolutely love it. The world building is fantastic. The writing was absolutely phenomenal. I was immediately sucked into the story. And I couldn’t have imagined a better narrator for this audiobook. All of it was absolutely amazing.

Archangels of Funk is an unique and creative story. Cinnamon is a dynamic, interesting and compelling character. The writing packs a punch and the world building is clear and engaging. Where I struggled was the plot, I could not get into it and the pacing was slow. It did not come together for me but I appreciate how it leans into the speculative. I listened to this story on audio and January LaVoy is a top narrator, she did an amazing telling.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC,

I requested this one both for the title/cover imagery and the narrator. I love the way January Lavoy handles narration, and always try to choose titles she has narrated - even if they are, like this one, somewhat outside of my typical genre preferences. She has a magical ability to draw me in and to bring a story to life, and that magic is definitely in evidence here. I don't tend to prefer dystopian or futuristic tales, or things with heavy technological components, both of which are major elements in this story. Yet somehow, the combination of writing and narration blended together here in a way that not only held my attention, but secured it. This is a wholly original, unique tale that takes the reader on a wild adventure into a future full of magic and tech and unlikely sassy saviors. Post-apocalyptic fiction is still not my jam, but this is a take on it that I found fresh and entertaining.

Post apocalyptic slow burn sci-fi.

This flows a bunch of different people over a couple of days. Which kind of made for a very slow burn book. But the commentary on technology and different companies from so many different POVs was pretty cool. I was expecting more action but if you go in knowing it’s quite slow and takes a minute to figure out who everyone is it good.

Excellent narrator

Thanks to netgalley and recorded books for an alc.

I'm breaking up with this book and I think it's more that we aren't compatible than that there is any any issue with the book. The narrator is awesome. The concept is interesting. The author is very talented. However, I'm confused and a bit bored. There are a lot of characters, some human, some animal, some robot, and some ghosts. There is a lot of reminiscing and not a lot of action. I'm sure there is an audience of people who will really enjoy listening to this book, but unfortunately it didn't work for me. Thank you to #NetGalley for and advanced copy in return for my honest opinion.

Loved that this book focused on characters that are often ignored in sci fi.

The narrators jump from character to character but not in a way that distracts or confuses. Cinnamon is queer, black, and an older woman; and 2 of the other narrators are dogs, one of which is a ghost.

Overall I enjoyed the book. I didn't mind the slow pacing, although I do prefer a bit more action. I did find it a little jarring to read about current technology and social media platforms in a post apocalyptic type book.

The narrator of the audiobook also did a great job with differentiating the characters.

There also was a good amount of singing and rapping (lol) and the narrator didn't make me cringe while listening so that was another plus.

3.5/5 rounding up

Archangels of Funk by Andrea Hairston and narrated by January LaVoy is an absolutely genius concept. Unique, original, dystopic, speculative sci-fi but with a huge heart

A post-flood world, soceities and cultures fractured. Evil Darknet Lords control the internet, the only source of information outside of the farmers, the Motor Fairies and Wheel Wizards who are trying to protect the refugees from evil gangs of Disruptors and Nostalgia Militia, intent on preying on flood survivors before they can reach safety

Our stunning fmc is Cinnamon, her Dogs (love, love love Bruha and Spook) and circus bots, along with her companions Indigo and Game-Boy and so many more incredible faces and back-stories that are an absolute joy (in most cases) to meet.

The book is genius, multi-faceted, forward thinking and so very, very much to explore and indulge in. Mindboggling concepts but so wonderfully put together to draw light from the destruction of a post-eco-apocalyptic nightmare

Thank you to Netgalley, RB Media | Recorded Books the author Andrea HAirston and the narrator January LaVoy for this glorious ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own