An Exaltation of Larks

Venery, Book 1

By: Suanne Laqueur

Narrated by: Darren Eliker, Vanessa DeSilvio

Grand Prize in the 2017 Writer's Digest Awards

First Place in the 2019 North Street Book Prize

September 11, 1973: Eleven-year-old Alejandro Penda watches from his apartment window as Santiago, Chile falls to a military coup, destroying his family and his childhood. Arriving alone in America, he’s taken in by the Larks: a prominent family in the town of Guelisten. Though burdened by unresolved grief for his disappeared parents, he becomes fiercely loyal to the Larks, eventually marrying one of their daughters, Valerie.

September 11, 2001: Javier Landes watches from his apartment window as New York City falls to terrorism. As one of Manhattan’s top-paid male escorts, this professional lover has never lacked for company and is loyal only to himself. But in the wake of 9/11, Jav is named guardian for an orphaned nephew in Guelisten and must open his carefully-guarded heart to pain he's long suppressed.

Alex, Valerie and Jav meet first in their twenties, with a sudden attraction each finds strange and compelling. When they meet again in their forties, they discover not only is their bond still strong, but their life experiences are strangely similar. All have been shaped by separate 9/11's, and their unfinished business from the past will change everything they know about love, loyalty and friendship.

Across three decades and two continents, Suanne Laqueur's award-winning novel explores the unpredictability of sexual attraction, how family ties are forged, torn and mended, and how love's downfall can turn to exaltation.

©2016 Suanne Laqueur (P)2023 Suanne Laqueur

Phenomenal Storytelling

If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. I cannot get over what a powerhouse of a novel that Suanne has written. Brutally beautiful is the phrase that comes to mind when I think of how to describe it. Some scenes are hard to process because of the intense nature of the story, but once you get through them, it's so worth it. The characters come to life so vividly, I feel as if they are real. The authenticity of them made the fiction seem real. That to me is the highest compliment to an author. Javier (Jav) Landes is probably one of my most favorite book characters that I have ever read. My heart broke for him so many times, I lost count. I cannot wait to go on to read book 2 in the series. Bravo, Suanne, Bravo. I highly recommend this on audio. The narrartors are so fantastic that it was hard to stop listening and get anything done.

My best Audible purchase!

I went in knowing the story—this is by one of my favorite authors, after all—but to hear it performed by such talented voice actors as opposed to simply reading it? I lived in this story for a week. It was more than an audio book, it was an experience.
I’m now off to find everything else Darren Eliker and Vanessa DeSilvio have recorded.

Best audiobook I’ve ever listened to!

This book is one of my new all time favorites! It’s an emotional journey through life and follows several interconnected characters and the narrators for this book were over the top fantastic! And when I say that, what I mean is not only is this my new favorite book but this is ABSOLUTELY 100% the BEST AUDIOBOOK I’ve ever listened to!

Changed my life

Loved every moment of this book. The book is a once in a lifetime book. The narration is extraordinary.

Vivid and unforgettable

Beautiful writing, and I enjoyed the dialogue; the narrator, Darren Eliker, is incredibly vivid and unforgettable. This romance book centers around goodness, portraying the characters as inherently good and decent. This is a difficult feat to achieve in writing, as many romance novels depend on the “bad boy” or “sexy anti-hero” tropes. However, An Exaltation of Lark combines goodness with sensuality, proving that kindheartedness can be just as attractive. The characters’ virtuousness and decency stand out in this story. I found myself laughing out loud numerous times while reading the story. It was captivating and made me root for the characters.

Favorite series of all time!

I don't say this lightly because as a librarian I've listened to and loved so many books over the years but this series..... This series is at the top of my favorites list. Darren brought these characters to life with such passion and soul. The series only got better and better. Jav is literally perfection. Suanne, I bow to your creativity, the research and the love poured onto those pages is just exquisite. When my twin said I'd love these books she was so so so right. I'm so very thankful they became audiobooks since I can't read as much as I'd like to but if I could tell anyone reading the reviews right now and not sure whether to take the chance. It's 1000000000% worth every penny. Immerse yourself into Venery world and fall in love with these characters just like we all have. ❤️

FINALLY, THE AUDIOBOOK! AND IT'S EPIC!!

For years I have been reading the amazing reviews from friends who have not only read the book once but several times. Since I have a hard time sitting still to read, I rely heavily on audio books. When I saw this one, it was a one click ask no questions buy for me!
This story was epic, and the narrators did it JUSTICE!!
The best way to review the story is by saying it's full of rich characters that feel real. Sometimes you don't like them, even though you've already fallen in love with them. The story is emotional but leaves you feeling happy and satisfied in the end. Especially, knowing there's more to come. I CAN'T WAIT!!

This Book Will Stay With Me Forever!

I can't begin to express how much I love this book. An Exaltation of Larks is one of those books that will stay with me forever, and it went directly to my Favorite Books Ever list.

This is one of the most-powerful books I've ever read. I was captivated from the start, drawn into a story unlike anything I've ever read. The characters are so well-crafted they feel like dear friends. Family. I felt their heartbreak, joy, loss, anger, healing and hope. I've read thousands of books; only a few have made me feel so much emotion, and such a wide range of emotions, the entire way through. This story left me anxiously thinking about it constantly, even days after I've finished it. It's an emotional, powerful and thought-provoking book. It's so beautifully written, I am in awe of Suanne Laqueur's talent.

I recently listened to this book, in addition to the read I did earlier this year. The audio of this book is incredible! Darren Eliker and Vanessa DeSilvio give an incredible performance and did a fantastic job bringing this beautiful, emotional story to life.

Five stars aren't nearly enough for this one. It's breathtaking.

One of my all time favorites

This book is one I absolutely love and revisit often. The writing, the characters and the story have a permanent place in my heart. The narrators have done an excellent job and I couldn’t be happier!

Loved it!

I read the book when it first came out and was blown away. When I saw it release in audiobook I didn't hesitate. Well worth the credit. This is a wonderful, intelligent, heartwarming and layered story ooozing with heart. Unforgettable characters brought to life by the excellent narrators. I hope the second book is already in the works. Highly recommend the entire series.