The Emerald Talisman

By: Brenda Pandos

Narrated by: Mary Morgan

To be normal, 16-year-old Julia Parker would shed her empathic gift in a second. Life has been difficult since her mother's mysterious disappearance ten years earlier - an event she witnessed, but can't remember. Julia's situation becomes more complicated after a near death experience from a blood thirsty stalker. As high school students go missing it is clear there is a connection to her own experience - past and present. Someone has to stop the madness and a chance encounter with a creepy psychic foretells that only Julia is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require the life of the one she loves.

Listeners who enjoyed Twilight, Vampire Diaries, Blue Bloods and The Morganville Vampires will enjoy The Emerald Talisman.

©2010 Brenda Pandos (P)2012 Brenda Pandos

The Emerald Talisman AMAZING STORY and world

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

ABSOLUTLEY! I loved this book. At first I thought that Julia's voice was a little child like and I had a hard time figuring out how old she was. But as the story continued, I felt that Julia evolved and grew up in a sense. She was very good at hiding herself and it really showed in how Mary Morgan (the narrator) read the book.

What other book might you compare The Emerald Talisman to and why?

I do not compare books to other books. I don't think that is fair. Each book is unique and deserves to be amazing without riding the shirt tails of another book/author. This book was an incredible story. I love the world that author Brenda Pandos has created!

Have you listened to any of Mary Morgan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I believe this is the first one. I think she did an amazing job!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were a lot actually. This book is full of emotion. The emotion meter is off the charts! At points you want to scream at Julia and then hug her the next. It is great to see how characters react to situations when in your head, you know exactly how you would react. When they react differently, THAT Is what makes a great story!

Any additional comments?

I REALLY wish that book 2 & 3 were ready for Audible *HINT HINT BRENDA & MARY* I really want to finish this series on audible as now I have the characters voices in my head and want to hear them MORE!!

sucky boring narrator

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

not really. you can get the the story after trying to get thru the boring narrator but then the story doesn't really take off till 2 chapters before its over.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

more story less filler .

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Mary Morgan?

anyone!!!! even a drunk bum on the street could read the book better.

Do you think The Emerald Talisman needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

yes because the story did get fuller toward the end so it felt like the end was the start of the story

Any additional comments?

get a new narrator and continue the series with less filler more romance and action

average story

way to mooshie, silly, predictable.

the overall story is reasonable but the girl must really hate herself the way she acts. not enough details on her powers and it took way too long to get into the real story.

Enjoy this series

Would you consider the audio edition of The Emerald Talisman to be better than the print version?

Yes, I like audio over print due to my busy schedule and prefer the spoken word over music or especially TV

What other book might you compare The Emerald Talisman to and why?

Sookie Stackhouse, because the main character is strong and when the main character gets issues from life she stands straight backed and tall. She has an ability that helps give her an edge over those who wish to do her harm.

Somewhat Twilight except when she has an issue with the opposite sex she has a reasonable time of sadness she does not drone on and on for chapters being depressed and throwing pity parties and disrupting the lives of everyone around her and her life does not end when one she had issues with does not see her.

I know I am being vague but I do not want to give too much info I like the entire series and do not want to ruin it for anyone.

What about Mary Morgan’s performance did you like?

her careful reading and her professional behavior on the mic.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When she learned of her mother and the part the object of her affection had in trying to help her mother.

Any additional comments?

I am getting impatient waiting for the next two books in the series.
I gave only a little bit of information as to not ruin the book for anyone. I enjoyed this series and I want others to enjoy it too.

Worst.Narrator.Ever...ok story though.

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

The book itself was ok. Overall I enjoyed the book when I read it myself (vs listening to this horrid narrator). It would appeal to teens. Many YA books cross over well to adults, this one not so much.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nickolas, he was essentially Buffy in male form, which is fun.

What didn’t you like about Mary Morgan’s performance?

Mary Morgan reads like a robot. Actually, a robot would likely do a better job. There is no emotion in her tone ever. Eating eggs held the same tone and excitement for the characters as almost being killed. I wouldn't use the word "performance" in her reading. She wasn't voice acting like good narrators, she just dryly read the words in front of her.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The story was decent. Enough that I bought the second book in the series (kindle edition, I don't think I could stand listening to this narrator for a second time). The main character was annoying in her instant love and obsession for someone she met once, and for a short time at that, but besides that it was fairly written. I will read more from this author in the future I'm sure.