The Flame and the Arrow

The Annika Brisby Series, Volume 1

By: Emigh Cannaday

Narrated by: Nick Cracknell

"Don't do it, Annika," he taunted. His eyes were no longer bright and charming, but dark and intense, yet they still twinkled. He was tempting, but was he harmful?

Aspiring rock star Annika Brisby thinks she knows where her life is going until she steps through a broken portal that leaves her stranded in a fae-filled realm of fairies, shapeshifter druids, psychic vampires, and other mythical beings. Unable to return until it's repaired, she's rescued by wood nymphs who believe her sudden arrival is no accident. After being taken in by a prominent family of elves, Annika finds herself struggling to resist the seductive spell of their youngest son, Talvi. Equal parts arrogant and alluring, the notorious heartbreaker seems like the perfect distraction for her homesickness. Her new friends warn her that she'll probably regret ever laying eyes on him, and what begins as a casual fling with a telepathic elf for a lover quickly burns too hot to handle. By the time Annika learns the consequences of their forbidden trysts, Talvi's already under her skin and dangerously close to her heart. But on the journey home she discovers that there's a mountain of secrets that he's not telling her, and Annika can't help wondering who's really in danger.

You'll enjoy this edgy, dark blend of New Adult Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance if you're a fan of Laurell K. Hamilton, Kresley Cole, Donna Grant, Charlaine Harris, Karen Marie Moning, Jeanine Frost, J.R. Ward, and Lynsay Sands.

©2016 Emigh Cannaday (P)2016 Emigh Cannaday

Entertaining and well written story!

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

I strongly recommend this audiobook!
--The story is entertaining
--The narration drew me into the story
--The main group of characters is well fleshed out
--The challenges for mortal and immortal lovers is thought provoking
--The love triangle adds just the right amount of conflict
--There are great paranormal characters represented
--Nick's range is incredible. At times it feels like there is a full cast of narrators.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wanted to listen to this in one setting, but got interrupted by life. Still it only took a couple of days The story drew me in and kept me entertained. Nick's narration is excellent and added to the overall enjoyment. It makes the story even more compelling than it already is. This book is an excellent length for audible. Its long enough to allow for a well fleshed out story, and short enough that it doesn't take forever to listen to.

Any additional comments?

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of listening to this story. The whole package was excellent. I have thousands of audio books in my library and often end up in a scenario where the whole listening experience, the story and the narration, does not enhance the enjoyment of the listener. An average or bad narration, or even a voice not well matched to a story, can inhibit the flow of the story making it work to listen. The Flame and the Arrow is an example of experiencing a story enhanced by the narration making the whole greater than the sum of the parts.

The story itself is well written. The world building is well done and is enhanced by the additional information and revelations throughout the story. The characters are also well fleshed out. Some of them are more complex than others, but with a group of characters that is to be expected. The events, journeys, and relationships are all well done. The twists and turns really add to the suspense and make you want to continue listening to find out what's next.

The relationships, the conclusion to their journey, and the end of the book all have a surprise or twist. I saw some of them coming, but Emigh does a great job of making you second guess your assumptions until the final reveal.

Overall, this is a great book and a great story to listen to rather than read. The combination of author and narrator make the story more compelling. The writing is very good and the story is well put together.

I recommend this book. It's well worth a credit!

Thanks Emigh for the opportunity to listen to your wonderful story.

PJ

Brilliant

Awesome story!
Awesome narration!
Loved it!
Highly recommend!
Love the writer and their imagination !

Oh the Narration makes it all good

What did you love best about The Flame and the Arrow?

The narration and world building

What other book might you compare The Flame and the Arrow to and why?

"Under Different Stars" (Kricket Series by Amy Bartol)--Probably because of there being similar prophecy scenarios, a ruthless bad boy, everyone wants something from Kricket and no one seems apt to maybe clue her in to ANY sort of truth...kinda like Annika.

"Throne of Glass"--Basically because of the large character base, Talvi and Celaena are similar'ish, and Finn annoys me like Chaol.

What does Nick Cracknell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

EVERYTHING...everything!!!!

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

I was a fan of the entire Troll scenario. It wasn't "moving" emotionally per se, but I loved the dynamics.

A great adventure

I love this book! The narrator is also absolutely dynamite. It's a paranormal romance that has great world building, character development, and just the right amount of passion!

The Prince and his Bumblebee

I received this audiobook free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this love story across dimensions when a human accidentally travels through a portal and gets stuck in a fantasy world. I like that Annika isn't always the most levelheaded character. She gets jealous and makes rash decisions. That made her seem more human in this book full of fantasy creatures. And I love the "bumblebee" quote and gradual explanation.

The narrator was great! There were some parts, particularly when one of the vampires was speaking, where the narration seemed off. It would catch my attention and deter a little from the overall flow of the story.

The ending was great and I can't wait to read the next book!

Entrancing Fantasy

Would you listen to The Flame and the Arrow again? Why?

Definitely. The story is intriguing, captivating, and humorous. The narrator's delivery is smooth and natural, and he gives the various character's different enough voices and inflection that a listener can often distinguish who is speaking even without being told.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the adventure and fantasy elements, as well as the love stories I also enjoyed the humor, and found myself laughing out loud several times.

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't have just one "favorite." I loved it all, but I especially enjoyed the early interactions between Annika and Talvi, where her strong independent streak hit his flirtatious nature, and the sparks flew. His inappropriate comments and innuendo had me laughing out loud.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. I didn't want to do anything else, but listen until it was done.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for the next book.

book was great with likeable, fallible characters

I loved it, couldn't wait to see what happened next! An interesting plot, somewhat predictable but enjoyable.

GREAT Story, GREAT Narrator!!!

Where does The Flame and the Arrow rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book rates in the top 5% of the audio books I've listened to... Within the first few minutes Nick Cracknell sucks you in and has you forgetting he is not actually the characters he's speaking for.

Which character – as performed by Nick Cracknell – was your favorite?

Talvi of course... the ultimate bad boy.... with a sexy accent of course.

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

There are several very important moment in this book, but the very last scene is the best one!!!

Any additional comments?

I have read and listened to this book, I loved it both ways, and am anxiously awaiting future books.

Read this now!

one of the best fantasy romances I have ever read! I just can't get enough of this story!

This Is How All Books Should Sound!

Right at the beginning you can tell this story is going to blow you
away. I was surprised to see it is only one man doing all those voices.
Mr.Cracknell is a superb storyteller with a voice that will transport you.
I think this wonderful story is a perfect match to his voice.
Looking forward to hearing more from both the author and the narrator.