Transformation

By: Kim Fielding

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

Orris Spencer is an abomination. At least that was what his father said in 1886 before banishing him from their Fifth Avenue mansion and sending him across the continent to Oregon. Now Orris must try to find a place for himself on his brother’s farm.

His studies did little to prepare him for pioneer living, and when he’s called on to help protect the livestock from a predator, he’s not at all certain he’s up to the task. Then he meets Henry Bonn, a strange and intriguing man who lives in a cabin in the hills. Orris’ attraction to Henry may not be an abomination - but it may prove to be a greater danger than banishment.

©2015 Kim Fielding (P)2020 Kim Fielding

creative but vague

The setting is definitely creative and I love the concept and actual writing. The narration was great too.

But the scenes with this other man or the wolves even are few and far between. Everything is left vague. I never knew when the main character actually understood what was going on or how he really came to his decision. which is WEIRD because he's very descriptive about everything else : his dreams, his ex, his feelings, his memories, all detailed. But werewolves? it's like he was THINKING about it vaguely to purposely frustrate me. this was a good story but I feel like it has a lot more potential to be better is it wasn't to vague about everything. and the 1 intimate scene, thankfully was clear, but still pretty nondescript. it was kinda disappointing.

it kinda left like the ENTIRE book was built up and there was never any real moment of payoff. no climax. no conflict. no confrontation or moment of realization. just disappointing.

I wish this was a full novel!

Although short, there felt like a lot was packed in so it kinda gave the illusion of full story. This was my first Kim Fielding so I definitely want to listen to more of her work. I am narrator driven so I found this gem through Nick J. Russo, who more than ever displayed his wonderful performing skills in "Transformation". I really wanted to explore Orris and Henry in their world as lovers...as wolves. And I am curious of how Samuel and his family dealt with Orris gone. Again, fantastic read

5 stars - I would listen again.

Choices we make

Orris is searching for his place in his new home. He's been sent to live with his brother Samuel and Samuel's family. His brother lives on a ranch in Oregon and life can be harsh and Orris has yet to adjust. There have been attacks on livestock and Samuel has Orris guarding the sheep against whatever is killing them. When Orris has a close encounter with two wolves that leave him feeling both fearful and excited he has to decide if they are his enemy or if he wants to protect them against his better judgment.


I really liked this story. The characters are well crafted and you can feel their struggle as they question decisions they have to make and where those decisions might eventually take them. I really respected Samuel and his staunch support of his brother. He never wavered in his devotion and unequivocal acceptance of his brother. He opened his home and helped Orris bridge the gulf between the world he had known and the one that waited for him.

I don't want to give to much information to avoid possible spoilers but I enjoyed this audiobook. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys a paranormal mystery with plenty of plot and great character development.

This is the first audiobook I've heard narrated by Nick J. Russo but I think he did an amazing job.

I received a copy of this audiobook but this is my honest review.

Paranormal Romance in 1886

Transformation was a wonderful short paranormal romance novella set in the 1886. It takes place in a farming community and Nick J. Russo does a brilliant job bring Orris and his family to life. He has a nice farmer's burr which added to the story. Orris has been exiled by his father to his brother's farm in Oregon due to an indiscretion where people discovered him in another man's bed. He has to try and find his place on his brother's farm and make the most out of his new life. When his brother asks him to help him protect their livestock from wolves, he doesn't feel like he can do a good job. While he is trying to get settled onto the farm, he meets a strange and mysterious neighbor, Henry, who he can't help but feel attracted to. Henry has secrets of his own and when Orris discovers the truth, he has a decision to make. Lovely paranormal romance set in 1886 :)

enjoyed it!

Would I listen to it again: yes
Did the story keep me engaged: yes
Was I invested in the characters: yes

Story comment: I enjoyed "Transformation", it has a good pace, well written characters and there are many levels of transformation tucked into the story, Kim Fielding does a great job constructing imagery that easily transport's me to 1880's Oregon farm country.

Scholarly young Orris is disowned by his Fifth Avenue father for his proclivities. Sent out west to live with his brother, he learns of the hard work and harshness of his new home, finding his way and opening his heart to something more than he ever thought possible.

I enjoy Nick J. Russo's narration. Each character has his own voice, the rhythm, inflections and intonations all work at bringing the characters and story to life.


**************************************** POSSIBLE SPOILER *******************************************
This short story first appeared in the 2015 Gothika Anthologies series [Book 3 "Claw" that had a were-creatures theme], for any familiar with Kim Fielding's "Bones series" it gives a tiny glimpse of how the wolves first arrived in Oregon.
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