Hello listeners! Since it’s almost the end of 2018, I thought this week we could discuss our favorite listens from 2018. The books can be any genre, released any year – you just had to listen to the audiobook in 2018.
A look at 2018
As of December 1st, I’ve listened to 60 audiobooks during the first eleven months of 2018. That is eight more titles than I finished in all of 2017. I’ve also read fewer e/paper books, which tells me I’ve become more of a listener than reader during 2018. Of the 60 titles I’ve completed during the year, the vast majority (about 75%) were released in 2018, but I do enjoy catching up on my backlist, as well. I listened to a wide variety of genres, and in general terms it breaks down as:
Contemporary Romance (all subgenres): 25%
Urban Fantasy: 23%
Cozy & Paranormal Cozy Mysteries: 20%
Paranormal Romance: 12%
Other: 20%
My Favorites
After going over my 2018 listens on Goodreads, I was shocked to see that I gave a 5-star rating (A/A- grade) to 18 of the titles! That’s a lot for me… generally I only give about 5-10 each year! There are some definite trends. For example, I gave 5 stars to all three of the Man Hand books by Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby, as well as all three of the Veronica Speedwell books by Deanna Raybourn. Additionally, I listened to two Kate Daniel titles by Ilona Andrews in 2018 (Magic Binds and Magic Triumphs), giving both 5 stars. And I listened to both Oberon’s Meaty Mysteries by Kevin Hearne – also giving both 5 stars. I guess when I really like something – I really like it!
If I had to pick just one, I would say my favorite listen of 2018 goes to Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews and narrated by Renée Raudman. Not only is Kate Daniels my all-time favorite series, but this was the final book and Ms. Raudman excels in her performance. From my review:
The narration by Renee Raudman is perfect and amazing. Over the years of listening to the Kate Daniels books, I have come to know each of her characters’ voices, making them completely familiar as she brings to life these old friends. She is Kate. She is Curran. And this time around, she is Conlan. She nails the sounds of a toddler better than anyone else I’ve heard. As I have said time and time again, Ms. Raudman adds so much to the stories she reads, increasing the caliber of these already amazing books. She infuses Magic Triumphs with powerful emotion, adding in heart, pain, and joy, triggering strong reactions on my part. I laughed, I cried… I felt it all. She truly is a gift.
In the end, Magic Triumphs is nearly the perfect conclusion to the Kate Daniels series. I loved taking this final journey along side Kate as read by Renee Raudman.
I really did listen to so many great stories, performed by so many terrific narrators during the year, and I look forward to finding more great titles for 2019!
So what about you? What are your favorite listens of 2018?
Thanks for stopping by!
Jen
P.S. There are several of us audiophiles out there, and we like to talk about audiobooks. So I’m going to try and feature more “Let’s Talk About” posts in the next few months. I’d love your feedback or suggestions on topics; please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com or leave a comment below with your suggestion!