Perfectly Matched Narrators to Character Voices

When you’re a dark romance lover and one of your favorite authors (or author duos, in this case) tries their hand at dark fairy tale romance, you definitely give that a listen, or read – whatever you prefer. Shattered Vows takes place after Moonlit Thorns in the Midnight Manor series, but if you don’t mind getting insight into the previously featured characters, then they can be enjoyed in any order.

Tor Thom was the perfect narrator for Kol Voss. His deep tone and signature sound were a perfect match for the brooding man stewing in his feelings of anger and betrayal. He was a man set on a mission of revenge against the only woman he ever loved, and thus, his story started.

It was quite fun to listen to this retelling of Rapunzel. She isn’t one of the most popular princess tales, but it has always been one of mine. Piper and Rayne didn't just retell the story, they made it their own. Listening to catch the little pieces of the original that were entwined in Shattered Vows was fun. As I recognized each one it made me smile as I remembered the original story elements and saw how the authors brought them into their book to refresh the story and make it their own.

Rhapsody was voiced by Muffy Newton, aka Erin Mallon. I was unaware of this pseudonym until I heard her voice and recognized a favored narrator. Rhapsody was an innocent in this life of hers. Lied to and betrayed by many in her life, yet she still sees the good in everyone. She has a pure heart and Erin’s voice brought those characteristics and emotions to life. Rhapsody wasn't feeling optimistic, but she had a hidden hope that Kol wasn't as evil and vengeful as he made himself out to be and could forgive her for her past betrayal and possibly be open to rekindling the love she threw away. She poured her heart out to plead her case and listening made it feel real. The emotion Erin was able to portray brought Rhapsody to life.

Tor Thom’s version of Kol lets the reader become absorbed in Kol’s contradictory feelings of possession and obsession, along with love and devotion for Rhapsody. They shined through and brought his pain to the forefront, letting the listener understand his struggle between wanting revenge due to his belief that Rhapsody had lied and betrayed him and his deep love for her that hadn’t left his heart since the day she disappeared. Tor made Kol’s emotions real. I felt his fragile heart and felt his pain. Kidnapper or not, I was on his side all the way. Kol tried to convince me, and himself, that he would be able to forget the love he once shared with Rhapsody and that he could toss her aside, but I never really felt the vengeance he was trying to summon. What I felt from Kol was a man grieving all the loves he has lost, his pain of abandonment and abuse, and the struggle to retain his pride while trying not to succumb to Rhapsody’s caring and pure heart.

Shattered Vows was a very enjoyable story for me. All the different elements that came together to create a story of darkness surrounding love, acceptance, and forgiveness, brought new life to this fairy tale. The more I write this review, the more I remember all the little things I liked in the story. Listening on audible enhanced my enjoyment through the perfectly voiced characters by the narrators.

I especially loved how the authors brought the element of the floating lanterns into their story. It has always been a special part of the story to me, and their adaptation gives the story a real fairy tale vibe. I’m now invested in the Voss brothers, ready to go check out Asher and Anabelle’s story, Moonlit Thorns, and eager to read all about Nero and Cinder in Midnight Whispers with a twist on … can you guess … Cinderella!

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