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They Call Him Levity Welcome Boulevard Series By: Davidson King Narrated by: Philip Alces, Alexander Cendese Series: Welcome Boulevard, Book 1 Length: 4 hrs and 56 mins Unabridged Audiobook Release date: 06-28-22 Language: English Publisher: Tantor Audio Levity is a young man living on the streets in California. Although he is not in very good circumstances, his personality is very optimistic. In fact, his name Levity comes from his sunny disposition. Salvatore Grillo, the head of his family, runs his empire of not even close to legal businesses. When the two meet, sparks fly. But there is a possible mob war in the offing and next to Salvatore may be the most unsafe place in the world. There is so much to love in this book. First of all, Levity is a wonderful protagonist. He is strong despite what it seems life has dumped on him. And he doesn't need anyone rescuing him. Although they are not equal in economic power, they are in every other way. Levity does not feel indebted to Salvatore, not having a problem with returning to the streets if necessary. I really like that about the character. He is not a damsel in distress in any form. The second thing I love about the book is the plot. It is a mystery, romance, thriller, suspense, and delicious. I am looking forward to the next book in the Welcome Boulevard series. The narration was wonderful. Alexander Cendese creates the voice of Levity. His voice is light and pleasant. He shows his vulnerability and his absolute joy in life. Levity would be someone I would love to know. Salvatore Grillo is voiced by Philip Alces. He narrates some of my favorite characters, Christopher Manos in Snow falling for one. His Sal projects authority and power. Also the voice of Sal when he is expressing his feelings for Levity is soft and sweet. Davidson King creates the most wonderful mafia characters. Salvatore Grillo joins those illustrious men. I received a copy of They Call Him Levity from Tantor Audio and wrote a honest review. For almost two years I have been singing the praises of Nox. In a year where I read or listened to 511 books in total, Nox easily outshone the others. I wanted more, as people tend to do when they love something. When that more arrived, it was glorious. Anubis is a worthy successor to Nox. The world-building in Anubis is complex and very good. It opens up a world that Nox only hinted at. The reader finds out what the Anubis truly is and how it fits in the world of the Varu. Adrienne Wilder is one of my favorite authors. His ideas are intriguing. The language and descriptions paint such detailed pictures in my mind. For example: "The wolf appeared from nothing beside Isaiah. The lack of light and night vision of the Anubis didn’t strip away its gold coloration. Stars glittered in its coat, and nebulas filled its blue eyes." That description stopped me in my tracks the first time I read it. Wolves are beautiful animals but imagine one made of stars with swirling nebulas in its eyes. It is beyond beautiful. Characters that I loved from Nox had significant growth and depth in Anubis. Luca and Nox are still my all-time favorite couple. The concept of loving someone so much you are willing to die to protect them is something I think everyone yearns for. Dr. Reese Dante is in the center of the action this time. His motivation is simple: “I’m not brave. I’m paying penance. There’s a difference.” He is also one of my favorite characters because he is such a good man. Watching him grow into a fuller character was wonderful. The action is well written. It is easy to follow. I could easily discern what was happening to who. The big battle scene is exciting and helps push the story forward. It is not just fighting for fighting's sake. Adrienne Wilder has promised there is more to come. I am ready to preorder the next book as soon as it is available. Go on a journey with Luca, Nox, and Dr. Dante. Explore this world. New friends and foes, not necessarily signaling who is what at first, are waiting. Writing this review was very difficult. NoX is an amazing book and my review will not do it justice. That being said, NoX was a great read and a wonderful audiobook. While the book was available through Kindle Unlimited, I did purchase it after my first read-through. Then I bought the Audible. I have relistened to it several times and each time picked up something I had missed. Wilder has created a book that has elements of horror, suspense, thriller, romance, fantasy, and science fiction.
“It resembled a wolf, only it was twice as big as a man, and the paws were more like fingers. Black fur covered its body, the color so flawless it became devoid of light. High shoulders and a lower rear allowed it to spread its stance. And the very space around it held weight.” The main characters are NoX and Luca are excellent. Luca is a young man who has never lived because he has been dying since he was eight years old. NoX burst into his life and everything changes. NoX is the most original character I have ever encountered. The side characters are written very well (looking at you Vic). The story was original. The epilogue caught me before I had solved anything. The author mentions wanting to write more in this universe. Please and thank you. But even if NoX is a standalone forever, it is complete in itself and well worth the time. Kirk Graves does a wonderful job of narrating. His distinct voices for NoX, Luca, Dr. Reese Dante, Colonel Harrington and Mrs. Laura Phillips. He makes the story very easy to follow. The moods of the characters are reflected in how Graves brings them to life. Dante’s voice varies between soul-crushing exhaustion and profound sadness. It really is a masterful narration. I chose NoX as the best book and the best audiobook of 2020. In a year where I read or listened to 511 books in total, NoX easily outshone the others. |
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