*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Jeffrey sounds like he slips into character and enjoys doing so as he voices this book. He’s awesome at the dry humor that goes with Salem. A Chewbacca impersonation! Yes, Jeffrey had to do one and it was at the perfect place in the story with Salem and Grimm. It made me chuckle with the placement and hearing it. Jeffrey has voiced Salem and all his friends (and enemies) in the first book, so it’s a great pleasure to have him back to carry on with their adventures. It feels Jeffrey breathes life into all for us to enjoy.
I totally have fun with these stories. Between the references and one liners used with the surprise events that happen, I just smile the whole way through the book. The characters interactions make me shake my head and chuckle. Oh dear! There are movies referenced in this book that I looooong forgot about. And it was a treat to remember them!
I wondered where this book could go after the ending of the first. There were a few threads that where left open in the first book that could easily be picked up on. Salem has created a new setting on his land for those that were displaced from the town of Midheim after the big battle there. This brings new troubles and frustrations to Salem’s doorstep. And Jensen, there’s something there…maybe? This all leads into the adventure Salem goes on, and drudges up past memories from other lives as he goes.
We get to see life in one of Salem’s previous lives. You do remember that since he’s long lived he switches identities through life so people don’t know who he is. Salem’s past surfaces when one of his hidden vaults is robbed. But, along with facing his past, he has to face a few things he has happening now and consequences.
Just as you think there couldn’t be anything more intense to happen to Salem, something does. Don’t ask the one question that the universe always seems to answer… What’s next? There will always be something next. lol. And Salem sees it.
Salem and Father Grimm together. LOL! They are a team and they toss jokes off each other that the other one plays into and gets. They keep me smiling. Salem even finds a sidekick in prison! Yep, and it’s a cool friendship too. I think it’s Salem and his jokes that keep it going, how he plays off others and their different personalities.
What I love is the lessons learned and important points made that people need to remember through life. These are mixed in with crazy and funny moments, but in the end there is a huge point that hits home with the characters and with the readers. The way it’s done, it feels as though a comic book fashion is used but in words. I love it!