Charming by Elliott James
Narrator: Roger Wayne
Series: Pax Arcana #1
Published by Tantor Media
Published on: April 23, 2014
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Werewolves
Length: 10 hrs & 33 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
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John Charming isn't your average Prince...
He comes from a line of Charmings -- an illustrious family of dragon slayers, witch-finders and killers dating back to before the fall of Rome. Trained by a modern day version of the Knights Templar, monster hunters who have updated their methods from chain mail and crossbows to Kevlar and shotguns, John Charming was one of the best--until a curse made him one of the abominations the Knights were sworn to hunt.
That was a lifetime ago. Now, John tends bar under an assumed name in rural Virginia and leads a peaceful, quiet life. That is, until a vampire and a blonde walked into his bar...
CHARMING is the first novel in a new urban fantasy series which gives a new twist to the Prince Charming tale.
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I loved Elliott James’ PAX ARCANA universe, his first person POV writing style, and John, the male protagonist, but I had some major issues with the love triangle, info dumps, and the fact that the female lead was a Valkyrie. However, the former appears to have been resolved, and even though I have reached my limit on books that feature this type of lore, the Norse mythology was light enough to be tolerable. And, because of this, I will not hesitate to one-click DARING in September. CHARMING was made for audio, as soon as I heard Roger Wayne’s voice I knew that this series was meant for my ears and not my eyes.
A number of reviewers mentioned that having the narrator speak directly to the reader was a little weird; I on the other hand did not have this problem thanks to the audiobook. From the prelude onward I felt like I was part of the story, and I really enjoyed that aspect of James’ style. The world-building was rich albeit a little too much at times, and I especially liked the idea behind the PAX ARCANA. Many authors struggle with whether supes are ‘out’ or not, so I loved the idea behind a world-wide spell. The Knights Templar oath also added an interesting twist on what John can and cannot do, plus he’s learned how to brew the perfect cup of coffee—a man after my own heart!
I’m not sure why the love triangle surprised me, but I honestly just didn’t expect one from a male Urban Fantasy author which is probably why it annoyed me way more than it should have. Dvornik and Charming are two bad ass characters, so the fact that they are fighting over Sig like a couple of school boys struck me as ridiculous. And, at times I found that the vampire hunt became secondary to the romantic drama which caused me to lose interest in the story. But, the wonderful secondary characters helped to reel me back in, and John’s wit & snark reminded me of Atticus O’Sullivan (Kevin Hearne), another protagonist whom I adore.
Roger Wayne was an instant hit with this listener; I loved everything about his delivery and tone, and how I felt like he was talking to ME because of the first person POV. His narration flowed well, and I liked all of his character voices. I sometimes had difficulty telling when an explanation wasn’t part of John’s storytelling, but otherwise this audiobook was a near perfect listen. I finally have another male narrator to add to my favourites list—I’m now at two in case you’re wondering.
CHARMING brought a lot to the table with great writing, lovable characters, and the geeky humour that I love. It wasn’t perfect, but Elliott James hasn’t really even gotten to the best part yet… the werewolves!
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
Oh I’m glad you had a great time with this one. I loved the idea but I was expecting too much and I confess I was quite disappointed so I’m not sure I’ll read more one day but who knows. Maybe.
I liked it, but it wasn’t quite what I expecting. I’m hoping to be wowed by DARING.
I really like the sound of characters here and the whole idea but I’m sure that that love-triangle would bother me too. Great review, Carmel 🙂
Tanja recently posted…Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
The love triangle was just plain weird, but it should be resolved now, so fingers crossed for 0 romantic drama in book 2.
I like the premise of this one but I’m not a fan of love triangles & info dumps. I’m glad you enjoyed this Carmel.
A great review.
Sharon – Obsession with Books recently posted…Review: The Winners Curse (The Winner’s Trilogy #1) by Marie Rutkoski
It was this author’s debut, so I’m willing to give him a pass; DARING will be the deciding factor.
I’m over the love triangle bit too. I’m like you and surprised that a male author would write one, but I guess, to each his own. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’m not familiar with this narrator. I’m going to have to look this series up on audio. My TBR (or in this case TBL) list is getting too long.
Melanie Simmons ( recently posted…Those Who Wish Me Dead Audiobook Review
I quite enjoyed the narrator, but then again, I wasn’t listened to nearly as many male performers as you, so I might be a bit biased. 😉
Charming sounds pretty great, Carmel. While info dumps can annoy me, and a love triangle might as well, it seems as though Charming has enough other goodness to outweigh those things. I’m glad you loved listening to it. I may go that route, too. Charming is definitely going on my tbr. 🙂 Great review!
I always go easier on first installments, so hopefully book 2 will rock my world, and sell me on this series.
I got this one from Netgalley but until now I haven’t finished it… I mean I liked it at first, but I seriously thought it was about a bad ass Prince Charming going apeshit in a noir fairy tell setting beating up ghouls and teaming up with Princesses, so the Valkyrie thing totally caught me off-guard and I wasn’t able to recover ever since! I may need to go back and reevaluate O_O
Faye recently posted…Faye Reads 50 Shades of Grey ~ Chapter 2 ~
Yeeaah… the Valkyrie thing kind of came out of nowhere. 🙁
Great writing and lovable characters sounds great but don’t know how I feel about the book talking to me.
It was different, in a good way, but to each their own!
You know I have had a few times where the narrator speaks directly to the reader and in audiobook form it doesn’t bother me either. It probably would if I was reading it but I think it works well in audio.
Love Triangle–UGH! Can those just die already?
Felicia the Geeky Blogger recently posted…Snagged @ The Library: August 18 2014
I think listening to this one made a HUGE difference in my easy acceptance of James’ writing style. And yes, I couldn’t agree more, love triangles need to go the way of the Dodo.
It’s awesome that you point out that this book was meant for your ears and not your eyes. I’ve felt the same way with so many books but never knew how to describe it. You nailed it, girl! This sounds pretty awesome too. I’m definitely looking into the audiobook. BTW what’s your other favorite narrator’s name? And have you listened to The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater audiobooks? Will Patton is a freaking genius!
Bethzaida (bookittyblog) recently posted…Brutal Youth by Anthony Breznican Review
Thank you! 🙂 Luke Daniels, he narrates Kevin Hearne’s The Iron Druid Chronicles. I haven’t started The Raven Boys yet, but I have book 1 on my iPhone waiting for me to listen to it. I am hoping to get to it soon-ish.
I read this a while back so I don’t remember why I gave this 3-cauldrons. I think its the love triangle too and the heroine didn’t appeal to me much. Im with you on the world building though, I hope the next one is better. Way better
I don’t understand why SO many authors chose to go with the love triangle trope. Enough already! I remember reading your review after I finished listening to this one, and I think it was the narrator that bumped it into 4-star territory for me.
Maybe I will wait and see what happens and try it then
blodeuedd recently posted…The Crimson Campaign – Brian McClellan
That’s probably not a horrible idea.
“Dvornik and Charming are two bad ass characters, so the fact that they are fighting over Sig like a couple of school boys struck me as ridiculous.”
I’m pretty sure I would find it ridiculous as well Carmel, and it’s definitely disappointing to know there’s such an absurd love triangle in this one! I’m so glad the secondary characters won you back over though, I do so love characters with snark. Looking forward to your thoughts on Daring!
What’s even worse is that Dvornik is EVIL, so I couldn’t help but question the heroine’s sanity which is never good…
I have to admit I haven’t read anything by this author before but I’m glad you had a decent time with this book! Imm loving the sound of the characters (individually) since I feel like the love traingle might be something that annoys me too! Great review :$
Lily recently posted…Stolen Songbird (The Malediction Trilogy#1):Review
This audiobook was a bit of a mixed bad, but still interesting enough to convince me to give Daring a try. Mission accomplished, Elliott James!
Charming sounds like it’s off to a good start, and with a great narrator as well! And though I’m not a fan of a love triangle – I adore romance so this sounds like really fun read or even better audio. Thanks Carmel 🙂
kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Blog Tour: Storm Siren by Mary Weber
It seems like everyone has a hate on for love triangles; I wish that authors would get the message! But yeah, other than that, this was a good listen.
Great review! I love that even though you didn’t love all aspects of this story you wouldn’t hesitate to one click the next installment, that really does say something about the author’s ability to draw you in.
kindlemom1 recently posted…Blog Tour and Book Review: An American Girl in Italy by Aubre Dionne
Well, like I mentioned in my review, James hasn’t really even explored his werewolves yet, so I HAVE to stick around for them.
I remember liking this at the time I read it, though now months later I can barely remember what happened. I still recall the Valkyrie character though! Anyway, I guess I thought it was enjoyable but pretty pedestrian UF…the author really should have played up the Prince Charming aspect of the protagonist, since as it is he could just be any other dude. I might give the sequel a shot, I haven’t decided yet.
Mogsy recently posted…Book Review: Shadows by E.C. Blake
This series definitely has a lot of unexplored potential. I’m hoping that now that the love triangle is out of the way that the author will play-up the Prince Charming angle a bit more.
I’m hesitant to hear that a love triangle is present . I dislike most but still intrigued to try this one
Also I just listened to the audio sample . Count me in for the audio book version
Lovely review , Carmel
Roro recently posted…BOOK TOUR: Playing By The BOOK by S. Chris. Shirley ( REVIEW)
A great narrator can make a huge difference which proved to be the case here. Happy listening!
I am one of those readers who enjoys when the narrator speaks to the reader, it makes it fun. I also love that this has geeky humor. I haven’t seen this series before so I am headed over to GR to look it up.
Heidi recently posted…Tour Stop: An American Girl in Italy by Aubrie Dionne
Cool, then this book might be right up your alley!
I’ve never heard of this one before. Although the love triangle throws me off a little (just tired of them), I’m still kind of intrigued by the premise. Thanks for sharing! Great review!
tricia recently posted…Gemini Moon (A Lella York Mystery #1) by Maria Grazia Swan
Those pesky love triangles—URGH! But if you can get past that, the story is decent.
Oooh I had this one on my TBR. Was going to get the ebook, I’ll get the audio instead 🙂
I can’t say for sure, but I’d bet that the audio is the better option.
I actually didn’t listen to the audio but I four starred this one as well because I didn’t have a problem at all with the narrative style and even the info dumping I didn’t mind once I got the gist of what he was doing, essentially prepping us the reader to be ready to do battle in this world. I liked the way that was done. I’m so read for the next one.
Don’t forget to read the shorts! I’ve read one so far!
Tabitha (Not Yet Read) recently posted…Guest Review: The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
I saw that there’s a bunch of shorts out already, but I’ll probably wait until after Daring to read ’em because that’s just how I roll. Hehe 😀
I started this one a while ago and put it down — I think I wasn’t in the mood or wasn’t clicking with it. I can’t remember. But it sounds like I need to pick it up and try again. I love the premise of it and, yes, werewolves make everything better. 🙂
Mary recently posted…Meta Madness: Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld
Now’s a good time to revisit it with book 2 right around the corner.
I read the book last year and actually didn’t mind that John talks directly to the audience. It really works with the way the story is told, which is perfect for audiobook now that I think about it. It’s light and quirky and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Thanks for reminding me that the sequel will be coming out soon. I’ll be on the lookout for DARING as well!
Kris recently posted…Movie Monday: Guardians of the Galaxy
The audiobook definitely complimented James’ writing style nicely, and I really enjoyed his sense of humour. Win/win!
I finished this a few days ago, and I totally agree with you, I liked the story and I loved the narration 🙂 a win win for the audiobook!
lupdilup recently posted…Those Who Wish Me Dead Audiobook Review
I could have sworn you had reviewed this already, I got because of you. I’m loosing my mind! Maybe I heard you saying it was good, and it was 🙂
lupdilup recently posted…Those Who Wish Me Dead Audiobook Review
I was chatting about it with Lori on Twitter, so that might be why. Glad you liked it!
Great review and I love the little icons you used in your review (Kick ass, trendy, ect..) lol they’re awesome!
When words fail me, emoticons work just as well. Hehe
Oooh, I like the comparison to Atticus O’Sullivan! I thought he was friggin hilarious, so I’m happy to hear that there’s another snarky male protagonist for UF fans like me. Love triangles are a big no no, as is Norse mythology. I’m not really sure why, but there’s just something about that mythos that rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it’s all the hammers. Give me some swords, damn it! Lovely review, Carmel! I’ll definitely be keeping this series on my radar.
Danya recently posted…Short Fiction Review: Warm Up by V.E. Schwab
I liked the protagonist, and the narrator, but the author also uses a lot of tropes that I’m not big on. As a result, this audio was a bit of a mixed bag…
Oh I was just hearing about these the other day! I hadn’t seen them before. They do look good and dang I love those covers. Will have to give them a try at some point 🙂
anna (herding cats & burning soup) recently posted…The Reluctant Governess (Ladies Unlaced #3) by Maggie Robinson
The next installment comes out in September, so try not to fall too far behind!
I love the cover and the title is awesome. Not a fan of love triangles..they bother the heck out of me. But I’m willing to try this one out. I love the whole knights Templar vibe too. thanks for sharing Carmel!
sharonda recently posted…Review: Flirting With Chaos by Kenya Wright
Hopefully this will be the last we see of the love triangle in this series. I have high hopes for book 2.
I have to admit that I really liked this book, solely due to John’s character. Snarky sarcasm gets me every time. I also really liked the backstory, even if if was a bit infodump-y. It was just very believable.
Sarah recently posted…Review: A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty
Agreed! John really made this book for me as well, and the info dump is kind of expected from a first installment, so I didn’t hold that against the author overly much.
Great review! I have seen this book around and it always seems to catch my eye 🙂 Hopefully I’ll try this one out on audio. I am yet to find a favourite male narrator.
Chanzie recently posted…Book Blast: Guardians ~ The Girl: Book 1 by Lola StVil
In that case, I hope that you and Roger Wayne hit it off. I really enjoyed his narration.
I had forgotten about this book. I remember I liked it, but don’t remember much detail about it.
I’ll read second book, that’s for sure. I just hope there is a nice recap so I won’t be too lost.
BookaholicCat recently posted…CATS-ilicious Thursdays
Recaps are essential IMO, especially when a year goes by between installments.