Greywalker by Kat Richardson
Narrator: Mia Barron
Series: Greywalker #1
Published by Penguin Audio
Published on: June 2, 2009
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 12 hrs & 8 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
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Harper Blaine was your average small-time P.I. until a two-bit perp's savage assault left her dead for two minutes. When she comes to in the hospital, she sees things that can only be described as weird-shapes emerging from a foggy grey mist, snarling teeth, creatures roaring.
But Harper's not crazy. Her "death" has made her a Greywalker- able to move between the human world and the mysterious cross-over zone where things that go bump in the night exist. And her new gift is about to drag her into that strange new realm-whether she likes it or not.
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This is one of those series that’s been on my radar for a while now; it also came highly recommended from a number of reviewers who know how much I LOVE Urban Fantasy, so I decided to give it a listen in audio. The narration took some getting used to, as did Kat Richardson’s grungy poetic writing, but once the action started flowing I was quickly swept away by Harper Blaine’s story. GREYWALKER reminded me a lot of Kalayna Price’s ALEX CRAFT novels in that the main heroine is a PI with a penchant for seeing dead things.
I liked how the author introduced readers to her paranormal world by having the protagonist undergo a Greywalker 101 course if you will. Harper hooks up with Ben & Mara, two professors who dabble in the supernatural, and they use her as sort of a guinea pig to test their hypotheses while also helping Blaine to learn about her new gifts. It was entertaining observing the differences between theory and practice, and getting to examine some of this series’ supes from an academic perspective as well as from a witch-y one. In doing this, Richardson gave a nice overview of the main components in her GREYWALKER universe from multiple perspectives.
The writing style reminded me a bit of a spoken word artist on open mic night; as ugly as this book’s cover is, it does kind of have that gritty “feel” to it. That, and this quote from the blurb: “foggy grey mist, snarling teeth, creatures roaring”, describes the tone of this story fairly well. The plot moved along at a decent pace, and all of the 1990’s fads which were not meant to be funny, but were actually accurate at the time of publication, made me giggle. I mean, when’s the last time you saw a pager? I really enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Mara, her Irish wit was spot on. Ben, Quinton, Will, and Cam all contributed nicely to the narrative as well, and I look forward to encountering them again.
I wasn’t immediately wowed by Mia Barron’s narration, but like a pair of new shoes, starting an unfamiliar series is always an adjustment. Her tempo was a little slow for my tastes, and some of her character voices were kinda off. Cam for example, sounded like he was constipated which was rather comical, but made it difficult for me to take his dire situation seriously. Mara’s Irish accent on the other hand was very well done, and I expect that Barron’s narration will improve with each installment.
GREYWALKER wasn’t an insta-favourite, but book 1 rarely is, so I won’t hold that against Kat Richardson because I think that I probably would have enjoyed it slightly more had I read this one instead. Still, not a bad first kick at the can.
Thank you, Kimberly from the Caffeinated Book Reviewer, for recommending this series to me.
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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!
This is one that I keep hoping my library will get. No luck yet 🙁
Felicia the Geeky Blogger recently posted…Snagged @ The Library: DIY Mood
I’m sure that you still have plenty of other audios to keep you busy while you wait. 😛
This is a series that I keep looking at too, but I’ve never gotten around to it. I might have to look it up. I don’t know if my library has it or not. I’ll have to check. Great review Carmel.
Melanie Simmons recently posted…Shield of Winter Audiobook by Nalini Singh (review) #Audiobooks
Finally! I’m ahead of you in a series. LOL
😛
Melanie Simmons recently posted…Shield of Winter Audiobook by Nalini Singh (review) #Audiobooks
That cover! Yikes! I’m happy you liked this one. It sounds really good. I always have a hard time with new series. It gets harder when I’m listening to them in audiobook form. I only don’t have to get used to a new story but also a new voice. But it’s always worth it at the end.
Bethzaida (bookittyblog) recently posted…Searching for Someday by Jennifer Probst
Yeah… thank goodness that this one was recommended to me, otherwise I wouldn’t have given that cover a second look.
A book that I could play count the out of date references could be fun. I remember friends being so proud of their pagers, never understood why anyone but someone who had a work ‘on call’ duty needed one.
Nathan ( recently posted…Sci-Fi Review: ‘Caliban’s War’ by James S.A. Corey
I had a pager… It was both lame AND awesome. 😉
This one has been on my radar for awhile now as well, probably also in large part to Kim LOL. I love how you described the writing as grungy poetic, has me even more curious now.
First novels can be so tough. I rarely like a UF series after the first novel, sometimes it even takes three before I really fall in love with it (like the Kate Daniels series).
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Not A Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis
I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one that Kimberly’s been riding about reading this series. Hehe
I’m glad the narratation grew on you 🙂 Ohhkay, the Greywalker 101 seems intriguing 😀 Heh, your description of the writing style is really good 🙂 And so agreed! The first book in an UF series rarely is the a wow-this-is-so-good-i-can’t-even book, but t looks like this series has a ton of potential to be amazing and I hope you’ll love the following ones even more 🙂 Great review, Carmel!
Siiri recently posted…Review: The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Thanks! Richardson’s writing style is very unique, so I’m glad that I was able to do it justice.
I’ve seen this series around, and always thought is sounding like an intriguing. I’m glad you enjoyed its start and want to continue it as well. I’m going to check this one out some more in the book version vs audio (thanks for the tip.) Gritty sounds good 🙂
kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Book Review: Some Like It Wicked by Alexandra Ivy
Someone’s gotta do the dirty work. LOL
I love this series and you’re right, it gains momentum kinda slow but you’ll love it coz KRichardson incorporates less popular myths into her story so it’s refreshing in that sense. I don’t think I’d be able to listen to this though coz the pace is slow to build so kudos to you for doing it this way!
I might not continue this series in audio, we’ll see… I read a few of your reviews before adding these books to my TBR pile, so that helped too. 🙂
Hahaha! Constipated! You made me laugh hard…LOL And I totally get it..LOL I think sometimes they tried too hard and their voices sound forced and unnatural. I’ve never listened to anything from her before, she might be a rookie, but a lot times they comeback with the second book with a much better performance after reading some of the reviews.
I’m a cover lover and that cover doesn’t do it for me, so I never thought about getting this one. I’ll wait to see what you thing of the next book.
Lupdilup recently posted…Shield of Winter Audiobook by Nalini Singh (review) #Audiobooks
The constipated vamp isn’t in book 2 as much, but he’s replaced by an over-the-top version of Count Dracula, and I’m not sure that it was an improvement. LOL
Well, even if not perfect, it does sound like it was a plus that you found something new to try and was a pretty good first book.
What’s one more series on the TBR pile, right? 😉
I actually bought this one during the Borders closeout sales and haven’t gotten around to it. But if some people you know are recommending it then it’s likely worth a read. I always like seeing the different methods by which the “teaching” character is put in to conveniently give us readers the worldbuilding information. I like the way it sounds like they did it here. Excellent insight as always dear. Ding dong go the bells!!!!
Tabitha (Not Yet Read) recently posted…Review: Delia’s Shadow by Jaime Lee Moyer
Those darned bells are the reason I’m late replying to this post’s comments. LOL
I have been a huge fan of this series since it first came out and hopped over to give a listen to the sample of the audio. I don’t think I could get into the narration, the narrator just does not fit my mental image. The books are great and a taste of something different and think I’ll stick with the books 🙂 Thanks for sharing with us today.
I guess that means that the narration isn’t ‘just me’ coming from a fan who’s actually read the books. Good to know!
I’ve had this one in ebook format for a long while but haven’t read it yet. Glad to hear that it’s worth a try. There’s hardly a series I’ve read where I was wowed by the first installment so I usually like to give a series at least two books to decide if I’ll continue. I actually like the gritty feel to the covers so it’s good to know that the story equally matches that tone. I think I’ll pass on the audio but will definitely be reading them! Great review Carmel. 🙂
Lori recently posted…Blog Tour | The Anna Wolfe Series by Casey Keen {Guest Post + Giveaway}
I almost always give a series a second chance for the same reason as you, that whole first book thing. Every author deserves a mulligan IMO. 😀
OMG! This audiobook cover is bad! Really bad!
I received first book as a gift from a friend, but haven’t read it yet. I’m glad when I get to it I’ll read it instead of listening to it. I don’t like to hear constipated characters. LOL
Thank you for the honest review.
BookaholicCat recently posted…Review: Take Me On by Katie McGarry
Constipated characters, and a fugly cover. LOL What’s not to love? 😉
One of those series I hope to read one day
blodeuedd recently posted…Truth of Valour – Tanya Huff
I try to tackle a few of my some day series’ every year in addition to the new ones.
I have never seen this one before, but this cover really looks weird. Anyhow I’m so glad you enjoyed it and I like the sound of writing. I hope I’ll get to read this one too. Great review, Carmel 🙂
Tanja recently posted…ARC Review – The Things You Kiss Goodbye by Leslie Connor
WHA? No one’s diggin’ the cover? I wonder why… 😉
I’m so behind on this series. I really should try it on audio! I think I’m only 3 books in so I could do the rest on audio. I’ve heard that the series keeps getting better as it goes too. 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Girls on Fire: Intrinsical by Lani Woodland
You’re ahead of me, so don’t feel too bad. Hehe
“as ugly as this book’s cover is, it does kind of have that gritty “feel” to it” LOL I was wondering if I was the only one with that reaction to the cover :S It does give a gritty vibe though which I really enjoy in books. I think I,d like this writing for how unique it sounds. Too bad the audio narration wasn’t easier to get into though I always hate starting a new audio series for that reason. I need to get used to a new voice and a new tone etc. Anyways, great review! 🙂
At first I thought the artwork was horrible, but then after listening to it I was like ya know, it kinda fits. LOL
Sounds like a great series. I can’t say much for audio, because I have never listened to a book. I can imagine it is very different and would have other things that would affect the rating.
sherry fundin recently posted…Tour for Along the Watchtower by David Litwack – Guest Post & $100 Giveaway
The narrator really can make or break an audiobook, no matter how good the author’s writing is.
I’ve read several books in this series, and kind of lost interest. There’s not anything in particular that I can point to that kept me from getting hooked. They’re pretty good, fairly interesting and the writing isn’t bad. There just wasn’t anything that really grabbed me enough for me to keep reading, when I have so many other books to be read.
I just finished the 2nd installment, and I feel the same way. Here’s hoping that book 3 really knocks my socks off.
I like the grittiness of the whole series, the way it feels like a true gumshoe story with paranormal elements. At times, the stories can move a little slow but it’s interesting to see the people and creatures that come into Harper’s orbit now that she can walk the Gray. Hope you continue with it!
Mary recently posted…Mini Swarm Reviews: A Plethora of Historical Romances
Richardson’s twist on the paranormal is definitely a step outside the norm.
While this one doesn’t sound like a perfect read at least you were able to enjoy it and tried something new out of your comfot zone! I mean they all can’t be winners 🙂
True, and had this been a 5-star listen I would have been more worried about book 2. That second installment syndrome can be a doozy!
I liked this book. It was different, and I liked learning about the talents as the main character did. Unfortunately, I didn’t like the second book and ended up DNF-ing it.
Sarah recently posted…Review: Shadows & Dreams
Poltergeist was a struggle for me as well. I can understand why you DNF’d it.
Huh. Apparently I already have this book. I’m so glad Amazon lets us know when we’ve already purchased something. But, uh, yeah, that is an unfortunate cover for the audio.
Christy recently posted…Take Me On by Katie McGarry
Thank you Amazon for preventing me from buying the same book 2, 3, 4x… 😉
God yes, the cover is really ugly…I’ve always wondered what the deal is with this audio company with putting out new covers for the audiobooks when they can just do what other publishers do use the book cover FFS!
Mogsy recently posted…Book Review: Skin Game by Jim Butcher
Audiobooks are weird. Sometimes the covers match, annnd sometimes they really don’t. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to the artwork.
Hmm..I feel like that spoken word feel would take a while for me to get used to! But I am glad that you enjoyed Greywalker. It’s always nice to like a first book and know that there is a whole series just waiting for you!
Lindsey recently posted…It’s Monday and this week flew by!
I liked the ‘cool cat’ vibe to Richardson’s writing, but you’re right, it did take some getting used to.
Ah read book 1 and 2 a while ago when they released them in French but it’s been years. I was quite like you, the book is nice, book 2 as well but it’s not insta-love and I’m always a little behind at first. But I’m glad you had a good time in a whole.
I rated book 2 .5 less stars than this one. I’m not sold on this series.
This sounds pretty good, Carmel. I’m glad you enjoyed it even if the narrator didn’t quite do it for you. I’ve had this one on my nook for probably a few years now. *gasp* But I love the sound of the prose being written poetically. I’ll have to move it up in priority. 🙂 Great review!
A few years?? LOL Now that’s just plain sad. Mind you, I probably shouldn’t talk…
Hah hah, when you said “narration like a spoken word artist,” I knew exactly what you meant! I don’t think I’d deal well with that. This book definitely is intriguing, but I’d probably choose paperback over audio when I get around to it. 😉 Thanks for the review!
Wendy Darling recently posted…YA Authors Read Snarky Reviews
Good! I wasn’t too sure how to describe her writing style.
I’m happy to know that I’m not alone when I thought that cover was flat-out ugly. If it weren’t for your review, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought at all. It’s just not something I’d want to read, and something I’d immediately assume is not well-written. I know, it sucks that I judge a book by its cover, but come on, being visually-enticing is important, too! First impressions last.
Anyhow, going back to the book, I’m glad it’s decent enough for a first book in a series. I’m still on the fence regarding if I should put it on my TBR or not… but since Kimberly enjoyed it, I’ll give it a few more reconsiderations (and reviews!) before deciding.
Faye recently posted…ARC Review: Come Back to Me by Mila Gray
I’m guilty of judging books by their covers too, so don’t feel bad. If this series hadn’t been recommended to me I probably never would have started it.
Sounds cool, and I love me some gritty, snarling kind of world 😀 Plus I like the idea of the introduction into the world, sounds really neat.
Definitely one I’d wanna give a try!
Livia recently posted…Sandstorm Heart by Liv Olteano
It was a decent start to a series. Time will tell whether I stick with it.