New Spring - Robert Jordan - 5.0 Stars

I have recently restarted the Wheel of Time Series again. I decided to start with the prequel, this time around. I enjoyed it as usual.

The narrators for the book are the same a Micheal Kramer and Kate Reading as with the other audiobooks available from Audio Renaissance and Audible. They do their customary excellence in clearly differentiating each of the characters and bringing out the emotion of the moment. These two narrators are truly talented.

The one point that is slightly bothersome to me is the rather large leap between New Spring and The Eye of the World I hope that Robert, with be able to beat, as he hopes, the disease that is ravaging his body. I know it is a selfish reason but I really believe that a second prequel is called for to explain how Swan manages to be come Amerlin in a matter of 16 years! Her rise to power would be a very nice counter point to her fall in the later books and her continuing struggles.

I highly recommend all fo this 12 hours and 31 min audiobook.

Shadow Magic - 5.0 Stars

This was not a book that I purchased at audible; HOWEVER, it is available from Podiobooks.com thru Apple's iTune Store. This book is free to download and is worthy of being purchased for real money.

The story is excellent and the author reads the tale with passion that brings each of the character's to life. The tale is full of comedy with a few serious thoughts interspersed. It takes place in the an Irish fairy tale land, known as Ternanog; yet, the main character is an 18-year-old from our modern world. Half the comedy is his attempts to make a witty joke that references something from the real world that nobody in the "land" understands.

The story itself is quite enjoyable and is well crafted. It is clear that this was a labor of love for the author as the dedication at the end makes known. It is a great coming of age story and completely kid friendly. There is nothing in the story that I found objectionable.