Rosemary and Rue

At first, I really didn't like the narrator, but grew accustomed to her voice. It helps that the story was so well done. This is a re-read for me, I did the series on my Kindle and have switched to audio for this re-read.

My only complaint is that I don't care for the vocalization of Tybalt. I hope the narrator changes the voice as the series (and his character) develops.

the first part of this book was reeeally slow and didnt make much sense but if you can hang in there thoough, it gets quite good about half way in.

I wasn't expecting to get caught up in this book, but was very pleasantly surprised. It's a good book to listen to while working.

Loved the book. interesting take on the fairie mythology. Loved the in-depth character development. "AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY”

I had this in my que for a while. I'm upset with myself that I didn't get to this sooner. Great story with a down to earth lead character that is very relatable

The asian accent was a bit cringe but most of my issues were about the story.

I love Toby & gang. I have been (re-)reading since 2014. This was my first time on audio. Narrator did ok, Tybalt's voice especially jarred me.

The structure of Rosemary and Rue is very formulaic. Overall, the audiobook presents a great mythical journey set in a modern-day fairy tale. You get gripped from the first of Toby’s mishaps. Although, I truly connected with Toby on the second part of the audiobook, after the awesome car scene over the Golden Gate Bridge. I loved the fantastic elements in Rosemary and Rue, such as the kelpie, a large black horse with glowing red eyes that just happens to smell like the sea. The rose goblin, a kitty cat covered with rose thrones that rattles them when it gets upset, is adorable. It’s also nice to see a few more tales, tiger stripes, and fox ears on characters outside of anime. However, I had this terrible feeling of sadness throughout the audiobook. It seems like the universe is out to kick Toby when she’s down. Even the title itself is a terribly sad reference in the book that you only understand at the very end.

On Narration:
Mary Robinette Kowal reading was very appropriate for the character. The narrative voice is light and young-sounding, but with enough of an edge to pass for what I would consider the voice of a half-fairy, tiny, light, bounty-hunting kickass woman. My only criticism is that some of her more interesting or intricate accents, for Tybalt and Lilly, for example, require her to slow down her reading and enunciate very carefully, which does drag out certain parts.

If you could sum up Rosemary and Rue in three words, what would they be?

Excellent series introduction.

Which scene was your favorite?

Meeting Lilly. There is something very appealing about that character. Someone I'd want to be friends with.

Any additional comments?

Great way to get to know the world of October Daye... the descriptions sometimes drag, but for the most part the story moves forward. Some of the voices didn't seem quite right for the character, but I appreciated how clearly you could tell who was speaking by the way MRK changed the tones and speech.

What made the experience of listening to Rosemary and Rue the most enjoyable?

Simply .. a GOOD story. No great magics, swordfights any of that .. but a great story from start to finish. It just happened to take place with the fae

What other book might you compare Rosemary and Rue to and why?

I recently read the first two books about Alexis Carew by J.A. Sutherland. Nothing similar in the subject as they are science-fiction military .. but I had the same pleasure, enjoying the book and immediately ready to purchase the next one. That is always a delight.

Have you listened to any of Mary Robinette Kowal’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I caught myself laughing at times

Any additional comments?

When I finish a book and immediately want to start reading the next one .. I think that is the greatest compliment to the author and the best suggestion to other readers.