Song of the Fireflies by J. A. Redmerski

Narrated by Douglas Berger and Chelsea Hatfield

I’ve heard a lot of positive things about the work of J. A. Redmerski. So, when I saw that Song of the Fireflies was available for review, I jumped at the chance to listen to it.

Brayelle Bates and Elias Kline have been best friends since they were kids. Bray’s wild ways have always intimidated everyone around her, including her parents and older sister. Only Elias fully accepts her for the person she is. But, as they get older, and a darkness seems to claim more and more of Bray, she’s sure that he, too, will leave her. She does everything she can to hold him at arm’s length, but their bond is too strong. She literally cannot survive without him by her side.

Elias is relieved to have Brayelle home again. The time she spent in South Carolina was hell on him, especially when he thought she was in love with another man. Now that she’s back and agreed to give their love a chance, nothing could be better.

One night, Bray and Elias join a group of friends for a party. That night changes everything. Bray is determined to run away, certain that’s the only way she can save herself. Elias, vowing never to be separated from her again, agrees to go with her. Now, they’re on the run, and, with each day that passes, Elias learns a little more about the darkness that threatens to consume the woman he loves. Can he save her, even if it means losing her in the process?

Both Douglas Berger and Chelsea Hatfield are incredibly talented narrators. Since the story is mainly told from Elias’s point of view, Mr. Berger does most of the narrating. His character depictions were spot-on, gelling perfectly with what the author put on paper. He is able to perform both male and female characters in ways that are believable and unique.

I fell in love with Elias, both because of Ms. Redmerski’s writing and Mr. Berger’s narration. His devotion to Bray is both admirable and heartbreaking. He wants so much to make things right for her, no matter the cost to himself.

Ms. Hatfield does an excellent job with her depiction of Brayelle. She is able to capture every nuance of this very complex young woman. Bray feels everything with a great deal of intensity. Ms. Hatfield makes that intensity real, as she gives voice to Bray’s joy, fear, and despair.

I was very impressed with Ms. Hatfield’s ability to create believable male characters. There are quite a few of them in this book. At first, I wasn’t sure she’d be able to pull it off, since her normal speaking voice is light and extremely feminine. However, she is able to lower her pitch, and add different amounts of gruffness to the various men in the story. None came off the wrong way.

I’m eager to hear more from both narrators, and, if I get the chance to listen to another book they narrate together, I’ll definitely take it.

Song of the Fireflies was an intense listen for me. It delves into a lot of difficult issues. The characters do things not everyone will agree with, but Ms. Redmerski is very skilled at explaining their motivations.

I can honestly say this is one of the best things I’ve read all year. It’s the kind of book I want to recommend to everyone. I want the world to meet Elias and Brayelle, and to love them and their story as much as I do. This is a book that will stay with me for a long time. Of that, I’m certain.

Shannon

Narration:  Douglas Berger – A    Chelsea Hatfield – A

Book Content:  A+

Steam Factor:  For your burning ears only

Violence:  Escalated fighting

Genre:  New Adult

Publisher:  Hachette Audio

Song of the Fireflies was provided to AudioGals by Hachette Audio for review.