Narrated by Sophie Eastlake
I said recently that Sophie Eastlake and Katie Reus are a perfect narrator/author pairing but it’s equally true to say that Sophie Eastlake and Thea Harrison are as well. As usual, Ms. Eastlake was a joy to listen to and Ms. Harrison’s story kept me entertained in the best way. My previous audiobook was a bit of a downer, so my ears just about sighed with happiness when I started Dragos Goes to Washington.
The first in a trilogy of novellas about Dragos, Pia and their son, Liam, Dragos Goes to Washington is set shortly before the events of Shadow’s End. Dragos and Pia travel to Washington, along with the heads of the other Elder Race demesnes from the continental United States, to meet with the President and members of the human government. After recent violence to humans from members of the Elder Races, there is considerable unrest and an “anti-Elder Races” faction has sprung up and is gaining traction. A series of meetings and diplomatic dinners are scheduled to try and come up with a plan to ease the tensions.
Around the same time, Pia and Dragos decide to try for another baby. There is no guarantee they will achieve their goal as Wyr children are rare and they’ve already been blessed with Liam, but they will sure have fun trying.
When the couple arrive in Washington, Pia is feeling unwell; tired and nauseous but an inner scan does not reveal the much longed-for spark of baby and besides, it is too soon for any symptoms anyway. While she battles increasingly problematic symptoms of a mystery illness, Dragos has to handle a sudden diplomatic disaster as only Dragos can (that is to say, without a great deal of actual diplomacy).
I enjoy the series and Dragos and Pia are two of my favourite characters. In terms of the relationship side of things, the novellas are sort of one long extended HEA and as I’m very much the fan of the HEA this makes me happy. Those who feel that a story is done once the courtship is over may not be so enamoured I suppose.
Sophie Eastlake is a favourite narrator of mine, always reliably good and well able to deliver the tension and emotion of a story. Her pacing is excellent and I like her character voices too. Dragos cracks me up at the best of times but Ms. Eastlake just brings that special something extra which makes me enjoy him even more.
The second I turned on the iPod, I just sank happily into the listen – I knew I was in safe hands.
Kaetrin
Narration: B+
Book Content: B+
Steam Factor: Glad I had my earbuds in
Violence Rating: Fighting
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Thea Harrison
Dragos Goes to Washington was provided to AudioGals by ACX for a review.
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I downloaded the print version of this from the library, thankfully, because I really hated this novella! No one more surprised than me because I really love Dragos, Pia and the Peanut.
The series has been an auto-buy in print and audio, but after this and Graydon’s tale I will be more hesitant to hit 1-Click.
I do love Sophie Eastlake and I imagine she probably improved the book with her narration.
I really liked this one, and Pia Does Hollywood too (which I read), but Liam Takes Manhattan wasn’t as successful for me. I read Shadow’s End as well and liked it (which I also read). Um…. :P
As far as Shadow’s End, I just didn’t “buy” the relationship between Gray and Bel. They seemed like totally different people from how they came across in earlier books. I did like visiting with Carling’s crew, Oracle’s Moon is my favorite of the series.
I don’t care for the West Coast contingent, so the Hollywood book doesn’t pique my interest. Liam’s doesn’t either, but I’ve got holds on them at the library nonetheless. :)
FWIW the title of Pia Does Hollywood is kind of misleading. Most of the story takes place in a little over a day or two and it’s not about Pia doing Hollywood-ish things. it’s kind of a zombie story actually and Pia and Dragos have to save the day and try and keep all their secrets!
The Liam book, well I thought it was kind of a vignette rather than a complete story and again, I found the blurb a little misleading. I was expecting a kind of Miracle on 34th Street vibe but it wasn’t like that at all.
Are you looking forward to books set in the UK?
For sure!