Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Joe Arden and Heather Firth did a fantastic job as the narrators! I really enjoyed listening to them the whole way through. Joe did a great job of differentiating between the different MMCs that he was voicing.
Raven’s attack at the beginning of the story is horrific, and sets off the movement for the rest of the plot. She has to deal with the trauma of what happened to her, and eventually decides to return to Rayne-Moor University to try to find out who tried to murder her. There, she meets our trio of men who are all obsessed with her.
The guys are all different, and I liked the way that they came into their relationships with Raven in different ways. Jonas and Damon are my favourites but I do have a soft spot for Maverick.
This was such a wild ride and there were times that I was like — wait what just happened?!! It was great. Definitely dark and very spicy. I really want to read the second book but I reaaallly want to hear Joe narrate so maybe I will wait to see if he’ll be narrating book 2. We’ll see!! Either way I’ll definitely NEED to see how all of this plays out!
✨dark academia
✨why choose
✨secret society
✨revenge
Raven’s attack at the beginning of the story is horrific, and sets off the movement for the rest of the plot. She has to deal with the trauma of what happened to her, and eventually decides to return to Rayne-Moor University to try to find out who tried to murder her. There, she meets our trio of men who are all obsessed with her.
The guys are all different, and I liked the way that they came into their relationships with Raven in different ways. Jonas and Damon are my favourites but I do have a soft spot for Maverick.
This was such a wild ride and there were times that I was like — wait what just happened?!! It was great. Definitely dark and very spicy. I really want to read the second book but I reaaallly want to hear Joe narrate so maybe I will wait to see if he’ll be narrating book 2. We’ll see!! Either way I’ll definitely NEED to see how all of this plays out!
✨dark academia
✨why choose
✨secret society
✨revenge
Absolutely loved this book!
The fmc is such a strong and capable woman who was looking for the truth of who hurt her!
This book kept me on my toes and kept me intrigued the whole time! It is a why choose but done so well.
Her 3 men are all fantastic! Who love her in their own way. All very beautiful!
Highly highly recommend this book!
Narrators were INCREDIBLE!!! Joe and Heather are fantastic! They really and truly brought this story to life beautifully! 10/10
The fmc is such a strong and capable woman who was looking for the truth of who hurt her!
This book kept me on my toes and kept me intrigued the whole time! It is a why choose but done so well.
Her 3 men are all fantastic! Who love her in their own way. All very beautiful!
Highly highly recommend this book!
Narrators were INCREDIBLE!!! Joe and Heather are fantastic! They really and truly brought this story to life beautifully! 10/10
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
dark
emotional
tense
Speak by Ruby M. Darling offers an intoxicating blend of dark academia, romance, and suspense, weaving a narrative that captivates from the very first page. The story centres around Raven, a young woman grappling with trauma-induced muteness, as she reintegrates into life at Rayne-Moore University after spending four years in a psychiatric hospital. Her return is anything but ordinary, as she navigates complex relationships with Jonas, the enigmatic and wealthy football player, Maverick, her alluring professor and former FBI agent, and Damon, her past psychiatrist. These relationships are laden with tension and desire, adding layers of both intimacy and taboo to the plot.
As Raven seeks to uncover the secrets lurking within the university and its town, she simultaneously confronts her PTSD, battling inner demons while piecing together the event that changed her life that fateful day four years ago. Each interaction is imbued with a palpable heat, reflecting her journey from vulnerability to empowerment. The book's intense prologue sets the stage for a story that is as gripping as it is provocative, culminating in a cliffhanger that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next instalment. Speak is a masterful exploration of trauma, identity, and resilience, wrapped in a seductive and suspenseful narrative.
The duet-style narration by Heather Firth and Joe Arden elevates this dark romance to a new level of storytelling brilliance. Heather Firth's portrayal of Raven is a tour de force, capturing the character's complex emotions and inner turmoil with a sensitivity that speaks volumes, even in silence. Firth’s ability to convey Raven’s internal monologue with nuance, alongside her skilful delivery of spoken lines with a raspy, broken edge, adds depth and authenticity to the character. Firth's pacing is impeccable, knowing exactly when to let the silence or emotion resonate.
Joe Arden complements Firth’s performance delivering a masterclass with his versatile and passionate interpretation of Damon, Jonas, and Maverick. Arden’s skilful differentiation and adept vocal versatility ensures that each character stands out with unique traits and quirks, making it effortless for listeners to distinguish between them. And with a multitude of side characters also at play, from Raven’s stepbrother Axel to the dynamic twins Chase and Riordan, Arden gets to showcase his extraordinary range and talent to it’s full potential.
Together, Firth and Arden create a harmonious and immersive listening experience, seamlessly blending their voices to captivate audiences and bring the story’s intricate emotions and tensions to vivid life. Their complementary styles ensure that the narrative is not only heard but truly felt, making it an exemplary work in the realm of audiobook performances.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Did I finish it? Yes, but my brain is screaming from the writing.
This is just gonna be a no from me, dog.
This is just gonna be a no from me, dog.