ashley_schulte's reviews
252 reviews

Fusion Fire, Volume 2 by Kathy Tyers

adventurous hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I absolutely love this series, one of my favorites. I was so excited to see the audiobook become available as another way to enjoy this wonderful book. I loved listening to it and the story was as good as ever.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

dark sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

One of life’s must reads. I never have gotten around to reading this book and finally decided to listen to the audiobook after reading a book about the author. It was good. I can see how it turned into one of the books everyone seems to read at some point. 

Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was a quick read that takes place in the south near the time of the Alamo. It moved pretty slow at the beginning and then at the end it moved way too quickly. I wanted to love the characters but never really got hooked. It was an entertaining read, it was just a little too quick and felt rushed. It won’t be going on my Re-read list, but I did enjoy it overall. 

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

challenging dark informative medium-paced

3.0

One of those books that you just have to read in your lifetime. I have checked this box. 

Firebird, Volume 1 by Kathy Tyers

adventurous hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The physical book is one of my absolute favorites and I was excited to see that they had made an audiobook finally for it. It was fun to be able to listen to this familiar story as I did chores and whatnot. I thought the narrator did a good job and I look forward to listening to the rest of the series. 

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook from my library. I have read this book many times, but I had never listened to it. It helps you see and feel the book in a whole new way. I loved it just as much as reading it and would definitely listen to it again. This story is told beautifully and in such a vivid world, it never gets old to me.

Wind and Shadow by Kathy Tyers

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I absolutely loved the fourth book of the Firebird Series. I have read the first three half a dozen times and finally purchased and read the fourth. I cannot believe that it took me so long. I do honestly wish the book had contained a bit more of Brennen and anything of Firebird, but I imagine there was already a lot to pack in. I loved getting to know their grown children and my heart broke for them along the way. Going into this book I wasn't too sure what to expect and it definitely surprised me. So much happened and I could not put it down. Another wonderful book from Kathy Tyers that I know I will be reading again in the future. Now onto book 5!

Sula by Toni Morrison

challenging dark sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Well this book definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. If I had been reading rather than listening to it I may not have made it through. It was a difficult read. It is good to get out of your comfort zone though and learn something new. 

Orwell's Roses by Rebecca Solnit

challenging informative reflective sad slow-paced

3.5

This was an interesting read. It was a different take on a sort of biography that I have not read before. I honestly was not too knowledgeable about Orwell and I learned a lot in listening to this book. I loved the author's take on looking on Orwell's life through his love of nature and gardening, it was truly fascinating. It challenged me in many ways and made me look at things through a different lens. Great read.

Crown of Fire by Kathy Tyers

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is my absolute favorite series and the third book is just as good as the first two. Kathy Tyers has built an exquisite world that I can’t get enough of, even 20 years after my first read! Firebird and Brennen will have you on the edge of your seat as their story comes to its conclusion.