BevQB’s review of Kiss of the Highlander (The Highlander Series, Book 4) by Karen Marie Moning, narrated by Phil Gigante
Paranormal historical timetravel fantasy romance Audio Book released by Brilliance Audio on 20 Jan 08
Kiss of the Highlander in audio format is the perfect mating of story and storyteller and I can’t imagine merely reading this story from a printed page ever again. Phil Gigante brings every minute of this pure escapist fantasy story to life. Audio books, in fact most Romance books, don’t get any better than this!
WAIT! WAIT! I know you are expecting me to once again squee about the aural pleasures to be found in Phil Gigante’s eargasmic portrayal of Drustan (and, oh, I will), but there’s much more to expound on in this absolutely spell binding audio book. (btw, did ya notice the big “contest” tag? Hmmmm?)
This is the fourth audio book release in KMM’s Highlanders series and centers on Drustan MacKelter and Gwen Cassidy. Containing both paranormal and fantasy (fae) elements, Kiss is set, through time travel, in historic and modern day Scotland. This is a standalone story, so it is not necessary to be familiar with the previous books in the series to enjoy this one, but, trust me; you’re going to want them all!
Have I ever mentioned just how damn ENTERTAINING Phil G’s narration is? In fact, I really hesitate to refer to what he does as mere narration. It’s a PERFORMANCE. The voices and effects he uses for all the characters, both lead and minor, are spot on. Often, when a man attempts a woman’s voice, it comes off as mocking. However, while no one will ever mistake Phil’s voice for a woman’s, I quickly was no longer conscious that a man was voicing the female characters. Yes, he uses a higher pitched voice for women, but there’s something else there too… a softness, a vulnerability… something… that does not scream “man mocking woman”.
Unless he wants to. One of the most entertaining moments in this audio book and one that showcases Phil G’s amazing talent is when Drustan is teasing Gwen and repeating her words in her “voice” . So we’re treated to Phil as Drustan mocking Phil as Gwen using Drustan’s version of Gwen’s voice. Trust me, Phil nails it!! Just hand him next year’s Audie Award now!
When I think of The Highlanders series, Kiss of the Highlander has always been the first one to come to mind. But if, like me, you are also a fan of KMM’s brilliant Fever series, you will have a lot of fun listening for Fever clues throughout the Highlander books. Kiss is the second book with a direct link to the later series (The Hallows appear in book 3, The Highlander’s Touch), and is the first of the MacKelter books (we meet Christian MacKelter, from Bloodfever, towards the end of Kiss). It’s fascinating to revisit all the Highlander fae lore that eventually comes together to spawn the complex Fever books.
But, the most compelling reason (besides my all-time favorite Nathan Kamp cover pic) to buy this (and all the rest of the series) in audio format is what narrator Phil Gigante does for your ears— and other body parts that are directly or indirectly attached to them. Be sure to use earphones when listening to Drustan’s seduction of Gwen- Phil uses a deep vibrating growl that you can seriously feel down to your toes! I’m not ashamed to admit that listening to Phil G’s Scottish brogue has become an addiction and an obsession for me.
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Grade: A Listen to a summary of the book followed by a sample of Gigante’s narration here. And oh, what a shiver-worthy sample it is! |
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Click here to sample the rest of the Highlander series audio books.Book 5, The Dark Highlander, will be released 20 March 2008, followed by book 6, The Immortal Highlander, in May 2008. I highly recommend that books 5 and 6 be read/listened to in order AFTER this 4th book, Kiss of the Highlander.
Go. Buy. Or borrow from your library. Audio books don’t get any better than these! |
CONTEST!!
It’s no secret that everyone here at TGTBTU is unashamedly a fan of the Romance genre. Plus – we love nothing more than to share our love of the genre with anyone and everyone. So, I’ve decide to put my money where my mouth is.
I so love this audio book that I want to SHARE IT WITH ONE LUCKY DUCK AND WILL HAVE IT SHIPPED DIRECTLY TO YOU FROM AMAZON. Just comment on this post for a chance to win one copy of the unabridged KISS OF THE HIGHLANDER CDs.
One entry per IP address, U.S. residents only (sorry non-US folks). The winner will be selected from comments made before midnight tomorrow, Tuesday, 18 March, according to the blog timestamp (we’re US Central timezone).
And, if you end up listening to Kiss of the Highlander, PLEASE let me know what you thought of it.
Read more from Bev at Cubie’s Confections.
Whew…would love to hear more of that!
You know, I have never done audio books–I’m not sure I could focus *sheepish*
Well, I’m pouting! The one thing I really want I can’t have! Well, two. I’d love to have Drustan MacKelter. But I really want Kiss and I can’t play. What a bummer is that!
oooo I would LOVE this. I’ve read all the books up to this one. Karen Marie Moning is awesome.
oh jayzus, this is my kind of contest! I am a huge audiobook reader…or is that listener? Currently, I’ve got a Brockmann on my evening playlist but that’s going to be over soon. My library has a verra sad paucity of romance titles in audio format. (Dunno who does the ordering but they have very weird taste, methinks). Only thing better than a romantic Scottish hero is HEARING that romantic hero’s Scottish accent. *drool* Anyways, yeah please enter my name. 😀
Well, I was going to wait for The Dark Highlander (since it’s my fave) but if I won this one…well, I’d really, really like that. 😉
I love Moning’s books. And it to hear it on audio…heaven!
I have never used an audio book, but you certainly have my attention regarding this one.
I listened to Beyond the Highland Mist and The Highlanders Touch, both narrated by Phil Gigante, equally yummy. I can’t wait to listen to this one.
I have never heard of K.M.M, I guess now I will def have to read (or better yet listen to) her books! Wow, this audiobook sounds hot. How does he do all of the voices so well, and that accent – woooo baby! Haha.
Have a great day everyone, and thanks again for another fantastic contest! Yay!
OH, please please pick me! Running after an energetic toddler cuts severely into my reading time. An audiobook is just the ticket. This is so great!
Thanks,
abookblogger at gmail dot com
I would love to try this one on audio. Please add me to the contest entry. 🙂
I LOVE audio books! Enter me please!
I listened to the excerpt, I liked it. I’ve never listened to a romance audiobook before, it would be fun to try one. If I liked them, it certainly opens up the possibilities of where I could indulge in a romance. It would be particularly great while driving.
I’d like to be included for the audio book draw!
I just started to listen to Beyond the Highland Mist last night. I thought I’d just pop it in to listen to quietly as I drift off to sleep. Unfortunately, Mr. Gigante (AKA Mr. Eargasmic) just would not let that happen, I ended up staying up until the wee hours of the morning to hear just one more word 😀 I can’t wait till I listen to his portrayal of Dageus who is my favorite highlander *shiver*
WOOT! We’ve got a winner!
I’m so glad I’m not the only one obsessed with Phil G.’s luscious voice!
Audio books are here to stay . I am in love with them . Not only its interesting to hear voices , you can enjoy them while moving. I hear audio books all the time in my car . One of my friend is so crazy about audio books . He takes long routes to get back to his home . You can find some cheaper audio book library online .