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Mourning Glory
A Black contemporary family drama with a side of magic.
The formerly close-knit Cauley sisters—Nicole, Lynn, and Charlie—have drifted apart in their adult lives. But they are unexpectedly brought together by sudden passing of their mother.
Returning to their ancestral home, the last Black-owned funeral parlor in the city, the sisters are joined by their cousin, Rene, and their grandmother as they come to terms with their grief. However, they’re facing more than one loss: For generations, the Cauley women have possessed a family magic to keep a powerful demon named Legion at bay. After their mother’s death, the power appears to be lost. And without it, they’re sitting ducks.
Long-standing feuds and unspoken hostilities arise as the women struggle to work together and regain their magic. As tensions flare and Legion closes in, the family must overcome their differences and prove that blood is thicker than evil.
The formerly close-knit Cauley sisters—Nicole, Lynn, and Charlie—have drifted apart in their adult lives. But they are unexpectedly brought together by sudden passing of their mother.
Returning to their ancestral home, the last Black-owned funeral parlor in the city, the sisters are joined by their cousin, Rene, and their grandmother as they come to terms with their grief. However, they’re facing more than one loss: For generations, the Cauley women have possessed a family magic to keep a powerful demon named Legion at bay. After their mother’s death, the power appears to be lost. And without it, they’re sitting ducks.
Long-standing feuds and unspoken hostilities arise as the women struggle to work together and regain their magic. As tensions flare and Legion closes in, the family must overcome their differences and prove that blood is thicker than evil.
7 pages, Audiobook
Published December 12, 2023
13 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 4, 2024
This listening experience was so good!! Bahni Turpin is one of the greatest audiobook narrators of all time in my opinion. In this production especially, she was so amazing!!!! She brought the voices of a whole family, and even an evil entity or two, to life incredibly. There was really thoughtful directing and production of the entire audiobook, even down to basically a whole musical score, atmospheric/background sounds that really captured my attention. From the opening phone call scene with Nic and her Mema, I was immediately hooked. I’m just really excited to share this book with others as I haven’t seen it passed around online yet much, and I hope that changes. I don’t think it’s absolutely perfect (I wish some conflicts and the overall resolution were more drawn out and explained… I also just wanted more time with these characters that I came to love) but I would absolutely recommend this audiobook to fans of paranormal thrillers, magical family dramas, and horror movies. I’ve previously read a graphic novel, Nubia: A Real One by L.L. McKinney and loved it but I can’t wait to read more of her and Bethany C Morrow’s work!
February 4, 2024
This story follows the Cauley sisters – Nicole, Lynn, and Charlie – who are unexpectedly thrust back into each other’s lives following the death of their mother. Alongside, their cousin Rene and their grandmother, the sisters return home. For generations, the Cauley women have been tasked with using their magic to keep a powerful demon (Legion) at bay, but their magic doesn’t pass to the eldest daughter as it always has. Now, Rene and the sisters must work together to understand their magical mishap before Legion destroys everything and everyone.
If you’ve never listened to a dramatized audiobook before, then add this one to your list! Bahni Turpin knocks it out of the park with her narration of each of the Cauley women as well as Legion. There were some parts that I jumped because she puts so much into Legion’s demonic character, but it was worth it.
As far as the plot goes, one of my favorites themes is Black families coming together to protect their ancestral magic and homes. Rene and the sisters all have varying personalities, and it’s clear that their upbringing has made their adult relationships a bit tenuous, but when their family line is threatened, they come together. Rene’s character arc was my favorite because she has always been treated as the outsider since she technically isn’t a Cauley woman, but the Cauley ancestors have something special in store for her.
My only complaint is that this story goes by way too fast (because I wanted more). I would love to see the characters again in a future setting or to even revisit more of their magical beginnings.
Thank you to Spotify Audiobooks for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
If you’ve never listened to a dramatized audiobook before, then add this one to your list! Bahni Turpin knocks it out of the park with her narration of each of the Cauley women as well as Legion. There were some parts that I jumped because she puts so much into Legion’s demonic character, but it was worth it.
As far as the plot goes, one of my favorites themes is Black families coming together to protect their ancestral magic and homes. Rene and the sisters all have varying personalities, and it’s clear that their upbringing has made their adult relationships a bit tenuous, but when their family line is threatened, they come together. Rene’s character arc was my favorite because she has always been treated as the outsider since she technically isn’t a Cauley woman, but the Cauley ancestors have something special in store for her.
My only complaint is that this story goes by way too fast (because I wanted more). I would love to see the characters again in a future setting or to even revisit more of their magical beginnings.
Thank you to Spotify Audiobooks for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
January 7, 2025
3.5 - “That’s the thing about paying in blood, there’s never enough.”
Bahni Turpin is always going to bring something extra to a story. The narration she does on anything book has been awesome. Now her plus the theatrical/cinematic aspect to this audiobook was really good. I mean every single thing they did brought the story to life. If you closed your eyes you could just see it.
For the story itself it was cool. I liked the overall theme of the story and background. A little bit of drama with the sisters. But nothing blew me away with the story alone. Definitely worth the listen to see what audiobooks can be when going all out.
Bahni Turpin is always going to bring something extra to a story. The narration she does on anything book has been awesome. Now her plus the theatrical/cinematic aspect to this audiobook was really good. I mean every single thing they did brought the story to life. If you closed your eyes you could just see it.
For the story itself it was cool. I liked the overall theme of the story and background. A little bit of drama with the sisters. But nothing blew me away with the story alone. Definitely worth the listen to see what audiobooks can be when going all out.
December 21, 2023
I listened to the audiobook that's just come out on Spotify, and I was absolutely blown away! The voices, the production, the soundscapes, everything was amazing!
The story is an incredible story about familial love, magic, and the reality of being Black. Now, I am not one to talk about being Black, as I am not, but the story does such a good job at portraying both familial love, and Blackness that I fell in love with all the characters.
Every member of the Cauley family had their own voice, their own strengths and weaknesses, their family dynamics felt really real, even the strained relationships between family members that is mildly repaired by facing a common enemy.
I genuinely loved every second of this book and will gladly listen to it again.
Thank you to NetGalley, and Spotify Audiobooks for providing me this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I would highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who loves magic!
The story is an incredible story about familial love, magic, and the reality of being Black. Now, I am not one to talk about being Black, as I am not, but the story does such a good job at portraying both familial love, and Blackness that I fell in love with all the characters.
Every member of the Cauley family had their own voice, their own strengths and weaknesses, their family dynamics felt really real, even the strained relationships between family members that is mildly repaired by facing a common enemy.
I genuinely loved every second of this book and will gladly listen to it again.
Thank you to NetGalley, and Spotify Audiobooks for providing me this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I would highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who loves magic!
October 11, 2024
Now this was an audiobook production! I absolutely loved, loved, loved it and would definitely listen again. It was the perfect spooky read to add to my October book list. Even though it's an audiobook, it was still amazing—it didn't lose any of its magic.
One of the most lively and theatrical audiobooks I've listened to. Bahni Turpin’s performance was captivating, making it feel like more than just a typical audiobook; it was an immersive experience. If more audiobooks had this kind of quality and production, I'd probably listen to many more.
The story itself was fantastic, too. L.L. McKinney delivered a powerful and engaging narrative, blending the spooky with deeper themes effortlessly.
All in all, "Mourning Glory" was an incredible listen—great work from everyone involved! Highly recommend for anyone seeking a thrilling, atmospheric read.
One of the most lively and theatrical audiobooks I've listened to. Bahni Turpin’s performance was captivating, making it feel like more than just a typical audiobook; it was an immersive experience. If more audiobooks had this kind of quality and production, I'd probably listen to many more.
The story itself was fantastic, too. L.L. McKinney delivered a powerful and engaging narrative, blending the spooky with deeper themes effortlessly.
All in all, "Mourning Glory" was an incredible listen—great work from everyone involved! Highly recommend for anyone seeking a thrilling, atmospheric read.
February 2, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Read by the one and only Bahni Turpin, and she is phenomenal! This one is a fun and set like a production! The effects in the audiobook are perfect. There have been several times I’ve jumped from the haunting noises or voices of the Legion and haints! I’m really enjoyed this audiobooks!
Read by the one and only Bahni Turpin, and she is phenomenal! This one is a fun and set like a production! The effects in the audiobook are perfect. There have been several times I’ve jumped from the haunting noises or voices of the Legion and haints! I’m really enjoyed this audiobooks!
March 18, 2024
i’m not a fantasy kind of girl, but it was nice to see three sisters and a cousin deal with their grief, be comedic, and be black girls with magic. thank you, spotify
May 5, 2024
I was looking for a short, but exciting book, and listened to the audio version read by Bahni Turpin. Turpin was a REALLY good reader! And I mean, I was looking for a short book, but I really wish this one was longer!
April 21, 2024
Plot is 2 stars but the production value on the audiobook?! +1 stars
December 17, 2023
I received an e-arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I requested this book I did so because I have enjoyed previous books by these authors, and did not realize that Mourning Glory was written not as a traditional book, but with the intention of it only being an audiobook. As such it's really more of an audio drama or fiction podcast than a book. Normally when accessing a book through audio format I try not to let any issues (if any) with the audio narration cloud my view on the book. Mourning Glory, however, was intended to be published as an "audiobook" and so I will include comments on it's format in this review.
First though, the story itself. Mourning Glory is following three sisters and their cousin as they try to deal with their family history legacy and also the demon that haunts their family.
The characters are all so likeable and distinct and I loved seeing how they interacted with each other and with other family members. I loved how family-oriented the whole story was, with the main relationship plots being sisterly ones.
I also really liked the A plot in which the family trying to deal with this demon and learning about how they came to be haunted by this demon in the first place. Rooted in southern American history and those horrors, this book was giving characters the agency to take on the past.
The only B plots in this story were the relationship plots between the four main characters, which should have been enough, but some how came across as shallowly done. Without enough B plot, this story seemed to lack dimension.
There was one scene I was confused about near the end in which two of the protagonists wind up having to kind of time travel and steal souls, and rather than follow them do this, we sit with the other two girls and listen to them wait and chat. I truly don't understand why we couldn't have seen both perspectives, and if we were to only get one why we only get the duller one?
The ending was also wrapped up far too neatly. There was no real hitch in the plan that our characters had to overcome. They made a plan and followed it through and that was it, it was rather uncompelling.
On to the format. This story was narrated by none other than Bahni Turpin, who is a favourite audiobook narrator of mine. Her voice truly brought this story to life and added so much dimension to the story. The story itself, being written with audio narration in mind, would lose a lot if ever published in print as it currently stands.
This story also came with so. many. sound effects. Too many. I was continuously pulled out of the story by the sound effects, some of which didn't even exactly match up with the sound described. There was also often background music alongside the narration that made the scenes feel cheesy rather than actually adding anything.
Then on top of all of that there were some lines delivered at half the volume as the rest of the narration because the character was mumbling or was supposed to be further away that I just could not hear at all. I did however, check out this story on spotify to see if the quality was better and it did seem to be a bit clearer than the file I received.
If I hadn't received this story as an ARC I would not have included it as part of my reading and probably would have DNFd it for the sound effects alone, however I promised an honest review so here we are. I would recommend this to people are already fans of fiction podcasts or audio dramas as the format may be more to their tastes.
When I requested this book I did so because I have enjoyed previous books by these authors, and did not realize that Mourning Glory was written not as a traditional book, but with the intention of it only being an audiobook. As such it's really more of an audio drama or fiction podcast than a book. Normally when accessing a book through audio format I try not to let any issues (if any) with the audio narration cloud my view on the book. Mourning Glory, however, was intended to be published as an "audiobook" and so I will include comments on it's format in this review.
First though, the story itself. Mourning Glory is following three sisters and their cousin as they try to deal with their family history legacy and also the demon that haunts their family.
The characters are all so likeable and distinct and I loved seeing how they interacted with each other and with other family members. I loved how family-oriented the whole story was, with the main relationship plots being sisterly ones.
I also really liked the A plot in which the family trying to deal with this demon and learning about how they came to be haunted by this demon in the first place. Rooted in southern American history and those horrors, this book was giving characters the agency to take on the past.
The only B plots in this story were the relationship plots between the four main characters, which should have been enough, but some how came across as shallowly done. Without enough B plot, this story seemed to lack dimension.
There was one scene I was confused about near the end in which two of the protagonists wind up having to kind of time travel and steal souls, and rather than follow them do this, we sit with the other two girls and listen to them wait and chat. I truly don't understand why we couldn't have seen both perspectives, and if we were to only get one why we only get the duller one?
The ending was also wrapped up far too neatly. There was no real hitch in the plan that our characters had to overcome. They made a plan and followed it through and that was it, it was rather uncompelling.
On to the format. This story was narrated by none other than Bahni Turpin, who is a favourite audiobook narrator of mine. Her voice truly brought this story to life and added so much dimension to the story. The story itself, being written with audio narration in mind, would lose a lot if ever published in print as it currently stands.
This story also came with so. many. sound effects. Too many. I was continuously pulled out of the story by the sound effects, some of which didn't even exactly match up with the sound described. There was also often background music alongside the narration that made the scenes feel cheesy rather than actually adding anything.
Then on top of all of that there were some lines delivered at half the volume as the rest of the narration because the character was mumbling or was supposed to be further away that I just could not hear at all. I did however, check out this story on spotify to see if the quality was better and it did seem to be a bit clearer than the file I received.
If I hadn't received this story as an ARC I would not have included it as part of my reading and probably would have DNFd it for the sound effects alone, however I promised an honest review so here we are. I would recommend this to people are already fans of fiction podcasts or audio dramas as the format may be more to their tastes.
February 17, 2024
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥: Black supernatural family drama
Thank you #partners @tlcbooktours @realmmedia_ #spotifyaudiobooks for my #gifted audiobook and for including me on this tour.
Mourning Glory
By L.L. McKinney & Bethany C. Morrow
Narrated by Bahni Turpin
📖 The formerly close-knit Cauley sisters—Nicole, Lynn, and Charlie—have drifted apart in their adult lives. But they are unexpectedly brought together by the sudden passing of their mother.
Returning to their ancestral home, the last Black-owned funeral parlor in the city, the sisters are joined by their cousin, Rene, and their grandmother as they come to terms with their grief. However, they’re facing more than one loss: For generations, the Cauley women have possessed a family magic to keep a powerful demon named Legion at bay. After their mother’s death, the power appears to be lost. And without it, they’re sitting ducks.
Long-standing feuds and unspoken hostilities arise as the women struggle to work together and regain their magic. As tensions flare and Legion closes in, the family must overcome their differences and prove that blood is thicker than evil.
💭 This was a fun story, blending a touching family drama with a paranormal "fighting evil" story. It's a super quick listen, at just 6 hours at 1× speed (or 3 for those of us who listen at 2×). It's bingeable and action-packed, with never a dull moment. My newest obsession is graphic audiobooks, and this one did not disappoint! Bahni Turpin is a fave, and she performed this wonderfully, providing unique voices for each character! The amazing sound effects made it a theatrical, fully immersive experience.
📌 Note: despite the cover, this is not YA as I was expecting
📌 Out now!
Thank you #partners @tlcbooktours @realmmedia_ #spotifyaudiobooks for my #gifted audiobook and for including me on this tour.
Mourning Glory
By L.L. McKinney & Bethany C. Morrow
Narrated by Bahni Turpin
📖 The formerly close-knit Cauley sisters—Nicole, Lynn, and Charlie—have drifted apart in their adult lives. But they are unexpectedly brought together by the sudden passing of their mother.
Returning to their ancestral home, the last Black-owned funeral parlor in the city, the sisters are joined by their cousin, Rene, and their grandmother as they come to terms with their grief. However, they’re facing more than one loss: For generations, the Cauley women have possessed a family magic to keep a powerful demon named Legion at bay. After their mother’s death, the power appears to be lost. And without it, they’re sitting ducks.
Long-standing feuds and unspoken hostilities arise as the women struggle to work together and regain their magic. As tensions flare and Legion closes in, the family must overcome their differences and prove that blood is thicker than evil.
💭 This was a fun story, blending a touching family drama with a paranormal "fighting evil" story. It's a super quick listen, at just 6 hours at 1× speed (or 3 for those of us who listen at 2×). It's bingeable and action-packed, with never a dull moment. My newest obsession is graphic audiobooks, and this one did not disappoint! Bahni Turpin is a fave, and she performed this wonderfully, providing unique voices for each character! The amazing sound effects made it a theatrical, fully immersive experience.
📌 Note: despite the cover, this is not YA as I was expecting
📌 Out now!
January 6, 2024
✨ Review ✨ Mourning Glory by L.L. McKinney, Bethany C Morrow; Narrated by Bahni Turpin
This might have only had one narrator but it had sound effects and felt more like a full cast production. A group of sisters and their cousin have to grabble with magic inherited after their mom suddenly passes away, and the book is a spooky coming-to-terms with this power being inherited differently than expected.
The book has this fantastic race / reparations component that overlays with the magic / spirits in the book and the quest that they must complete to get things back to normal. I loved how this all played out.
With that said, I felt a little confused about the magic system, as well as keeping the characters straight. With four main characters plus a grandma, aunts, and others moving in and out quickly (and I think the POV might have shifted between characters too?), it was a lot to absorb all at once in a short book.
Overall, I enjoyed this though and found it thought-provoking. The narration was great and I loved the addition of the spooky sound effects! (And I think this is available as audio only!)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: fantasy / horror light (ghosts etc.)
Length: 6h 9min
Pub Date: out now!
Read this if you like:
⭕️ female lineage family stories (sisters and other women in their family)
⭕️ race & reparations
⭕️ magic & ghosts
⭕️ spooky vibes
Thanks to Spotify Audiobooks and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!
This might have only had one narrator but it had sound effects and felt more like a full cast production. A group of sisters and their cousin have to grabble with magic inherited after their mom suddenly passes away, and the book is a spooky coming-to-terms with this power being inherited differently than expected.
The book has this fantastic race / reparations component that overlays with the magic / spirits in the book and the quest that they must complete to get things back to normal. I loved how this all played out.
With that said, I felt a little confused about the magic system, as well as keeping the characters straight. With four main characters plus a grandma, aunts, and others moving in and out quickly (and I think the POV might have shifted between characters too?), it was a lot to absorb all at once in a short book.
Overall, I enjoyed this though and found it thought-provoking. The narration was great and I loved the addition of the spooky sound effects! (And I think this is available as audio only!)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: fantasy / horror light (ghosts etc.)
Length: 6h 9min
Pub Date: out now!
Read this if you like:
⭕️ female lineage family stories (sisters and other women in their family)
⭕️ race & reparations
⭕️ magic & ghosts
⭕️ spooky vibes
Thanks to Spotify Audiobooks and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!
April 26, 2024
3.5 stars
There was a great look at race and class that was an undercurrent of this story. It commented on some of the added struggles when just trying to live your life as a black person in America, while framing it around magic and how people are viewed.
I liked, and related with, the family dynamics and arguing with your cousins or siblings. Always trying to compare or compete for things within your family groups. The love that underpins it all and what we would do or sacrifice for those we love.
The part that had me rating this as less was the actual audio. The narrator was excellent, so it wasn’t that. There was this weird music happening in the background that actually just distracted from the voices, rather than create any sort of mood. The volume of the different voices varied so much that you had to have it quite loud to hear the quiet voices and then it was like the main voice was yelling at you. It also scared the shit out of me when a ghost or ghoul did this blood curdling scream out of nowhere and it was so loud 😂
Genre: Paranormal YA
Format: Audio
POV: Multiple
Tropes: magic, witches, three sisters - like Charmed but less annoying, using magic to be racist, family curses.
Spice: NA
Age suggestion: 15+
There was a great look at race and class that was an undercurrent of this story. It commented on some of the added struggles when just trying to live your life as a black person in America, while framing it around magic and how people are viewed.
I liked, and related with, the family dynamics and arguing with your cousins or siblings. Always trying to compare or compete for things within your family groups. The love that underpins it all and what we would do or sacrifice for those we love.
The part that had me rating this as less was the actual audio. The narrator was excellent, so it wasn’t that. There was this weird music happening in the background that actually just distracted from the voices, rather than create any sort of mood. The volume of the different voices varied so much that you had to have it quite loud to hear the quiet voices and then it was like the main voice was yelling at you. It also scared the shit out of me when a ghost or ghoul did this blood curdling scream out of nowhere and it was so loud 😂
Genre: Paranormal YA
Format: Audio
POV: Multiple
Tropes: magic, witches, three sisters - like Charmed but less annoying, using magic to be racist, family curses.
Spice: NA
Age suggestion: 15+
August 4, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
Charmed was one of my favourite TV shows growing up, and this gave me Charmed vibes. I loved the supernatural elements, the witch lineage, and the relationships between the sisters and cousin. I would read a longer version of this book, or more books in this world with this family.
The audiobook was almost like a radio play - there were sound effects throughout, voice distortions and music. It was a whole production. Definitely gave it some theatre.
There were some things that dropped this down for me. The plot was basic and pretty predictable. There's quite a big scene which happens off-page with two characters which felt like you missed out on a lot. Some parts of it were just confusing - . Lastly, it felt a little rushed. The story would have been fleshed out so much and I would have lapped it all up. I wanted more.
Charmed was one of my favourite TV shows growing up, and this gave me Charmed vibes. I loved the supernatural elements, the witch lineage, and the relationships between the sisters and cousin. I would read a longer version of this book, or more books in this world with this family.
The audiobook was almost like a radio play - there were sound effects throughout, voice distortions and music. It was a whole production. Definitely gave it some theatre.
There were some things that dropped this down for me. The plot was basic and pretty predictable. There's quite a big scene which happens off-page with two characters which felt like you missed out on a lot. Some parts of it were just confusing - . Lastly, it felt a little rushed. The story would have been fleshed out so much and I would have lapped it all up. I wanted more.
December 19, 2023
Mourning Glory by L.L.McKinney and Bethany C. Morrow is a very interesting ghost story and a Black family drama set in the present day. The Cauley family has magic that passes down to the daughters. They expect the magic to pass to the eldest daughter, but it doesn't work quite that way. Instead, the three sisters and their cousin have to work together, easier said than done. A Demon collective named Legion seems to be after them, and it is very dangerous. The last chapter has some rather scary horror elements.
This audiobook features full sound effects, which really add a lot to the whole audiobook experience. The narrator, Bahni Turpin, is a great reader and voice actor, and she does all the characters effectively. The dialogue seems natural.
Thank you to Netgalley, Realm and Spotify Audiobooks for providing me this audio ARC in exchange for my honest review. I recommend this book for readers who like paranormal fiction.
This audiobook features full sound effects, which really add a lot to the whole audiobook experience. The narrator, Bahni Turpin, is a great reader and voice actor, and she does all the characters effectively. The dialogue seems natural.
Thank you to Netgalley, Realm and Spotify Audiobooks for providing me this audio ARC in exchange for my honest review. I recommend this book for readers who like paranormal fiction.
December 20, 2023
It is so unfortunate because I really wanted to love this! A story about four Black witches?! Sisters and a cousin? Sign me up! I thought the characters were so relatable and I enjoyed the confusion around the change of power.
They bickered or were at odds more than stood in sisterhood and love and that was kind of a let down. But the story took a turn once Renee confronted the descendant. As soon as she vaguely started speaking about reparations and the inheritance of atrocities, I thought it was a fumble of a plot point. I would have been confused too. It fell flat when we really could have made a point about the effect of American racism.
From there, it seems the character development stops and it is no longer a story about four different women. The conflict wraps up kind of underwhelmingly and that’s it. We are left with questions that I don’t really care if they are answered or not.
They bickered or were at odds more than stood in sisterhood and love and that was kind of a let down. But the story took a turn once Renee confronted the descendant. As soon as she vaguely started speaking about reparations and the inheritance of atrocities, I thought it was a fumble of a plot point. I would have been confused too. It fell flat when we really could have made a point about the effect of American racism.
From there, it seems the character development stops and it is no longer a story about four different women. The conflict wraps up kind of underwhelmingly and that’s it. We are left with questions that I don’t really care if they are answered or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2024
“Everything beautiful ain’t fragile. Don’t worry. Even strong things might wither and die if you don’t treat ‘em just right.”
“Family doesn’t mean you don’t rub each other rough sometimes. Just as long as you love just as intensely.”
A Black contemporary family drama with a side of magic.
The formerly close-knit Cauley sisters-Nicole, Lynn, and Charlie-have drifted apart in their adult lives. But they are unexpectedly brought together by the sudden passing of their mother.
Returning to their ancestral home, the last Black-owned funeral parlor in the city, the sisters are joined by their cousin, Rene, and their grandmother as they come to terms with their grief. However, they’re facing more than one loss: For generations, the Cauley women have possessed a family magic to keep a powerful demon named Legion at bay. After their mother’s death, the power appears to be lost. And without it, they’re sitting ducks.
This audiobook is a whole experience in and of itself. The narration is absolutely fantastic and the sound effects really changed up the listening experience from a typical audiobook. And that demonic voice?! Hot damn I’m glad I was listening during daylight hours. 🤣
Thank you so much to @ll_mckinney, @bcmorrow, @prospertunia, @tlcbooktours, and @tlcdiversity for the #gifted audiobook.
“Family doesn’t mean you don’t rub each other rough sometimes. Just as long as you love just as intensely.”
A Black contemporary family drama with a side of magic.
The formerly close-knit Cauley sisters-Nicole, Lynn, and Charlie-have drifted apart in their adult lives. But they are unexpectedly brought together by the sudden passing of their mother.
Returning to their ancestral home, the last Black-owned funeral parlor in the city, the sisters are joined by their cousin, Rene, and their grandmother as they come to terms with their grief. However, they’re facing more than one loss: For generations, the Cauley women have possessed a family magic to keep a powerful demon named Legion at bay. After their mother’s death, the power appears to be lost. And without it, they’re sitting ducks.
This audiobook is a whole experience in and of itself. The narration is absolutely fantastic and the sound effects really changed up the listening experience from a typical audiobook. And that demonic voice?! Hot damn I’m glad I was listening during daylight hours. 🤣
Thank you so much to @ll_mckinney, @bcmorrow, @prospertunia, @tlcbooktours, and @tlcdiversity for the #gifted audiobook.
February 14, 2024
At the unexpected death of their mother-Nicole, Lynn, and Charlie-are brought back together to keep the demon Legion at bay. But something has happened to the magic and the sisters will need the help from their cousin and grandmother to regain the magic.
I was given an ARC of the audiobook for Mourning Glory and I am so glad for it. Bahni Turpin is such a good narrator I love listening to whichever book she reads. The audiobook was a whole production much like radio dramas. Each character has their own voice and personality brought to life beautifully by Bahni. I love the coming together of this family to protect their home and each other. They have their differences but they learn to accept them to better understand one another.
My only complaint is that the story moves along too fast. I would have liked a few scenes to be more fleshed out on how they stop Legion. Otherwise this is a must listen.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC of Mourning Glory
I was given an ARC of the audiobook for Mourning Glory and I am so glad for it. Bahni Turpin is such a good narrator I love listening to whichever book she reads. The audiobook was a whole production much like radio dramas. Each character has their own voice and personality brought to life beautifully by Bahni. I love the coming together of this family to protect their home and each other. They have their differences but they learn to accept them to better understand one another.
My only complaint is that the story moves along too fast. I would have liked a few scenes to be more fleshed out on how they stop Legion. Otherwise this is a must listen.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC of Mourning Glory
May 15, 2024
Really great story, with beautifully complex relationships between characters. My biggest gripe would be that the characters spend a lot of the book being mad at each other for things out of their control. Charlie, and eventually Lyn, blame Nic and Renee for creating this divide between the pairs when it was the adults who made the decision to separate them. I feel like that never is fully resolved, it's more glossed over with a "you're stuck with us".
The end of the book also felt quite rushed. I would have enjoyed more of an extended final fight/conclusion.
Still a phenomenal read though with very realistic characters. They do not play down the racism or the affects it had/has for the comfort of a white reader. The anger that black people feel toward how white people were able to just move on from these events because it no longer affects them is also amazingly depicted (in my very white opinion, so please keep this in mind).
The end of the book also felt quite rushed. I would have enjoyed more of an extended final fight/conclusion.
Still a phenomenal read though with very realistic characters. They do not play down the racism or the affects it had/has for the comfort of a white reader. The anger that black people feel toward how white people were able to just move on from these events because it no longer affects them is also amazingly depicted (in my very white opinion, so please keep this in mind).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2023
The Cauley sisters reunite after their mother's death and must confront their family's legacy of keeping a powerful demon named Legion at bay. However, they have lost their family magic, leaving them vulnerable. Tensions arise as they work to regain their power and overcome their differences before Legion destroys them.
This is probably one of the best audibooks I have ever listened to. The background noises, along with the narration, instantly transports the listener into the story. I was actually getting creeped out by Legion and its voice! Overall, a pretty solid read. The only complaint I have is that the writing is very dialogue heavy, and sometimes it’s hard to understand the passage of time within the story. The Cauley family was hysterical and I would love to see a sequel of this book in the future
3 ⭐️ from me!
This is probably one of the best audibooks I have ever listened to. The background noises, along with the narration, instantly transports the listener into the story. I was actually getting creeped out by Legion and its voice! Overall, a pretty solid read. The only complaint I have is that the writing is very dialogue heavy, and sometimes it’s hard to understand the passage of time within the story. The Cauley family was hysterical and I would love to see a sequel of this book in the future
3 ⭐️ from me!
December 18, 2023
What I particularly liked: This audio production reminded me of one of the old fashioned radio shows my Nana used to listen to. It has great sound effects/narration/transitioning between chapters to where you can almost listen to it in episodes, which I think would be great even for people who may not listen to audiobooks often.
Overall Thoughts: The Cauley family felt inspired by real family dynamics, especially seeing how the estranged sisters and their cousin Rene all interact, hold grudges/resentments against each other, and at the end of the day care about each other. The story itself was a little predictable and maybe not the most memorable with the family ties coming together to conquer a dark force, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
Overall Thoughts: The Cauley family felt inspired by real family dynamics, especially seeing how the estranged sisters and their cousin Rene all interact, hold grudges/resentments against each other, and at the end of the day care about each other. The story itself was a little predictable and maybe not the most memorable with the family ties coming together to conquer a dark force, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
April 13, 2024
Amazing audiobook experience on Spotify that just really brought the story to life. I've been listening to this as I go to bed but I've found myself wanting to catch up with the story in the day too, not able to wait until bedtime!
The narrating and backgrounds sounds as well as the musical score were definitely an added plus and just did so much to create an atmosphere for the book.
The story follows fantasy and magic, as a family are brought together to rediscover their history and fight against an evil which has been plaguing their family for generations.
I love that all the main characters are women and that the characters have their own distinctive personalities and relationships with each other. I'll be looking out for more audiobooks like this.
The narrating and backgrounds sounds as well as the musical score were definitely an added plus and just did so much to create an atmosphere for the book.
The story follows fantasy and magic, as a family are brought together to rediscover their history and fight against an evil which has been plaguing their family for generations.
I love that all the main characters are women and that the characters have their own distinctive personalities and relationships with each other. I'll be looking out for more audiobooks like this.
January 25, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced ARC of Mourning Glory
*Character Focused
* Family themed
* Generational curses
* Magic
* Demons & Spirits
* Diverse Read
I listened to the audiobook of this and it was listening to a TV series play out, all the background noise added made the story more engaging ( which for me is different because I normally don't like background noise, it distracts me from the person speaking) but in this it worked so well and made u feel like you where there helping this family etc. This is well worth the listen to and I think ur get more out of the audiobook then reading it 👍
*Character Focused
* Family themed
* Generational curses
* Magic
* Demons & Spirits
* Diverse Read
I listened to the audiobook of this and it was listening to a TV series play out, all the background noise added made the story more engaging ( which for me is different because I normally don't like background noise, it distracts me from the person speaking) but in this it worked so well and made u feel like you where there helping this family etc. This is well worth the listen to and I think ur get more out of the audiobook then reading it 👍
December 25, 2024
It was a fun, immersive experience audio book. I love these new style of books where you can hear different background noises and they just seem more real. This one was outside my comfort zone because I don’t read many with magic, but I always like them when I do!
The Cauley sisters are all brought back together with the passing of their mother. They are joined by their cousin and grandmother as they try to work through everything. The women of the family also have possessed a family magic to keep a demon away from their family. With their mother gone, the women work together to make sure their magic is there. They must all work together to prove that they can beat evil.
The Cauley sisters are all brought back together with the passing of their mother. They are joined by their cousin and grandmother as they try to work through everything. The women of the family also have possessed a family magic to keep a demon away from their family. With their mother gone, the women work together to make sure their magic is there. They must all work together to prove that they can beat evil.
September 5, 2025
Can I just say that Bahni Turpin brought this book to life in so many ways! I truly love any and everything narrated by her.
This book follows 3 sisters and a cousin…a family with magical powers. When the sister’s mother passed away unexpectedly, things begin to get weird. They soon learn that they have to battle an evil that has been lurking within their family for years.
I really enjoyed this though I wish that it was a little bit longer and wish that it didn’t feel so rushed. If I had to compare this to something, it would be the tv show “Charmed” just instead of a white family these 3 sisters are black.
I would most definitely read a book 2 of this if there was one.
3.75 stars
This book follows 3 sisters and a cousin…a family with magical powers. When the sister’s mother passed away unexpectedly, things begin to get weird. They soon learn that they have to battle an evil that has been lurking within their family for years.
I really enjoyed this though I wish that it was a little bit longer and wish that it didn’t feel so rushed. If I had to compare this to something, it would be the tv show “Charmed” just instead of a white family these 3 sisters are black.
I would most definitely read a book 2 of this if there was one.
3.75 stars
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February 13, 2024
If you haven't had a chance to listen to a dramatized audiobook, I highly recommend it. The sound effects and music brought the Cauley family alive in Mourning Glory. A mixture of horror and paranormal, the Cauley sisters have lost their mother and nothing is happening the way it's supposed to. With Legion on the lose, will they be able to come together and put their differences aside? At only 6 hours and 9 minutes, it was a quick listen and easy to fall in love with.
Thank you TLC Book Tours & Spotify for a gifted copy.
Thank you TLC Book Tours & Spotify for a gifted copy.
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February 23, 2024Packs a good punch for such a short story. I really enjoyed the growing closeness between the sisters and their cousin and the way they gradually acknowledged their strengths and flaws, and learned how to work together. The fact that this book was specifically created for audio meant that there were some really cool additional effects that you don't often get to enjoy in a standard audiobook. The only issue was the constant background music. It was almost always present while characters were speaking and it detracted from what was being said as well as distracting me from the overall story.
February 26, 2024
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Mourning Glory makes an impact. This book flew by and understandably so. It combines the amazing writer forces of McKinney and Morrow - two of my favorite YA authors - and creates a story about generational trauma, family, and magic. The Spotify audiobook production with the music and sound effects makes this feel like you're listening to a movie. It feels cinematic and means that when this ends, you'll want to listen all over again.
Mourning Glory makes an impact. This book flew by and understandably so. It combines the amazing writer forces of McKinney and Morrow - two of my favorite YA authors - and creates a story about generational trauma, family, and magic. The Spotify audiobook production with the music and sound effects makes this feel like you're listening to a movie. It feels cinematic and means that when this ends, you'll want to listen all over again.
January 1, 2024
I received an advance reading copy of this audiobook from Netgalley and the person who narrated did an AMAZING job bringing the characters to life.
This book was so good, but the ending was a little lacking for me, it was still good, just lacking a little final battle vibes I was looking for, lol.
Charlie was my favourite, I loved her from the beginning to the end and Renee can catch these hands. You just have to know a book is good when you want to fight a character in real life.
This book was so good, but the ending was a little lacking for me, it was still good, just lacking a little final battle vibes I was looking for, lol.
Charlie was my favourite, I loved her from the beginning to the end and Renee can catch these hands. You just have to know a book is good when you want to fight a character in real life.
September 3, 2024
Did not finish I got a couple hours in and just didn’t like the tone of the language used in it for the lack of the better words. The story line I enjoyed and it kept me interested those few hours. How ever not enough to get me through the remaining 4 hours. I can see hoe others would enjoy this story just not for me.
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