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Innkeeper Chronicles [Dramatized Adaptation] #1
Clean Sweep [Dramatized Adaptation]
On the outside, Dina Demille is the epitome of normal. She runs a quaint Victorian Bed and Breakfast in a small Texas town, owns a Shih Tzu named Beast, and is a perfect neighbor, whose biggest problem should be what to serve her guests for breakfast. But Dina is...different: Her broom is a deadly weapon; her Inn is magic and thinks for itself. Meant to be a lodging for otherworldly visitors, the only permanent guest is a retired Galactic aristocrat who can’t leave the grounds because she’s responsible for the deaths of millions and someone might shoot her on sight. Under the circumstances, "normal" is a bit of a stretch for Dina.
And now, something with wicked claws and deepwater teeth has begun to hunt at night....Feeling responsible for her neighbors, Dina decides to get involved. Before long, she has to juggle dealing with the annoyingly attractive, ex-military, new neighbor, Sean Evans—an alpha-strain werewolf—and the equally arresting cosmic vampire soldier, Arland, while trying to keep her inn and its guests safe. But the enemy she’s facing is unlike anything she’s ever encountered. It’s smart, vicious, and lethal, and putting herself between this creature and her neighbors might just cost her everything.
Approximate Running Time: 6 Hours
And now, something with wicked claws and deepwater teeth has begun to hunt at night....Feeling responsible for her neighbors, Dina decides to get involved. Before long, she has to juggle dealing with the annoyingly attractive, ex-military, new neighbor, Sean Evans—an alpha-strain werewolf—and the equally arresting cosmic vampire soldier, Arland, while trying to keep her inn and its guests safe. But the enemy she’s facing is unlike anything she’s ever encountered. It’s smart, vicious, and lethal, and putting herself between this creature and her neighbors might just cost her everything.
Approximate Running Time: 6 Hours
6 pages, Audiobook
Published January 7, 2022
About the author
Ilona Andrews
206 books36.3k followersIlona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
October 2, 2017
My favourite comfort reads/listens and my favourite series by Ilona Andrews since the day I first came across them.
Originally I read Books 1-3 as kindle editions, then I purchased the audiobooks and when the full-cast dramatizations came out, I tried one for the fun of it and then bought them all, because I found they are very well done. Funny & entertaining and well-cast.
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Dear Traveler! Welcome to the lovely Gertrude Hunt Inn B&B, in the town of Red Deer, Texas.
A perfect place to rest and relax, where your every need will be catered to by your caring Innkeeper, Dina Demille. Walk around the lovely, shady orchard; sit on the porch; sip a glass of lemonade in company of the gentle, aristocratic lady, permanent resident of the Inn & most wanted, killer tyrant of the universe (addicted to FunYun and YelloMello).
Besides the Inn’s unique capability of self-defense, security level is heightened by the presence of an alpha-strain werewolf. Entertainment for ladies is provided by the occasional appearance of a heartthrob, chivalric vampire warrior who, when drunk on coffee, gets all his clothes off and runs around the garden in the nude. When sober, same vampire may offer physical exercise to gentlemen and flirts with ladies. (I mean, who could resist a vampire who reads the Twilight series as social research to win a lady's heart?)
Normally I don’t do gushing, but the authors Ilona Andrews just make me do it almost all the time.
From page one I fell hook, line and sinker for the story and the characters, especially the Inn, Gertrude Hunt, itself. She is every woman’s dream: self-defending, self-cleaning, self-decorating with an underground storage for unwanted rooms and with doors opening to the most renown intergalatical market and other planets. From now on she is my best-loved literary character to whom noone can compare.
The other MC, Dina, the Innkeeper, as a caregiver and homemaker kind of person, is very relatable to me. At the same time she is smart, resourceful and compassionate.
I also think I am developing a minor crush on Arland. I very much picture him as Lee Pace in the Hobbit series, but with fangs, black armour and no hideous hair decoration. :)
And Caldenia, killer-tyrant can be none other than Helen Mirren, yes?
The world-building is great: detailed, but not overwhelming. The romance is very appealing, but not heavy and it does not, at any point, hijack the narrative. The mix of political intrigue & action scenes is very well balanced and throughout there is the trademark wry humour with emotionally highly touching moments.
Originally I read Books 1-3 as kindle editions, then I purchased the audiobooks and when the full-cast dramatizations came out, I tried one for the fun of it and then bought them all, because I found they are very well done. Funny & entertaining and well-cast.
---------------
Dear Traveler! Welcome to the lovely Gertrude Hunt Inn B&B, in the town of Red Deer, Texas.
A perfect place to rest and relax, where your every need will be catered to by your caring Innkeeper, Dina Demille. Walk around the lovely, shady orchard; sit on the porch; sip a glass of lemonade in company of the gentle, aristocratic lady, permanent resident of the Inn & most wanted, killer tyrant of the universe (addicted to FunYun and YelloMello).
Besides the Inn’s unique capability of self-defense, security level is heightened by the presence of an alpha-strain werewolf. Entertainment for ladies is provided by the occasional appearance of a heartthrob, chivalric vampire warrior who, when drunk on coffee, gets all his clothes off and runs around the garden in the nude. When sober, same vampire may offer physical exercise to gentlemen and flirts with ladies. (I mean, who could resist a vampire who reads the Twilight series as social research to win a lady's heart?)
Normally I don’t do gushing, but the authors Ilona Andrews just make me do it almost all the time.
From page one I fell hook, line and sinker for the story and the characters, especially the Inn, Gertrude Hunt, itself. She is every woman’s dream: self-defending, self-cleaning, self-decorating with an underground storage for unwanted rooms and with doors opening to the most renown intergalatical market and other planets. From now on she is my best-loved literary character to whom noone can compare.
The other MC, Dina, the Innkeeper, as a caregiver and homemaker kind of person, is very relatable to me. At the same time she is smart, resourceful and compassionate.
I also think I am developing a minor crush on Arland. I very much picture him as Lee Pace in the Hobbit series, but with fangs, black armour and no hideous hair decoration. :)
And Caldenia, killer-tyrant can be none other than Helen Mirren, yes?
The world-building is great: detailed, but not overwhelming. The romance is very appealing, but not heavy and it does not, at any point, hijack the narrative. The mix of political intrigue & action scenes is very well balanced and throughout there is the trademark wry humour with emotionally highly touching moments.
September 27, 2024
Strange world!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌏
Character development: 🙂🥰😎🤩
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Duet Narration ✨Full Cast – Dramatized Adaptation✨
The heroine: Dina - she is an innkeeper, which is a kind of supernatural. Many of your traditional supernaturals are in this book, like werewolves and vampires, but this one is different. Most of the supernaturals come from different planets and travel to Earth via portals or doorways. Dina is in charge of her bed & breakfast and the land and orchards she owns. Her supernatural boarders are under her protection and she takes that seriously. Her house is magic, and she has magic, including a magical broom which can turn into all sorts of weapons.
The Hero: Sean - he is a werewolf who moved to the small Texas town where Dina lives and made it his territory. He was in the military for a long time and now he wants to settle down for a more sedate life. Though he knows he is a werewolf, he doesn’t want others to know, and his parents never told him the history of werewolves. He doesn’t know that his people came from outer space and were at war with another race.
The Story: when supernatural beings called stalkers invade the town and start killing dogs in a horrible way, Dina tells Sean to protect his territory. However, Sean doesn’t know what Dina is and pretends he has no clue what she is talking about. Though he does smarten up and admit to her what she already knows. They team up to get rid of the stalkers and end up getting along well.
This was a strange story, and this world was not like most of the supernatural worlds we read about in romance. This was a clean romance, though Dina and Sean did have an attraction and there was some jealousy when a vampire comes to town. Dina was similar to a witch, but just called an innkeeper, and it meant something specific in this world. She could grant sanctuary on her land which was warded, so other supernaturals can’t get to the people there. It was a strange world, but I liked it.
This audiobook is narrated in dramatized adaptation form by a full cast of narrators. Performed by: Nora Achrati, Ryan H. Reid, Alex Hill-Knight, Karen Novack, James Lewis, Elias Khalil, Christopher Walker, Alejandro Ruiz, Peter Holdway, Holly Adams, Ken Jackson, John Kielty, Darius Johnson, Nicole Perez, Joe Mallon, Keval Shah, KenYatta Rogers, Duyen Washington, Kelly Baskin, Steve Wannall, Christopher Graybill, Nickolette Kong, K’Lai Rivera, Laura C. Harris, Martin Dickinson, Jessica Lauren Ball, and Bradley Foster Smith.
I liked the narration for the most part but a few things bothered me. The woman who did the voice of Dina, sounded older than I would have liked, and she had a good southern accent, I just would have liked her to sound quirkier to be more like the character. Also, I like full cast/dramatized narration, in that you get to hear background sounds of what the characters are doing, like walking, or doors opening and stuff like that, but I don’t like background music, which this had during some parts.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌏
Character development: 🙂🥰😎🤩
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Duet Narration ✨Full Cast – Dramatized Adaptation✨
The heroine: Dina - she is an innkeeper, which is a kind of supernatural. Many of your traditional supernaturals are in this book, like werewolves and vampires, but this one is different. Most of the supernaturals come from different planets and travel to Earth via portals or doorways. Dina is in charge of her bed & breakfast and the land and orchards she owns. Her supernatural boarders are under her protection and she takes that seriously. Her house is magic, and she has magic, including a magical broom which can turn into all sorts of weapons.
The Hero: Sean - he is a werewolf who moved to the small Texas town where Dina lives and made it his territory. He was in the military for a long time and now he wants to settle down for a more sedate life. Though he knows he is a werewolf, he doesn’t want others to know, and his parents never told him the history of werewolves. He doesn’t know that his people came from outer space and were at war with another race.
The Story: when supernatural beings called stalkers invade the town and start killing dogs in a horrible way, Dina tells Sean to protect his territory. However, Sean doesn’t know what Dina is and pretends he has no clue what she is talking about. Though he does smarten up and admit to her what she already knows. They team up to get rid of the stalkers and end up getting along well.
This was a strange story, and this world was not like most of the supernatural worlds we read about in romance. This was a clean romance, though Dina and Sean did have an attraction and there was some jealousy when a vampire comes to town. Dina was similar to a witch, but just called an innkeeper, and it meant something specific in this world. She could grant sanctuary on her land which was warded, so other supernaturals can’t get to the people there. It was a strange world, but I liked it.
This audiobook is narrated in dramatized adaptation form by a full cast of narrators. Performed by: Nora Achrati, Ryan H. Reid, Alex Hill-Knight, Karen Novack, James Lewis, Elias Khalil, Christopher Walker, Alejandro Ruiz, Peter Holdway, Holly Adams, Ken Jackson, John Kielty, Darius Johnson, Nicole Perez, Joe Mallon, Keval Shah, KenYatta Rogers, Duyen Washington, Kelly Baskin, Steve Wannall, Christopher Graybill, Nickolette Kong, K’Lai Rivera, Laura C. Harris, Martin Dickinson, Jessica Lauren Ball, and Bradley Foster Smith.
I liked the narration for the most part but a few things bothered me. The woman who did the voice of Dina, sounded older than I would have liked, and she had a good southern accent, I just would have liked her to sound quirkier to be more like the character. Also, I like full cast/dramatized narration, in that you get to hear background sounds of what the characters are doing, like walking, or doors opening and stuff like that, but I don’t like background music, which this had during some parts.
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May 22, 2023
This is my first real foray into the audiobook world. I decided to choose a familiar comfort read so that I could get used to the medium and determine whether I could enjoy it. Now, I realize that this is a graphic audio version performed by a full cast which is different from having the book read by one narrator. I plan to try one of those eventually too.
One thing about listening to a book is that you learn the received pronunciation of character names! In my head Dina was ‘Dinah' rather than ‘Deena,' so I had to make that mental adjustment. To begin with, I was unsure about the voice of the actor chosen as Sean, but he grew on me as the book progressed. Arland's voice should have been deeper IMO and I was unsure why he and Caldenia received similar accents? Does everyone from off-planet speak in British accents? (No, I answer my own question, I don't think Lord Soren did?) This is one issue—I returned the book to the library shortly after finishing it and now I can't go back to check on these details. I'm not sure how to find specific scenes to check on my impressions. Obviously I have more work to do to become a proficient audiobook reviewer! I can already tell that I need to keep a pen and paper on hand to make notes as I go.
A drawback for me is that I can read the text much faster than the actors can perform it. But is that a drawback? I guess that depends on how pressed for time I am. Still, I enjoyed the experience and have already requested the second volume of the Innkeeper Chronicles from the library. They are very popular and the wait times can be quite significant, so I've got some digestion time before book two to plan my attack.
One thing about listening to a book is that you learn the received pronunciation of character names! In my head Dina was ‘Dinah' rather than ‘Deena,' so I had to make that mental adjustment. To begin with, I was unsure about the voice of the actor chosen as Sean, but he grew on me as the book progressed. Arland's voice should have been deeper IMO and I was unsure why he and Caldenia received similar accents? Does everyone from off-planet speak in British accents? (No, I answer my own question, I don't think Lord Soren did?) This is one issue—I returned the book to the library shortly after finishing it and now I can't go back to check on these details. I'm not sure how to find specific scenes to check on my impressions. Obviously I have more work to do to become a proficient audiobook reviewer! I can already tell that I need to keep a pen and paper on hand to make notes as I go.
A drawback for me is that I can read the text much faster than the actors can perform it. But is that a drawback? I guess that depends on how pressed for time I am. Still, I enjoyed the experience and have already requested the second volume of the Innkeeper Chronicles from the library. They are very popular and the wait times can be quite significant, so I've got some digestion time before book two to plan my attack.
January 1, 2014
I’m continuing my re-read for the 2025 read-along of the Innkeeper Chronicles via the Dramatized Adaptations by GraphicAudio.
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5 Sweeping Stars!
Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
First off I love the cover and artwork displayed in the book. Second I love the authors written style. Each book has its own quirky sense of humor, hunky alpha males, monsters, adventure, action and interesting characters. The husband and wife writing team did it again! I was pulled into an amazing world with fun characters that I could not wait to learn more about.
Dina is an inn keeper thou the inn she runs appears to be a regular house we soon learn that it is Magic along with Dina, but there are limits to that Magic. Clean Sweep also introduces two male protagonists who both are interested in Dina. There is a tiny mystery, action and funny encounters. Sean is a hunky Alpha wolf who has moved into the area. Arland is a hunky Vampire from another planet.
Clean Sweep is a solid read in the Innkeeper series. The character and world building are well done. The author writes some of the best dialogue I've read and I liked the authors take on the origins of werewolves & vampires, so fresh new different.
Audio March 2018: I had a delightful time with the audiobook and I acutely think I discovered something new by listening that I missed when reading. I think we get our first glimpse of the children from The Edge series, but now they are all grown up. The narrator Renée Raudman did a wonderful job on the voices. I had fun!
Graphic Audio Aug. 2022: I LOVE this series and so when I heard it was going to come out as a Graphic Audio - A Movie In Your Mind I just had to give it a try. I've never listened to a Graphic Audio before... WOW!! It was a movie for the mind. Loved all the added sound effects and full cast. So so good.
=====
5 Sweeping Stars!
Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
First off I love the cover and artwork displayed in the book. Second I love the authors written style. Each book has its own quirky sense of humor, hunky alpha males, monsters, adventure, action and interesting characters. The husband and wife writing team did it again! I was pulled into an amazing world with fun characters that I could not wait to learn more about.
Dina is an inn keeper thou the inn she runs appears to be a regular house we soon learn that it is Magic along with Dina, but there are limits to that Magic. Clean Sweep also introduces two male protagonists who both are interested in Dina. There is a tiny mystery, action and funny encounters. Sean is a hunky Alpha wolf who has moved into the area. Arland is a hunky Vampire from another planet.
Clean Sweep is a solid read in the Innkeeper series. The character and world building are well done. The author writes some of the best dialogue I've read and I liked the authors take on the origins of werewolves & vampires, so fresh new different.
Audio March 2018: I had a delightful time with the audiobook and I acutely think I discovered something new by listening that I missed when reading. I think we get our first glimpse of the children from The Edge series, but now they are all grown up. The narrator Renée Raudman did a wonderful job on the voices. I had fun!
Graphic Audio Aug. 2022: I LOVE this series and so when I heard it was going to come out as a Graphic Audio - A Movie In Your Mind I just had to give it a try. I've never listened to a Graphic Audio before... WOW!! It was a movie for the mind. Loved all the added sound effects and full cast. So so good.
March 29, 2022
This Is What I Had To Say After My First Listen:
The world is fascinating in that magic on Earth is contained in these magical inns scattered all over the Earth. Supernatural creatures come from space to visit Earth and stay at these inns. Cool right?!? I love magical homes, inns, and castles that become almost characters themselves. A keeper runs each inn and Dina, our protagonist, is an innkeeper. They protect the guest, keep humans from learning about them and remain neutral during times of dispute, war etc. Poor Dina does not have the luxury when her town is threatened. Oh boy!
The romantic prospects come from two suitors. One might infer a love triangle, but it is not developed enough to cast labels and Dina clearly lets us know whom she favors with a running thought commentary in her head that I found hilarious. We have Arland and Sean, an alpha werewolf, vying for her attentions and aiding with the threat to both inn and community. Andrews weaved in snark, made the male figures alluring and humorous for our benefit.
Now Let’s Talk About The Dramatized Adaption:
Graphic Audio gives us a full cast narration performed by Nora Achrati, Ryan H. Reid, Alex Hill-Knight, Karen Novack, James Lewis, Elias Khalil, Christopher Walker, Alejandro Ruiz, Peter Holdway, Holly Adams, Ken Jackson, John Kielty, Darius Johnson, Nicole Perez, Joe Mallon, Keval Shah, KenYatta Rogers, Duyen Washington, Kelly Baskin, Steve Wannall, Christopher Graybill, Nickolette Kong, K’Lai Rivera, Laura C. Harris, Martin Dickinson, Jessica Lauren Ball, and Bradley Foster Smith. Talk about a full cast!
The audio includes sound effects from musical interludes to Dina sipping her coffee. Turn on a TV show, then turn around and listen to the show without being able to see the screen. This is the effect you get. I worried it would overwhelm the senses and detract from the story, but it ended up being fun. I think perhaps if it was my first listen it might have felt distracting, but since I have both read and listened to Clean Sweep previously, I simply had fun with it.
The dramatization brought the inn and battles to life. The whole Costco scene with displays turning over and spells flying was brought to life, as were the inns’ expanding walls and accommodations.
I loved that the narration was done by a full cast. Each narrator brought their characters to life and enhanced the listen, making this the perfect edition to your audible library. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The world is fascinating in that magic on Earth is contained in these magical inns scattered all over the Earth. Supernatural creatures come from space to visit Earth and stay at these inns. Cool right?!? I love magical homes, inns, and castles that become almost characters themselves. A keeper runs each inn and Dina, our protagonist, is an innkeeper. They protect the guest, keep humans from learning about them and remain neutral during times of dispute, war etc. Poor Dina does not have the luxury when her town is threatened. Oh boy!
The romantic prospects come from two suitors. One might infer a love triangle, but it is not developed enough to cast labels and Dina clearly lets us know whom she favors with a running thought commentary in her head that I found hilarious. We have Arland and Sean, an alpha werewolf, vying for her attentions and aiding with the threat to both inn and community. Andrews weaved in snark, made the male figures alluring and humorous for our benefit.
Now Let’s Talk About The Dramatized Adaption:
Graphic Audio gives us a full cast narration performed by Nora Achrati, Ryan H. Reid, Alex Hill-Knight, Karen Novack, James Lewis, Elias Khalil, Christopher Walker, Alejandro Ruiz, Peter Holdway, Holly Adams, Ken Jackson, John Kielty, Darius Johnson, Nicole Perez, Joe Mallon, Keval Shah, KenYatta Rogers, Duyen Washington, Kelly Baskin, Steve Wannall, Christopher Graybill, Nickolette Kong, K’Lai Rivera, Laura C. Harris, Martin Dickinson, Jessica Lauren Ball, and Bradley Foster Smith. Talk about a full cast!
The audio includes sound effects from musical interludes to Dina sipping her coffee. Turn on a TV show, then turn around and listen to the show without being able to see the screen. This is the effect you get. I worried it would overwhelm the senses and detract from the story, but it ended up being fun. I think perhaps if it was my first listen it might have felt distracting, but since I have both read and listened to Clean Sweep previously, I simply had fun with it.
The dramatization brought the inn and battles to life. The whole Costco scene with displays turning over and spells flying was brought to life, as were the inns’ expanding walls and accommodations.
I loved that the narration was done by a full cast. Each narrator brought their characters to life and enhanced the listen, making this the perfect edition to your audible library. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
April 27, 2023
6:03 h, 4.5 stars rounded up because how can I rate a better book without leaving 0.5 Stars for my favorites?
This is my third GraphicAudio production and I enjoyed it very much. At the beginning I had some trouble with the world building, because I didn't understand the concept but in the second chapter they explained the whole world and I loved it. The other point was that I couldn't figure out which of the plot lines will be followed in the book but thats actually a good thing. It kept me on my toes the whole audiobook. I really enjoy audiobooks, because normally I listen to the audiobook but also do something else, like playing or crafting. Also I get an idea how the words are pronounced and that helped me a lot. The GraphicAudio version is like listening to a Movie while occupying my hands with other thing. The narration is awesome all narrators I heard were good choices.
This is my third GraphicAudio production and I enjoyed it very much. At the beginning I had some trouble with the world building, because I didn't understand the concept but in the second chapter they explained the whole world and I loved it. The other point was that I couldn't figure out which of the plot lines will be followed in the book but thats actually a good thing. It kept me on my toes the whole audiobook. I really enjoy audiobooks, because normally I listen to the audiobook but also do something else, like playing or crafting. Also I get an idea how the words are pronounced and that helped me a lot. The GraphicAudio version is like listening to a Movie while occupying my hands with other thing. The narration is awesome all narrators I heard were good choices.
February 4, 2023
4.5 stars. I'll never get tired of this performance of the story 🥰 *Every* narrator shines here! I love them all 🤩
January 18, 2014
My biggest issues with Ilona Andrews is the unending detail. They don't have the characters tell you the story, the description tells you the story and to be blunt... that's really boring at times and you simply skim it in print or tune it out in audio. The stories would be excellent except that they have to write in detail all their research and editing of that research in their place/time and characters. This becomes very obvious in audio. Especially, this graphic audio where each and every character and the narrator has a separate voice.
Is it well done.... Except for the "just because" background music in places - not the actual noises of the world the book is set in - yes.
This audio book was available for loan on Hoopla.
Is it well done.... Except for the "just because" background music in places - not the actual noises of the world the book is set in - yes.
This audio book was available for loan on Hoopla.
April 12, 2023
I decided to treat myself to the graphic audios for this series since I love it so much
February 20, 2024
The GraphicAudio production of Clean Sweep is so much fun. I wish there were more full cast audiobook productions like this. I can't wait to continue this series.
January 10, 2016
♣︎ 2022 REVIEW (Dramatized Version) ♣︎
4.5 ★ Audiobook⎮Let me preface this review by saying that if you do not like sound effects and background music in your audiobooks, this particular dramatization is not for you. These things are prevalent in the Graphic Audio dramatization of Clean Sweep and, in my opinion, provide an immersive experience. However, some listeners may find them distracting. I've never been particularly put off by these things in audiobooks, so I greatly enjoyed this listening experience.
Graphic Audio's slogan is 'A Movie in Your Mind' and, I have to say, that is completely accurate. It's like I could see the story come alive in my mind. Soon after I began listening, I decided that this audiobook deserved my full focus, so I began listening after I went to bed each night, which really allowed for maximum immersion in the story.
My experience with the dramatized version of Clean Sweep greatly differed from my listening experience of the original audiobook when I heard it back in 2016. I attribute a great deal of that to the dramatization of the story. I found that it was much easier to focus on the story and that my mind wandered a lot less while listening to the dramatized version. Plus, I always enjoy full cast narrations. On the rare occasions when my mind would wander a bit, the frequent sound effects would pull it back to the story (and scare the sh*t out of my cat 😂), which was an added perk of listening to this version.
I also credit my changed opinion of Clean Sweep to the fact that I'm in a different place in my life now than when I listened before and things can 'hit differently' after a few years, you know? For example, in my original review (linked here), I compared Clean Sweep to the show Supernatural and said that I had never really been able to get into that show either. In 2016, that was true. I had tried several times and failed to get into that show. Fast forward to 2022 and, not only have I completed the entire 16 seasons of Supernatural, but I've also just returned from a Supernatural fan convention (where I met both Jared and Jensen!). See what a difference a few years can make?!
It gave me a good chuckle to see that I had written in my original review: "Unless one day I suddenly become majorly interested in all things alien/paranormal, I don’t think I would particularly gain anything from listening to the rest of the series." Well guess what, 2016 Jess?! You are way into the Paranormal genre now. 👽
All of this makes me want to go back and give things I had previously written off another try. But first, I'm going to be listening to Graphic Audio's dramatized version of Sweep In Peace, the next book in the Innkeeper Chronicles series.
==============================================
♣︎ 2016 REVIEW (narrated by Renée Raudman) ♣︎
3.5 ★ Audiobook⎮ This is going to be an extremely subjective review and my intention is not to deter anyone from giving this audiobook a chance. I do feel that it is a quality piece of work with some wonderful attributes. If intense paranormal fiction with all the trimmings is your kind of thing, then Clean Sweep will be perfect for you! It's got witches, werewolves, vampires, and lots of alien critters. It's basically the literary version of the television show Supernatural. If I had known that going in, odds are that I never would have started this. I have tried (and failed) to get into Supernatural on numerous occasions, but it's just not for me. I think I must prefer my paranormal fiction to stick to two (or less) types of supernatural species instead of throwing in the whole lot of the paranormal universe in a package deal. If this story had stuck with just specializing in witches (like I was expecting it to), I'm sure I would have enjoyed it much more. But no, Andrews had to throw in werewolves, and then vampires, and then a whole host of obscure alien creatures (which is where I lost interest). I'm not ready to rule out alien fiction altogether, but I haven't had much luck with it so far. I will say that I preferred this story so much more than other comparable paranormal fiction. Namely, the Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Unlike Obsidian, I was actually able to finish this audiobook. Clean Sweep was a much less juvenile story and this one installment far surpassed anything I have ever experienced from Armentrout. If you are a fan of hers, I seriously encourage you to give this series a shot. The writing is so much better, the protagonist is very likable, and the plot isn't centered around a romance. And this story never gave me the impression that it was written for someone younger than me.
Aside from the basic plot premise not being "my cup of tea", I was a bit disturbed by a couple of points. Firstly, the story opens with the protagonist investigating a string of gruesome dog murders in her neighborhood. For some people, that may not bother them at all. However, animal abuse is extremely difficult for me to tolerate in literature (and life). My motto is "kill the character, save the dog". No apologies. So obviously, this bit of the story struck me the wrong way. The second thing was that I found the writing in some scenes to be a little graphic in contrast to the overall feel of the story. The writing was very descriptive, which was generally a positive thing, but it sometimes came off a teensy bit scifi horror-ish. Maybe I've gone soft from reading so much YA, but I wasn't prepared for that type of gore in this particular story. Coincidentally, that is also one of the primary problems I had when watching Supernatural. But it's not anything that would deter me from continuing on with the series. However, my general lack of interest in the story is. Unless one day I suddenly become majorly interested in all things alien/paranormal, I don't think I would particularly gain anything from listening to the rest of the series. I don't feel bad about having listened to this installment, especially because it was only 7 hours long, but I don't exactly feel like it was time well spent for me either. But I must emphasize that I do think a great number of you would feel very differently, especially if you already know you are attracted to this type of genre. I would recommend this to someone in a heartbeat if I felt that it was their "thing" because it is extremely well-written, witty, the characters are refreshing, and it has a great plot. I'm just not into aliens. It's that simple.
Narration review: If I didn't know better, I would swear this audiobook was narrated by Dolly Parton herself. Raudman's voice has a warm, velvety tone that I absolutely loved. Her "Texan" accent definitely added to the story's atmosphere, but did sound a little overdone. However, it didn't bother me as much as I initially thought it would and I actually came to enjoy it as the story went on. I have listened to a sample of another narration she did without the accent and preferred it much more. Her voice really is pleasing to the ear. It's a shame that her considerable repertoire doesn't include more titles that immediately appeal to me, because I would definitely love to hear more of her. ♣︎
4.5 ★ Audiobook⎮Let me preface this review by saying that if you do not like sound effects and background music in your audiobooks, this particular dramatization is not for you. These things are prevalent in the Graphic Audio dramatization of Clean Sweep and, in my opinion, provide an immersive experience. However, some listeners may find them distracting. I've never been particularly put off by these things in audiobooks, so I greatly enjoyed this listening experience.
Graphic Audio's slogan is 'A Movie in Your Mind' and, I have to say, that is completely accurate. It's like I could see the story come alive in my mind. Soon after I began listening, I decided that this audiobook deserved my full focus, so I began listening after I went to bed each night, which really allowed for maximum immersion in the story.
My experience with the dramatized version of Clean Sweep greatly differed from my listening experience of the original audiobook when I heard it back in 2016. I attribute a great deal of that to the dramatization of the story. I found that it was much easier to focus on the story and that my mind wandered a lot less while listening to the dramatized version. Plus, I always enjoy full cast narrations. On the rare occasions when my mind would wander a bit, the frequent sound effects would pull it back to the story (and scare the sh*t out of my cat 😂), which was an added perk of listening to this version.
I also credit my changed opinion of Clean Sweep to the fact that I'm in a different place in my life now than when I listened before and things can 'hit differently' after a few years, you know? For example, in my original review (linked here), I compared Clean Sweep to the show Supernatural and said that I had never really been able to get into that show either. In 2016, that was true. I had tried several times and failed to get into that show. Fast forward to 2022 and, not only have I completed the entire 16 seasons of Supernatural, but I've also just returned from a Supernatural fan convention (where I met both Jared and Jensen!). See what a difference a few years can make?!
It gave me a good chuckle to see that I had written in my original review: "Unless one day I suddenly become majorly interested in all things alien/paranormal, I don’t think I would particularly gain anything from listening to the rest of the series." Well guess what, 2016 Jess?! You are way into the Paranormal genre now. 👽
All of this makes me want to go back and give things I had previously written off another try. But first, I'm going to be listening to Graphic Audio's dramatized version of Sweep In Peace, the next book in the Innkeeper Chronicles series.
==============================================
♣︎ 2016 REVIEW (narrated by Renée Raudman) ♣︎
3.5 ★ Audiobook⎮ This is going to be an extremely subjective review and my intention is not to deter anyone from giving this audiobook a chance. I do feel that it is a quality piece of work with some wonderful attributes. If intense paranormal fiction with all the trimmings is your kind of thing, then Clean Sweep will be perfect for you! It's got witches, werewolves, vampires, and lots of alien critters. It's basically the literary version of the television show Supernatural. If I had known that going in, odds are that I never would have started this. I have tried (and failed) to get into Supernatural on numerous occasions, but it's just not for me. I think I must prefer my paranormal fiction to stick to two (or less) types of supernatural species instead of throwing in the whole lot of the paranormal universe in a package deal. If this story had stuck with just specializing in witches (like I was expecting it to), I'm sure I would have enjoyed it much more. But no, Andrews had to throw in werewolves, and then vampires, and then a whole host of obscure alien creatures (which is where I lost interest). I'm not ready to rule out alien fiction altogether, but I haven't had much luck with it so far. I will say that I preferred this story so much more than other comparable paranormal fiction. Namely, the Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Unlike Obsidian, I was actually able to finish this audiobook. Clean Sweep was a much less juvenile story and this one installment far surpassed anything I have ever experienced from Armentrout. If you are a fan of hers, I seriously encourage you to give this series a shot. The writing is so much better, the protagonist is very likable, and the plot isn't centered around a romance. And this story never gave me the impression that it was written for someone younger than me.
Aside from the basic plot premise not being "my cup of tea", I was a bit disturbed by a couple of points. Firstly, the story opens with the protagonist investigating a string of gruesome dog murders in her neighborhood. For some people, that may not bother them at all. However, animal abuse is extremely difficult for me to tolerate in literature (and life). My motto is "kill the character, save the dog". No apologies. So obviously, this bit of the story struck me the wrong way. The second thing was that I found the writing in some scenes to be a little graphic in contrast to the overall feel of the story. The writing was very descriptive, which was generally a positive thing, but it sometimes came off a teensy bit scifi horror-ish. Maybe I've gone soft from reading so much YA, but I wasn't prepared for that type of gore in this particular story. Coincidentally, that is also one of the primary problems I had when watching Supernatural. But it's not anything that would deter me from continuing on with the series. However, my general lack of interest in the story is. Unless one day I suddenly become majorly interested in all things alien/paranormal, I don't think I would particularly gain anything from listening to the rest of the series. I don't feel bad about having listened to this installment, especially because it was only 7 hours long, but I don't exactly feel like it was time well spent for me either. But I must emphasize that I do think a great number of you would feel very differently, especially if you already know you are attracted to this type of genre. I would recommend this to someone in a heartbeat if I felt that it was their "thing" because it is extremely well-written, witty, the characters are refreshing, and it has a great plot. I'm just not into aliens. It's that simple.
Narration review: If I didn't know better, I would swear this audiobook was narrated by Dolly Parton herself. Raudman's voice has a warm, velvety tone that I absolutely loved. Her "Texan" accent definitely added to the story's atmosphere, but did sound a little overdone. However, it didn't bother me as much as I initially thought it would and I actually came to enjoy it as the story went on. I have listened to a sample of another narration she did without the accent and preferred it much more. Her voice really is pleasing to the ear. It's a shame that her considerable repertoire doesn't include more titles that immediately appeal to me, because I would definitely love to hear more of her. ♣︎
September 19, 2022
Reread started 5/11/2025; Finished 5/14/2025.
======
Earlier this year, Ilona Andrews announced the release of the first Innkeeper Chronicles story, Clean Sweep, as a graphic audiobook, which is a full-cast production of the book, complete with sound effects and background music. Since I love the series so much, I decided to give it a go.
I’ve read the ebook (5/2014) and listened to the original audiobook (4/2016) and enjoy the story immensely (reviews found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). This review will focus solely on the graphic audiobook aspect of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the full cast production of Clean Sweep. The production features Nora Achrati as the solitary narrator, Dina Demille. The story is shared via her first person POV, so the majority of the audiobook is performed by Ms. Achrati, who has a solid southern accent and adds a lot of emotion into her performance.
Each character’s dialogue is performed by a different cast member - just like a play or TV production. Other standouts are Ryan Reid as the werewolf Sean Evans and Karen Novack as Lady Caldania. Both do wonderful jobs breathing life into the characters, creating personas that match the written descriptions. Overall, the characters are well cast and performances full of energy and emotion.
On the other hand, the music was not a big hit for me. At the start of the book, and for a while, the music really annoyed me. It was too loud in some cases and didn’t fit the tempo/mood of the story in others. Overtime, I started to be less annoyed, but when Sean kisses Dina and the cheesy 70s-sounding music and grunting kissing sounds started, I thought it was going to be a porno.
The sound effects had more value that the music. Some, like inanimate objects moving (door creaking), dogs barking, and the magic chimes of the Inn are successful and add to the performance They are well-timed and don’t overpower the narration. Other noises, like those that center on human and alien struggles and fighting, were much less successful. The grunting and strains sounded fake and made me cringe, taking me out of the narrative.
By the end of the production, most of the sound effects and music had grown on me, and I ended up enjoying the graphic audiobook, enough that I’d like to try the next book in the series.
My Audiobook Rating: B+ (performance only)
======
Earlier this year, Ilona Andrews announced the release of the first Innkeeper Chronicles story, Clean Sweep, as a graphic audiobook, which is a full-cast production of the book, complete with sound effects and background music. Since I love the series so much, I decided to give it a go.
I’ve read the ebook (5/2014) and listened to the original audiobook (4/2016) and enjoy the story immensely (reviews found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). This review will focus solely on the graphic audiobook aspect of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the full cast production of Clean Sweep. The production features Nora Achrati as the solitary narrator, Dina Demille. The story is shared via her first person POV, so the majority of the audiobook is performed by Ms. Achrati, who has a solid southern accent and adds a lot of emotion into her performance.
Each character’s dialogue is performed by a different cast member - just like a play or TV production. Other standouts are Ryan Reid as the werewolf Sean Evans and Karen Novack as Lady Caldania. Both do wonderful jobs breathing life into the characters, creating personas that match the written descriptions. Overall, the characters are well cast and performances full of energy and emotion.
On the other hand, the music was not a big hit for me. At the start of the book, and for a while, the music really annoyed me. It was too loud in some cases and didn’t fit the tempo/mood of the story in others. Overtime, I started to be less annoyed, but when Sean kisses Dina and the cheesy 70s-sounding music and grunting kissing sounds started, I thought it was going to be a porno.
The sound effects had more value that the music. Some, like inanimate objects moving (door creaking), dogs barking, and the magic chimes of the Inn are successful and add to the performance They are well-timed and don’t overpower the narration. Other noises, like those that center on human and alien struggles and fighting, were much less successful. The grunting and strains sounded fake and made me cringe, taking me out of the narrative.
By the end of the production, most of the sound effects and music had grown on me, and I ended up enjoying the graphic audiobook, enough that I’d like to try the next book in the series.
My Audiobook Rating: B+ (performance only)
June 4, 2023
Clean Sweep is the first book in a series so it had the job of introduction and providing a compelling story. I like how they steadily revealed the characters and the Innkeeper world. It's an interesting blend of sci-fi and urban fantasy.
The story grabbed my attention from the beginning. I enjoyed the characters, the fun elements of the world particularly the whimsical and possibly sentient inn itself. The conflict was formidable and posed trouble, but I confess that I was more interested in Dina and her world, Sean, the galaxy of interesting people out there, and of course the vampires.
There was mild lag, but I expected it since Clean Sweep had the job of introducing matter. I do hope the broader mystery of what happened to Dina's parents and her ongoing efforts to gain higher rating for her inn will continue to be addressed in the series. The opening relationships and hint of attraction and resistance between the three main parties was a good hook. I found Dina's permanent inn guest a hoot and hope the duchess is around for more.
Side point- After finally finishing the earlier written Edge series, I spotted a cameo of George and Jack as adults walking through the inter-dimensional market place.
I chose graphic audio format for this one and was tickled to experience a cast of audio artists, background music and sound effects for the first time. It took me a bit not to be distracted by it all. I enjoyed the separate voice actors for each character most of all.
All in all, it was a great start and promises to only get better. Fans of the author pair, of sci-fi, and of urban fantasy should definitely give this book/series a try.
The story grabbed my attention from the beginning. I enjoyed the characters, the fun elements of the world particularly the whimsical and possibly sentient inn itself. The conflict was formidable and posed trouble, but I confess that I was more interested in Dina and her world, Sean, the galaxy of interesting people out there, and of course the vampires.
There was mild lag, but I expected it since Clean Sweep had the job of introducing matter. I do hope the broader mystery of what happened to Dina's parents and her ongoing efforts to gain higher rating for her inn will continue to be addressed in the series. The opening relationships and hint of attraction and resistance between the three main parties was a good hook. I found Dina's permanent inn guest a hoot and hope the duchess is around for more.
Side point- After finally finishing the earlier written Edge series, I spotted a cameo of George and Jack as adults walking through the inter-dimensional market place.
I chose graphic audio format for this one and was tickled to experience a cast of audio artists, background music and sound effects for the first time. It took me a bit not to be distracted by it all. I enjoyed the separate voice actors for each character most of all.
All in all, it was a great start and promises to only get better. Fans of the author pair, of sci-fi, and of urban fantasy should definitely give this book/series a try.
February 12, 2022
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good.
I paid money for this (Graphic Audio adaptation) despite not wishing to (a) use any more book services (b) download more apps (c) take any more chances on audiobooks (since I so rarely like them)...
BUT...
It. Was. AWESOME. Cannot highly recommend enough.
I paid money for this (Graphic Audio adaptation) despite not wishing to (a) use any more book services (b) download more apps (c) take any more chances on audiobooks (since I so rarely like them)...
BUT...
It. Was. AWESOME. Cannot highly recommend enough.
June 19, 2014
I didn't think it was possible for this world to get better, but the graphic audio made everything 23492030 times better.
Arland, my idiot beloved.
"Mhm," Arland said. "I have spent my spare time studying literature popular with young women of this planet. One should always study the battlefield."
Sean glanced at him. "And?"
"I suggest you give up now. According to my research, in a vampire-werewolf love triangle, the vampire always gets the girl."
Arland, my idiot beloved.
"Mhm," Arland said. "I have spent my spare time studying literature popular with young women of this planet. One should always study the battlefield."
Sean glanced at him. "And?"
"I suggest you give up now. According to my research, in a vampire-werewolf love triangle, the vampire always gets the girl."
May 25, 2023
This was my first Graphic Audio and I loved it! It was a lot of fun, I'm not sure if it's something I would normally read because there wasn't much in the way of romance going on but I still greatly enjoyed this story.
March 24, 2022
Reviewed for AudioGals.
August 8, 2026
✅ Characters
✅ Mix of urban fantasy and sci-fi
✅ Pace
✅ The Inn & Innkeeper role
✅ Plot / Action
✅ There is not a lot of romance, but that's perfect for the story
✅ Beautiful cover
What an entertaining book! For a novel that's less than 300 pages, so much happens! Dina has to figure out a way to eradicate an alien threat in her neighborhood, deal with a grumpy and antisocial werewolf that has the hots for her, take care of high-ranking vampires, and keep everything safely hidden from humans. The pace is fast (but not too fast, don't worry), and it's non-stop action, intergalactic politics, and snarky humor.
Dina lives alone in her old Victorian Bed & Breakfast, and she's proud of the Gertrude Hunt even though it's old and doesn't have a lot of visitors... Actually, the only resident besides her and her dog is a mysterious alien lady with many bounties on her head. Back to Dina, she's brave, kind, fierce, and has a sassy smart mouth. She does not let herself be impressed or intimidated by anyone, whether it's Sean the gruff and sexy alpha werewolf, or Arland the gorgeous and intense vampire. That woman got fire, and I loved her.
The concept of having an Inn that serves as a neutral ground/secret base for supernatural species reminded me of A Void of Magic that I read earlier this summer. I have to say, though, that I was not expecting the sci-fi touch with the paranormal species coming from different planets and the possibility to create portals to travel to other parts of the galaxy. It added a different touch from all the other paranormal books I've read lately, and it opens the door for so much world-building expansion in the future! Also, the concept of the mighty Innkeeper and the magic Inn is just awesome. The way the Inn is sentient and can be shaped into almost whatever Dina wants is so cool!
Sean and Arland together. 👌
Sean is the typical gruff lone wolf who is also fiercely protective and jumps headfirst into action. While it's nothing new when it comes to werewolf characters, I liked him and his snarky interactions with Dina and Arland. I am not that impressed with Arland, but we didn't see him quite as much as Sean, so maybe he'll grow on me more in the next book if he's there. Still, the budding bromance between him and Sean was delightful to read (yeah, I decided that it's a budding bromance and I don't care if I'm wrong).
Another thing that I loved is that there is not a lot of romance in this book, but that's perfect for the story! There is just enough sexual tension and cute moments, but the plot does not revolve around romance AT ALL, and Dina is not a hormonal teenager guided by her sexual attraction for the hot supes residing at her Inn. I can't help but wonder if this will turn into a love triangle? There would be potential, but I think we all know who Dina would ultimately choose, so... Unless she keeps both of them... 🤔😏
Finally, I want to say that the portraits of the characters in the book are also a super cool addition! It's a small thing, but I loved it; it helped me imagine them and made them more real and tangible as soon as they were introduced.
I am eager to jump into the second book!
0.5 Gerard Demille and Helen meet ⭐⭐⭐
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
✅ Mix of urban fantasy and sci-fi
✅ Pace
✅ The Inn & Innkeeper role
✅ Plot / Action
✅ There is not a lot of romance, but that's perfect for the story
✅ Beautiful cover
What an entertaining book! For a novel that's less than 300 pages, so much happens! Dina has to figure out a way to eradicate an alien threat in her neighborhood, deal with a grumpy and antisocial werewolf that has the hots for her, take care of high-ranking vampires, and keep everything safely hidden from humans. The pace is fast (but not too fast, don't worry), and it's non-stop action, intergalactic politics, and snarky humor.
“Since I've moved here, you have shown up at my door eight times. I obey the laws, I pay my taxes, and I haven't even gotten a parking ticket in my entire time as a driver. Yet if anything at all happens in the neighborhood, you appear at my door. I bet if a meteorite fell somewhere in the subdivision, you would be here asking me if I personally launched it out of my doomsday cannon.”
(...)
“…Something isn’t right with you and this property. Strange things happen around it. I don’t know what is going on, but I will find out. You could make it easier on yourself by coming clean.”
“Sure. This is a magic bed-and-breakfast, and the two guys in my kitchen are aliens from outerspace.”
Dina lives alone in her old Victorian Bed & Breakfast, and she's proud of the Gertrude Hunt even though it's old and doesn't have a lot of visitors... Actually, the only resident besides her and her dog is a mysterious alien lady with many bounties on her head. Back to Dina, she's brave, kind, fierce, and has a sassy smart mouth. She does not let herself be impressed or intimidated by anyone, whether it's Sean the gruff and sexy alpha werewolf, or Arland the gorgeous and intense vampire. That woman got fire, and I loved her.
The concept of having an Inn that serves as a neutral ground/secret base for supernatural species reminded me of A Void of Magic that I read earlier this summer. I have to say, though, that I was not expecting the sci-fi touch with the paranormal species coming from different planets and the possibility to create portals to travel to other parts of the galaxy. It added a different touch from all the other paranormal books I've read lately, and it opens the door for so much world-building expansion in the future! Also, the concept of the mighty Innkeeper and the magic Inn is just awesome. The way the Inn is sentient and can be shaped into almost whatever Dina wants is so cool!
“Where is Arland?"
"Rapunzel decided to walk around in the woods to get 'the feel of the battleground.' He won't leave the grounds, and he promises to defend the inn with 'all the strength in his body.' I told him if he gets in trouble, he should try singing prettily so his woodland friends will come to the rescue. I don't think he got it.”
"What are your intentions toward Dina?" Arland asked on the screen.
"My intentions are my business," Sean said.
"Mhm," Arland said. "I have spent my spare time studying literature popular with young women of this planet. One should always study the battlefield."
Sean glanced at him. "And?"
"I suggest you give up now. According to my research, in a vampire-werewolf love triangle, the vampire always gets the girl."
Sean and Arland together. 👌
Sean is the typical gruff lone wolf who is also fiercely protective and jumps headfirst into action. While it's nothing new when it comes to werewolf characters, I liked him and his snarky interactions with Dina and Arland. I am not that impressed with Arland, but we didn't see him quite as much as Sean, so maybe he'll grow on me more in the next book if he's there. Still, the budding bromance between him and Sean was delightful to read (yeah, I decided that it's a budding bromance and I don't care if I'm wrong).
“That suit has gone to your head."
"It's not the suit, buttercup."
"I don't do pet names."
"Do you do werewolves?"
"Okay, I'm not talking to you anymore.”
He leaned toward me. Suddenly the space between us shrank.
"I will do everything in my power to ensure your survival, and should the need arise, I will put myself between danger and you." His voice was quiet and intimate. "Do not hesitate to use me as your shield."
His voice sent tiny shivers through me.
Another thing that I loved is that there is not a lot of romance in this book, but that's perfect for the story! There is just enough sexual tension and cute moments, but the plot does not revolve around romance AT ALL, and Dina is not a hormonal teenager guided by her sexual attraction for the hot supes residing at her Inn. I can't help but wonder if this will turn into a love triangle? There would be potential, but I think we all know who Dina would ultimately choose, so... Unless she keeps both of them... 🤔😏
Finally, I want to say that the portraits of the characters in the book are also a super cool addition! It's a small thing, but I loved it; it helped me imagine them and made them more real and tangible as soon as they were introduced.
I am eager to jump into the second book!
0.5 Gerard Demille and Helen meet ⭐⭐⭐
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
October 8, 2025
Oh this was so fun! A wonderful blend of magic and aliens! I do love a sentient house story, and Dina was a wonderful character! I love the setup for a love triangle between a werewolf and vampire, because Dina seems immune to both (but Sean did kiss her…and sounds super hot).
The performance was fantastic and I can’t wait to dive into the rest of this series!
The performance was fantastic and I can’t wait to dive into the rest of this series!
June 30, 2026
This is an abridged version of the story, so if you're looking for all the details and the full story - do the original audio or the physical/ebook.
I could also do without the kissing noises (honestly - please dramatized adaptations - please stop with the makeout noises. They're uncomfortable. I cannot handle listening to them.)
But I enjoy the rest of the dramatized adaptation. It's quite well done.
The story is amazing period. I've read it more than a dozen times and won't talk about it much here, except to say that I love it.
I could also do without the kissing noises (honestly - please dramatized adaptations - please stop with the makeout noises. They're uncomfortable. I cannot handle listening to them.)
But I enjoy the rest of the dramatized adaptation. It's quite well done.
The story is amazing period. I've read it more than a dozen times and won't talk about it much here, except to say that I love it.
December 14, 2015
I listened to the audio of this book as a re-read and loved it all over again!
December 26, 2023
Second read. The graphic audio is awesome
Original review of the omnibus is here.
Original review of the omnibus is here.
March 16, 2022
I first heard about Graphic Audiobooks when someone posted it in the Ilona Andrews group on Facebook and I was wondering what a "graphic" audiobook was. I researched it and found out it is basically just like a radio play with sounds and music and different narrators. Curiously, I listened to the sample and was immediately hooked. When I saw on Audible that it's available, I bought it and started listening.
Someone posted a review saying that it's incomplete but I couldn't find any fault. I love the Innkeeper Chronicles and felt like my childhood self when I listend to Benjamin Blümchen on my cassette player. The normal audiobook is very good but this one is even better. It's like cinema for ears and liked the narrators and the sounds and music made the book even better. Arland sounds very british to me and made me giggle on more than one occasion but Sean's grumpyness came perfectly across the earphones.
They made the second book available yesterday and I bought it already. Can't wait to start the audiobook! It's not a new idea but a very clever one and I hope they will also publish other authors. The ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas is already announced and will probably be my next purchase. If you enjoy audiobooks, you will enjoy those graphic ones even more!
Someone posted a review saying that it's incomplete but I couldn't find any fault. I love the Innkeeper Chronicles and felt like my childhood self when I listend to Benjamin Blümchen on my cassette player. The normal audiobook is very good but this one is even better. It's like cinema for ears and liked the narrators and the sounds and music made the book even better. Arland sounds very british to me and made me giggle on more than one occasion but Sean's grumpyness came perfectly across the earphones.
They made the second book available yesterday and I bought it already. Can't wait to start the audiobook! It's not a new idea but a very clever one and I hope they will also publish other authors. The ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas is already announced and will probably be my next purchase. If you enjoy audiobooks, you will enjoy those graphic ones even more!
May 28, 2024
May 2024
Audible audiobook
4h 2m (1.5x speed)
Not sure how this one ended up in my library but the audiobooks are winding down and this was a new one waiting, compared to re-reads in a different format which I know will gut me. Pack Darling for one. It was shorter than I expected, felt like a there was a prequel missing and vampires and werewolves are aliens. Okay then.
I liked the narrator's voice, some of the speech was quiet but I know that was meant to sound far away. The story had a bit of everything, budding love triangle, action, comedy, and a cool sentient house. I liked that whilst Dina needs help, she's not ignorant. It's a family legacy, and although the parents were missing, they had enough time to teach her. Looking forward to the next one. Still trying to get my head around the whole alien thing.
Audible audiobook
4h 2m (1.5x speed)
Not sure how this one ended up in my library but the audiobooks are winding down and this was a new one waiting, compared to re-reads in a different format which I know will gut me. Pack Darling for one. It was shorter than I expected, felt like a there was a prequel missing and vampires and werewolves are aliens. Okay then.
I liked the narrator's voice, some of the speech was quiet but I know that was meant to sound far away. The story had a bit of everything, budding love triangle, action, comedy, and a cool sentient house. I liked that whilst Dina needs help, she's not ignorant. It's a family legacy, and although the parents were missing, they had enough time to teach her. Looking forward to the next one. Still trying to get my head around the whole alien thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2017
Reread 01/18/23
Gah…I ADORE this series! I’m currently rereading so I’m caught back up for book 5 that just released. This is my first time listening to the Graphic Audiobook and man, it’s really good. I love the sound effects and the full cast.
A magic innkeeper who is neutral ground for any alien species to stay such as werewolves and vampires…I can’t recommend this series more. It’s an absolute favorite.
Gah…I ADORE this series! I’m currently rereading so I’m caught back up for book 5 that just released. This is my first time listening to the Graphic Audiobook and man, it’s really good. I love the sound effects and the full cast.
A magic innkeeper who is neutral ground for any alien species to stay such as werewolves and vampires…I can’t recommend this series more. It’s an absolute favorite.
August 14, 2023
A mix of paranormal, fantasy and sci-fi elements that I never thought possible all work together.
It is an entertaining story in which you get involved immediately and without a doubt that the Graphic Audio version is a unique experience.
To continue with the series!!
It is an entertaining story in which you get involved immediately and without a doubt that the Graphic Audio version is a unique experience.
To continue with the series!!
January 10, 2025
Milá oddychovka 🙂
April 24, 2022
This Graphic Audio version is fantastic. I love it.
January 21, 2026
One of my favourite books to come back and re-read. The graphic audio adaptation is excellent.
January 20, 2023
One of my low-key goals this year is to listen to more audiobooks but the problem with that is that I can’t be bothered devoting 12hrs to a book listening to it when I could probably read it in 3-4. So I like shorter audiobooks and these fit the bill for what I was looking for. They’re only about 6hrs long and this is the first audiobook I’ve listened to that has a full cast. I’ve listened to dual narrators before, where the woman narrator does all the female voices and the male narrator does all the male voices and I’ve listened to an audiobook that was dual POV and had a male narrator for each POV. But I’ve never listened to one that cast all the roles individually and included audio sound effects too, which this has. And I really, really enjoyed the experience. Especially because this is a…rural fantasy……novel where there is magic so the audio gave you a really clear indication of when magic was being used, etc.
Dina is an Innkeeper – in this world, Earth is a ‘neutral’ ground for beings from other realms and inns provide respite and if they ask for it, sanctuary to anyone from pretty much anywhere, so long as they abide by the rules. Dina’s inn, Gertrude Hunt, is quite low rated as it was dormant long before she arrived to take possession of it. The more guests she has, the more she provides that solace and protection, the better her rating will get. Dina is powerful but sort of limited away from the grounds of the inn. She lives in a small town in Texas that was relatively peaceful but now something is killing the local dogs in an incredibly violent and vicious way and Dina is worried that if it isn’t stopped, it will start attacking humans. She turns to new guy in town Sean Evans, whom Dina knows is a werewolf and suggests that he take care of it as a territorial being – or she’ll have to. Sean, on the down-low about being a werewolf and thinking that Dina is just a regular human, pretends not to know what she’s talking about, which leads to Dina stepping up.
My favourite thing about this was Dina and her power. Sean underestimates her multiple times – and part of it isn’t really his fault. He was raised oblivious to there being other species’ out there and doesn’t know how or why he’s a werewolf, not really. He doesn’t know what an Innkeeper is and so every time Dina keeps telling him “I’m an Innkeeper” he’s like “So?” and so he doesn’t know that Dina has powerful magic at her disposal – she’s powerful enough to keep him out if she wants to and the scene where he tries to break in and the inn keeps throwing him out is hilarious, as is the scene where Sean realises Dina’s cute little Shih Tzu that he insulted, is far from just being a regular toy pup. Dina is a strong as heck character who doesn’t take shit from anyone, not even Sean. I loved her and the inn itself, which is a living, breathing character capable of a lot of things. Dina has some serious power invested in her property and she has limited power away from its boundaries. She’s also well plugged into the magical realm and other worlds. Dina’s parents were also Innkeepers of a high rated inn and one day, when Dina was off exploring as a young adult, they just vanished. No one knows where or how. Her brother has been searching for them ever since and Dina keeps their photo displayed prominently in her inn, hoping that one day she’ll have a guest who can give her information. I found that aspect of the story really interesting and I hope the series gives her (and us) the answers she needs one day.
I also loved the experience of this being a fully immersive audiobook. As I mentioned earlier, the sound effects when Dina uses magic (or the inn does) really added to it and I liked the different actors for each role, which I just find more enjoyable than listening to one person do half a dozen different voices. I also adore that for the most part, Dina’s magic…conductor…? looks like a broom. It’s just one more way in which Sean underestimated her. In fact, to be honest, Sean was really the only thing I didn’t like too much in this. He just came across as way too much “US Army Alpha Dude” who thinks he knows better on everything than everyone. And I just don’t know if I can get behind a love interest who in his second scene, is peeing on the heroine’s apple trees. In his human form. I kind of liked the other guy that showed interest in Dina but having glanced at the blurbs for the next couple of books, it appears that I need to get on board with Sean. Sigh.
I do want to continue the series though. I love Dina and her inn and I want her to find her parents, or at least what happened to them. There are so many other worlds/dimensions etc that it’s entirely possible they’re still alive and don’t realise they’ve been gone for years now. Or there are any other number of reasons why they could’ve disappeared. It’s an interesting mystery and that and Dina and her inn mean that I’ll definitely be (probably listening) getting the next one. I feel like all audiobooks should be like this!
Dina is an Innkeeper – in this world, Earth is a ‘neutral’ ground for beings from other realms and inns provide respite and if they ask for it, sanctuary to anyone from pretty much anywhere, so long as they abide by the rules. Dina’s inn, Gertrude Hunt, is quite low rated as it was dormant long before she arrived to take possession of it. The more guests she has, the more she provides that solace and protection, the better her rating will get. Dina is powerful but sort of limited away from the grounds of the inn. She lives in a small town in Texas that was relatively peaceful but now something is killing the local dogs in an incredibly violent and vicious way and Dina is worried that if it isn’t stopped, it will start attacking humans. She turns to new guy in town Sean Evans, whom Dina knows is a werewolf and suggests that he take care of it as a territorial being – or she’ll have to. Sean, on the down-low about being a werewolf and thinking that Dina is just a regular human, pretends not to know what she’s talking about, which leads to Dina stepping up.
My favourite thing about this was Dina and her power. Sean underestimates her multiple times – and part of it isn’t really his fault. He was raised oblivious to there being other species’ out there and doesn’t know how or why he’s a werewolf, not really. He doesn’t know what an Innkeeper is and so every time Dina keeps telling him “I’m an Innkeeper” he’s like “So?” and so he doesn’t know that Dina has powerful magic at her disposal – she’s powerful enough to keep him out if she wants to and the scene where he tries to break in and the inn keeps throwing him out is hilarious, as is the scene where Sean realises Dina’s cute little Shih Tzu that he insulted, is far from just being a regular toy pup. Dina is a strong as heck character who doesn’t take shit from anyone, not even Sean. I loved her and the inn itself, which is a living, breathing character capable of a lot of things. Dina has some serious power invested in her property and she has limited power away from its boundaries. She’s also well plugged into the magical realm and other worlds. Dina’s parents were also Innkeepers of a high rated inn and one day, when Dina was off exploring as a young adult, they just vanished. No one knows where or how. Her brother has been searching for them ever since and Dina keeps their photo displayed prominently in her inn, hoping that one day she’ll have a guest who can give her information. I found that aspect of the story really interesting and I hope the series gives her (and us) the answers she needs one day.
I also loved the experience of this being a fully immersive audiobook. As I mentioned earlier, the sound effects when Dina uses magic (or the inn does) really added to it and I liked the different actors for each role, which I just find more enjoyable than listening to one person do half a dozen different voices. I also adore that for the most part, Dina’s magic…conductor…? looks like a broom. It’s just one more way in which Sean underestimated her. In fact, to be honest, Sean was really the only thing I didn’t like too much in this. He just came across as way too much “US Army Alpha Dude” who thinks he knows better on everything than everyone. And I just don’t know if I can get behind a love interest who in his second scene, is peeing on the heroine’s apple trees. In his human form. I kind of liked the other guy that showed interest in Dina but having glanced at the blurbs for the next couple of books, it appears that I need to get on board with Sean. Sigh.
I do want to continue the series though. I love Dina and her inn and I want her to find her parents, or at least what happened to them. There are so many other worlds/dimensions etc that it’s entirely possible they’re still alive and don’t realise they’ve been gone for years now. Or there are any other number of reasons why they could’ve disappeared. It’s an interesting mystery and that and Dina and her inn mean that I’ll definitely be (probably listening) getting the next one. I feel like all audiobooks should be like this!
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