Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy discussion

Audible offers all of Laurell K. Hamilton's books except Narcissus in Chains. Is there some story behind this? I even search for Narcissus in Chains on CD, and it is not available anywhere.

I wonder why it's only this book?

i don't know, but it might be that those rights weren't negotiated into the contract...maybe its worth checking out her website or sending her an email asking

Now I’m having problems because I’ve just hit this spot in the series, and my google search led me right back to Goodreads ;) An abridged audiobook is available now, but not an unabridged version. And the narrator is different on it, too! This is so frustrating. Kimberly Alexis usually narrates all the Anita Blake books and she does a fantastic job. The abridged Narcissus in Chains is narrated by Cynthia Holloway?!? Looks like they start using Kimberly Alexis again by Skin Trade (Book #17). A switch in narrator has caused me to drop the audiobook version of a series before (J.D. Robb’s In Death, Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series)

Can someone please comment on how the Cynthia Holloway Anita books compare to the Kimberly Alexis ones? I really love all the characters in Kimberly’s hands and the narrator switch has me nervous.

I love Cynthia Holloway as a narrator. She can read anything for me. For me, she is the perfect voice for Anita.

Kimberly Alexis is okay, but she does a horrible Jean Claude.

that's weird. it seems it was only put in an abridged format just like previously mentioned. I haven't a clue why one book would be done different from the rest. I'm OCD about having my series match. I hate abridgments.

Yz the Whyz wrote: "Kimberly Alexis is okay, but she does a horrible Jean Claude."

You're about Jean Claude - sometimes he's read a bit too feminine for me. And thanks for the feedback on Cynthia - that's great to hear. Guess I'll need to grab a paperback for this one - I don't do abridged audios either. Especially in a series I'm following! Can't risk missing something important, you know?

I would never listen to an abridged audiobook, so I'm with you on that.

Cynthia Holloway is also Cassie's voice in Karen Chance's cassie Palmer series. Just extra info.

Cynthia Holloway is the narrator on The Morganville Vampire books and is fantastic on that series.
I have only just started listening to the Anita Blake series (a few chapters into book 4) and I agree,
Kimberly Alexis is good - apart from her Jean Claude. I had read the paperback of the first book, Guilty Pleasures,and the voice I had in my head for Jean Claude was very different to the one she gives him. I agree with Mahlet, too feminine!
I do like her Richard though...

This discussion took place almost a year ago, but the situation remains the same as far as I can tell. I go looking for an unabridged version of Narcissus every few months and find nothing of interest. There was another similar discussion of it on Amazon, but still, no one knows where or when a legal, unabridged copy can be found. I'll keep looking and hoping.

I am not sure why, but it is only available in abridged. I just read the book because I heard that the abridged version cuts too many parts that are important to the story. And went back to the audio version the next book.

I prefer Kimberly Alexis as Jean-Claude because she gives him the French accent. It took me a book or two to accept Cynthia as the reader only to go back to Kim whom I prefer.

*giggles* yup, nearly a year later and I’m still stalled on the book series because of this issue. I gave up hope and borrowed the Narcissus In Chains paperback from my library – but then I couldn’t go through with it! I’m spoiled with the narrator – what can I say?

I have been on a search for over 3 years for an unabridged copy of NIC. Please take a moment to send a request to Brilliance audio and Penguin audio expressing your interest. The LKH forum members said they had replies saying there was not enough interest so we have to prove that it's wanted!

Thanks Dee! I will do that...1.5 years later, and I have STILL not continued with the series. $$ lost. It is not okay to have all but 1 book in unabridged format. Publishers, take note!

I wrote to Brilliance and Ballantine. Brilliance wrote back to say they no longer have the license. I try to write at least once a year, asking for an unabridged copy. I've read it in paperback, but I like to do re-reads with audio while doing chores or other such mindless tasks. I feel hung up, too. Still hoping someday . . . Following this discussion is the reason I joined the PNR group.

I agree it is very frusterating, I am enjoying the audio series while at work. NIC is one of my favorite books so having to skip it and go to Cerulean Sins was a bit painful.

Its taking some getting use to hearing Cynthia Holloway narrating, I really enjoyed Kimberly Alexis.

Soooooo fustrating, I cannot seem to find Narcissus in Chains an audio anywhere at all.... I mean seriously I have looked everywhere and no 1 seems to have it and I really don't understand why? I'm thinking maybe because of the content? but then again no because she pretty much touches on all of that in an other books as well. I also think kimberly alexis is awesome narrator. I really don't understand how come she doesn't narrate for this book and why there isn't 1 available.

Between Book 9 and 17 LKH left Penguin for Brilliance for audio adaptation. I don't pretend to know anything about narrator contracts, but Kimberley Alexis appears to work exclusively for Penguin. I can't even find a legitimate source for the abridged version of Narcissus in Chains so it's long past time they did an Unabridged version. I can see licensing issues, but little else standing in the way. Too bad; it's like driving a Ferrari for a while, then taking a tricycle (to read the book) across town before you can climb into a car again. Sadly, someone has stolen your Ferrari, so you make due with a Camry for a while until the cops can get it back for you.
Cynthia is an acceptable Anita Blake, but her Richard sounds like a cry baby, and her Jean-Claude sounds like he needs a long metal rod removed. The french accent SHOULD be emphasized, but Cynthia leaves MUCH to be desired in the accent department. Kimberly's vocal range, passable accents, and the attitude she puts into voicing Anita make her the better narrator for this series. We will not speak of Rae Colette's reading of 'Micah' for fear of violating posting rules.

I just checked on LKH's message boards and the last thing mentioned is that LKH herself doesn't seem to have control over this. No one seems to know when/if this will ever be released in an unabridged version. Honestly,who would want an abridged version of any of her books? Perhaps we all need to contact the audiobook companies and request that this be done.

Pam, as an audio listening, I bought the ebook for this one. I've heard bad things about the audio version for this book. It stinks, but there you have it. I doubt it will ever come out unabridged.

Hey if you need it. Hit me up and i can get it to u.

Tamilyn wrote: "Hey if you need it. Hit me up and i can get it to u."

Who reads it, and how long is it?

here it is February 2013, and I've discovered the same thing that everyone else has. :) A friend got me hooked on the series and I listen to books at work and I got a lot of people hooked on this series and we've stalled because Narcissus isn't on unabridged audio STILL. Who do we complain to about this?

I'm thinking that Penguin has to take it up. We could push someone like Audible, but they don't produce themselves, they just sell. Penguin does all the later books of the series. Brilliance, who did the abridged version, doesn't have the license anymore.

I have written to LKH at her web site in her Fourm and did not receive much information that I did not already know and what has been posted here. I have the abridged version only because it was all I could get at the time. You may still be able to get it used.
I wrote to Penguin again...the 1st time was about 1-year ago and no answer then again this week I actually addressed to the publisher and then again I sent a copy to the other publisher listed 'Jove' so we will see if someone answers.....Its very frustrating to get NO answers from anyone.....I am especially frustrated from LKH's site. They removed my post when I questioned why she couldn't ask her publisher herself. If she truly wanted to inform her fans she would ask Penguin why....well they didn't like that approach and my post was removed. Hopefully if we get enough questioning it they will answer us.

Calisnight wrote: "Between Book 9 and 17 LKH left Penguin for Brilliance for audio adaptation. I don't pretend to know anything about narrator contracts, but Kimberley Alexis appears to work exclusively for Penguin. ..."
This is so good. I agree with most of it especially the comment about Rae Colette in 'Micah'. I however think Kimberly Alexis accent for JC is too heavy. I just don't believe after the years he's been here in this country (100-yrs+) that his accent would be that heavy.Just my opinion. Cynthia Holloway was 1st because the middle books were actually published in audio format 1st. Then Penguin purchased the rest..so from 'Narcissus in Chains" to "Blood Noir" Brilliance had Cynthia Holloway narrate all but "Mich" Around 2003 to 2006 or 2007. My dates may be a little off I am not exact...The others were done later by Penguin around 2009ish or 2010...Then Kimberly Alexis began from "Guilty Pleasures". I am getting used to her narration and she has eased up on his accent, I think...and I hope they keep coming as I think the books are just getting Better.

Hi guys, You've inspired me to write to Penguin again. Here is the content of what I sent:

To: ecommerce@us.penguingroup.com

Dear Penguin Audio,

As you are the current publisher of Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series, I am adding my request to others that an unabridged audio copy of Narcissus in Chains be produced. Brilliance, who put out the abridged version, no longer has the rights to the title. It is frustrating for myself and many others to have this hole exist in the middle of one of our favorite series. Audio books are one of the best ways to experience the written word, and for some it is the only way they can experience it. Though there are many wonderful books out there to choose from, and audio books as a commodity no longer seems to be growing as fast as it was, I would think that a central title to a popular series like this would be a good bet. There is a fan base out there willing and eager to support such a product. I hope a way can be found for Penguin Audio to support this fan base.

Thank you for your time and attention,

Michelle K. Wardhaugh

Anyone who wants to do the same should feel free to copy, cut and paste, or just send their own version. It costs nothing to ask, and though I don't really expect much, it feels good to know you've tried.

I have to ask this stupid question as I have never heard an audio version of an ebook. What are the advantages or why do you love the audio version? Or are you sight challenged?
Please do not be offended by my inquiry. I truly am interested as I am a court transcriber.

MadameZelda wrote: "I have to ask this stupid question as I have never heard an audio version of an ebook. What are the advantages or why do you love the audio version? Or are you sight challenged?
Please do not b..." I'm not really sight challenged. Glasses work for me for now. I like being able to "read" while working in the garden or in the kitchen or while driving almost an hour every day to and from work. It's also my way of re-reading favorites. My pile of new books will take me more than 3 years to get through. Audio books are usually read by professional actors and are much better than the computer voices that e-readers use. They aren't for everyone, but those of us who enjoy or need them tend to be a bit fanatical about them.

MadameZelda wrote: "I have to ask this stupid question as I have never heard an audio version of an ebook. What are the advantages or why do you love the audio version? Or are you sight challenged?
Please do not b..."

I listen to them for the same reason as Michelle... when I'm doing household chores, or going on road trips, or just an hour drive here and there... helps me multitask, eliminates stress and keeps me from getting irritated with 'bad' drivers, too! =)

And Michelle, thank you for the email template! I am sending them a copy, also.

Michelle wrote: "MadameZelda wrote: "I have to ask this stupid question as I have never heard an audio version of an ebook. What are the advantages or why do you love the audio version? Or are you sight challenge..."

Many of us listen to books because of reading issues when I first started I could only get some books through the blind outlets but I am not sight challenged (not any more than any 60-yr old) now they are affordable and accessible. I listen/read all of the formats od books from Hardbound to I-Pod and MP3 CD. I even still have a few on cassette. . It just happens to depend on how it published. Some like Kindle have a feature where the book can read to you but its mechanical (at least the ones I have tried). I started listening because the job I had allowed it so it was music or books which I did both.
I am an avid knitter so I knit and read (listen). I also used to read when I walked on my treadmill. I am sure if you took a poll of the people who buy audio books now you find all the reason mentioned including blindness and many more.

Kim wrote: "Calisnight wrote: "Between Book 9 and 17 LKH left Penguin for Brilliance for audio adaptation. I don't pretend to know anything about narrator contracts, but Kimberley Alexis appears to work exclus..."

Michelle wrote: "Hi guys, You've inspired me to write to Penguin again. Here is the content of what I sent:

To: ecommerce@us.penguingroup.com

Dear Penguin Audio,

As you are the current publisher of Laurell K..."

Kim wrote: "Calisnight wrote: "Between Book 9 and 17 LKH left Penguin for Brilliance for audio adaptation. I don't pretend to know anything about narrator contracts, but Kimberley Alexis appears to work exclus..."

Thanks for your post I will try again also...If we could like a way to a group together maybe they would pay attention

It really frustrates me not having the unabridged version of "Narcissus In Chains". I searched the web but no true unabridged version of this novel....

Michelle wrote: "Hi guys, You've inspired me to write to Penguin again. Here is the content of what I sent:

To: ecommerce@us.penguingroup.com

Dear Penguin Audio,

As you are the current publisher of Laurell K..."

Thanks Michelle for this...

The reason you can't find Narcissus in Chains as an unabridged audiobook is because it was the first book that Laurell K. Hamilton (or most likely her publishers) decided to try having audiobooks for this series. They weren't sure how they would sell so they only made an abridged version. I read somewhere on Larell K. Hamilton's website that they would only ever make an unabridged copy if it was profitable but it wasn't her decision either way. These are not exact words as I read this quite a while ago an cannot find the exact blog. I am as bummed as the rest of you as I am a big fan of the series and like to re-read/listen the series before each new addition.

Hi all, I know there are several of us who have written to Penguin,regarding the issue of "Narcissus in Chains" being published in unabridged audio form. Has anyone received an answer from them?
I have written 3-times and never gotten an answer.

No, only the standard kind of reply:
We appreciate the many questions, comments, suggestions, and ideas that are submitted by our readers and are happy to share them with our Editorial, Publicity, Sales and Marketing departments. Because of the volume of mail received, we cannot guarantee that you will receive a personal response; however, we will certainly forward your comments to them for review.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us.

Well its too bad, I am going to keep doing it every couple of months or so and maybe if I am a pest they will respond

Kim wrote: "Well its too bad, I am going to keep doing it every couple of months or so and maybe if I am a pest they will respond"

:)

I know I am late to the game here, but has anybody aquired an audio copy of NiC since? I have no hope of finding a copy :(

Hi I haven't been on in awhile but I did write to Penguin again at the end of the year and still have hear nothing....If anyone else comes up with a different plan let me know....The answers I keep getting when I just mention it is they are who we need to contact so If anyone finds a different address or a contact person with Penguin I would be happy to write to them also

What is the info for sending questions and I will write also.

ecommerce@us.penguingroup.com

This was the last email address for the Penguin publishing.
If you can find another or have any other ideas pleas let us know we will bombard them with emails

Kim wrote: "ecommerce@us.penguingroup.com

This was the last email address for the Penguin publishing.
If you can find another or have any other ideas pleas let us know we will bombard them with emails"

Audible is also producing their own audio books these days, so they might accept requests. They also have a pop-up where there are gaps in their series that mentions filling in gaps and buying new series. They have a contact link at the bottom of every page.

oh my I goggled this book and landed here. i only have the abridged copy as well.

Well I send emails every once in awhile but have never gotten an answer so I don't know....I keep hoping it will just be announced I try to post it where ever LKH or her people can see it and hope for an answer but I think I am becoming a Stalker..:)

I have also sent a letter of request. Money talks!!

Cle1

Good luck guys... I have been on this mission for more than 6 years. I have e-mailed Brillance, penguin, tweeted to LKH, even tried to start a petition on her message boards (it was removed because it didn't fit their guidelines. Her newest book "Jason" is being released on December 2, also by Penguin and I think we should e-mail bomb their offices on this date requesting our unabridged copies of NIC! If they receive messages from everyone on the same date it would be hard to ignore. I'm going to copy and paste Michelle's letter to penguin and send it on that date.

Hi all This question comes up every few months or so but I have never gotten a good answer from Penguin publishing nor LKH's people the only thing I can say is to keep sending emails and asking at book signings and make it known that we want this book complete and in audio format....If anyone comes upon a new email address or another way to communicate with LKH's people let me know....I almost got bumped off her Forum for good a few years back for being too forceful so now I am little more careful but others are asking also....Please keep it up

Today's the day, so I'll add my voice.

I have also written to Penguin, Brillance & LKH's people. No answers at all. I understand why LKH get frustrated with questions they can't answer, but I don't understand why her people can't bug the right people. I have all her books in paperback, hardbook and CD, except for that one 'important' book.