Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Fangs of Freelance by Drew Hayes Narrator: Kirby Heyborne
Series: Fred The Vampire Accountant #4
Published by Tantor Audio on November 28, 2017
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 8 hours, 22 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble
When Fred formed his own parahuman clan out of necessity, he understood that it was going to come with new responsibilities. Much as he hoped those tasks would center around extra paperwork and perhaps the occasional mandatory class, enough time around the supernatural has taught him to be ready for anything. Or so he thought. As a freelance accountant for the Agency, Fred soon finds himself being tossed into new, unexpected, and perilous situations. From inventorying ghostly castles, to exploring unsettling amusement parks, to negotiating with dangerous mages, it seems there is no end to the uses for an accountant of Fred's specialty. But dangerous as the new jobs are, the greatest threat may come from the past. An old enemy is making waves once more, an enemy who would go to great lengths to destroy Fred and everyone he loves. And this time, they've brought backup.
Melanie has been listening to these and I just had to try them. Fortunately, I was able to get the three previous audiobooks in the Fred, The Vampire Accountant series at the library. I wasn’t completely sure about them after the first book, The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, The Vampire Accountant. But as I continued, I found I love them.
And why not? I mean I do have an accounting degree, so that was an obvious point in favor. Vampires were my gateway drug into supernatural fiction. There is action, adventure, accounting and allies.
Fred is a great character and he develops throughout the series. He has more integrity than almost anyone. He’s smart, hard-working, compassionate towards others and not greedy. As he builds his odd circle of friends and supporters, he also doesn’t get an ego about it. This is the true mark of a hero to me; one who builds a set of friends in groups (or species) who don’t always get along.
The books are series of short stories about specific adventures. Over the four I have read, they go chronologically as various things change for Fred personally over the series. The world-building is different and fun as we learn more about the parahuman world as Fred learns more. There are touches of humor and romance which is just the right tone for me. With the developments at the end of Fangs of Freelance, I hope there will be more.
Kirby Heyborne is fantastic on the audio narration. He brings Fred to life for me. The other characters are well performed also. I find a 1.25 speed is right for me on this audio series.
Listen to a clip here.
About Kirby Heyborne
Kirby Heyborne has received critical acclaim for his starring role in the award-winning World War II drama Saints and Soldiers. He has had starring roles in eight other features and two short films, and has also appeared on the WB’s Everwood and many national commercials. He has garnered rave reviews for his narration for Books on Tape over the years and is considered one of the finest narrators working today.
About Drew Hayes
Drew Hayes is an aspiring author from Texas who has written several books and found the gumption to publish a few (so far). He graduated from Texas Tech with a B.A. in English, because evidently he’s not familiar with what the term “employable” means. Drew has been called one of the most profound, prolific, and talented authors of his generation, but a table full of drunks will say almost anything when offered a round of free shots. Drew feels kind of like a D-bag writing about himself in the third person like this. He does appreciate that you’re still reading, though.
Drew would like to sit down and have a beer with you. Or a cocktail. He’s not here to judge your preferences. Drew is terrible at being serious, and has no real idea what a snippet biography is meant to convey anyway. Drew thinks you are awesome just the way you are. That part, he meant. Drew is off to go high-five random people, because who doesn’t love a good high-five? No one, that’s who.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2018 Audiobook Challenge
- COYER Winter Switch
Isn’t this a fun series. I love Fred so much. All the characters are a lot of fun. Kirby Heyborne really brings the characters to life. Great review.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads
I’m so glad I started this series, thanks to your reviews. It is so fun. Do you think there will be another book? And yes, Kirby Heyborne does a perfect job with these.
I don’t know if there are more books in this series. I read two of his series now. I’m waiting for new ones in both. When I go to his site, it only shows the first two Fred books. Grrrrr.