Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Deadly Assessment by Drew Hayes Narrator: Kirby Heyborne
Series: Fred The Vampire Accountant #5
Published by Tantor Audio on August 7, 2018
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 9 hours, 9 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble
fter several years as a vampire, starting a business, founding his own clan, and proposing to his girlfriend, Fred is finally beginning to settle into life as an undead accountant. Unfortunately, not everyone is happy about his continued survival, or the dangerous friends he’s made along the way.
The Blood Council has dispatched a representative to determine if Fred is fit for the position he currently fills as head of a clan, and the stakes for failure are deathly serious. Worse, Fred will have to muddle through without the help of Krystal, who is off on a mysterious task of her own.
Saddled with a new bodyguard, Fred will have to prove he’s got what it takes to be a respectable vampire, control his abilities, and lead a clan. Because if he can’t, the House of Fred will be no more.
I started by getting audios from the Fred, The Vampire Accountant series at the library. Once I was current, I requested them for audio review. It’s a slow burn with Fred’s tales. They start so straightforward and then everything goes to hell.
Deadly Assessments was quite suspenseful. The story was very focused on Fred, his vampire training, or lack of training, and his leadership of the clan. Thankfully, Fred continues to control his emotions, show his superior willingness to use his brain, and collect the odd band of completely devoted friends.
I will always want more of Fred’s stories. As they continue, in both the world-building, and the development and growth of our beloved characters, I am happy to listen. The Blood Council is a serious and rather frightening development but I have faith; they will love Fred as much as everyone else.
Narration:
Kirby Heyborne is the perfect choice on the audio narration. He performs the logical, rational Fred and yet the explosive Krystal as well. There are differing voices for the other characters, also. My usual 1.25x speed works well.
Listen to a clip:
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
- 2018 New Release Challenge
I love this series so much. I liked seeing Fred start to look at things in a different light in this book. I also liked Deborah. She seems like an interesting character. I hope to see more of her in the future.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
You got me hooked on these with your reviews Melanie.
Oh wow, these sound good. I am going to see if my library has them 🙂
These are just so fun. I love the character development and Fred with his odd group of friends.
This is a series that I do want to listen to soon. I noticed that my library has several of them so I plan to start with those. Glad you enjoyed this one.
I was lucky the library had most but not all of them. I love Kirby Heyborne’s narration so I have been audio only on these. But I think some of the books are on KU and maybe even some of the narration is; I have yet to check out KU audio options.