Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Spartan Heart by Jennifer Estep Narrator: Amanda Dolan
Series: Colorado #1
Published by Tantor Audio on September 18, 2019
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Length: 10 hours, 27 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
New school year, same old problems . . .
At Mythos Academy, everyone knows exactly who I am: Rory Forseti, Spartan girl and the daughter of Reapers.
Even though I fought alongside my cousin Gwen Frost to save the mythological world from Loki and his evil Reapers of Chaos, I'm still the most hated girl at the academy because of all the horrible things my parents did. I had hoped that this school year would be different, but the other kids just won't let me forget about my parents.
But something strange is going on at the Colorado academy. First, I run into a Viking guy who dislikes me more than most. Then I notice some odd artifacts in the Library of Antiquities. And worst of all, I start hearing rumors about a new group of Reapers who can summon mythological monsters.
I might be the most hated girl at Mythos Academy, but I'm also the only one who can save it . . .
I’ve read a few books in the related Mythos Academy series which came first. It is referenced, maybe a little too much, in Spartan Heart. I have to be a little careful with YA because I sometimes want to roll my eyes. I do better with YA fantasy. There are usually a few things happening like a mystery or political battle and some romantic elements. Spartan Heart is the first book in the Mythos Academy Colorado series, and is a spoiler for that related series.
Contrary to some, I enjoyed Rory a bit more than Gwen. Perhaps this is because I already had a sense of the world and what a Mythos Academy is, or maybe because Rory is a warrior from the start. She is involved in the action. She is very skilled and cares about others. The past year has been difficult for her.
I love some of the mythical creatures Rory knows. Their part in the story is fun. I enjoyed the team with all their unique skills. For all their equipment, talent and magic, not everything goes well for them. But that means there will be more story, next up is Spartan Promise. I’m looking forward to it. And I LOVE the covers on this series.
Narration:
Amanda Dolan is a narrator I have not heard before. Her male and female voices are fitting, and feel age appropriate. Most of the story is Rory and her thoughts and I’m comfortable with her voice. I enjoyed the performance at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Jennifer Estep
Jennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.
Jennifer writes the Crown of Shards epic fantasy series. She also writes the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series and the Black Blade young adult urban fantasy series. Jennifer also the author of the Bigtime paranormal romance series and Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series.
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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:
- 2019 Audiobooks
- 2019 Releases
warriors, mythical creatures, sounds like one i would enjoy
It’s YA but I am enjoying this series.
I enjoyed this one as well, it was fun to have a spin off book to the series. But you’re right about the references
This series is a serious spoiler for the other earlier series.
I tend to really enjoy Jennifer Estep’s writing – but I feel like I need to read Mythos Academy first… I hate feeling things are spoiled because I read out of order. And I still have her Elemental Assassin series to finish… But this one is on the list now too! Great review.
Yes you definitely want to read the other series first. I read some of it. I prefer to read all but my schedule didn’t work out that way.
Mythical creatures and warriors grabbed me right away! I’d like to try this series.
Yes I especially liked the mythical creatures. Some of them are good and some are bad just like people with which they align themselves.
I enjoyed the Mythos Academy series, but for some reason never got around to checking out this spin-off series. I just added it to my wishlist and the site I use for audiobooks has this one too, so I might get the audiobook then. Rory sounds like a likable character. I am the same with YA books in how they not always work for me, but as I enjoyed the Mythos Academy series I think I’ll enjoy this one too. Great review!
Thanks! I liked this even more than the original series. Maybe because I already knew something about the world? I hope you enjoy it too.