Review copy was received from Purchased. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Villains Defeat by M.K. Gibson Narrator: Jeffrey Kafer
Series: The Shadow Master #4
Published by Indie on March 3, 2021
Genres: Fantasy
Length: 8 hours and 17 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm
Jackson Blackwell, the Shadow Master, is in trouble. And we’re not talking about that fake kind of trouble most books use to lure in listeners. This is the “oh crap, we’ve been reading about Sophia’s vengeance for three books now” kind of trouble.
That’s right, dear listener. You heard me correctly. The time has finally come for Sophia to enact her vengeance against one Julian Jackson Blackwell. The name of the book is Villains Defeat, after all, and it is a story of team building, betrayal, plots-within-plots, and a how-to guide for toppling an empire. So, yeah, we’re kind of riffing on “the heist” genre in this one.
But what good is a heist story that doesn’t have the occasional twist?
Villains Defeat is the fourth installment in the multiple-award-nominated and one-win (SOVA 2019 baby!) Shadow Master series. This thrilling and hilarious adventure shines a spotlight on Jackson’s foibles and flaws as overlooked plot points of the past come back to bite him in a major way. Attacked on multiple fronts, and across multiple worlds, does the Shadow Master have what it takes to stay on top?
Well...what’s the name of this book again?
I was very excited to see what Jackson Blackwell, The Shadow Master, consultant to villains, was up to in this story. I always love these audiobooks. These stories are not just fun, but they are hilarious. I love how the author really tailors these stories for the audiobook reader. The main character, Jackson, even starts an argument with the narrator, Jeffery Kafer. There is more, but I don’t want to give spoilers.
In Villains Defeat, the story starts with us at the end of the story, foreshadowing Jackson as defeated as he can be. Then we go back to see how it all happens. We also get Sophia, a Djinn and Jackson’s receptionist, talks directly to the listeners (it is usually only Jackson who talks directly to the audiobook listeners). She loves to do the villain monologue, but she’s telling the listener instead of the victim.
There’s a lot that happens in this story, but I’m not going to get into all of that. I like to avoid spoilers (I personally like to go into stories as blind as possible). What I will tell you is that Gibson (Gibby to his friends), writes really funny stories with amazing characters. I love how the stories are written with lots of pop culture references, tons of humor and how the characters will talk directly to the author, narrator and listeners. It all comes together to make for a very fun story. I always have a great time with this series.
Narration:
Jeffery Kafer really knocks it out of the park with this series. I love how he really brings out the characters, not to mention how he becomes part of the story itself as a character. He’s great at allowing the author to make jokes about him and reads them out perfectly (talk about being the butt of your own joke, kinda).
Listen to a clip (this is not just a snippet of the audiobook, it is recorded specifically for the sample): HERE
About Jeffrey Kafer
An award-winning, Los Angeles audiobook narrator, Jeffrey Kafer has performed over 375 titles in all genres from indie authors to bestsellers.
About M.K. Gibson
Hi, I’m Mike Gibson (Gib or Gibby to my friends). I’m a father, husband, writer and a retired US Air Force MSgt with 20 years of service. Back in 1980, when I was 5, I saw the animated version of The Hobbit and was a geek from then on. All I have ever wanted to do was to write and tell stories.
And yes, those are some of my framed rejection letters from agents, agencies and publishing houses on the home screen. I keep them, take them out from time to time and remind myself that some people are idiots.
I live with my wife, son, 2 dogs and cat in Mt Airy, Maryland.
I love to read, play video games, exercise and watch movies. I’m a lover of all things geek and I’m a highly opinionated, socially/politically neutral person. I feel those who live and die by a brand, or party, are doomed to fail as human beings. I also mock those who refuse to let go of the Oxford comma.
In short, I’m an asshole. Yet, a lovable asshole. I hope.
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I started listening to audiobooks when a new book in a series was coming out and I wanted to get a refresher, but didn’t have time to read all the books (I think it was Anita Blake). I fell in love. I stayed with strictly re-reading books that I’d already read for a long time. I eventually tried an audiobook for something that I hadn’t read first and was hooked there too. Now, I listen to audio for both re-reads and first time. I have some series that I’ve given up reading and only listen. I try to get any many books/audiobooks from the library to help save on my budget. Books on CD and the newer digital downloads from the library really allow me to listen more. I then purchase my favorites (because who can wait in line for your favorite book??) and less mainstream books from Audible or some other online retailer.
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I’ve never heard of these books but this really seems like a series I could get into. Now on my TBR.
This series is a favorite of mine. I have so much fun with these characters and how they talk directly to the listener.
Already on my TBR. You’ve sold me! I just wish I could start sooner than later. Excellent review!
So many great books. I know my TBR is growing way faster than I can get through them. For everyone I read, I add two more to the list.
when i saw…under new management…i couldn’t help but chuckle a little. great review and i could use some laughs
So much of this series makes me chuckle. It will always pull me out of a bad mood.
Now I want to try these! What a great cover and title too!
I hope you get a chance to try them. I really do love these books.
Gah!! I’m behind. I still have to listen to book 3!
It is very easy to get behind on any series. I’ve behind on so many that I love.
This sounds like so much fun! I love that the character gets into an argument with the narrator! I will have to check the series out.
The author has been writing “audiobook” specific pieces to the stories since book two. I love them. Kinda makes you feel special getting something on audio that the others don’t get. LOL