Almost brilliant

Not sure why but the book doesn't quite pull it off for me. The quality of performance varies and the whole just isn't quite right.

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Fantastic narrator

Really enjoyed this book narrator brilliant Imogen Church really believable accents superb good storyline love Lily unfortunately there are only two in the series that are audible

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A story of our time

Not only is this superb story that lets you into the lives of another generation but Imogen Church really brought it to life. Superb story telling and I will be looking for other story narrated by Imogen. Overall fantastic union of writer and narrator. Highly recommended.

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A grower

At first I almost gave up on this, it was my first Helen Black book, actually... I did. I managed about 30 mins and thought I'd bought a teen book by mistake. I left it alone for a couple of weeks and then one day, at a loose end I reluctantly came back to it and I'm so pleased I did.

Within a short time I was completely drawn in and didn't want to put it down. I love the insight into London's drug and gang underbelly and how the characters and their relationships developed.

I am now looking forward to hearing more from Helen Black.

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Blood Rush

I really enjoy this author and the narrator, I have several books by both of them in my library.
The main character, Lily, is a total scatterbrain, but also a very dedicated family services lawyer. Although the subject matter can be harrowing there is enough levity in what Lily gets up to at home and in the office to keep it balanced.
I love the narrator, she has different, believable voices for all the characters which makes listening to the book a pleasure.

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Gritty

Well paced, gritty novel. Refreshingly uncluttered and sadly relevant for our time. Well paced, and well narrated audio.

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What an unexpected great experience!!!!

I am an avid reader and generally pretty old school and like to feel the paper, that is why when choosing audible books I try to get ones that I would never have picked up of the bookshelf, Hence the reason for the title of my review, the story is well written with plots and twists that I never saw coming, the narrator was brilliant making it really alive and vibrant, I did look for others, by the author, for my next download but no luck yet. Definitely worth a go even if not your normal genre.

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Gripping

The narrator was excellent - each character had a distinctive voice and the accents were so realistic- the story had lots of twists and turns and it sounded like the author had done her homework getting the settings right - loved it

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Insightful and strangely addictive

I started of wondering why i downloaded this. not my normal style and had no real interest in gang culture. Something in the description made me want to try. So glad i did. It took a little while to get into the pace and style. Was not sure about the narrator. again personal and not a criticism.

BUT. then i just started to get it. I found I cared about the main characters and was drawn into a brilliant plot that is full of sadness and desperation with a health layer of wit and humour. The climax leave you wanting more. I will be looking for more books from Helen in the future.

The narration: i grew to really like it...

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Great stuff!

Would you listen to Blood Rush again? Why?

Probably. I enjoyed everything about it.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters, the believable (if grim) scenario. The compassion which the author shows for people from all walks of life: there are no cardboard-cutout goodies or baddies,only very credible, rounded characters. It was well-structured, very gripping, but with a humorous light hand at times. I'd definitely look out for Helen Black's work in future.

Have you listened to any of Imogen Church’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I think she's brilliant - much the best female narrator so far. She's really good at accents where so many actors don't quite cut it; she gets all the nuances and intonations in the right places, which not many manage to do! She and Helen Black's work make a great working partnership, but I think Imogen Church could make even a mediocre book interesting.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were several. Amongst others, the bit in the cafe where Chika drops her bravado and tells Demi exactly what happened on the night of the attack; most of Jamie's scenes; the scenes in the collapsing tower block where the characters interact.

Any additional comments?

Having a one-star review as the first in line, put me off buying this book at first glance. Then I got it regardless, and I'm glad I did! I really don't understand how those two other reviewers gave it such a poor rating. It sounds as if they simply picked a style and genre of novel which wasn't their cup of tea...it beats me why they bought it in the first place. It's a shame when people can't tell the difference between bad quality and something which just isn't to their taste.

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