Crossing in Time: Between Two Evils #1

Brilliant! - You may be surprised at who you are

Who the hell am I? After listening to the audio version of this book, I have to question who I am. There were a few things that prior to listening to this, had me believing that this was not a book I would enjoy. How do I know? Because who knows me better than me, right? Well, I guess that question is still open because in the end, I now see myself in a new light. Let me explain. . .

First, duel or multi-cast narrations, I am not a fan. If I had to pick between fiction and non-fiction as the genre that identifies me, it would be non-fiction. Duel or multi-cast narration does not translate well into non-fiction and so it is what this grumpus has grown accustomed to. In fact, I am such a non-fan, that this is a feature I consider when deciding whether or not to choose an audiobook. However, the fluid team narration between Noah Michael Levine and Erin deWard seamlessly brought me into their world and won me over. I cannot imagine the resulting impact if this was read by a single narrator. Their voices and timing of their interaction was outstanding and impressive. This is not my father’s multi-cast, old-time radio styled presentation I envisioned and feared. I liked it, I really liked it! It had me questioning myself as to who I am. Maybe I didn’t know myself as well as I thought.

Love stories? Typically, I avoid them unless they are part of a non-fiction historical perspective—like John and Abigail Adams. The only “love story” I’ve enjoyed was ironically, the time travel based Outlander series. I’m very reluctant on picking up anything as trivial as a “love story”. So again, I questioned who the hell am I, that I should be drawn into the love story of these likeable characters?

Okay, so I like the narrators and their acting skills in terms of bringing the author’s characters to life. I’ll admit too, their love story was initially intriguing but would the overall story hold? I don’t recall ever using the ubiquitous adjective of a paid (book or movie) reviewer prior to this in any of my reviews/comments but it is well-deserved here--brilliant! The time travel aspect of the book was handled in a unique, believable manner and kept me engaged throughout.

I am not a prude—or so I thought. I don’t mind a love story but I was a little embarrassed by some of the sex descriptions. Maybe it was the multi-cast which gave it a more realistic feel. So realistic it felt as if I was in the room with them while this is happening. I doubt a single narrator could deliver that type of impact--but it did make me a little uncomfortable. Maybe it was the fact that my typical love story is from a more sterile, 18th century perspective? Remember my mention of John Adams and Abigail Adams? Who the hell am I?

After listening to this book, I don’t know who I am any more. Have I grown? Possibly. While I may no longer have a good mental picture of who I am, I do know that I am a now fan of D.L. Orton, and if someone like me enjoyed this book so much, I’m certain more “normal folks” will too.

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Epic Story and Performance!

Wow! This story,and narration blew me away! It was AWESOME! Let's see, where do I start?

First the narration! WOW! After learning this story was narrated by the duo Noah Michael Levine, and Erin DeWard who just won the 2016 Audie Award in Erotic, I was expecting an awesome performance; however, this duo surpassed any expectation I had on an awesome performance. Their performance is absolutely the best I've heard, and the best I have in my library of over 400 audiobooks. Crossing in Time is worth listening too just for the performance alone! Not only did they bring this story to life, but each characters voice, and emotions felt so real. For example, I literally had chills when one of the characters attempted to attack another one, and the emotions from both of these characters felt real, I couldn't help but to react to their emotions. A truly riveting performance that has set the bar high when rating future performances.

Now on to the story! What an amazing well written story, with a plot that had a diverse blend of sci-fi/time travel, romance, thriller, humor, and dystopian rolled into an unique and exciting plot that kept me guessing. I haven't read many time travel stories; however, this story kinda reminded me of Peter Clines, The Fold, because of how each universe effected the other but with a major emphasis on the romance, and love between Isabel and Deigo as the fate of the universe could vary well depend on their relationship. This story has some pretty intense moments, that kept me on the edge, and guessing what was going to happen next.

The story does end on a cliffhanger, so we do not know if Isabel going back in time has saved the universes, but I am looking forward to finding out how the plot unfolds in book two. Also, the story started off a little slow, and I was wondering when it was going to pick up, but then it exploded….literally.... and after that the story had some really intense moments so stick with it...it's worth it!

I fell in love with the story and performance, and highly recommend it for any romance fan, who loves their stories mixed with time travel, dystopian, and/or a little humor.

I received this story in exchange for an unbiased opinion.

11 of 11 people found this review helpful

A very nice Sci-Fi Romance story

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

First, I must admit to not being a regular reader of romance and erotica novels, yet I enjoyed this book and got caught up in the narrative. There's a little bit of everything in this nicely crafted plot, sci-fi, fantasy, action, drama, romance and erotica. Ok, it's a bit heavy on the romance/erotica for my personal taste, but it only slightly took away from the story. I would have liked to have the time travel aspect a bit more in the foreground of the story. And once Isabel goes back in time, near the last third of the book, nothing much happens to move the plot forward except hot misty scenes of Isabel and Diego mostly getting it on. Still, I must say that I am intrigued enough by the plot to pick up the following chapter in this series.
The characters are very well done by the author, and the dialogues are simply fantastic. And having two voice actors (one male and one female) in the audiobook narration added a lot to the immersion. The two voice actors did a splendid job by the way.
I'm an avid reader of horror and sci-fi/fantasy and I have given this novel a chance to broaden my horizons. It's a success.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Amazing!

I really loved this story! I got so caught up in it I didn't want it to end. From the beginning I was pulled into this world. I know I was a little nervous at first being I'm not much into sifi but I'm a romantic and thus story has a bit if everything. Noah and Erin does a fantastic job. I found myself laughing along with characters as well as feeling the love and adventure. Bravo! x

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

really good

If you do not listen to this book you are missing out. Story is a cliffhanger can't wait for next book. Narration is wonderful. All books should be read in this manner.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Best Narration I Have Ever Heart! Wow

The narration blew me away. It was so good! It not only brought the story to life but I felt like I was in it. They are great together. I have heard many audiobooks but these duo is by far the best narration I have ever heard. I'm looking forward to listening more audiobooks narrated by them.

The story was very engaging. It starts a bit slow but if you stick with it it will pick up and keep you interested and engaged.

The story is told in multiple POV. It adds details to each character and you get to know them quite well. Time travel is always entertaining to me although multiple universes with the same people is quite a unique take.

The story does end in a cliffhanger so you don't get to find out if the world was saved and what happens to Diego & Isabel. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next.

Great author & awesome narration.

**This audiobook was provided free of charge in exchange for my honest unbiased opinion**

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Be prepare to cross in time

This book was kindly sent to me by its author in exchange for an honest review, and I thank D.L. Orton. I found your audiobook drew me in from the beginning. I cringed at the gun dealer. I felt sorry for the dog. I wanted nothing but good fortune for Isabel and Diego. This book is told through the eyes and heart of Isabel, it makes you feel what she feels. You can't help but hold your breath or gasp for air. It is that well written, you actually feel like you're in the story. Orton brings the story to life.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Simply Spectacular !!!

The main characters Isabel and Diego are intense. It took a short time to comprehend the plot. Yet, once I did, I could not stop listening to this book. The imagery is amazing. What a well polished author D.L. Orion is. The action, suspense and love are perfectly situated within the plot. A story of true love with major cosmic barriers preventing their bliss. I anxiously await the sequel. I highly recommend this book for all.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Must listen sci-fi romance!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I LOVE listening a good sci-fi audio book, and I am always a bit sceptical when an author mix genres. I received a copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review and I found it entertaining. It is a suspenseful romance with some very steamy sex scenes and science fiction elements. The audiobook is divided into chapters (a minor spoiler), where every chapter has a different character as a narrator, Isabelle, Diego and Matt. The story is very well written with engaging and loveable characters who are interesting to follow.

When the civilization begins to break down, the only hope of salvation lies in a time machine and trying to fix the past, and so Isabelle goes 20 years back to try to fix her relationship with Diego, which will also save the world. An interesting premise, I must say, which I didn't find anywhere else.

Because this is the first audio book in the series its story is not fully resolved, but the ending was satisfying and made me eagerly wanting for more. I am not a native English so narration is very important to me so I must mention vocal narrators who did an OUTSTANDING job. Their voices are crystal clear and appealing, and made listening to the audio book enjoyable. I highly recommend this "read" to all romance lovers!

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

A Breathtakingly Unique Story

I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this novel, but wow what a great ride! The narration drew me in and the writing held me! As a diehard Fringe fan, I'm always game for a good time travel story, but Crossing in Time blew me away! I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions in the story-telling, but the humor caught me off guard. That was something I absolutely didn't expect because I thought this was going to be yet another stuffy science fiction novel about time travel. It is SO MUCH MORE!

I knew I was really going to enjoy this one when things kicked off with the good old boy at the beginning as Isabel bartered with him in order to obtain a gun. The novel covers a lot of genres but I enjoy that. I think it's really ridiculous to attempt to place EVERY work of fiction into one box or another. I enjoy a well-written, entertaining read and Crossing in Time is both! Grab a copy and strap in for the ride. I assure you, you won't regret it!

I received this in exchange for an honest review and it was an awesome experience!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful