Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Chosen by the Vampire Kings
- Author: Charlene Hartnady
- Narrator: Tatiana Sokolov
- Length: 12:21:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 22/05/2018
- Publisher: Tantor Media
- Genre: Romance, Romantica, Romantasy
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Let me tell you why Charlene Hartnady’s “Chosen by the Vampire Kings” had me canceling three podcast recordings because I couldn’t stop listening. As someone who’s analyzed hundreds of audiobook adaptations for my ‘Future of Stories’ series, I can confidently say this is how paranormal romance should sound when it leaps off the page.
“The Cultural Impact Here Is…”
Hartnady’s premise – that mandatory mating ceremony with two vampire kings – immediately made me think of that viral TikTok trend where users were rewriting fairytales with feminist protagonists. Tanya is exactly that kind of heroine we’ve been craving: skeptical, resistant, and utterly relatable in her ‘why me?’ panic when the ridiculously attractive King Brant chooses her. The narrative plays beautifully with romantasy tropes while giving them a contemporary twist that had me nodding along like, ‘Yes, finally someone gets it!’
“Let’s Break Down the Audio Alchemy…”
Tatiana Sokolov’s narration is nothing short of sorcery. Remember when I compared five different formats of “Project Hail Mary” and found the audiobook’s sound design created entirely new dimensions? Sokolov achieves something similar here through vocal texture alone. Her King Brant voice isn’t just deep – it’s a physical presence, all velvet darkness and predatory patience that made me actually blush during my commute. And her comedic timing with Tanya’s internal monologue? Chef’s kiss.
“Here’s What Makes This Interesting…”
The audiobook format elevates Hartnady’s already spicy tension into something almost tactile. There’s a particular scene where Brant first tastes Tanya’s blood that had me pausing the audio just to process how Sokolov layers hunger, restraint, and dark amusement into a single gasp. It’s moments like these that remind me why I started analyzing audiobooks – some performances don’t just interpret text, they transmute it.
“Balanced Perspective Time:”
While the world-building is delicious (vampire politics! territorial kings! that delicious ‘chosen one’ tension), I did wish for more exploration of Sweetwater’s human society. And though Sokolov’s male voices are divine, some secondary female characters sounded slightly repetitive. But these are quibbles in what’s otherwise a masterclass in romantasy audio.
“Final Verdict:”
If you loved the multi-voice experience of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” but crave something with fangs and mating bites, this is your next obsession. Perfect for listeners who want their paranormal romance with:
– A heroine who rolls her eyes at destiny (until she doesn’t)
– Voice acting that makes earbuds feel like a supernatural experience
– Slow-burn tension that could power a small city
Pro tip: Listen with good headphones. Trust me, you’ll want to catch every whispered threat and breathless reaction.
Hooked on every syllable (and fang mark),
Sophie
Sophie Bennett
