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- Title: Memory Thief
- Author: Rachel Morgan
- Narrator: Arielle Delisle
- Length: 02:58:53
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 01/12/2019
- Publisher: Findaway Voices
- Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Contemporary Fantasy
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something magical about stumbling upon a story that feels like a hidden treasure unearthed during a long journey. ‘Memory Thief,’ the first episode of Rachel Morgan’s serialized Cinderella retelling, is just that – a sparkling find in the realm of contemporary fantasy audiobooks. As a travel writer who’s always chasing the next great narrative, I was immediately drawn to this tale of fae, vampires, shifters, and a Godmother who grants wishes at a steep price. The story unfolds like a winding path through an ancient forest, full of unexpected turns and whispers of danger, and I couldn’t help but lose myself in its world during my latest audiobook listening experience.
What struck me first was how Morgan reimagines the classic Cinderella story with a dark, fantastical edge. Elle, our human slave protagonist, isn’t just waiting for a fairy godmother to save her – she’s a hustler, sneaking out to use her unique memory-altering skills to earn enough for a wish that could change her life. It reminds me of a time when I was in Oaxaca, listening to a grandmother weave tales of cunning women who outsmarted fate. Her voice carried the weight of survival, much like Elle’s story does here. There’s a rawness to Elle’s determination that resonates deeply, especially when her plans collide with a charming faerie and a dangerous vampire, throwing her carefully laid schemes into chaos. This isn’t your childhood fairy tale; it’s a gritty, urban fantasy twist that pulses with tension and intrigue.
As someone who’s spent years collecting stories from around the world, I’m always drawn to narratives about transformation and hidden histories – themes that ‘Memory Thief’ explores with finesse. Elle’s struggle for freedom mirrors the quiet battles I’ve witnessed in remote villages, where individuals fight against unseen chains for a better tomorrow. Morgan crafts a world where magic is both a gift and a curse, and you can almost feel the weight of Elle’s choices as she navigates this treacherous landscape. The serialized format adds a layer of anticipation, much like waiting for the next chapter of a fireside story told over several nights. Each episode leaves you hungry for more, a testament to Morgan’s skill in building atmosphere and suspense in the science fiction and fantasy genre.
Now, let’s talk about the audiobook experience itself, because a story is only as good as the voice that brings it to life. Arielle Delisle’s narration is nothing short of captivating. Her performance is like a well-seasoned dish from a local market – rich, nuanced, and full of flavor. She captures Elle’s resilience with a steely undertone, while infusing the faerie’s charm with a playful lilt that made me smile. The vampires, on the other hand, carry a menacing edge in her voice, sending shivers down my spine as I listened during a quiet night drive through the desert. Delisle’s pacing is impeccable, knowing just when to linger on a moment of tension or rush through a burst of action. The audio quality is crisp, immersing you fully in this fantasy world without distraction. It’s the kind of narration that reminds me of those evenings in Oaxaca, where the storyteller’s cadence could hold an entire room spellbound.
I also can’t help but draw parallels to another audiobook experience that shaped my love for the format. Years ago, while driving through the surreal expanse of the Atacama Desert in Chile, I listened to ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ by Gabriel García Márquez. The magical realism of that story, paired with the narrator’s warm, evocative tone, felt like a perfect match for the otherworldly landscape outside my window. Similarly, Delisle’s narration in ‘Memory Thief’ transports you to a realm where magic and danger coexist, making every listening session feel like a journey in itself. Her ability to shift between characters and emotions enhances the contemporary fantasy vibe, grounding even the most fantastical elements in raw human emotion.
That said, no story – or audiobook – is without its limitations. While I adore the serialized format for its cliffhangers and bite-sized episodes, I found myself occasionally wishing for a deeper dive into the world-building within this first installment. The fae, vampires, and shifters are intriguing, but their backstories feel like tantalizing glimpses rather than fully fleshed-out histories. As a traveler who thrives on understanding the cultural tapestry of a place, I craved more context about this magical society. However, knowing this is just episode one of six in the ‘City of Wishes’ series, I’m hopeful that future parts will peel back those layers. Additionally, while Delisle’s narration is stellar, there were moments where I felt certain secondary characters could have been differentiated more distinctly through vocal tones. It’s a minor quibble, but one worth noting for avid audiobook listeners like myself who hang on every inflection.
For those who enjoy contemporary fantasy audiobooks with a dark fairy tale twist, ‘Memory Thief’ stands out as a compelling listen. It shares thematic DNA with works like Holly Black’s ‘The Cruel Prince,’ where fae and human worlds collide with deadly consequences, though Morgan’s take leans more into urban grit than courtly intrigue. If you’re a fan of serialized stories that build tension over time, this audiobook experience will hook you. I’d recommend it to listeners who crave strong, flawed heroines and magical underbellies – think fans of Sarah J. Maas or Leigh Bardugo. And while I don’t have confirmation of a free audiobook offer for this title, I’d urge you to keep an eye out for any audiobook free promotions, as this is a story worth adding to your collection without hesitation.
Reflecting on my own journey with ‘Memory Thief,’ I’m reminded of why I love audiobooks so much – they’re companions on the road, weaving stories into the fabric of my travels. This particular tale felt like a conversation with an old friend, one who knows the weight of dreams and the cost of chasing them. As I listened, I couldn’t help but think of the countless souls I’ve met who, like Elle, are carving their own paths against all odds. It’s a reminder that stories, whether told by a grandmother in Oaxaca or through the voice of a skilled narrator like Arielle Delisle, have the power to connect us across time and space.
Until our paths cross again, amigos, keep seeking the stories that light your way. This is Marcus Rivera, signing off with a heart full of wanderlust and a playlist of audiobooks ready for the next adventure. Stay curious, and let ‘Memory Thief’ steal a piece of your imagination.
