The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s lament Audiobook by D. J. Bennet

Posted by on Oct 22, 2019 in Reviews | 14 comments

Review of: The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father's Lament Audiobook
Audiobook:
Don Jacobson

Reviewed by:
Rating:
4.5
On October 22, 2019
Last modified:August 24, 2022

Summary:

The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s Lament Audiobook

By: Don Jacobson

Narrated by: Amanda Berry

Published by D. J. Jacobson 10/03/2019

4.5 stars rating

Bennet Wardrove Series #6

13 hrs and 54 mins

The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s Lament Audiobook Sample

The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s Lament Audiobook

4.5 Hearts

The end of the previous book left me grieving a loss and a villain exacting his revenge and seemingly winning. I did not have an inkling how the Five Families would get something of their own back and stop a great danger, but have seen enough surprising and enchanting twists to the series that I didn’t speculate long and settled in for this latest installment of a riveting magical time travel family saga.

The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s Lament is book six in an ongoing series. The series and book twists around and through, leaps forward and back and very rarely stays on a linear path because it involves time travel, but it does have to be enjoyed in order for much of it to make sense.

This book was at its heart a second chance tale for a couple in the autumn of their lives to not just rekindle the romance of their youth, but discover a love for the people they are now. At the same time, they are presented with a grand adventure that is driven by the grief of losing a beloved child, a child they didn’t appreciate as much when she was with them at home. The majority of the story is set in post-WWII era Britain and it was a delight to encounter new members of the extended clan such as a couple of former spies who get a little side romance and to also encounter some real life figures interwoven into the tale.

The Avenger opens on a dark, gritty note exposing the horrors of Nazi SS torture and the way a captured individual can be broken and just what spies risked when they worked in constant danger for the sake of their country. It also establishes the character of the central villain and the frenzy to track him down.

There are moments when I felt the story lagged in extra explanations and details, but the history buff side of my mind could appreciate the pause in the plot to dwell on some of it.
This book altered some of the rules from the earlier worldbuilding around the Wardrobe making the wardrobe itself something of an enigmatic figure that is brought to light throughout the additional background and detail. There is a fun twist with all that and those passages of explanation were needed so the reader isn’t thoroughly confused.

At the heart of these books is the family group who are close and loyal, who do their duty and sacrifice for others. I enjoy when the family comes together for family dinners or a ball, but also to take down an enemy who is set on evil.

This was the end of a story arc and I enjoyed seeing the glimpses of an awaited story, building in the background of them all, rising to share more Wardrobe adventure. This is a creative and refreshing series that those who enjoy a mashing of a few magical literary worlds, good suspense, and engaging characters really should check out from the beginning.

The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s Lament Audiobook Narration

5 Hearts

The series narrator, Amanda Berry, continues to amaze as she takes on narrator voice and oodles of others who are mostly English, but also French, German, and more. She does well with both genders and social class differences. She doesn’t lean hard on the drama though not to say she is lacking in inflection. Rather, Amanda lets the story tell itself

Don Jacobson has written professionally for forty years. His output has ranged from news and features to advertising, television and radio. His work has been nominated for Emmys and other awards. He has previously published five books, all non-fiction.

He now exclusively writes Regency Romance fiction. In 2016, he published The Keeper: Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Journey which began the Bennet Wardrobe saga.

Jacobson holds an advanced degree in History with a specialty in American Foreign Relations. As a college instructor, Don teaches United States History, World History, the History of Western Civilization and Research Writing.

He is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America.

He is also a member of the Regency Romance writers’ collective Austen Authors.
He lives in Las Vegas, NV with his wife and co-author, Pam ( Roadcookin’: A long-haul driver’s guide to healthy eating), a woman Ms. Austen would have been hard-pressed to categorize, and their rather assertive four-and-twenty pound cat, Bear. Besides thoroughly immersing himself in the JAFF world, Don also enjoys cooking (Poulet au vinaigre is a particular favorite), dining out, fine wine and well aged scotch whiskey (Glenmorangie 18 Year Old single malt–the water of life).

His other passion is cycling. Most days from April through October will find him “putting in the miles” around the Seattle area (yes there are hills). He has ridden several “centuries” (100 mile days). Don is especially proud that he successfully completed the AIDS Ride—Midwest (500 miles from Minneapolis to Chicago) and the Make-A-Wish Miracle Ride (300 miles from Traverse City, MI to Brooklyn, MI).

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Amanda Berry is a character and commercial voice over artist, actor, and singer. You can currently hear her voice as many of the characters on Season One of The Ollie and Moon Show on the Sprout Network (currently on Netflix).
She has a BFA in theater from NYU and studied acting at the William Esper Studio. She has studied voice with Justin Stoney at New York Vocal Coaching and voice over with Paul Liberti.
She is a co-founder of New Light Theater Project in New York City.
Website: https://amandaberryvo.com/

My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to the book in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by

Sophia Rose Signature

  • 4.5
    editor rating
Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.