Audiobook Review: The Journals of Octavia Hollows (Book 1-6) by Stacey Rourke

Hello lovelies 

So I was lucky enough first of all to be apart of this books blitz tour early this year. Then I was even more blessed when Caffeinated PR allowed me the opportunity to review this awesome collection. I mean with a cover like that... who wouldn't want to know more!!! Pink hair and a pet pig... sounded like a treat.  

Kindle 

Published: 10 August 209

Publisher: Anchor Group Publishing

460 pages

Goodreads

Audiobook
Narrated by: Brenda Scott Wlazlo
14 hrs 22 mins
Released: 22 October 2019
Publisher: The Audio Flow

* What it's about *

With a touch of her hand, Octavia Hollows can restore life. Yet, she couldn’t save the man she loved from the horrific accident that stole him from her. Octavia thought she could outrun the pain, but ghosts from the past refuse to be silenced. Out of options, she chooses to retrace her wayward journey across the country in search of answers. Surrounded by baffling mysteries of the undead, what she learns about herself along the way might become her greatest weapon.

* My thoughts *

Book 1 Wake the Dead

So this is the first time I have read a book with a necromancer as the main character. Octavia has a super interesting backstory which we are introduced to in book 1, but obviously there is a lot more to come with the story. The book was a fast pace that I am not quite used to. 

I love Bacon to bits, even though he is a small little character but in a big way. Octavia really does love him and he gives her some purpose in comfort in a lot of ways as the story unfolds. 

I liked and didn't like Nikki. In some ways she was a bit predictable so I wasn't sure how to catergorise her really. 

Sister Deena is an interesting character for sure and I do enjoy her interactions with Octavia. I am interested to see where their friendship leads.

The story has a few small interesting twists as the plot progresses, and wraps up nicely, getting you excited about what is to follow in the books to come. 

PS the narrator does to a great job. It is my first time listening to Brenda. 

Book 2 Dead Man's Hand

I can't tell you why but I love Nate to bits. Weird how Octavia always find these cases that bring out her softer side and they always want to save the day/world but it is an easy listen that had me giggling in the car with the interactions between Nate and Octavia. It had a few interesting quick twists which I enjoyed even if some were a bit predictable and easier to figure out. 

I missed Sister Deena's presence in this book but I am sure she will be back soon (hopefully in book 3). 

The books ends and leads into the next one quite smoothly. Thankfully no need to wait with a cliffhanger. I did enjoy this ending a bit more than book 1. 

Book 3 Caught Dead

What an interesting book. It had a completely different ending which made me happy. Still a cliff hanger but if they all ended the same it would get a bit mundane and boring. 

Octavia definitely has a few secrets that are being revealed and challenges being thrown her way. I felt like this book stepped up a notch in the story line but in a way it also felt a bit shorter than the first 2 books. 

I love her relationship with Bacon and even her soft spot for 'Squidface.'

The Siren Aroya intrigues and annoys me. Being the villain and all I guess that is about normal. 

I am excited to see where the next book leads, cause clearly it's not Vegas!!

Book 4 Drop Dead Gorgeous

To be honest I really enjoyed this book because the story line had a different direction from the first 3 books. It showed a different side to Octavia as she found out a bit more about her heritage and embraced other aspects of her powers and choices she has in situations. 

Aroya irritated me as always but she plays her villain part well. 

Bahari is a favourite that I wish would have been in the story longer. 

Drop Dead Gorgeous gave the series a bit of flavour and I am as always looking forward to where Octavia lands up next because it closed out with quite a bit bang of a cliffhanger...

Book 5 Dead Ringer

Ahhhh I loved this book. but why though.... Hmm I loved Octavia's development as a person. Her emotional story. but most of all I adored Reed!! His friendship with Octavia is to exciting and I just want to know more. I know Octavia is looking for Alba.. but I wouldn't mind if she ended up with Reed *tee hee* 

I enjoyed the different plot that Stacey took for book 5, which lead us to another side of Octavia. There was no Coven to help her out and she really does make a few error in judgement calls along the way. I loved that she realised a few things about the people who are still around and in her life. This is probably my favourite book out of the 5 I have listened to so far. 

Book 6 Dead as a Doornail

Ah.... what a way to end a series. It's hard to talk about the book without giving away some of the things that are building up throughout the story. Stacey wraps everything up so beautifully but with scope for more should she want to continue the series. 

Reed and Octavia are so awesome together on every single page! 

* Rating * 

Stacey Rourke is the award winning author of works that span genres, but possess the same flare for action and snarky humor. She lives in Florida with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant dogs. Stacey loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.

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<3 Happy Reading or listening <3 

Love 

Chanzie 

xxx