A Wizard Awakened

Let me start by saying Deva Marie Gregory and Ryan Hudson make this audiobook sing—literally. Gregory’s narration crackles with Everleigh’s sarcasm and simmering tension, her voice leaping from street-smart to supernatural in a single breath. Hudson’s performance as the snarky, morally gray fae mentor (think Lando Calrissian if he moonlighted as a rogue) is a masterclass in dry wit, each line dripping with charm and mischief. The production balances Vegas ambiance—slot machines, distant sirens, the hum of the Strip—with eerie supernatural soundscapes, creating a soundscape that’s as immersive as it is disorienting. My only gripe? The pacing stumbles in the middle act when the plot lags between infodumps about fae lore and Everleigh’s personal drama. It’s a shame because the premise is razor-sharp, and the chemistry between the leads feels electric—when the story slows, so does the momentum. That said, by the final act, the tension is so thick you’ll feel it clinging to your skin. If you crave a paranormal thriller with heart, snark, and a side of neon-drenched danger, this is your next obsession.