Like Pokemon but more mature

I received this title for free in exchange for an unbiased review.

Narration 8.5/10
The narration is good, mostly through first person perspective of the protagonist. The voices do fit the characters fine, but I would like a bit more spark to it, more excitement, especially during the action parts. Sped up at 1.25 or 1.3 makes it sound better and more "actiony".

Story 7/10
I'm gonna rate this for what it is, a Gamelit Adventure. So this story has a lot of Pokemon inspiration, attempting to give a different and more mature twist to the pocket monster genre, which manages successfully to an adequate extent. It is pleasant to actually get something different served in the fantasy genre rather than usual common topics.
The story follows Sam, a young girl starting her journey as a "Maiyamon" battle trainer, receiving her first monster Fin the fox and trying to build her team of 6 while becoming a strong and world renown "Battle Prime" in the process.
The story is nice, interesting and action packed, but for me it lacks a main focus, a central objective for events to wrap around and help propel the story forward while keeping the story more interesting. "Becoming a strong Prime" does not bear the requisite gravity as a main objective to prevent the story getting a bit stale at some points. However, judging from the events towards the cliffhanger end of the book, the hinted sequel could breath more spark and enthusiasm into this.

Overall this was a good listen for it's genre and I have hopes for an improved on sequel. I would recommend for any age, but obviously younger ages and "pocket monster" fans would actually enjoy this more.

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An Adult Pokemon

To start with, if you like Pokémon this book is a must. It's got the monster catching and battling mechanic that Pokémon games have but it feel like it makes more sense. Being a Battle or Show Prime (trainer) is a proper profession, the world is well fleshed out and feels more real. There are some more adult moments in the book that you would normally expect from a monster tamer but they fit into the context of the story The narration was excellent and the story, characters and world were amazing and I'm truly looking forward to the next book

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1 person found this helpful

Amazing story

If you are a fan of pokemon you'll love this. It has great GEMs (pokemon) an interesting plot and an even better rivalry.
The writer does an amazing job and creates vivid battle scenes and dynamics character interactions.
The narrator does a fantastic job!
I would love to live in this world!

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Amazing

Loved it, couldn't put the book down! Listened to it all within a day, gripping!

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A fun monster catching romp

I received a free copy of the book for an unbiased review.

I was born and raised on Pokémon/Digimon and when I first saw this I knew that it would be right up my alley.
The Carnelian Fox takes place in a world where Maiyamon exist, monsters that can be caught and trained to battle others Maiyamon. The book does just enough to differentiate itself from things like Pokémon so that it, while recognizable, becomes its own thing, going for a more adult/ mature feel. Our main character, Sam, is one of those trainers and follows her from just leaving college and getting her first Gem, Fin the Fox, with her best friend, as she slowly fills up her team of 6 gems. For starters Sam is a great character, I loved all her interactions with her Maiyamon and just how sassy and sarcastic she could be. The narrator did an amazing job of bringing not just her, but every character to life and every voice she did just fit perfectly.
The story itself is great, it contains a bunch of action thanks to the copious Maiyamon battles which are all expertly done and there are some great twists and turns that made it so I couldn’t stop listening. I won’t spoil anything but there was one specific one that had me in tears and I just knew that this would be a book I wouldn’t be able to put down. I honestly can’t wait for the next installment.
Overall this was a great listen that I’d recommend to anyone who grew up with the games and feeling a little nostalgic.

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great story

narrated professionally and with passion and emotion. takes some mechanics from other monster catching games but is more focused on the relationship between trainer and monster. looking forward to book 2.

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Great Story.

I must admit having already read the book, Audible was a totally different experience for me.
I wasn’t used to having a narrator taking on all of the character’s voices and I already had preconceived ideas of what they sounded like to me.
I found this a bit off putting at first but as the book progressed I did get used to it.
The book itself has a great storyline and I’d already fallen in love with the characters when I read it. It’s fast paced and exciting and the main protagonists really show through. The descriptions of the characters made me totally understand what they looked like. I want a Carnelian fox!
I hope there’s a sequel as I’d buy it. Possibly not the Audible version however.

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Great book good flow

Great book fantastic story good flow nice world build and the right about of law. I only have one criticism there is to much short term foreshadowing. if it only happens 1 or 2 times that would build suspense but to frequent and it just sticks out as a fault. though not a large problem just a minor gripe. keep up the good work otherwise.

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Amazing!!

About the Author - Kay is a extremely talented author and has written several fantastic fantasty novels! In addition, she is a lovely person and always has time for her fans.

June 2020 -

Audio (Savy Des-Esages) - Outstandingly clear and proffesional. The narration is a great match to the proganist. The narraton is never robotic and is full of appropriate emotion.

October 2019 -

I have just finished reading a fantastic book called 'The Carnelian Fox' by Kay Macleod. Kay kindly gave me the opportunity to be a ARC reader for this story and I am very pleased she did. Fantasy has never been my favourite genre, however Kay has now started to change my mind with her outstanding story.
Sam lives in a world where monsters/gems are now a reality. Originally formed purley for gaming purposes; monster/gems have now developed a conscious and have become of daily society. There are mixed views upon these creatures yet Sam wants to aspire to have a career as a battle prime. However, her journey is far from simple and there are many twist and turns on the way.
This story is beautifully written. Iam someone who struggles to understand many fictional fantasy world's. Yet, I found this book clear and enjoyable. In addition, the author has placed a glossary of terms used - which I think it is brilliant idea.
I was hooked throughout the entire story and I feel I really connected with the main character 'Sam'. Sam's monster/gems were described beautifully and I just wanted to cuddle them all especially 'Finn'. I would highly recommend this book to anyone especially if you are interested in fantasty fiction. This book will be placed on my 'Favourite books Shelve'.

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