Black Dog Blues cover art

Black Dog Blues

The Kai Gracen Series, Book 1

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Black Dog Blues

By: Rhys Ford
Narrated by: Greg Tremblay
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About this listen

Ever since being part of the pot in a high-stakes poker game, elfin outcast Kai Gracen figures he used up his good karma when Dempsey, a human Stalker, won the hand and took him in. Following the violent merge of Earth and Underhill, the human and elfin races are left with a messy, monster-ridden world, and Stalkers are the only cavalry willing to ride to someone's rescue when something shadowy appears.

It's a hard life but one Kai likes - filled with bounty and a few friends and, most importantly, no other elfin around to remind him of his past. And killing monsters is easy. Especially since he's one himself.

But when a sidhe lord named Ryder arrives in San Diego, Kai is conscripted to do a job for Ryder's fledgling Dawn Court. It's supposed to be a simple run up the coast during dragon-mating season to retrieve a pregnant human woman seeking sanctuary. Easy, quick, and, best of all, profitable. But Kai ends up in the middle of a deadly bloodline feud he has no hope of escaping.

No one ever got rich being a Stalker. But then few of them got old, either, and it doesn't look like Kai will be the exception.

©2015 Rhys Ford (P)2015 DSP Publications Classics Fantasy Fiction Literature & Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy City Romance Stalker

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All stars
Most relevant  

Would you listen to Black Dog Blues again? Why?

Maybe, but I will definitely listen to book 2

What about Greg Tremblay’s performance did you like?

Greg's performance was flawless

Any additional comments?

This is a good solid fantasy book.
The only negative in the story that I could find was the fact that the merge is mentioned many times, but no real details are given about when or how the merge happened. I would have liked to know much more about the side of the story.

Elves, dragons and he'll dogs

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Didn’t expect much going in, but thought I’d give this book a whirl. I loved it! I’m a fan of Faith Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock series, and Ilona Andrew’s Kate Daniels series as well as her other urban fantasy series. This book had a similar feel. The story is more about what escapades Kai is getting up to, but there’s a nice thread of romance with Ryder too (definitely not the focus of the book though). Thoroughly enjoyed the book and will definitely get the next one in the series.

It’s set in a world where bisexuality and polyamory is accepted, and the person is more important than what labels and categories are put upon them. This isn’t a big deal in the book, just the way it is. Kai is attracted to men and women, but he doesn’t have any other relationships in this book. The romance is more chemistry and a suggestion of possibilities with Ryder (a man), rather than them starting a relationship, and there’s no sex. Not in a PG rated aimed at teenagers way, just that they’re too busy having an epic adventure for that to happen.

Unexpected delight

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Great world building from Rhys, although I have to admit it was slow going to begin with...but that's what you get from a great storyteller, an info dump right at the start of the series. 4.5 stars from me.

Obviously, I'm glad I didn't get caught up in the Human/Sidhe war, and as for the Unsidhe and their type of Hellhounds, forget it but Greg Tremblay could take me anywhere with that warm and enticing voice he has. ;)

Kai...well, an horrific upbringing doesn't even begin to cover it, but you'd have to read/listen to the story to understand what he's gone through, why he trusts so few people and that there's maybe more stuff we haven't learned about him yet **shudders**. As far as Ryder, Alexa and the rest of the Sidhe are concerned?? Well I'm fence sitting at the mo but that complete bitch of a grandmother deserves all the nasty stuff that can be wished down upon her...with bells on!! Looking forward to the next instalment Mad Lizard Mambo, which is out in September in e-book form. Me?? I'll wait for Mr Tremblay's version. :D

Rhys Ford does it again.....

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Would you listen to Black Dog Blues again? Why?

I was not asked to review this book, as it was a gifted copy. But felt that I should because I enjoyed it so much.
So in answer to this question...
Yes, yes and yes! there were several things that I did love about this story, ( a couple of things that I didn't.)
Kai, as a character is moody, sometimes just darned right nasty, but his past made him who he was, and as the MC you just can't help but get swept away in all that befalls him. The joy of his BFF and the love that he really, wants. Even if he fights him all the way. Kai makes you feel sorry for him, and you want him to have something good in his life happen, it really doesn't seem like it will, but there are some... you have to hold onto those.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I would say Kai, but I really enjoyed Carrie and Ryder to.

Have you listened to any of Greg Tremblay’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I have, because I've now hired him for mine. But I wanted to tell just the one off point I had with it. There were some parts where a passage of time happened, and I felt that the 'cut' wasn't right, sometimes they almost read as if a follow on sentence. Some time between cuts is defo essential.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Script writing is my thing, but no... not being put on the spot for this. If you (the writer) really want me to work on one, then you can email me. I'd be happy to sort out a fantastic tag or logline with my contacts :)

Any additional comments?

I am fairly new to audio books, and have been expanding my lists over the last few weeks. I even bought 24 credits, lol the fact that Greg and a few others are introducing me to new stories and writers. I've been very humbled. I drive for a living and this new 'joy' of being immersed in these worlds is just fantastic.

More please. :) 'goes off to search if there's a second book by DSP' :)

Took me a little while to get in, but loved it!

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I love snarky but tortured heroes and this delivers.
great narrator as well, am looking forward to the next one's

great!

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It was my first book from Rhys Ford but not the last. I liked the world building, the characters, the chemistry between the characters and loved the bitter humor Kai had. The most surprising for me was that I cared more of the emotional curve of the book than the action scenes however the story had more from the second one. At some point it was too much from Kai's endurance in fight, it felt a bit unbelievable to fight after so much injuries. But overall it was okay, I enjoyed listening the book and Greg Tremblay did an amazing job here!

Amazing narration, exciting story

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The concept is interesting and well written. The characters are likeable and the narration is good.

Enjoyable Story

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It starts with blood and gore, there is more blood and gore throughout and it ends with the promise of more! Interspersed with witty banter and sexual tension and anticipation, this is a gripping listen ( and read) from start to finish. I'm so glad it's a series! Greg Tremblay's narration is as expected Outstanding.

Blood and Stomach pills. What a ride

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Would you consider the audio edition of Black Dog Blues to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Black Dog Blues?

A difficult one! As with all of Rhys's books there are just too many, and this one is no exception, and I wouldn't want to spoil your enjoyment. Brilliant characters and excellent storytelling from start to finish!

What about Greg Tremblay’s performance did you like?

Greg always delivers. Certainly one of the best narrator's

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Chills, thrills and spills!

Any additional comments?

Yet another winner from Rhys Ford. This is somewhat different from her previous work - but don't let that put you off! This is book 1 in the Kai Gracen series and I can't wait for the next one. This is story telling at its best and will have you gripped from the start. There are chills and thrills throughout, not to mention all the underlying sexual tension.

Nothing blue about this!

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