by Michelle Hodkin
Series: The Shaw Confessions #1
Narrator: Joe Jameson
Length: 8 hours 14 minutes
Genres: Paranormal
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 3 cups
In the first book of the Shaw Confessions, the companion series to the New York Times bestselling Mara Dyer novels, old skeletons are laid bare and new promises prove deadly. This is what happens after happily ever after.
Everyone thinks seventeen-year-old Noah Shaw has the world on a string.
They’re wrong.
Mara Dyer is the only one he trusts with his secrets and his future.
He shouldn’t.
And both are scared that uncovering the truth about themselves will force them apart.
They’re right.
I thoroughly enjoyed the twisted Mara Dyer trilogy written by Michelle Hodkin and narrated by
If you loved the way, the Mara Dyer trilogy ended and are in a happy place this series may upset that peace. I’ve come to learn that when it comes to Mara Dyer, nothing is ever at it seems. For me, there were a few threads, and questions like that ominous prophecy regarding Mara and Noah left unanswered so, I had to dive in.
I listened to the first series on audio, narrated by
The Becoming of Noah Shaw addresses many questions, delves into Noah’s Dad, gives us Noah’s perspective and shares some rather enlightening and freakish details about Mara. Creepy characters, threats, and danger for them all kept me listening. Threads left unexplored in the first trilogy are addressed, but new questions arise, and we see flashbacks of events from the first trilogy. We knew Mara was an unreliable narrator but wowzers. I did not see that coming. I will leave you to discover them.
Noah is a complex character with not only baggage but a gift that often feels more like a curse. He’s depressed and unsure, and Mara is his anchor. We all know Mara is the anti-hero and Noah will be tested. The story offers a mystery as something is happening to the gifted ones. As always Hodkin hooked me, and despite not being thrilled with the narration, I need to know more. Noah has his father’s files now, and I just want to sit down and read them all…
For fans of the series, I think you will either love The Becoming of Noah Shaw or hate it. Hodkin can weave a tale, and I am curious to see where she takes us. I just hope I survive.
The Becoming of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin will unravel everything you thought you knew. Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Nereyda Gonzalez
I heard the audiobooks as well and loved the narrator so im bummed to hear this narrator wasnt as good. I hate when guys cant do a good female voice. Sadly I dont remember much about this series.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
I have had Mara Dyer on my radar but haven’t felt compelled to actually pick it up yet. My daughter loved the series though. Too bad that switched the narrator for this one. I am still undecided about reading these books. Great review!
Suzanne
That’s a shame they switched narrators this time around. I could definitely see that being confusing and problematic.
Wattle
I have the first two books of the Mara Dyer series on my shelves, I really should get around to it one day. It’s a pity the new narrator was so jarring (I guess they wanted a male narrator for a male MC?)
Ailyn
I remember him! Mara was a bit too dark for me, so I think i’ll wait for this to finish, knowing the author I’d be okay
Nina
Is it bad that I still need to read the first series? I really need to start reading more books. 🙂
Trish @ Between My Lines
I still need to read book 3 in the trilogy! And soon before I forget everything! Love that this new addition turns everything on it’s head again. I don’t mind unsettling, as it’s keeps everything fresh 🙂
Geybie's Book Blog
Sounds like a complex, tricky story. Thanks for sharing. I love the sound of it but I trust your rating. I’m afraid it wouldn’t work for me. Awesome review, my friend. Thanks for sharing. ❤️
Tash
Weirdly I haven’t read anything from Hoskin though I was around in the community when the first series came out. I definitely want to check this one as it catching my attention more then the original series and I’m more into paranormal these days
Lorna
I don’t know whether I would like this or not so I am conflicted. Of course I am talking about the original series. Is there any romance? I do know one thing I wouldn’t be listening!
Kimberly
Yes, there is a romance between Mara and Noah, but this is YA. The first series on audio was excellent.
Nadene
Oooh! This is new to me. It sounds intriguing. Great review, Kim.
Melissa (Books and Things)
If nothing else, you have me curious about this writing. I haven’t read the Mayra Dyer series and I think I may have to pick it up now.
Debbie Haupt
I haven’t read her Kim and I’m not a huge fan of YA or NA so maybe I’ll let it slip. Thanks
Mary Kirkland
Sounds like this is a series I should start.
Blodeuedd
I always wanted to read the first in this series
Jenea's Book Obsession
I remember reading the first Mars Dyer book but that was so long ago now. Don’t remember a lot about it. Ugh…. I might have to give this one a go after I catch up with that series though.
Quinn's Book Nook
I read the first book in the Mara Dyer series (It has Noah in it) and soooo didn’t like it. I think it’s a book that you either love it or hate it.
sherry fundin
I don’t think I’ve read any of her work, but your review makes me want to. Great job.
Ethan
It seems like this adds a new perspective to the series.
On another note, we had a rare snow day in South Texas today, so I’m really loving the snowfall on your blog. How do you add it?!
Kimberly
Yay for snow in Texas..that rarely happens. This is a simple plugin called Snow Effects.
Ethan
Very cool! I’ve added it to my blog now too!
Sarah @ A Weebish Book Blog
This is why I hate when a series changes narrators within the same series. Now, I know this is a spin off the original series, but I have had a series change narrators with each book. It had me so irritated because I got used to one voice as a specific character and then next thing I know they’re sounding completely different! It’s very jarring.
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
When it comes to audiobooks, narration can truly make it or break it. If I don’t like the narrator, or the way they perform a particular voice/character, it can really taint my reading experience and, unfortunately, how I feel about the book. Glad to see that the story pulled you in despite the narration.
Kristin @ Addicted to HEA
Makes me wonder if you’re sorry you “read” this one 🙂 I still have the first Mara sitting on my shelf, hardcover even! Oh, the books I still need to read!! You having read and loved this YA series kind of threw ME! tee, hee!!! Happy Weekend!!!
Kimberly
Yes and No. It’s kind of a love-hate thing… I cannot unsee it and now I need more.
RO
This sounds pretty interesting, but I would have to check it out in book form, of course. You know how I am with audio. (lol) Hugs…RO
Vanessa
Haven’t really read anything from the author yet but this sounds really intriguing. I guess I’ll have to check out the Maya Dryer trilogy first.. Great review Kim 🙂
kindlemom1
I agree this will definitely be a love or hate thing or if you’re a weirdo like me you will both love and hate it. The ending sucked but I have hope she will redeem herself in the next book.
Kimberly
*raises hand* I am a weirdo like you.