by Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #3
Narrator: Ray Porter, Emily Bauer
Length: 10 hours and 17 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4
When Alex Price agreed to go to Ohio to oversee a basilisk breeding program and assist in the recovery of his psychic cousin, he didn't expect people to start dropping dead. But bodies are cropping up at the zoo where he works, and his girlfriend—Shelby Tanner, an Australian zoologist with a fondness for big cats—is starting to get suspicious.
Worse yet, the bodies have all been turned partially to stone...
The third book in the InCryptid series takes us to a new location and a new member of the family, as Alex tries to balance life, work, and the strong desire not to become a piece of garden statuary. Old friends and new are on the scene, and danger lurks around every corner.
Of course, so do the talking mice.
And my crazy urban fantasy binge continues with Half-Off Ragnarok by Seanan McGuire. This is the third audio in the InCryptid series. Interestingly it comes with a change in POV, narrators, locations, and murder. Once again McGuire pulled me into the crazy world of InCryptid.
I have to say I am impressed. Not only did McGuire change locations, taking us from Manhatten to Ohio, she also gave us a new POV, that of Alex Price, Verity’s brother. I was worried about the change of POV. It isn’t something one traditionally sees in urban fantasy, but damn if she didn’t pull it off. I love how fresh this series is, and the paranormal “cryptid” creatures are living amongst humans.
Alex lives with his (non-related) grandparents, as they take care of his cousin Sarah (again non-related). Both Sarah and his grandmother are cuckoos. Sarah is recovering from events in Manhatten. As for Alex’s grandfather, well I will let you discover more about him for yourself. Alex works under an alias and is a researcher at the Ohio Zoo. He secretly studies local cryptids and oversees a basilisk breeding program. Shelby Tanner, an Australian zoologist who works with the big cats and is currently dating Alex. Alex struggles to keep his work as a cryptozoologist secret, so the relationship hasn’t progressed. However, all that is about to change and oh boy do things get interesting.
Each book/audio in the series deals with a mystery or dangerous situations surrounding the cryptids. Half-Off Ragnarok shares a suspenseful murder-mystery. Someone or something is petrifying people. If Alex doesn’t solve the mystery soon, it might draw the attention of the Covenant of St. George, a group that cleanses the Earth of cryptids, or worse he and Shelby may end up dead. McGuire is a masterful storyteller with a never-ending source of imagination, and she presented quite a tale.
From the Aeslin Mice to Alex’s unusual pet, and his gorgon assistant I enjoyed listening. There was humor, fleshed out characters, and scary situation. Alex is very different from Verify and has his geek-on. He cares about his family, gets excited by scientific discovery and can be kickass when necessary. Ray Porter narrates, and Emily Bauer has parts throughout. Ray’s performance of Alex was delightful. He captured Alex’s emotions, personality and enhanced the overall story.
If you haven’t yet explored the InCryptid series, I encourage you to listen. This series and its characters lend themselves perfectly to audio. While I never recommend reading/listening to urban fantasy out of order, McGuire does an excellent job of recapping events, and you could jump in during POV changes.
And we are off to Ohio with Alex Price to catch a killer who petrifies his victims. Suspense, humor, and delightful creatures await you in, Half-Off Ragnarok by Seanan McGuire #audio 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
Stephanie Jane
A brave move to make so many changes mid series. I’m glad that it sounds like the gambit paid off 🙂
Kimberly
It did and she does it again with the youngest Price sibling. I have listened to all of the released ones now and enjoyed the heck out of them.
MarthaE
I have book one in my Audible TBR – I’ll plan to listen sooner than later.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Kimberly
Yay. I look forward to your thoughts Martha.
Debbie Haupt
Oh wow this is a new to me series and what an unusual story concept you’ve got me curious Kim, non-related grandparents, non-related cousins and unusual pets plus zoologists hmmmm.
Kimberly
Yep, the Price family is unusual. Oh, you must read at least book one and meet the mice, Debbie!
Tanya @ Rantings of a Reading Addict
I still have only read the ebook of the first book. I need to get on the rest of this series. I loved the Aislin mice. They were one of my favorite parts of book one!
Kimberly
We all love those mice.
Mary Kirkland
I’ve actually read this one and enjoyed it. The Aeslin mice are still my favorite part of the books.
Kimberly
Yes. I would love to have some Aeslin mice.
Ailyn Koay
someone caught a basilik from Harry Potter here? sounds unwise =d
Kimberly
LOL, nope he is helping them reproduce.
Nadene
Wow! This installment sounds intense, exciting and fun. Great review.
Kimberly
Thanks, Nadene. Enjoy your weekend.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I really enjoyed the audible clip. This one sounds great and that she was about to change the POV and still make you want to listen – Hats off! More to add to my TBR list! =)
Great review!
Mary
Kimberly
Yeah, she does it again two books later with the youngest Price. I am having fun listening.
Greg
Ooh I love the sound of this one, and a new family member too! Plus basilisks? Cool! I’ve only read the first book, I really should get on w/ these. And the mice ARE a riot.
Kimberly
If we could own Aslin mice I would take them with me everywhere!
Melliane
I really love this series even if Alex isn’t my fave character. I loved the one about Antimony though!!
Kimberly
Agreed Malliane.
sherry fundin
A zoo location…sounds like fun…and bodies dropping…oh yeah. I’m going to have to give this series a try.
Kimberly
Hehe..yes I love the blending of UF and mysteries in this series.
Heidi
I finally got the ebook of the first book in this series today. I am excited to finally start this series!
Kimberly
Yay. I hope you enjoy it, Heidi.
Ann Marie
This sounds like a really fun series I would like. I hadn’t heard of it before. I must admit that the cover didn’t really attract me but the blurb and your review do!
Kimberly
They do look a little like comic covers, but the stories are fun.
Vanessa
Bodies turning into stones? Sounds like medusa to me, and I love that! Haven’t read anything from this author yet, but I’m definitely checking out this series 🙂
Kimberly
Scary right? I love this author.
Tracy Terry
Oh yes, this I have to read. The thought of people being partially turned to stone has me interested.
Kimberly
Can you imagine? What a way to go.
Cindy
I just joined Audible and will put this on my list. Great review!
Kimberly
And so another addiction begins. LOL I love my Audible account.
Cindy
LOL! As I am purchasing it now…..:)
RR
Thanks for your review of this book and introducing me to it. Sounds interesting!
Kimberly
You are welcome. Have a lovely weekend!