Drow Nightrunner by Martha Carr & Michael Anderle is the seventh audiobook in the Chronicles of Shadow Bourne. Narrated by Stephanie Savannah, Ellis has to rescue her friends, master her powers and make a deal with the Captain of the Violet Eel.
by Martha Carr, Michael Anderle
Series: The Chronicles of Shadow Bourne #7
Narrator: Stephanie Savannah
Length: 5 hours and 58 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
A dead ally. A stolen cure. A legendary artifact.
Ellis's world is turned upside down when her friend Marusya is killed, and Ellis is rescued by a mysterious group of half-Drow vigilantes. Aboard their ship, the Violet Eel, Ellis learns of a powerful ring that only she can wield—but only if she regains her lost shadow magic.
To make matters worse, her friends are captured by the U.S. military, and the cure for Connor's condition is taken. Ellis must navigate a web of alliances and betrayals, challenging the Captain of the Violet Eel to a duel for leadership.
With the ring as her guide, Ellis embarks on a mission to rescue her friends and locate a legendary artifact on a military base.
But her actions could spark a war between humans and Drow.
Can Ellis master her powers, save her friends, and prevent a deadly battle? Or will her quest for the artifact lead to everyone's downfall?
Because each audiobook in the Chronicles of Shadow Bourne builds off each other regarding characters’ relationships, enemy engagement and story arc, I strongly recommend listening to the series in the order of their release.
Ellis is half-Drow and at present searching for a cure for Connor when the yacht she was traveling on is destroyed, killing Marusya. Ellis and her mother are rescued by the Violet Eel. The Captain Sebastian is Ellis’s cousin and half-Drow as well. When she boards the ship, she discovers the crew is half-Drow as well and they are using innovative gadgets fuels with Drow. Turns out they are vigilantes.
The story that unfolds was action-packed as Ellis learns Connor and her friends have been captured. With time running out, she and Sebastian must work together. Sebastian wants Ellis to try on a ring infused with power. When she does, something beacons her to find it.
I loved the ship and gadgets, even if some members of the crew treated Ellis and her friends like the enemy. We spend time with Percy and Connor as they are interrogated. Ellis heads to the Drow compound and finds Lola has overthrown the compound. Some intense battles follow as they work to stop Lola, rescue their friends, and Ellis must decide how to deal with her cousin.
Each audiobook has gotten a little darker in this urban fantasy series filled with magic, secret government labs and agents. The world-building has been wonderful as we learn more about the Drow and deepen relationships. I love spending time with Ellis and watching as her powers change and evolve. The next audiobook, Drow Requiem, promises to bring plenty of action as Ellis must face an ancient monster.
Stephanie Savannah narrates the series and truly has become the voice of Ellis. She gives voice to both the female and male characters, giving them unique voices that I can identity by sound. Her narration adds another layer to this fast-paced, heart-pounding tale.
About Martha Carr
Martha Carr started writing in her 30s with a newborn and a fresh divorce. She had tried everything the way my family wanted me to do it – and saw where that got her. She was a successful stockbroker who dreaded every day of work. She just couldn’t picture herself still in that chair at 60. Well— at 63, boy, is she glad she walked away.
About Michael Anderle
Michael Anderle was born in Houston, Tx. A very curious child, he got into trouble - a lot. What to do with an inquisitive mind when he was grounded? Read! That hasn't changed since he was in elementary school. The Kindle was developed with him in mind. In the first 20 years, he mostly read Science Fiction and Fantasy. In the last 10 years he has enjoyed Urban Fantasy and Military Fiction. Using these influences, he has developed The Kurtherian Gambit. A series dedicated to watching how one genetically modified person with an incredible team behind her might be able to change the future, if she can survive along the way.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2025 Audiobook Challenge
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
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
Sounds like another great addition to a series you’re enjoying. The slightly shorter length makes it sound like one I could maybe give a try. Thanks for sharing your review!
hena
Wow seventh books. I usually lose steam around the 4rd or 4th of the a series. Karin Slaughters’ Will Trent series is the only one I have really stuck with.
Kimberly
I am watching that series on Hulu.
Anne - Books of My Heart
You really have a talent for finding these less known (to me) urban fantasy series.