Sweep of the Heart by Ilona Andrews – That’s What I’m Talking About…

Audiobook review: Sweep of the Heart by Ilona Andrews

Unlike the previous books in this series, this is the first time I’ve reread Sweep of the Heart, so I opted for the unabridged audiobook. The story opens a while after the previous adventures, with Sean and Dina settled as the Innkeepers of Gertrude Hunt. The book starts with a missing friend, and the only way to save Wilmos is to work with the arbitrators to host a large-scale, potentially dangerous event. Sound familiar? Even though Dina and Sean have been here before, it is a unique situation. 

Once again, Dina and Sean find themselves in the middle of chaos and adventure. Like the other books in this series, Sweep of the Heart is filled with humor, rich world building, and intricate details. The story is unique and the world is utterly fascinating. I loved learning more (so much more!) about Dina’s past, Caldania’s past, and how Inns work. I loved seeing Sean and Dina mesh and work seamlessly as Innkeepers now that their relationship is solid. I enjoyed the humor and the little surprises and Easter Eggs. The way the authors tie in tidbits and pieces within the book and from previous books blows my mind.

The story was originally released weekly as a serial on the authors’ blog, and each post would begin with a short “story so far” recap. I did not care for this at all in the print version; however, I didn’t mind it as much in the audiobook version since it is clear it is Caldania (not Dina) giving listeners a quick recap. However, it still isn’t necessary since the book is shared in its entirety.

The book is actually two separate plots: the search for Wilmos and a complex spouse selection ceremony. The connection between the two plots is tenuous. The 300+ individuals, fourteen species, politically charged event is interesting in that it provides a wealth of information about the known universe and Caldania. However, it goes on for too long and is overwhelming, although listening to the audiobook helped the story flow more timely (or created more excitement?) The book finally returns to Wilmos at the end, and this storyline is chocked full of critical information regarding the overall plot of Dina’s missing family, moving things forward by leaps and bounds. 

Narration: The series finds its third narrator in Sofyan, who performs the part of Dina for the GraphicAudio Dramatized Adaptations of the books. The story is shared via the first person POV of Dina. Since I’ve listened to the GA books, Sofyan’s performance is familiar. Sofyan does well as Dina, using a solid southern accent and adding plenty of emotion into her performance. She’s captures Dina’s sensitivity, hope, and frustration perfectly. Unlike the GraphicAudio editions, Sofyan also portrays the entire cast of characters. She adjusts her voice for gender, species, and age; however, after listening to the full cast editions, her performance feels slightly lacking. Some of the voices are wonderful (Caldania), but some are inferior (Orro) to the full cast. 

Sweep of the Heart is a huge and complex endeavor, especially following the short and concise novella, Sweep with Me. I found I enjoyed it more with the second reading, and in the audiobook format. It’s been over two years since its release, and the story leaves Dina, Sean, and the readers with so many questions; I sure hope the authors write the follow up soon!

My Ratings
Story: B+
Narration: A-/B+

Jen

About the Book:

Life is busier than ever for Innkeeper, Dina DeMille and Sean Evans. But it’s about to get even more chaotic when Sean’s werewolf mentor is kidnapped. To find him, they must host an intergalactic spouse-search for one of the most powerful rulers in the Galaxy. Dina is never one to back down from a challenge. That is, if she can manage her temperamental Red Cleaver chef; the consequences of her favorite Galactic ex-tyrant’s dark history; the tangled politics of an interstellar nation, and oh, yes, keep the wedding candidates from a dozen alien species from killing each other. Not to mention the Costco lady.

They say love is a battlefield; but Dina and Sean are determined to limit the casualties!

Author: Ilona Andrews
Narrators: Nora Sofyan
Series: Innkeeper Chronicles #5
Genre: Science Fiction, Paranormal Fiction, adventure, romantic elements
Audiobook Release Date: January 13, 2023
Publisher: NYLA / Self-Published
Length: 16 hrs and 25 mins
Source: purchased
Audio Speed: 1.35x