Genre

Dark

Romance

Steamy

Deaths

Brutal

Plots

Twisty

For the faint of heart

No

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NOT WHAT I EXPECTED

To be honest, I was recommended this book/series and thought it would have lacked originality... Character names like the Captain and the General...

But as I got into I saw the need for the nameless characters and got further and further drawn into the story. I really liked how there are ... hmm... how to say this without spoilers... there are endless possibilities with where the story can go.

Let's just say that before I was halfway through the book, I had ordered the second. And was frustrated with having to wait a day between finishing and starting.

Well done story, and highly recommended to fiction/fantasy readers.

-Jim C.

DARK, UNFORGETTABLE FANTASY

I've never really been a fan of fantasy but the world the author creates? It's just breathtaking. The characters are complex and not always likable, the magic is unique and well-thought out, and the plotline is thrilling. But the best part of this novel is the writing. It's poetic, emotional, and rife with figurative language.

Overall, terrific book that deserves more recognition!

-D.J. Hawkins

1 INTENSE AND INCREDIBLE

I don’t even know where to begin. I can tell you that after that ending I am absolutely NOT OKAY. These characters were so relatable, even if they were from a fantasy race. They each deal with so much pain and trauma. They are stubborn, headstrong, but also desperate to help others.

I thoroughly enjoyed the way this story was written. The thing that kept me turning the pages so rapidly is that every time I would get to a point where I was getting ready to close it for that reading session, there would be a new plot twist or turn I didn’t see coming and I would HAVE to keep reading!

-Jude

About the Author

Cerynn McCain, author of The Abandoned Crown Series, Crossing The Line, and the short story Where the Willows Weep. Pessimistic outside, optimistic inside. Cat mom to Fitzgerald and Somewhere (she's an author, what do you expect their names to be?). Lives on a pretty lake with her husband, the meme maker extraordinaire. Follow her on social media for more information on her books, edgy humor, and obviously cat photos. Please buy her books, she owes people money.

When do these stories take place?

Before planes trains, automobiles and those violent video games you don't like your kids to play. Tell them to take up reading instead.

Do all the characters die?

No! That would be outrageous! Who would be left to write about? They can't all die! Just... most of them...

What's the inspiration behind these books?

Deep-seeded childhood trauma with limited means for an outlet which led to processing nonfictional grief through fictional characters with the capability to live out all the "what ifs" that would take the pain away. Really, same as everyone.

Meet The Voice

Behind The Audio!

Billie holds a BFA from the University of Texas, and has been performing onstage and working in theater administration for over 20 years. She refocused her career on voiceover during the covid shutdowns. You can hear her work as Juno, in the animated series “How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom”, in addition to audiobook narrator on several titles via Audible, and various other projects.

Check out her demo and clips at www.billiebryant.com. She and her husband Phil are also in an acoustic band called “The PhilBillies”.

Visit Her Website

An Interview With Billie Bryant

Tell us about yourself. What was childhood like? When you’re feeling nostalgic what’s your go-to? Big family or small?

I’m the oldest of my moms kiddos and slap in the middle of my dads kids- 7 total :).

Born in New Orleans, but grew up in a super small town.

My favorite place to be was with my grandparents on a lake- reading on the dock or scaring away the fish with my non-stop chatter.

When you aren’t recording, what do you like to do? Hobbies?

I sing in a band with my husband called The PhilBillies- modern folk with a bit of a punk streak.

Favorite show to binge?

Bojack Horseman currently, but I really love Parks and Rec!

Top 3 books, movies, and songs?

Books: House of Leaves, The Shining, and Little Women.

Movies: The Labyrinth, Frida, and Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas.

Songs: Golddust Woman (the Hole cover, though I love Stevie Nicks too!). Sober- Tool, pretty much anything Tool. I also really love Ragdoll by Tina Turner.

Dogs or cats?

Dogs for sure- I have two stinky old min pins. Cats love me, and I am allergic.

Favorite meal?

I love a good cheese plate, especially with fresh figs!

Childhood dream job?

The one I’m doing now- I was always interested in the voices of the cartoons, and commercials.

Where do you want to be in 10 years?

Rich, lol. I’d love to live someplace on a lake with an amazing home studio to keep doing narration and other voice over work.

How do you feel about about the rise of AI audiobooks?

Many programs that utilize AI are doing so with stolen voice recordings- pulled from commercials, or demos and I am very much against the use of an actor's voice without their consent, control, and compensation.

As a whole I feel that AI has the emotional range of a tea towel, it has replaced many entry level voice over human jobs- think of phone trees, or virtual assistants. I think in the end a human voice will always be better, but many of us are willing to accept a sub par product if it means a few pennies saved.

What is your recording space like?

I have a whisper room booth that has been sound treated, my mic is a Rode NT1, which has been great- my first set up was a usb mic, and moving blankets draped over a rolling clothes rack.

If not a Voiceover Professional, what would your job be?

I worked for many years as a theater administrator. Running box offices in Chicago and then New York- so I’d probably still be doing that work, I loved it.

Favorite part of being a Voiceover Professional? Worst part about it?

Best part is getting to voice so many different kinds of work and the worst is the constant auditioning. It’s kind of like going to 15-20 job interviews every day, even when you get a job it is all temporary.

Dreams/Goals in the voice acting world?

My dream would be to voice a long running cartoon and be one of those rad folks at a conference signing autographs. Current goals are to get in with an agency and continue my path towards union work.

Do you have a ritual or routine you do before sitting down to record?

Not really, but I will brush my teeth again prior to recording- otherwise you get smacky little mouth noises.

How did you get interested in voiceover work? And what brought you specifically to audiobooks?

I was always interested in the people behind the commercials and anime. I have a background in theater, then I started taking voice over acting classes about 6 years ago- around 4 years ago a coach recommended I look into audiobooks- He thought I had great cold reading skills and it turned out to be a good match!

In addition to having a great voice, where did you learn the technical aspects of the job?

I took many classes, I also did a ton of YouTubing and trial and error.

Have you made a funny error while acting? Do you keep a blooper reel?

I often make silly errors, I also keep a “burp and sneeze” reel lol- I’m essentially a 15 year old boy sometimes.

How long can you record before you need to give your voice a rest?

I try not to record more than an hour without a break.

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about the narration process or voice over work in general?

Probably how long it actually takes. When you first start out it takes about 6 hours of recording and editing to have one hour of finished materials. It is an extremely nuanced process.

What qualities make a great narrator? Share some tips for aspiring voice actors?

Take classes! There are so many good workflows that can be learned that are not obvious when you start out. Also learn how to “punch and roll” when you record; it will keep you from many extra hours of edits.

How many audiobooks have you done?

25 books, and about 20 plus short stories.

Do you read a book several times before you record the audio? Or *gasp* do you just memorize it?

I typically will read through the book once- but I keep notes on the characters as I go.

What’s an audiobook you loved to listen to? What about that narration makes it special?

I really enjoyed all of the Harry Potter audiobooks- Stephen Fry has a wonderful voice- and his narration style is one I really admire.

How do you decide on the specific voice and tone to do for each character? Do you have a process to keep the characters straight?

For choosing the voice I look at their physical traits- what is their age? Do they have all their teeth…too many teeth? Then I just try them out, if the voice feels right I keep an audio record of the name and a few of their “lines”. I compile all those clips into a single recording labeled “Book title, Character Key”. Then if I have any issues I go back and listen.

Tell us about your recording process for audiobooks. How do you prepare? What do you do once you receive the manuscript from the author?

First I read the book, I create a document with notes on each character, and how frequently they appear in the book. While recording I add new characters to my Character Key vocal track. I utilize a method called “punch and roll” while recording, then once I have recorded about 7-10 chapters I go back and edit them.

Are men’s voices difficult to do? Does it put a strain on your voice?

Men’s voices are a mixed bag! Some of them feel perfectly fine though, I have been guilty of choosing a character tone that strains- I drink tons of water and don’t do any of those chapters back to back- plus I do lots of vocal warm-ups!

Do you like listening to your narrations?

I really do, but I think it helps that the stories I narrate are so good- I want to hear them again without having to “work”.

Do you have any audiobook narrators or Voiceover Professionals you admire?

Voice over has so many amazing people in it. Keith David is my (not so) secret crush and I adore Richard Horvitz! Mara Junot is an inspiration to me as a woman in voice over.

What’s the biggest challenge about narration?

Staying motivated. This job requires a ton of hustle and self motivation.

What do you like most about narrating The Abandoned Crown Series? And audiobooks in general?

The acting, this series allows me to really stretch my acting muscles. I adore character work.

Favorite character you’ve voiced and why?

Favorite character in the Abandoned Crown Series is probably Cerynn, she is a little bratty and I am really enjoying her character's storyline.

Favorite character or storyline in The Abandoned Crown Series personally (whether it's a favorite to narrate or not) and why?

Once again Cerynn, her powers are intriguing and I love the juxtaposition of brat, and lost soul.

Is there a scene that stands out that you really enjoyed narrating?

Cedar recalling his last moments with his mother- it gutted me in the best way.

Is there a scene that was especially difficult to narrate?

Any time someone is being tortured- because I put so much of myself into the narration the passages often stay with me well after the narration is over.

And finally, what advice would you give to someone interested in voiceover work?

Take classes! There are so many genres of voice over and what is in vogue changes nearly weekly. A good coach or teacher will keep you from the many pitfalls. It can be fun, and rewarding but it is also hard. If you feel audiobooks are your passion, start by choosing your favorite book and record yourself reading it out loud for an hour. You will have a good idea after that hour if narration is something you have the patience and desire for.

Thank you so much, Billie, for putting so much time and talent into my series! You’ve brought such life to the books!

Buy The Audiobooks Here:

Unforgotten

Audiobook

Amazon

Audible

Kindle

My mom probably has a couple copies she could loan ya

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Author Cerynn McCain

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