You know how I gushed a few weeks ago about this book?

One part Harry Potter, two parts Hunger Games with just a dash of Lirael, The Bone Season just might make you forget that you wanted another Rowling novel.

Well, today I’m at it again for the official blog tour! Since reading the galley I’ve started listening to the audiobook and I have a whole new perspective on it

Though I’ve always loved re-reading books, I don’t think I’ve re-read a book so quickly since the Harry Potter books. The first time through you’re racing to get through the story, to find out what will happen. The second read is more leisurely, with plenty of time to enjoy the prose and revel in the rich descriptions.

Often I find myself loving a book a bit less on the second read; the descriptions aren’t as sharp and vivid upon dissection, the characters start to fall a little flat. The exact opposite is true with The Bone Season. From the second (get it, second?!) I downloaded the audiobook I was in love. Shannon’s characters come alive under the careful narration of Alana Kerr.

What enhanced the story the most for me was hearing the various accents. Since I am unfamiliar with many of the speech patterns mentioned in the book, I couldn’t hear them accurately in my head as I was reading. Not so with the audiobook. I found myself learning so much more about the characters, just because I could hear them speak. This is a testament to Shannon’s incredible writing style . She provides such detailed descriptions that it’s easy to imagine Scion  and the Rephaim.

The biggest problem with a book this good? Waiting over a year for the next book!

I will be giving away a copy of The Bone Season! Leave a comment below and tell me about your favorite accent. I’ll pick a winner on September 30. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.