Eric R. Asher

Listening to this audiobook feels like stepping into a warm, magical escape. Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, the audiobook shines with cozy fantasy vibes, rich worldbuilding, and a gentle slice-of-life rhythm. Ellie's journey as a human among the Fae is heartfelt and immersive, and the theme park setting is wonderfully imaginative, especially the nighttime magic and mouthwatering food descriptions. Saskia’s narration adds charm and emotional depth, making the found-family moments and show more quieter stakes truly resonate. While there isn’t a sweeping plot, that’s part of the charm; it's about connection, belonging, and everyday magic. This audiobook is comforting, enchanting, and ideal for listeners who enjoy character-driven fantasy with heart. show less

The Theme Park at the End of the World is a cozy fantasy that takes place at a Theme Park owned and operated by fairie creatures (Fae). The main character is a human employee by the name of Ellie, who has been working for the park for some time at the start of the book and is already aware of the Fae and magic at the park. We learn more about the park, the park's owner Roman, the Fae who work there, and a little of the world of Faerie itself as the story progresses as Ellie learns these show more things.

Pros:
This is a unique setting and premise that delivers and entertaining story. The writing makes you care about the characters and the park.

Cons:
There isn't an overall plot to the book, but rather a series of events that happen to the characters over the course of, roughly, a year. This may not work for everyone, despite this being a cozy fantasy.

Opinion and Rating:
I quite enjoyed this book and the slice of life feel that the lack of an overarching plot gave it, particularly given the unique setting. My personal rating is 4/5 (Great/Standout).

I read the Deluxe Edition released via Kickstarter. show less

Garden Gnome Graves by Eric R Asher
Vesik series #20. Urban fantasy, horror. Can be read as a stand-alone but to know the characters, and how they can to be, you want to start at the beginning.
It’s a fight to live in the pool shed between the hobgoblins that look like gnomes and the pixies.
Until two of the garden gnomes end up dead and nothing more than a statue in the garden.
As Sam relays the story, necromancer Damian sees the humor but also the problems. Soon enough, Damian and friends show more end up on the wrong side of the Iron Queen.

Gritty war games and snarky humor, ghosts, travel the fae way, and a reanimated parrot you won’t soon forget. The only thing missing is an index of characters in this full cast novella.
I loved where Damian ends up in this one. It’s not a cliffhanger but a typical adventure in this world. Watch and count the chimichangas. show less

Skyborn by Eric R Asher
Steamborn series book 4. Fantasy YA steampunk. Best read as part of the series in order.
Ancora has been left in shambles after the war. Those that survived are trying to rebuild their lives and homes. Jacob, Alice and friends face danger and difficulties and old and new enemies are evaluated.

“Four barrels of Pill-bug eggs.” The image of that in my head gives me nightmares. Not to mention the Tail Swords (think giant size scorpion, kinda) that emerge and attack or show more maybe molt. Yeesh. Having a vivid imagination while reading and “seeing” this world can be a bit unnerving. But I can’t wait to read the next book!
Alice is becoming more of a heroine on her own and quite impressive.

🎧 I mostly listened to an audiobook version narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. I also have print and ebook version which makes it easy to look up descriptions or going back to verify something. The performance is phenomenal. Voice variations and emotions come across clearly and cleanly. This is a narrator you want to follow.

My ratings might have been a bit lower for the length and gruesomeness if not for Saskia. She makes the stories come alive. show less