Audiobook Review: Fragile Facade (Blind Barriers Trilogy #1) by Sophie Davis (Author), Sarah Puckett (Narrator)

Sophie Davis masters the psychological thriller. Darkness becomes your best friend, even as it remains your worst enemy. The chill lies in the unknown and Fragile Facade feeds on that uncertainty and never let's go. Raven stumbles into that blank space to help a stranger and may not survive the fall. Haunting nail biter.

Thankfully the angsty romantic uncertainty with the MC, Stassi, that was annoying me cleared up around the 20% mark, and I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Not quite as much as the first one, but still liked it and went on to read book three.

One thing I really like about Stassi is that she has a lot of empathy. Even when she was doubtful of wanting a relationship with the LI (though clearly attracted to him, and vice versa), she was able to put herself in his shoes, and snapped herself out of being unfairly cold to him, treated him as a friend, and had understanding for his situation.

And again, this story contains a romantic angle, but it's not a huge focus, which I also appreciated.

This book covers an interesting heist that takes place in their current day, the future. No time travel then, but a lot of fun and imaginative high tech to play with. Overall a satisfying read. Although, dang it, it ends in a bit of a cliff hanger. Main present plot is resolved, but then there's a bit more that occurs that is of the "To Be Continued" type.

I need the next one right now.

Couple quibbles: They go back to the time of Lady Jane Grey, London 1500-whatever. Language used by the contemporaries isn't really true to the time, but not too jarring to someone not expecting historical accuracy, except a few times. Once, when Lady Jane says, "okay". Um, yeah, that's so anachronistic it's jarring. Another time another contemporary says it, and our MC says it to a contemporary - when she's a time traveler trying to, you know, fit in with the time.

In one scene Lady Jane is wearing silk pajamas. I'm not an expert but I'm pretty darn sure women didn't wear pajamas in the 1500's. Pants of any sort were a big NO, even for sleeping attire.

But with the story it's really pretty minor. I don't expect anyone reading this, particularly after reading the first two and knowing what to expect, is going to be displeased. A thoroughly enjoyable time travel adventure. Sadly ending, again, in a cliff-hanger.

I NEED the next one!

I enjoyed this one so much that rather than reach back into the dark abyss of the bazillion unread Kindle books I already own, I bought and have already started the next book in this series.

Overall this is very, very good.  An adventure in 1920's Paris, seeking to obtain and copy a never published novel by a (fictitious) famous author, trying not to be outted as time travelers from the future, there's a bit of a sweet romance but it's not angst ridden and is just one thread in a complex plot.  There's also a mysterious serial killer on the loose. A serial killer that was not recorded in history.  In addition to all that, Stassi is seeking information to help her find out about her unknown birth parents due to a clue from that time and place.

The MC, Stassi, and her partner tease each other like brother and sister, obviously care for each other (non-romantically) and are loyal. I enjoyed their relationship, as well as Stassi's relationship with her best friend, Molly.  The characters all have their own personalities and truly feel like individuals.

There's humor here, and a lot of heart.  As well as mysteries and adventure.

I've noticed a couple minor editing errors, but no more than you might find in a traditionally published novel.  One continuity error, but it was something extremely minor and unimportant.  I also noticed a couple small anachronisms. A couple characters in 1920's Paris call the protagonist "Ms.", rather than "Miss".  Another character tells a funny story about a woman who spent an evening with the back of her dress stuck in her hose - which only happens with pantyhose, which were not yet invented.  So, not perfect, but relatively minor issues.

A few logically questionable issues, due to playing around with time.  I think those could have been explained so they made sense a bit better, but nothing worthy of real complaint.  One thing I truly did question as something that seems like it would effect history, that wasn't explained to my satisfaction.  It would be spoilery to be more specific.  It happened at the end, so I'm also thinking it may be addressed in book 2.

Overall, I really enjoyed it. The story is engaging and interesting, the writing is good, and I like the characters.

I received this book to give an honest review.

I have said it before and I will say it again, I do not enjoy time travel books to me they are just boring. Yet these pair of writers have drawn me into the time travel world. I feel as though I learn a bit of history when I read their books and yet it is fun though mysterious. I can honestly say I do not ever remember learning about Lady Jane Grey before and as soon I got done with this book I started looking into who she was and if the author had it right that she was only to be Queen for nine days.
Stassi and her group of friends who are also runners will find themselves England to retrieve an artifact yet it seems that there are others who have different plans. Will history be changed? Or will those that are involved with this crazy scheme be stopped? Also while there Stassi will find a few clues that have to do with the necklace she wears around her neck, what will she uncover that will hopefully give her the answers that she seeks. I am also intrigued as to what Nicolas Flamel's secret is that Charles can not tell Stassi. I can not wait to read the next book which won't be out until next year.
Characters are simply amazing and well developed, I love how well everyone gets along and takes care of each other when they are put in tough situations. They never leave anyone behind and they all work as a team. Great series to start if you haven't already.
F.Y.I. there is a cliffhanger, I almost threw my kindle because of it lol.