I love audio versions of my own books – somehow it is a luxury to listen to one’s words after the hard work’s finished – being brought to life by just the right narrator, and as Milly Adams ( aka Margaret Graham ) I can remember the thrill of sitting back while various of my creations were suddenly alive. To actually listen to other authors‘ superb novels is an even greater thrill – somehow we can become immersed, lost in the drama. But it has to be the right author, with just the right narrator.

So did this audio version of novellas Interference and Insurgency of the Verdant String series written by bestselling, award winning, author, Michelle Diener, narrated by the wonderfully evocative Natalie Beran, succeed? You bet your bottom dollar it did.

Interference, the first novella, deliciously plotted, introduces the the world of the Verdant String series – seven planets across five solar systems – and Insurgence, a rather longer novella, set within the same world – and it’s just as gripping. You’ll meet fascinating characters including Nyha, Nick Bartega, Tila and Commander Drake as conspiracy and insurgents whirl among the planets. There’s a lot to hold together, but unsurprisingly author Michelle Diener manipulates and brings them very much to life with panache, aided and abetted by supreme narrator Natalie Beran.

Interference introduces the Verdant String series by setting up the world and the central mystery of the insurgents. It follows Nick Bartega as he investigates explosions and becomes involved with Tila when she is taken hostage.

Insurgency is set in the same world and continues the story with a focus on the conspiracy behind the initial incident.

So let me just give you a bit more of a flavour of Interference: the titchy moon of Cepi is on a countdown to destruction, and Nyha Bartali is to take her four wards for what is probably the last possible look at this archaeological wonder, but hang on, there is someone with a different plan – and this someone takes Nyha and her girls hostage. But why? Because this antagonist want to steal Cepi’s secrets. So … Nope, I’m not about to give away any more. Let’s move on to:

Insurgency: The Parnian city of Var is under siege. Nick Bartega is part of the Protection Unit team investigating a string of explosions, but with no discernible pattern, and no one taking responsibility, it’s a condundrum and the team is at a loss. That is, until his neighbour, Tila, is caught up in the first real mistake the insurgents have made. But what is that mistake and where does it lead? Come now, you don’t expect me to tell you, surely?

Bravo author Michelle Diener, is it any wonder she is a bestselling, award-winning author, and of such a wide range of subjects: historical fiction, fantasy and science fiction romance novels. Of course, she knows both sides of the writing world, having worked in publishing and also IT, which I find particularly impressive as it is a field in which I am a total dullard, and which leaves me completely baffled – even distraught with incomprehension. More, Michelle was born in London and now lives in Australia with her husband and children. Australia, particularly WA is a place I love, and to which I have been several times, having decided to write a couple of books (as Margaret Graham) set in the area of Margaret River and Northern Territories. (And yes, the books, and involvement in a subsequent TV documentary were written partly because, of course, I had to toddle over to research. By the way there are no wines like the Margaret River wines, let me tell you).

When Michelle’s not writing, you can find her on https://www.michellediener.com/about and author Facebook page, and interacting with readers on her Facebook Readers’ Group, on Instagram or Threads.

Honestly, this is such a great read, narrated superbly by Natalie Beran. Here we have a truly great team along with Usound, the audiobook team.

Reviewed by Milly Adams (aka Margaret Graham and Annie Clarke), Author of The Waterways Girls 3 book series – The Waterways Girls kindles available here www.facebook.com/authormillyadams www.facebook.com/margaretgraham4 www.millyadams.com