The Book of Ivy

By: Amy Engel

Narrated by: Taylor Meskimen

What would you kill for?
After a brutal nuclear war, the United States was left decimated. A small group of survivors eventually banded together, but only after more conflict over which family would govern the new nation. The Westfalls lost. Fifty years later, peace and control are maintained by marrying the daughters of the losing side to the sons of the winning group in a yearly ritual.

This year, it is my turn.

My name is Ivy Westfall, and my mission is simple: to kill the president’s son—my soon-to-be husband—and return the Westfall family to power.

But Bishop Lattimer is either a very skilled actor or he’s not the cruel, heartless boy my family warned me to expect. He might even be the one person in this world who truly understands me. But there is no escape from my fate. I am the only one who can restore the Westfall legacy.

Because Bishop must die. And I must be the one to kill him…

Why?

Any additional comments?

I did enjoy most of this book. But I do not relate to thinking one thing and doing another. Could not get past that in the main character!! Got tired of her thinking things in her head and making a problem bigger. She could have stood up for what was right. Thinking her family would stop. stupid.

Loved this, looking forward to more from Engel!

Wonderful and entertaining story, not just for young adults!

The narrator was spot on, her delivery was smooth and believable, and easy to listen to (I'm INCREDIBLY picky about narrators and will avoid books I have been lusting after if the sample narration is unbearable). Looking forward to more from both Engel and Meskimen, and going to start the second book in the series now..and already wishing this were a trilogy.

Thumbs up for the first book!

I thought the first book of Ivy was very good. The narrator, not so much. My only complaint was that the males voices sounded bizarre for their characters. Maybe a bit too feminine for the prince..? and just really weird for the rest! Story was great though!

This is easily one of my favorite books.

What did you love best about The Book of Ivy?

right away, very interesting. it took me less than two days to finish, I could not stop listening! I can't even say what I really loved without giving away spoilers, so I wont say anything. I'm on pins and needles waiting for the next one!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ivy, Duh. love a strong female.

Have you listened to any of Taylor Meskimen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no, never, but it was very good.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I would curse the characters out loud, I literally laughed out loud. I got so lost in this story.

Any additional comments?

I will be starting this book again shortly.

Loved this book!

It hooked me almost immediately. I wasnt a fan of the narrator at the start but she grew on me.
Would recommend!!