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Wrong Side of Hell: DeathSpeaker Codex, Book 1 Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Sonya Bateman (Author), Tristan Morris (Narrator), Tantor Audio (Publisher)
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,688 ratings

Life was a whole lot easier when the dead stayed dead.

I thought I was human. Apparently, I was wrong.

I didn't even know there were non-humans. Others, they're called. Fairies, vampires, even the bogeyman - they're all real. At least, that's what the werewolf told me when I saved her from the cops.

Did I mention that I saved a werewolf? And those weren't just cops trying to kill her. They're a deadly cult with the sole purpose of capturing and torturing Others...especially me. Because it turns out I'm not just any Other. I can talk to the dead - and this cult has questions only I can answer. Answers they want to use to wipe out every non-human on the planet.

My name is Gideon Black, and I'm not human. I am the DeathSpeaker.

And I am so screwed.

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  1. Listening Length
    8 hours and 20 minutes
  2. Author
    Sonya Bateman
  3. Narrator
    Tristan Morris
  4. Audible release date
    October 22, 2019
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Tantor Audio
  7. ASIN
    B07YX714QR
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length 8 hours and 20 minutes
Author Sonya Bateman
Narrator Tristan Morris
Audible.com Release Date October 22, 2019
Publisher Tantor Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B07YX714QR
Best Sellers Rank #397,992 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#4,866 in Supernatural Thrillers (Audible Books & Originals)
#8,109 in Paranormal Fantasy (Audible Books & Originals)
#21,548 in Supernatural Thrillers (Books)

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,688 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book an exciting read with a captivating premise and real twists and turns, featuring a diverse cast of characters. The story flows quickly and can be read in one sitting, making it a solid first book in the series. Customers appreciate the writing quality, with one noting it can be read as a stand-alone novel, and they enjoy the humor, with one highlighting the back-and-forth banter between characters. Customers praise its originality, with one describing it as "very different in a good way."

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166 customers mention "Readability"166 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thoroughly enjoyable, appreciating how the author creates a fun story with an interesting plot.

"...Best of all, the story leaves the reader wanting more without being the dreaded cliffhanger...." Read more

"...They're not perfect but they are good solid reads with some fun and interesting characters." Read more

"...Decided to try this, ended up really enjoying it from the very beginning. I'll be buying the rest!" Read more

"...This is a fabulous good vs evil story with a David and Goliath feel...." Read more

107 customers mention "Interest"91 positive16 negative

Customers find the book captivating with its interesting premise and real twists and turns.

"...The story wraps up on a great note, with no cliffhanger, but lots of seeds are sewn for future installments...." Read more

"Bateman has built such a spectacular world with these characters and it’s only book 1! Can’t wait to read the full series!" Read more

"...But while it could use more depth, it's good for a medium-light read, and excellent for the urban fantasy genre. Would recommend." Read more

"The supernatural is alive and well. Fairies, werewolves, leprechauns and bogeymen roam modern day New York City...." Read more

86 customers mention "Character development"86 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting the diverse cast and sympathetic nature of the characters, with one customer highlighting the well-developed dark characters and another mentioning the excellently rendered hero's voice.

"...That said, this book is pretty darn great as is. Gideon is an interesting character, not super smart, not super strong, but a survivor with a strong..." Read more

"...not perfect but they are good solid reads with some fun and interesting characters." Read more

"...'s life has always been lived outside the lines so he is the perfect character to throw into a situation like this...." Read more

"...Unfortunately while all the characters were likable enough, they were still basically the same archetypes you are going to find in a hundred series..." Read more

50 customers mention "Pacing"50 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, describing it as a fast-paced good read that customers can finish in one sitting.

"...The plot is fast moving and the world of the Others is intriguing. The evil cult is sufficiently terrifying...." Read more

"...That's not to say that this is a perfect read - there are some things that are just too convenient, and like many books of this genre, a protagonist..." Read more

"This was an okay read and I enjoyed it well enough, but I read a lot of urban fantasy and overall it was just incredibly standard...." Read more

"...It was a fast-paced read, and I LOVE the characters introduced here...." Read more

40 customers mention "Start"40 positive0 negative

Customers like the start of this urban fantasy series, describing it as a solid first book in the series.

"...They're not perfect but they are good solid reads with some fun and interesting characters." Read more

"Was interested from the beginning. Had decent characters and nothing over the top. Good dynamic of how they handled humans vs supernatural...." Read more

"...I'd get started, WOW the world Sonya created is fantastic, the"others" are great and some New ...." Read more

"This was a great start to a new supernatural/paranormal Urban Fantasy Series this series is about a half human Half Fae young man who finds out that..." Read more

27 customers mention "Writing quality"24 positive3 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting it can be read as a stand-alone novel, with one customer mentioning it kept them hooked from the first sentence.

"...doing so with this one, but I decided to round up because it's a well-written, thoroughly enjoyable book from beginning to end...." Read more

"...Lots of unusual and engrossing actions, and the writing kept me suspense." Read more

"Really great book. Well-written and edited. Can be read alone- no ridiculous cliffhanger requiring you to buy another book to get closure- but leads..." Read more

"...It is well written and the characters are remarkably well fleshed out in a short amount of time. This would make a great television series!..." Read more

12 customers mention "Humor"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the humor in the book, with one customer particularly enjoying the back and forth banter between Gideon and another noting the snappy dialogue.

"...I also liked the humor - it wasn't too forced, which is something that many authors can't do. There's some language, but it wasn't gratuitous...." Read more

"...have unique and interesting personalities and I enjoyed the back and forth banter between Gideon, Sadie, and Taeral...." Read more

"...There's a hint of romance, but no cliches. The action of rescuing people from evil ancient cult is the big deal here...." Read more

"...read it and my mind was blown by death defying scenarios, caustic, witty remarks and a story so well written that I almost believed that there are..." Read more

10 customers mention "Originality"8 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the book's originality, noting it is different in a good way, with one customer describing it as a home run for originality.

"...Authentic..it's an entertaining, fast, fun good guys bad guys...but our hero is one of a kind and with your normal werewolves, fae, voodoo hoo doo..." Read more

"...to say, I am totally over Fae and werewolves, but this was a home run for originality while using really common tropes, cold iron, moonlight...." Read more

"Looking forward to all subsequent entries into this series. Different, tense, exciting full bodied and riveting. Glad I ran across this." Read more

"...of the far seemed a bit off to me and some of the situations didn't quite match up...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Margo C. Hixson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Strong Beginning
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Let me address some of the other reviews first. Yes, this book is not 100% developed, there are some plot holes, and many of the secondary characters could use some more substance and background. However, this story is part of a series and it is clear in the book that it is part of a series. I have high hopes that in the subsequent books some of the development issues will be solved.

    That said, this book is pretty darn great as is. Gideon is an interesting character, not super smart, not super strong, but a survivor with a strong moral code. The plot is fast moving and the world of the Others is intriguing. The evil cult is sufficiently terrifying. Best of all, the story leaves the reader wanting more without being the dreaded cliffhanger.

    If you like urban fantasy or action thrillers, I don't think you will be disappointed.
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  • M. Davidson
    4.0 out of 5 stars Not a Bad Start to a Fun Series
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I picked this book up a few days ago for free. I wasn't expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. That's not to say that this is a perfect read - there are some things that are just too convenient, and like many books of this genre, a protagonist finds out they have a gift/power/curse whatever and they turn out to be more powerful or more natural at it than anyone can imagine. I think the author was trying to convey the issues with the gift by expressing the pain that came with it, but that just wasn't enough. There just didn't seem to be any training period.

    Another thing is that I like a little downtime in a book. This could be used to world build a little, get to know some of the other characters, whatever. But everything came fast and furious all the time. In fact, I had to put the book down several times to give myself a bit of a break. Sometimes too much is too much.

    I know this sounds really negative, but the truth is that I really like the premise. The protagonist is likable and likes to use his words before fighting. I also liked the humor - it wasn't too forced, which is something that many authors can't do. There's some language, but it wasn't gratuitous. However, if you don't like to read books that drop the F-bomb every so often, you'll want to give this a pass. They're in there. However, I think if I were presented with some of the situations described here, I would drop that word too, even though it's not part of my regular vocabulary.

    Overall, I recommend this book. In fact, I'm on book five of the series, I say read them all. They're not perfect but they are good solid reads with some fun and interesting characters.
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  • Jon Page
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wasn't sure I'd like it........
    Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I've never read much in the supernatural genre. Decided to try this, ended up really enjoying it from the very beginning. I'll be buying the rest!
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  • Sierra
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fast-paced, fresh paranormal with a strong, smart lead
    Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I love this paranormal world and Gideon as a character! Gideon believes he's a human and has no idea that anything paranormal exists until he sees a woman turn into a werewolf and is nearly shot by a cop. Gideon's life has always been lived outside the lines so he is the perfect character to throw into a situation like this. He doesn't immediately become some all-powerful badass. He's fumbling, along trying to catch up, but he's got the benefit of his brain and it contains a keen intellect. This is a fabulous good vs evil story with a David and Goliath feel. The device of an evil secret society has been used before but it's still chilling here. The twists and turns along with non-stop, death-defying action made this a real page turner. The story wraps up on a great note, with no cliffhanger, but lots of seeds are sewn for future installments. I got this as a freebie and it was a brilliant marketing move because now I'm dying to read the next ones.
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  • Christy J
    5.0 out of 5 stars loved it!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Bateman has built such a spectacular world with these characters and it’s only book 1! Can’t wait to read the full series!
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  • Devann M.
    3.0 out of 5 stars an okay read but still pretty unimaginative for urban fantasy
    Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This was an okay read and I enjoyed it well enough, but I read a lot of urban fantasy and overall it was just incredibly standard. Like I could probably look through my TBR and find 50 books that are almost exactly like this with only minor plot / characterization changes. And when you have an incredibly formulaic urban-fantasy-chosen-one-with-traumatic-family-past-must-save-the-world plotline you really have to wow me with the characters. Unfortunately while all the characters were likable enough, they were still basically the same archetypes you are going to find in a hundred series like this so I didn't end up actually connecting with any of them. If you don't read a lot of urban fantasy then I think this could be a very enjoyable series, but I needed a little bit more out of it if I was going to be convinced to continue and unfortunately I didn't get it. Still, it was a pretty fun and quick read so that's why I gave it 3 stars instead of 2.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Dingo 883
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good story, good writing, never slow or boring.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I don't give many 5 star reviews, and I was a little hesitant doing so with this one, but I decided to round up because it's a well-written, thoroughly enjoyable book from beginning to end. The narrative and dialogue are well-written without a wasted, superfluous word. This is not a roller coaster story with its slow up and crazy, exciting downs. It's more like a rocket car the blasts off and pushes you back in your seat for the entire ride. Editing is very good. I caught a missing opening quotation mark near the end of the book, and that's the only oops I recall seeing. Was it perfect? Of course not. Haven't met the book that is. I felt a slight decline near the end. The enemy is described as this huge, powerful paramilitary force bent on eradicating all non humans. This made the ending a little implausible as it was wrapped up neatly and with relative ease. The bad guys have this big noise machine (I assume it blasts a combination of gangsta rap and jazz) that's supposed to turn non human brains into mush, but they don't bother to use it until the hero is nearby and able to shut it off before it makes his kind extinct. It's also only briefly mentioned and isn't really part of the story until the end. A bit of a plot hole.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • D. L. J. Kite
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wrong Side of Hell
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 30, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Great storyline, a not so ordinary guy you can relate to. Gideon has had a frighteningly awful upbringing, where most of us would have just given up. He endures until he manages to escape to a not necessarily better world. His adventures, and learning he has abilities he never dreamed of slowly reveals his true self. A great rollercoaster of a ride, with me hanging on his coat tail. Fab
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  • Drako
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gute Serie
    Reviewed in Germany on February 3, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Endlich mal wieder eine Serie die sich gelohnt habe. Die Geschichten sind spannend geschrieben und hat neue Ideen. Die Charaktere sind vielfältig und handeln realistisch.
    Besonders hat mir gefallen das die Rassen nicht einfach wie Menschen mit ein paar Zusatzfähigkeiten sind, sondern sogar nicht menschliche Emotionen haben. Ich kann die Serie uneingeschränkt weiterempfehlen.
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  • Kerry
    5.0 out of 5 stars Completely different fantasy
    Reviewed in Australia on December 31, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Haven't read a Fae book for some time, but I'm so glad that I read this one! What an interesting group of characters - even ones you think might be scary turn out to be fine. It's some of the humans that are the truly bad ones. Excellent read
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  • L D Stickland
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book - and I'm eagerly off to buy the rest of them!
    Reviewed in Canada on September 5, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Great story, well edited, and characters that are interesting and worth caring about. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
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  • Jojo F.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Humor & Spannung ganz nach meinem Geschmack
    Reviewed in Germany on May 20, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Ich fand das Buch so gut, dass ich es in 2,5 Tagen fertig gelesen hatte. Ich liebe den ironisch-sarkastischen Humor. Und eine spannende Situation folgt der nächsten. Sehr geil. Habe mir den Folgeband schon geholt & freue mich drauf.
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