An Exaltation of Larks

Written By Michelle Fewer

A message I sent to Author Suanne Laqueur and Narrator Darren Eliker as I attempted to put my feelings about An Exaltation of Larks into words for this review:

Ok. dammit. It's over. And I feel bereft and content at the same time. And I am bawling in my in-laws’ guestroom {on Christmas Eve} as I try to write a review through my tears. And I love you both and blame you both for doing this to me. And I mean that in the absolute best way. Wrecked. Totally, Beautifully, Unrepentantly wrecked. Larks is just extraordinary

** end message

I highly recommend having an emotional support human on standby for this one. If you do not have one, please message me and one will be provided for you. 

The way Suanne effortlessly weaves the lives of the characters together, seamlessly intertwining their individual and collective chaos, is breathtaking. The images she creates are so vivid I feel like I'm part of the scene. And the narration makes me feel like I'm part of the story. 

Darren Eliker is simply extraordinary, transitioning between characters with ease and aplomb, bringing a wonderfully rich texture to the multiple layers of emotions and personalities within the words. There were so many times I forgot his voice was the only one performing a chapter. His portrayals of Alex and Jav are unforgettable, captivating—honest, and strikingly evocative. 

Vanessa DeSilvio’s depictions of Val and Deane are beautiful. Her cadence is truly lovely, her tone engaging and vibrant, but impassioned and raw within moments of clarity and honesty.

I strongly recommend experiencing An Exaltation of Larks through the audiobook. The story itself is incredible, but the narration brings the immersion within it to a completely different level.

What I love about Larks:

  • Rock paper scissors

  • Deane & Ari's first kiss

  • Ari & Javier’s convo about the kiss, and later about condoms

  • The number of passages and quotes I highlighted in Ch 36

  • The signs in Ch 61

  • The intensity of the emotions is extraordinary, guttural and haunting, but also exceptionally deep and stunningly beautiful

  • The narration is exquisite

  • Alex calling Jav f*cky

  • “I found a friend.”

  • The number of tissues I went through- have multiple Costco-sized boxes on hand

  • The revelations, the truths, the secrets, and the consequences and reconciliations.

  • “I will do this and you will give me... Nothing. This does not come at a price.”

    Get An Exaltation of Larks (Book 1 in the Venery series) here: https://suannelaqueurwrites.com/venery

Michelle Fewer
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