Discover Best Sellers Audiobooks in Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic New Releases

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Wit'ch War

Subtitle: The Banned and the Banished, Book 3

Author: James Clemens

Narrator: Jennifer Van Dyck, Kevin Pariseau

Format: Unabridged

Length: 22 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-23-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 69 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

In her hands, the young wit'ch Elena holds the awesome energies of blood magick - and more. For the fate of all Alasea hinges on her recovery of the Blood Diary, a potent talisman forged 500 years ago, then locked away behind wards too strong for any mage to break. But only with the secrets recorded in its pages can Elena defeat the evil magicks of the Dark Lord. The challenge? The Diary lies hidden in A'loa Glen, the fabled city that belongs to Shorkan, chief lieutenant of the Dark Lord, and his fearsome army.

Now, with the aid of the ocean-dwelling Sy-wen and her great dragon, Elena prepares a desperate invasion of A'loa Glen. At her side stands the one-armed warrior Er'ril, her faithful protector and the only man who knows how to unlock the wards surrounding the Blood Diary - a man who also happens to be the brother of the dreaded Shorkan. Meanwhile, Elena's brother, whose magick brings him prophetic dreams, has glimpsed a future in which Elena falls by the deadly sword ofEr'ril. But his visions do not always come true. How can he act against his sister's trusted guardian on the basis of a future betrayal that may never happen? For Elena's sake, and for the sake of all Alasea, how can he afford not to?

Members Reviews:

Gripping Story

This 3rd installment is amazing couldn't get enough. I definitely endorse this series. I also tip my hat to the performance of the narrator.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Dragon in Lyonesse

Author: Gordon R. Dickson

Narrator: Paul Boehmer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 19 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-23-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 26 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

In this latest of Gordon R. Dickson's immensely popular adventures of Jim Eckert, the 20th-century mathematician who has come to live in a medieval age where magic works and Jim himself can become a dragon at will, Gordon R. Dickson draws on the richness of the greatest medieval legend of all, the tale of Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

In the legends, after their final battle, Arthur and his knights went to Lyonesse, the land under the sea. Now Lyonesse is threatened by a resurgence of the Dark Powers, those mindlessly malevolent forces that struggle to stop the course of History. And Jim Eckert and his friends are called upon to stop them.

Arthur and his court live on in Lyonesse because, even though centuries have elapsed, there are still those who believe in them. But Arthur and his knights are proud, too proud to easily accept help from Jim Eckert and his allies. But they will have help, from Jim in his dragon form, from knight-in-armor Sir Brian Neville-Smyth, from the brilliant archer Dafydd ap Hywel, and from one small hobgoblin. The result is a wild ride, an Arthurian fantasy adventure as only Gordon R. Dickson could tell it.

Members Reviews:

Good book, so-so Kindle conversion

The Dragon in Lyonesse (The Dragon Knight Series Book 8)

The book isn't one of the best of Dickson's Dragon Knight series, but it's still a fun read. I'd have given this a 4 star review, but the conversion to Kindle format was done sloppily. It starts off well, but by chapter 4, there are multiple missing paragraph breaks, so one character's dialogue is mashed in with the next. It's still worth getting--it's readable--but seems like an amateur attempt at a Kindle book, rather than a professional product. Hopefully the publisher will have someone proofread the book, fix all the formatting errors and upload a professional quality version.

---

An example of the formatting problems:

(from the Kindle edition)

"I didn't ask you for help," said Jim. You might have, as soon as you found me." There was enough past evidence to warrant this assumption....

(the correct formatting)

"I didn't ask you for help," said Jim.

"You might have, as soon as you found me." There was enough past evidence to warrant this assumption....

By missing that paragraph break and the opening quote on the second line, it's difficult to tell who's saying what to who.

A visit to a place of the olde magick was wonderful.

I have read, and written, other variations on the original legend of King Arthur and his Knights of The Round Table. The Dragon in Lyonesse is to me one of the best depictions of the characters of the olde magick, interwoven with the selected characters of this series. The story is vivid with details and one that invites you to plunge right in to take part in the action. I loved the careful treatment of the encounters with whom we are familiar. The reaction of the protagonist when he is stands in awe of those who surround him in this story delivers the reverence with which I hold the legends of King Arthur.

I loved this novel.

Good read

I really like Arthurian Legend, so the idea of incorporating that into the Dragon Knight world appealed to me. I enjoyed the story.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Falcon Throne

Author: Karen Miller

Narrator: Gildart Jackson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 35 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 09-09-14

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 106 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

When kingdoms clash, every crown will be tarnished by the bloody price of ambition.

A royal widow plots to win her daughter's freedom from the ambitious lords who would control them both. An orphaned prince sets his eyes on regaining his father's stolen throne. And two brothers, divided by ambition, will learn that the greater the power, the more dangerous the game.

A masterful tale of the thirst for power and the cost of betrayal. Epic fantasy at its bloodiest, action-packed best.

Critic Reviews:

"Well-constructed fantasy.... This is a dark fantasy that should appeal to fans of Game of Thrones." (RT Book Reviews on The Falcon Throne)

Members Reviews:

Enjoyable, dark epic tale

Would you consider the audio edition of The Falcon Throne to be better than the print version?

N/A

What other book might you compare The Falcon Throne to and why?

Other epic fantasy works by Miller (but not her lighter, funny "alter-ego" K. E. Mills), Joe Abercrombie, Richard K. Morgan, K.J. Parker, Scott Lynch, and yes, George R. R. Martin. And in a good way!

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The narrator was okay with morally "good" characters, but I agree with someone's line that he made all the villains sound like evil cartoon characters. I wish I had read it instead. But if he scales that nasally-villain voice back for the next book, he'd be fine.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The anti-Jane Austen story-- do not marry. Under any circumstance.

Any additional comments?

Too many reviewers are claiming this to be a "Game of Thrones" rip-off, but I guess have never read any of Miller's earlier series like Kingmaker, Kingbreaker or "Empress." All her epic fantasy is dark and grim, and her world-building is wonderful. Yes, "The Falcon Throne" has the same pseudo-medieval feel as "GoT" and other epic fantasy, but the story (which kept me listening almost non-stop despite the narrator) varies enough between different characters that I enjoyed it a lot. If you're a fan of this genre like me, I can recommend "The Falcon Throne" highly.

Karen goes straight for your feelings

I am a huge fan of Karen Miller, so when I saw this book I immediately used a credit. The narrator grows on you after a chapter or two, and my only complaint with him would be that some of the characters sound so much alike that it was almost comical when they were conversing with one another. Like all of her books, be prepared to have all of your emotions trampled on. her tendency to put her heroes through absolute hell almost drives you crazy, but hungry for more. I cannot wait for book 2 so I can devour it as well

An Awesome Audio Adventure

I had started reading the hardcover edition from my library and realized it should lend itself well to the audio format, after which I purchased the audio version from Audible and thoroughly enjoyed it. The reader, whom I believe I had heard on a number of other, unrelated books, gave a tremendous performance, giving each character a special, unique voice. It took many car rides to finally finish the book, and I look forward to more once the next work in the series emerges.

Some reviewers complain that it's not _Game of Thrones_, but, having read those books in print, that is OK by me.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Forever Fae

Subtitle: Forever Fae, Volume 1

Author: L P Dover

Narrator: Holly Fielding

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-05-14

Publisher: Leslie Paige Dover

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 37 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

He leans down, lips parted, and then our lips connect ... We didn't know that this one kiss has forever changed the Land of the Fae. According to the Prophecy proclaimed many years ago, Princess Calista of the Summer Court is destined to change the Land of the Fae from the evil determined to destroy it. Her powers are phenomenal, and she secretly trains for battle with her handsome warrior friend, Merrick, who unbeknownst to her protects her heart as well, in hopes of keeping it for himself. At least, until the seductive Prince Ryder attends the Guardian Ceremony and instantly sends a fire burning through her veins and a connection so deep they both discover a love above anything imaginable. No one knows how Calista is destined to change the kingdoms, but there is one that does. He not only craves Calista's power, but her body as well, and his goal is to steal her power, make her his Dark Queen, and take over the Land of the Fae.

Will the evil succeed in claiming Calista's soul? Or will the two men that fight for her heart save her from despair, and help her fulfill her destiny to become what she was meant to be.

Members Reviews:

I like the title just fine

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes but I would say to read it twice to understand the second book when it comes.

What other book might you compare Forever Fae to and why?

Fae ANd the Dark Fae trilogy

Which scene was your favorite?

I had none.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Real Fae Don't need to hide.

Any additional comments?

Just that there was a few scenes that made me scream with how it was written. The characters should have came to a different conclusion and the way the acted to me was unintelligent and at best, childish. Even though it was a good story, I had to give a bad mark against story.

Excellent book great story!

I wish the rest were in audio book I can only read audio because I work so much what an awesome twist on the Far it was so enjoyable!

Loved my first Audible book!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

YES!! Good story, fantasy with a new modern twist. Takes the well known fantasy themes of elves/fay/otherworld/ Winter and Summer courts etc. with a present day language and story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ryder........doesn't every girl love the handsome prince? Good character with potential for more stories both past life (childhood, teen, adult) and future.

Which scene was your favorite?

Can't decide, loved the whole book

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

Actually cried when Merak died. Laughed about Calista's thoughts and comments! Let's hear it for strong females with minds of their own!

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for another book in this series!! There are so many possibilities for stories about Calista and Ryder as well as developing other characters. Enjoyed the book very much on my drive to GA from MA.

No emotions from narrator

There is little I find more annoying than to purchase a book with a descent story only to have the narration/performance ruin it for me. Just because a person can make their voice have a different timbre for each character doesn't make them a narrator. This performance by the narrator was completely FLAT.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Wielder's Awakening

Subtitle: Wielder Trilogy: Book One

Author: T. B. Christensen

Narrator: Malk Williams

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-05-14

Publisher: Podium Publishing

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 56 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

A powerful wielder of magic is preparing to conquer a world whose people only remember magic in legends of the past. A king grappling with personal tragedy prepares his army to save his kingdom. A restless princess seeks love and adventure. In the middle of it all is Traven, a poor, ambitious peasant who dreams of being more than a simple woodcutter and unknowingly holds the key to saving the world.

Members Reviews:

Rocky Road

What did you love best about Wielder's Awakening?

What I loved best, was that it took me to another place. I love how i actually gave a crap about the characters. kept me engaged. All around enjoyed it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Blaze. He is just cool.

Which character as performed by Malk Williams was your favorite?

All where great

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Tried, but failed

Any additional comments?

This was a excellent first story. Can not wait for the next. Check this one out, I think you will dig it.

Must read for fantasy buffs

Great book. Cannot wait to read the second one. Even though it is not on audiobook format yet i am gonna have to read the next 2 to complete the series.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: The Sacred Band

Author: Janet Morris, Chris Morris

Narrator: Christopher Crosby Morris

Format: Unabridged

Length: 31 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-26-14

Publisher: Perseid Press

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 35 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

The Sacred Band of Thebes lives on, a world away, in this mythic novel of love in war in ancient times. In 338 BCE, during the Battle of Chaeronea that results in the massacre of the Sacred Band of Thebes, the legendary Tempus and his stepson cavalry rescue 23 pairs of Theban Sacred Banders, paired lovers and friends, to fight on other days. These 46 Thebans, whose bones will never lie in the mass grave that holds their 254 brothers, join with the immortalized Tempus and his Sacred Band of Stepsons, consummate ancient cavalry fighters, to make new lives in a faraway land and fight the battle of their dreams where gods walk the Earth, ghosts take the field, and the angry Fates demand their due.

Members Reviews:

Epic Fantasy Tale

This book is a rich tapestry of myth, war, love, and honor woven with great care by two outstanding authors. This epic book is reminiscent of classic literature, and I'd recommend it highly to lovers of history and legend.

A Great Story

Any additional comments?

The Sacred Band by Janet Morris and Chris Morris is an epic story of love in war that begins at the historical Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC and ends with a battle for the hearts and souls of Tempus' Sacred Band.

The story is narrated by one of the two co-authors, which makes it ery special. Who knows the hearts of characters better than their writers? Chris Morris' cultured voice is always low, gritty, and controlled, because the soldiers of the Sacred Bands feel they are failing if the lose control of their tempers or their voices. In an accent that might be British or American, this skilled narrator takes you inside the minds of the ensemble cast of lovers and warriors, where the real action is. He makes you feel the suspense, the struggle, and the passion of each character. And the story is full of suspense and action as young recruits in their teens and pairs of male lovers prepare for the battles of tehir lives. Wonderfully written, in a style reminiscent of Homeric myth, these characters love and hate, grieve and triumph with such clarity that you feel you are there beside them.

You can smell the grass, the sweating horses, the blood as the twenty-three pairs of male lovers from the 300-strong Sacred Band of Thebes are saved by Tempus' forces using magical means. You can taste the Thebans' bitter remorse at having lived while their brothers were massacred, their confusion when Tempus, a demigod, takes them to a town full of thieves and murders to train for an undisclosed mission. Although The Sacred Band is the triumphant capstone to the Sacred Band of Stepsons series, which itself began iwith stories for million-selling Thieves' World, this Heroic Fantasy novel can be read and enjoyed without having read any of the earlier books. I know, because that's how I came to this book, with no knowledge of its extensive pedigree.

This story is so gripping, so completely unlike any other, than when I was done I wanted to get the earlier books to reconnect with the Stepsons' world. In a time when sex between men was common, and sex between humans and gods was accepted, this book is never salacious, but gives us a view of ancient Greek sexuality, and sexuality earlier still, all the way back to Akkadian times.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Blood and Snow, Books 1-4

Subtitle: Blood and Snow

Author: RaShelle Workman

Narrator: Rosanna Weigant

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-12-14

Publisher: Polished Pen Press

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 76 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

"Lips red as rubies, hair dark as night. Drink your true love's blood, become the Vampire, Snow White."

Every thousand years, the vampire queen selects a new body, always the fairest in the land, and this time she's chosen snow white.

Blood and Snow: Snow White lives in Salem, Massachusetts, with her dad, stepmother, and her cat, Gatsby. Her entire life she's been teased for her fairy tale name, and the fact that her seven best friends happen to be guys whose names begin with the same letters as the seven dwarves.

Everything changes on a trip into Boston, where an unseen stranger bites her, and she's transformed into something not quite human.

Revenant in Training: Snow has been transformed into a revenant - not quite human and not quite vampire. She must discover how to live with the changes, hopefully without killing anyone.

The Vampire Christopher: As a revenant, Snow White craves blood. Especially the blood of her Hunter. But will drinking from him save or enslave her?

Blood Soaked Promises: Snow White must come to terms with her bloodlust. It's one thing to drink the blood of her Hunter, something else entirely to drink the blood of a human.

Members Reviews:

Snow is REAL!

What made the experience of listening to Blood and Snow, Books 1-4 the most enjoyable?

The narrator was abaolutely amazing, I personally loved how she changed her voice for each character, and she seemed to get into the book and really enjoyed it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Snow... Duh?! She's the main character of course ;)

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was when she was first bitten and she described the scents, sounds, and feelings... it was all very descriptive

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

I did, I laughed here and there, especially at Snow's inner dialog

One fantastic storyline.

If you could sum up Blood and Snow, Books 1-4 in three words, what would they be?

Awesome, Stupendus, Entertaining.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Blood and Snow, Books 1-4?

When Professor Pops held Snow and comforted her and it reminded her of her Dad and how long it had been since he held her like that.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Snow was in the girls bathroom and Dorian went in to check on her. He offered her some of his blood and Cindy walked in and almost caught them.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

At the end of book 4 when Snow thinks she killed Gabe. I wanted to run screaming with her.

Any additional comments?

This is a wonderful series of books. It starts off a little slow but it picks up and gets awesome. Put on your headphones close your eyes and listen.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Sword-Bound

Subtitle: Tiger and Del, Book 7

Author: Jennifer Roberson

Narrator: Stephen Bel Davies

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-16-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 48 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

For the first time in years, life seems settled for Tiger and Del. They run a school for sword-dancers in the South. They're raising a two-year-old daughter. They collect income from their interest in a thriving cantina. Occasionally Tiger must dance against sword-dancers bent on killing him for forsaking the oaths and vows of the circle, but for the most part it's an idyllic life. Until Tiger's twenty-five-year-old son accuses him of being "domesticated."

Thus challenged by his own flesh-and-blood to reclaim his legendary status, Tiger, accompanied by Del and his son, embarks on a journey northwards that will test his sword skill and resolve, and lead him and Del into danger from an old enemy. Though Tiger had forsaken his magic years before, he now faces the choice to reclaim it, and to wield it, in order to save those he loves.

Members Reviews:

Lovely Tale

Truly enjoyed this series...love, magic, mayhem. Wicked Tanziers and strong friendships forged. Who could ask for more?

No Overall Plot

Would you consider the audio edition of Sword-Bound to be better than the print version?

Only had Audible version.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Nice to see Del and Tiger again, but there's no overall plot line, nemesis or end goal for most of the story. Seems more like a series of short stories tied loosely together.

Which scene was your favorite?

The sequence with Umir the Ruthless.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I'm using these as stay-awake-while-commuting books, so this doesn't really apply to me. There were a couple of parts that I sat in my turned off car to finish though.

Any additional comments?

Author has kids going to college soon, maybe?

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Sword-Breaker

Subtitle: Tiger and Del, Book 4

Author: Jennifer Roberson

Narrator: Stephen Bel Davies

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-02-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 46 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Accused of murdering a man the Southern tribes believe to be their messiah, but who is actually the slayer of Del's family, Tiger and Del flee across the deadly Punja desert, hunted by religious zealots and sword-dancer assassins. But evading death by assassins' blades is only one of the challenges they face. For Tiger's sword, Samiel, has been possessed by the spirit of the deadly sorcerer, Chosa Deia wizard out of legend with the power to unmake the entire world, a master of evil who seeks to mold Tiger into his ultimate weapon of destruction.

Tiger and Del have only one hope leftto find and gain the help of Chosa Dei's equally powerful counterpart and sworn enemy, Shaka Obre. But Shaka Obre has not been seen in the world for hundreds of years, and it may be beyond even the combined magical abilities of Tiger and Del to find this wizard who is their only chance for salvation...

Members Reviews:

I bought the whole series on Dell and Tiger in ...

I bought the whole series on Dell and Tiger in paperback. Then when my eyes needed some help I bought the whole series plus the newest one on digital for my Amazon e reader so I could enlarge text size. As long as Roberson will write on Dell and Tiger I will buy.

I think the very paragraphs of the first book in the series will capture your imagination.

Enjoyable and Interesting read!

The Tiger and Dell series by Jennifer Roberson is the kind of series that is good on a rainy day with a good cup of tea and a warm blanket. I only wish they were available for my Kindle instead of paper back. But hey, sometimes the feel of real paper is kind of nostalgic. The to characters are joined at the hips but must survive almost killing each other in one of the books. Their love for each other grows as the series continues into a most interesting relationship with many ups and and downs.

Love these books

Love these books! I have hard covers but i read so much on my phone now. I thought i would buy them again and show live. I really hope more are coming!

Worth the effort

Good series. Well written. Jennifer Roberson has created a vivid world with equally vivid characters, whom I enjoyed cheering on.

Sword-breaker

Best of the 1 through 4 books. Although one is a close 2nd. This is one of my two favorite series, though this like my 4th or5th read, it doesn't disappoint. Too bad it took a decade for the other 5- 8 to come out.

Please open https://hotaudiobook.com ONLY on your standard browser Safari, Chrome, Microsoft or Firefox to download full audiobooks of your choice for free.

Title: Wolfblade

Subtitle: Hythryn Chronicles, Book 1

Author: Jennifer Fallon

Narrator: Maggie Mash

Format: Unabridged

Length: 25 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-11-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 42 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Marla Wolfblade of Hythria is determined to restore her family's great name, but conspirators surround her: The Sorcerers' Collective, the Patriots - even members of her own family. She must make sure her son Damin lives to be old enough to restore the Wolfblade name to its former glory.

Elezaar the Dwarf is a small man with big secrets - but that doesn't matter to Marla Wolfblade. Her brother is the High Prince of Hythria, and, in this fiercely patriarchal society, her fate will be decided on his whim. She needs someone politically astute to guide her through the maze of court politics - and Elezaar the Dwarf knows more than he lets on. As Elezaar teaches Marla the Rules of Gaining and Wielding Power, Marla starts on the road to becoming a tactician and a wily diplomat - but will that be enough to keep her son alive?

Critic Reviews:

"...showcases the Australian writer's skill at dramatizing the convoluted schemes and backstabbing of king making and power politics... Fallon sets the stage for another lively fantasy saga full of intriguing characters, smart dialogue and twisty plotting." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

An epic political drama

Originally posted at Fantasy Literature.

Wolfblade is the first book in Jennifer Fallons WOLFBLADE trilogy which is a prequel to her DEMON CHILD trilogy which I read several years ago. These are fat epic fantasies with lots of characters that are focused mostly on political drama but also contain plenty of magic and romance.

This story takes place in Hythria, one of the kingdoms in Fallons world. Lernen, the current High Prince (a Wolfblade) cares nothing for his country and is not respected by his people because he spends his time in the pursuit of unusually decadent pleasures. All of the nobility agree that Lernen should not be running the country, but they disagree about how they should take care of the problem. Some are content to wait him out, some want to kill him, and some want to take his place. Since Lernen doesnt seem to be interested in begetting a son, his heir will likely be any future son of his sister Marla Wolfblade, a beautiful teenage girl who Lernen can basically sell off to the highest bidding potential husband. At the beginning of the story Marla is immensely silly. She is more interested in the romantic idea of marrying a handsome warlord than in how her status as mother to the next High Prince gives her (and her husband) political power in Hythria. When Lernen decides to marry her off to the king of the neighboring barbaric country of Fardohnya, Marla is devastated, especially since she thinks shes in love with the younger son of a Hythrin warlord.

Fortunately for Marla, there are several people in Hythria who dont want her marrying the Fardohnyan king either, including many of the nobility and the head of the Sorcerers Collective. She has another strong ally in a clever dwarf named Elezaar who she has recently purchased from the slave market. Elezaar has his own reasons for keeping Marla happy. Together they will attempt to save Marla from this disaster, but the plan they come up with will have terrible consequences for almost everyone involved. Marla must navigate a political landscape filled with secrets, treachery, sorcery, adultery, kidnappings, and assassinations.