Discover Popular Titles Full Audiobooks in Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

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Title: The Dungeoneers

Author: Jeffery Russell

Narrator: Faust Kells

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-01-15

Publisher: Jeffery Russell

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 445 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

After five years as a city guard, Durham's horizontal career trajectory adds a corkscrew when a mis-delivered order assigns him to caravan duty for an eclectic group of dwarves who hire themselves out as professional dungeoneers. No ruler wants to leave a powerful magical weapon lying about in a dungeon where just any prophesied upstart can stumble across it and use it to overthrow the kingdom. That's where the dungeoneers come in. Dungeons sacked, artifacts recovered, no job too big or too small. They're not adventurers; they're professionals. With the discovery that Durham may have arrived with a destiny attached to him, the dungeoneers find themselves in the midst of some history about to happen. Will experience and Dwarven know-how be enough to carry the day?

Members Reviews:

Get past the narrator and the story is great

What aspect of Faust Kellss performance would you have changed?

He got off to a rough start. Quite a few of the sentences were read in a way that seemed like he wasn't sure which inflection to use so he decided to use them all. It got to be much better toward the end of the book.

Note that when he says something that sounds like "ahk-in" he is reading the word "akin". Small thing, but it certainly knocks on that fourth wall.

Any additional comments?

It's a very funny story and is very well written. It's similar to NPCs by Drew Hayes.

If you like incompetent characters...

What disappointed you about The Dungeoneers?

...then this book is for you. That probably sounds sarcastic, but I mean it honestly. I know that the "bumbling, worthless main character that comes into his own" archetype is popular for some reason, but I can't stand it. The main character in this story may as well be a cardboard box for all the use he is. A literal monkey could have performed his tasks just as well. I took solace in the fact that the main villain was astoundingly competent and interesting, until he, too, became astoundingly incompetent towards the end.

What was most disappointing about Jeffery Russells story?

Again, the incompetence of the characters. The primary supporting cast was competent within their own element, but once outside it, they didn't really do anything. At all. Some of the characters were *stated* as being competent, but their overall actions didn't really support that, and it was annoying watching them blunder through things in the kind of luck-based fugue that indicates poor character writing.

What didnt you like about Faust Kellss performance?

I didn't feel that the narrator really did a good job of distinguishing the characters. To be fair, they were all pretty similar, and the author even stated they all had nonsensical accents, so I feel bad for the narrator, as this had to be a hard assignment, but it just didn't pull me in.

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

It had some amusing moments. I can't recall any offhand, but perhaps a half dozen times I found myself smiling or noting that a line was particularly well-delivered.

Playful and entertaining

If you want a serious story, look elsewhere. This is just a simple fun listen. He does an ok job with different voices, and it has its moments. If you like the D&D genre, and don't mind stretching the plausible to almost silly, you will like it.

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Title: Angel of Storms

Subtitle: Millenniums Rule Trilogy, Book 2

Author: Trudi Canavan

Narrator: Hannah Norris, Piers Wehner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 19 hrs and 43 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-10-15

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 427 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

International best-selling author Trudi Canavan returns with the second novel in the Millennium's Rule series - her most powerful and thrilling adventure yet.

Tyen is teaching mechanical magic at a school respected throughout the worlds. News arrives that the formidable ruler of all worlds, long believed to be dead, is back and enforcing his old laws - including the one forbidding schools of magic. As teachers and students flee, Tyen is left with no home and no purpose...except the promise he made to Vella, the sorcerer imprisoned in a book. Tyen must decide what he is willing to do to free her.

After five years among the tapestry weavers of Schpeta, Rielle's peaceful new life has been shattered by a local war. As defeat looms, the powerful Angel of Storms appears and invites Rielle to join the artisans of his celestial realm. But what will he require in return for this extraordinary offer?

Critic Reviews:

"A must for fans of Canavan's previous work and for fantasy fans in general." (Press Association)

Members Reviews:

great so far

this is shaping up to be a really great series. the moral dimensions of the characters are intriguing and I'm hoping romance blooms!

Liked it!

I thought it was a good follow-up to the last book, and I'm wondering where things will go next in this. I expect to conclusion to be excellent, based on what has happened so far.

good story

really enjoyed the story but Hannah narration can be so stilted that it becomes really annoying.

Interesting Approach!

Lots of twists and turns with good character development! Looking forward to the trilogy conclusion!

Nothing happens

I expected something to happen in 2nd book, but nothing ever did. The decisions that the protagonist do are just stupid.

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Title: Fool's Assassin

Subtitle: Fitz and the Fool, Book 1

Author: Robin Hobb

Narrator: Lee Maxwell-Simpson, Avita Jay

Format: Unabridged

Length: 28 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-29-15

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 15 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Tom Badgerlock has been living peaceably in the manor house at Withywoods with his beloved wife, Molly, these many years, the estate a reward to his family for loyal service to the crown.

But behind the facade of respectable middle age lies a turbulent and violent past. For Tom Badgerlock is actually FitzChivalry Farseer, bastard scion of the Farseer line, convicted user of Beast-magic, and assassin. A man who has risked much for his king and lost more....

On a shelf in his den sits a triptych carved in memory stone of a man, a wolf and a fool. Once, these three were inseparable friends: Fitz, Nighteyes and the Fool. But one is long dead and one long-missing. Then one Winterfest night, a messenger arrives to seek out Fitz but mysteriously disappears, leaving nothing but a blood trail. What was the message? Who was the sender? And what has happened to the messenger? Suddenly Fitz's violent old life erupts into the peace of his new world, and nothing and no one is safe.

Critic Reviews:

"In today's crowded fantasy market Robin Hobb's books are like diamonds in a sea of zircons." (George R. R. Martin)

"Hobb is superb, spinning wonderful characters and plots from pure imagination." (Conn Iggulden)

"Hobb is one of the great modern fantasy writerswhat makes her novels as addictive as morphine is not just their imaginative brilliance but the way her characters are compromised and manipulated by politics." (The Times)

"Robin Hobb is without question among the two or three finest writers of fantasy working today." (SFX)

"Fantasy writers don't come much bigger than Robin Hobb." (Independent)

"Fantasy as it ought to be written." (George R. R. Martin)

Members Reviews:

Utterly brilliant

What a delight to be back with Fitz and the Fool! I have sorely missed them. Robin Hobb has crafted another masterpiece! Can't wait to read the next one!

Pity about lee and avita

Good book to set the seen, but narrators lacking in Quality, past narrators have made these books amazing - everyone sounds the same in these :(

Not as engaging as the previous books

This felt like one long intro to the new series. The narration could have been better, the narration of fitz seemed young and lacked depth for me and the female narrators little girl voice could be grating at times.

I don't regret buying, as I think the story will hot up in the next book and Hobb is always good, but I had very high expectations that weren't quite met.

good but a bit harder going with new narrators

I enjoyed the previous books and got used to the narrator and characters so this change made the book a bit of a drag to start but great story all the same

Spoiled by narrator

The narrator isn't bad but is unfortunately handicapped by not being the same narrator as the previous series. No matter how good they are they are not the same as the previous books so it is jarring, unfortunate as the performance is actually pretty good they are just set up to fail by being compared to previous narrators. Characters have different voices and it is hard to get used to.

The book is just as good as you would expect in all other aspects, the narrator isnt a deal breaker in this instance and its well worth buying.

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Title: Fool's Quest

Subtitle: Fitz and the Fool, Book 2

Author: Robin Hobb

Narrator: Lee Maxwell-Simpson, Avita Jay

Format: Unabridged

Length: 33 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-29-15

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 25 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Robin Hobb returns to her best-loved characters with the second volume in a brand-new series.

Happy endings never last....

Years ago, they freed a dragon from the glaciers on Aslevjal. Then they parted ways, the Fool returning to far-off Clerres while Fitz finally claimed a wife, a family, and a home of his own. Now, betrayed by his own people and broken by torment, the Fool has made his way back to the Six Duchies.

But as Fitz attempts to heal his old friend in Buckkeep Castle, his young daughter, Bee, is abducted from Withywoods by pale and mysterious raiders who leave ruin and confusion in their wake. Fitz must find a way to rescue his beloved Bee.

At the same time it is the Fool's fiercest wish to return to Clerres with the best assassin he has ever known, to gain vengeance and justice. Can Fitz bear to take up the tools of his old trade again, even to avenge his dearest friend and save his child?

Critic Reviews:

"Robin's secret is not just in the detail with which she depicts the Six Duchies world she has explored over 20 years, but her emphasis on internal drama...the feelings of anguish, ambiguity, fear and failure are as familiar as those in a novel by Jonathan Franzen." (Independent on Sunday)

"Glorious and beautiful storytelling from Robin Hobb." (SciFi Now)

"Hobb seamlessly blends intrigue, action and characters who feel so real that they become more than words on a page.... Every second spent in her world is a privilege and a pleasure." (SFX)

"Robin Hobb's Fitz and the Fool series continues to delight." (Starburst Magazine)

"Another crowning career achievement in the lifetime of one of fantasy's modern-day masters." (Fantasy Book Review)

"Fantasy as it ought to be written." (George R. R. Martin)

Members Reviews:

Brilliant

Greatly appreciate Robin Hobb sharing her gift yet again in this long awaited novel. Thoroughly enjoyed being immersed again in the adventures of Fitz and the Fool. The narration in this audio addition was perfect.

Can't wait for the sequel.

The most boring Robin Hobb novel ever.

I'm a huge fan of Robin Hobb and read (and re-read) many of her books. Not much happens in this one. It's plainly been fattened up to make a trilogy when two books would easily have been enough to cover the lack of events. I felt like I was stuck in a loop, with Fitz's self-deprecation doing my head in. I also despised the whiny voice used for the Fool. I won't be listening to one again. I'm very disappointed.

Narration

I think someone got a name wrong on this and tried to fix the mistake by badly re-recording the word and editing it into the final piece. Its terribly done however and makes the book quite hard to listen to.

Suicidal narration

Fool's Assassin sets the scene for this episode, and like this one, made a bit of a long drawn out meal of what our hero was getting up to. The narration doesn't help, being slow and laborious, making most characters appear permanently depressed and The Fool positively suicidal. A real shame as I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous series.

setting up for the finally

as per slowly Building up to the finally with great depth. sul in coat where it is all going to end...

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Title: The Dread Wyrm

Author: Miles Cameron

Narrator: Neil Dickson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 29 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-22-15

Publisher: Orion Publishing Group

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 34 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Some are born to power, some seize it and some have the wisdom never to wield it.

The Red Knight has stood against soldiers, against armies and against the might of an empire without flinching. He's fought on real and on magical battlefields alike, and now he's facing one of the greatest challenges yet. A tournament.

A joyous spring event, the flower of the nobility will present arms and ride against each other for royal favour and acclaim. It's a political contest - and one which the Red Knight has the skill to win. But the stakes may be higher than he thinks. The court of Alba has been infiltrated by a dangerous faction of warlike knights, led by the greatest knight in the world: Jean de Vrailly - and the prize he's fighting for isn't royal favour but the throne of Alba itself.

Where there is competition there is opportunity; the question is, will the Red Knight take it? Or will the creatures of the Wild seize their chance instead?

Critic Reviews:

"A stirring, gritty and at times quite brutal epic fantasy." (Tor.com)

"This series promises to be the standout epic fantasy for the ages." (Fantasy Book Critic)

Members Reviews:

Best so Far

The story in this book was the best of the series yet. While i was offset by the change of narrators, Dickson still well enough job. Had the started the series i would not have minded but when coming into established characters it gets rough. Overall i really enjoyed it and was on the edge of my seat many a time, think i listened to atleast 5 hours straight at one point.

I hate it when they change the narrator

Where does The Dread Wyrm rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

I really love this series, but why change the narrator? All the characters sound different and their personalities have changed with the new narrator and it is like reading a different story. I think I may have to return this one and read it instead of listening. Very disappointing.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Dread Wyrm?

I haven't finished it yet, can't get past the terrible accent that Tom and Gavin are given by the new narrator, or the way that Gabriel has a lost a lot of his personality.

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Neil Dickson?

Matthew Wolf. Having listened to about thirty hours of Matthew Wolf reading the first two books in the series, it just doesn't work having a new narrator. With Matthew Wolf, I really enjoyed his laconical, understated Red Knight, the way he said 'you loon!' in mad Tom's accent and I find myself going back through whole passages and trying to hear those voices in my head over the new narrator.

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

Nope, too long.

Any additional comments?

Please don't change the narrator mid series. If I had started off listening to the new narrator at the beginning of this series it might have worked, but it is too much of a change now and it has ruined a brilliant story for me.

Love the Book..not the Narrator

Would you consider the audio edition of The Dread Wyrm to be better than the print version?

Having both Audio & Kindle versions I would say they both have their advantages.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Dread Wyrm?

For me, it was the death of de Vrailley.

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Title: Liar's Blade

Author: Tim Pratt

Narrator: William Dufris

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-13-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 189 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

With strength, wit, rakish charm, and a talking sword named Hrym, Rodrick has all the makings of a classic hero - except for the conscience. Instead, he and Hrym live a high life as scoundrels, pulling cons and parting the weak from their gold. When a mysterious woman invites them along on a quest into the frozen north in pursuit of a legendary artifact, it seems like a prime opportunity to make some easy coin - especially if there's a chance for a double-cross. Along with a hooded priest and a half-elven tracker, the team sets forth into a land of witches, yetis, and ancient magic. As the miles wear on, however, Rodrick's companions begin acting steadily stranger, leading man and sword to wonder what exactly they've gotten themselves into...

From Hugo Award-winner Tim Pratt, author of City of the Fallen Sky, comes a bold new tale of ice, magic, and questionable morality set in the world of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.

Members Reviews:

Play Pathfinder, never thought about reading it

Would you listen to Liar's Blade again? Why?

Most definitely, I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would. I bought it because I was looking for a light fantasy novel and it's got rogues, and well I love me some rogues.

What did you like best about this story?

I love the world, I've been playing a lot of the Pathfinder campaigns with my gaming group and reading this I hear about places and events from the campaigns that intertwine into the story wonderfully, not to mention the creatures and locations that are all too familiar to me as well.

What does William Dufris bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

He did a great job, each character had a distinct voice and they were a pleasure to listen to. Though I just picked up the sequel to this book: Liar's Island and I was disappointed to find there was a new narrator and well... I don't like the new guy as much.

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

I listened to 3/4 of the book in one sitting, it was enjoyable but it was light, it wasn't a book that I couldn't wait to get back into or dreamt about what would happen next. It was just a light enjoyable read.

awesome

This was fantastic start to finish. makes me look forward to my next road trip to binge through the next one!

The Series is Great... but this Performance....

Where does Liar's Blade rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

This book and this series by Tim Pratt is fantastic. I play tabletop D&D and Pathfinder on a weekly basis, and by far this is one of my favourites pertaining to this genre. It's hilarious in a form of sarcasm, and intriguing where you cheer for a not-so-good-guy in Rodr

Any additional comments?

This book and this series by Tim Pratt is fantastic. I play tabletop D&D and Pathfinder on a weekly basis, and by far this is one of my favourites pertaining to this genre. It's hilarious in a form of sarcasm, and intriguing where you cheer for a not-so-good-guy.

The performance and in book 1, "Liar's Blade by William Dufris, is far superior to Steve West. So if you purchase the following books, be aware of that. But, the story of Hrymn and Rodrick go on, and Pratt's style and depiction of these characters is definitely enjoyable.

Have fun all.

Great

I have been a long time Forgotten Realms reader and listener but I am totally hooked on this.

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Title: Shadows of Self

Subtitle: A Mistborn Novel

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Narrator: Michael Kramer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 37 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-08-15

Publisher: Orion Publishing Group

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 100 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Fans of Robert Jordan and George R. R. Martin alike have found a new champion of epic fantasy in Brandon Sanderson. And now, in the first of two sequels to The Alloy of Law, the Sunday Times and New York Times best-selling author returns to the world of Mistborn.

It is more than 300 years after the events of the The Final Empire shaped Scadrial. Waxillium Ladrian has returned to the capital city of Elendel from the far-flung roughs.

Elendel is crisscrossed by canals and railways, and towers reach for the sky, but this is still a city of dangers and of magic; Allomancy and Feruchemy can still change the world. Wax faces many more adventures.

Sanderson is a master of rich worlds, appealing characters and gripping plots, and his return to Mistborn shows him at the height of his powers.

Members Reviews:

Amazing!

Sanderson is a master of his craft. With Kramer's performance the story is given a life of its own.

great book and series. author is awesome!

Brandon Sanderson is an amazing author! every series he writes is unlike anything else. and it makes me unable to choose what series of his is my favourite! in general the cosmere is my favourite!

A great addition to the mistborn universe

I've loved every book in the Mistborn series, and Sanderson's extension to the universe continues to delight. This was well-read, and had just the right amount of suspense and tension to make it almost a noir crime thriller.

Hooked again....

............and the good news is, Book 3, Bands of Mourning, is marked as "Final Draft - 100%" on BS's website. (And, the release date is only 3 months away, which is even better news!)

I must admit to finding the start of this second book in the series a little slow. I always re-listen to the books in a series, before listening to any new addition. I'd remembered enjoying the light-heartedness of the first book, and although Shadows of Self continued in this same tone, somehow this time I found Wayne's nonsense with his hats, and the banter between them just a little bit dull and repetitious....(maybe I was in a boring kind of mood myself). However, then it all got going - and it just took off! Proper nods to the Mistborn characters, and some real depth to these new characters too. And, just for good measure, a really good Sanderson plot twist to keep me hooked and waiting in anticipation for the next instalment! If you're a Mistborn fan, you'll need to add this one to your library too. Narration absolutely consistent with previous book, which is always a relief.

Thank you Brandon Sanderson, for never disappointing me!

Sanderson does it again

If you could sum up Shadows of Self in three words, what would they be?

imaginative, unexpectedly brilliant

Any additional comments?

Sanderson has built an incredibly complex world where the laws of physics as we know do not apply to everyone. Brilliant action packed storyline and characters with extraordinary abilities are a standard for Sanderson, but in Shadows of Self he gives them a depth of personality and emotional life that other authors can seldom achieve in such a relatively short space. The fast-paced narrative made me hold my breath and at the same time my heart ached for the personal tragedies each of the characters lives. Definitely one to keep and listen to over and over again.

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Title: Pale Queen Rising

Subtitle: Pale Queen Series #1

Author: A. R. Kahler

Narrator: Amy McFadden

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-01-15

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 120 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

As royal assassin for the Faerie Queen, Claire is used to moving between the mortal world and the Winter Kingdom. When the queen commands her to kill, Claire does the job and doesn't ask questions. Her deadly skills and loyalty are soon tested when Claire is sent to the Immortal Circus. It is one of the many places where Dream is harvested from the imaginings of mortals, and someone is causing it to mysteriously disappear. Claire's job is to find the culprit before the Winter Kingdom's supply of Dream is depleted enough to threaten the very survival of the Fey.

But when she meets Roxie, a beautiful mortal singer with a strange link to the Dream thieves, Claire quickly recognizes an odd and unexplained connection that may cloud her judgment. As each new clue unveils another secret, Claire finds herself confronting the riddle of her own buried past - and a dangerous illusion that, as part of the Immortal Circus, is just another act in the show.

Members Reviews:

Great story!!

Very action packed and intriguing. Looking forward to reading the next book. Couldn't stop listening to it.

Give it time because, the story gets good.

The story starts off a bit trope-ish, with the blonde bombshell heroine, but improves greatly as we see the author's vision of Fairy and the winter court. The story is part investigative mystery, with lots of action and fantasy to round it out. A good piece of urban fantasy fiction overall.

EXCELLENT!

It pulls you in and keeps you from the moment the story begins. The mortal world and the world of Farie collide with a bang. Fast paced. Addictive.

Just not for me - wasted free book

I tried...I really tried to get into this book. Perhaps if the reader's tone and inflection gave a sense of maturity instead of child's play I may have taken the lesbian relationship between the heroine and damsel in distress more seriously. 4 plus hours end only to give up and accept that overall I wasted time and a free book on a dud.

Loving this

It's great to be back ,I am loving this series so much ,you must go e it ago ,and the narrator is excellent read read read now

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Title: Updraft

Subtitle: Bone Universe, Book 1

Author: Fran Wilde

Narrator: Khristine Hvam

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-01-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 551 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

Welcome to a world of wind and bone, songs and silence, betrayal and courage.

Kirit Densira cannot wait to pass her wingtest and begin flying as a trader by her mother's side, being in service to her beloved home tower and exploring the skies beyond. When Kirit inadvertently breaks Tower Law, the city's secretive governing body, the Singers, demand that she become one of them instead. In an attempt to save her family from greater censure, Kirit must give up her dreams to throw herself into the dangerous training at the Spire, the tallest, most forbidding tower, deep at the heart of the City.

As she grows in knowledge and power, she starts to uncover the depths of Spire secrets. Kirit begins to doubt her world and its unassailable Laws, setting in motion a chain of events that will lead to a haunting choice and may well change the city forever - if it isn't destroyed outright.

Critic Reviews:

"It's especially wonderful to encounter a novel a debut! that reminds me of nothing so much as how wildly, powerfully innovative fantasy can be....Wilde's world and characters... blew me away." (NPR)

"The world of the towers grown from bone, where residents strap on wings and soar the air currents, is captivating...a world that readers will be anxious to revisit in future volumes of this exciting new series." (

Library Journal)

"Extraordinary worldbuilding and cascading levels of intrigue make Wilde's debut fantasy novel soar.... This well-written and fascinating exploration of a strange land is an extremely promising start for an exciting new writer." (

Publishers Weekly)

Winner, Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction, 2016

Members Reviews:

Wait for it

I was ready to abandon this book early on. The tale gets better as it goes on. The characters get better as it develops. It ends on a high note, however, the overall quality of the book, while good, is not great. I would suggest buying this on a daily deal if possible.

Steampunk Styled City

This one was a lot of fun. The narration was great, and the story was imaginative. The setting seemed rather steampunk - living "bone" cities and a culture based on flying. The main character has strong family ties and a passion for flying. (Flying is the main mode of transportation, and the basis of most trades.) This was a well written world, and definitely has a lot of political drama - sometimes a bit hard to listen to, since it's not a overly fair society. But the story is well told - and I highly recommend it!

High adventure and law breaking in the Skies!

UPDRAFT was a definite winner for me. From the characters to the mysterious world set high in the air amidst bone towers it wasn't surprising that I was hooked from the start. The story stars a young female protagonist named Kirit who is a law/rule breaker. These law breaks she commits seem to be done in ways she thinks would be harmless but ultimately end up costing her and her family almost everything. The progression of her character was well executed and each choice she makes has a major impact on the direction both her life and the story takes.

Character Driven

The was a very character driven novel. The world is fascinating but instead of laying on a huge amount of worldbuilding information the major focus is on Kirit and everything she does/is going through.

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Title: Sorcerer to the Crown

Subtitle: A Sorcerer Royal Novel

Author: Zen Cho

Narrator: Jenny Sterlin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-01-15

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 322 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Contemporary

Publisher's Summary:

The Royal Society of Unnatural Philosophers, one of the most respected organizations throughout all of England, has long been tasked with maintaining magic within His Majesty's lands. But lately the once proper institute has fallen into disgrace, naming an altogether unsuitable gentleman - a freed slave who doesn't even have a familiar - as their Sorcerer Royal and allowing England's once profuse stores of magic to slowly bleed dry. At least they haven't stooped so low as to allow women to practice what is obviously a man's profession.

At his wit's end, Zacharias Wythe, Sorcerer Royal of the Unnatural Philosophers and eminently proficient magician, ventures to the border of Fairyland to discover why England's magical stocks are drying up. But when his adventure brings him in contact with a most unusual comrade, a woman with immense power and an unfathomable gift, he sets on a path that will alter the nature of sorcery in all of Britain - and the world at large.

Members Reviews:

Good but somehow disappointing

I expected to love this book, as it contains many of my favorite elements - a Regency setting with smart dialogue, a feisty heroine, and magic! But the story at some points dragged on and then would suddenly leap to a crisis or someone suddenly had amazing powers. The narration was fine.

So. Much. Fun!

Stick with this story--a kind of fantasy AU blend of Georgette Heyer and Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell--because when it takes off, it really goes. Comedy of manners, mostly, but there are a few laugh-out-loud moments. Consciously brings in colonialism, sexism and racism in the 18th/early 19th century, so there are serious issues as well.

Jenny Sterlin gets into the spirit of the game and has the lingo down perfectly.

If you like Regency romance and fantasy, try SORCERER TO THE CROWN. Looking forward to the sequel!

Heyer-style court intrigue with magic and mayhem

Sorcerer to the Crown is a glorious debut entry into the fantasy book world and Zen Cho's skill and imagination is a delight. It was a never ending collection of surprises, both amusing and intriguing. Serious issues concerning the treatment of women and slavery are also introduced and it is good to have these aspects included as well as lighter ones.

It is written in Georgette Heyer Regency style and this is achieved well and suited the story. Without spoilering I have to hint there is a mode of transport introduced which I shall dream of using, but it's certainly not a barouche.

The reason the story only gets 4 stars from me is because it was so packed out with characters and events some aspects got slightly lost in the crowd. I wished this had either been in two volumes or some of these enchanting concepts had been reserved for later so they could have been appreciated better.

Jenny Sterlin's narration flows as beautifully as usual, differentiation between characters was excellent, with their individual voices well chosen and performed.

I am most surely looking forward to the next book in the Royal Sorcerer series.

Good Story, Great Narrator

I would have loved this story and its fantastic characters in any format, but Jenny Sterlin elevated the entire book with her perfect narration. She does an excellent job with a wide cast of characters.