Download the Most Popular Audiobooks in Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Dark Fantasy

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Title: Angel Stakes

Subtitle: Bite Back, Book 5

Author: Mark Henwick

Narrator: Julia Motyka

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 22 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-15-17

Publisher: Mark Henwick

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 57 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Dark Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

"I was all the things I had ever done. All the things that had ever been done to me. But I chose my path, and I will be all the things I could be, too."

The Athanate meet in Los Angeles, the city that feeds on dreams, leaving nothing but dust and nightmares. They must forge a new Assembly and reach a consensus before Emergence is forced on them. They have to reach out and include the Were and Adepts, and they need Amber to do it. But Amber is deep in her own personal crisis. Can she find a resolution for herself as she takes on the tasks of the Assembly?

Los Angeles. Where you can toss away your old life like a bad hand...or man up and play the cards you've been dealt.

Members Reviews:

pick it

if you like urban fantasy then you'll love this series! head and tails above anything else out there

Amber Farrell fans won't be dissapointed

What does Julia Motyka bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

I read the Kindle version first and then picked up the Audio companion when it was ready. The narrator was great, showing good pacing and good range. She seemed to capture some of the nuances that I'd already assigned to the characters (mentally) - made for an added bonus.

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

Laughed a lot. Cry - yes for one scene in particular, I was so bummed. Groused, chewed my fingernails, got mad at some of the characters.... Mark put me through the gamut with this book.

Any additional comments?

I loved this book, couldn't put it down and can't wait to read the next one. Intensely gripping, emotionally embroiling and satisfyingly toothy with all its intrigue and long game politics.

I've just finished my second read of the book and my insides are still churning on where we (the story and me) get to go from here. I believe there's going to be some real scumbags in the next book and maybe some shocking surprises. Hang in there Amber!

Loved it!!

I just love this series, it's an interesting twist on the Vamp and Were world. The reader Julia Motyka is perfect for all characters!! I can't wait for the next in series.

incredible book!

this is an incredible addition in the Amber Farrell books, great story, great characters, action from the beginning until the end. Do not miss this book!

Excellent work

I really enjoyed all the characters, as performed by Ms. Motyka. It brought even more life to one of the series I like to go back and reread from time to time.

His main character is an interesting individual, with a number of flaws, but with a need to perform righteous action that rivals just about any other character I know in that group. She is an Athanate(vampire)/werewolf/adept hybrid, which in any other series might have been a bad bar joke, but the author has managed to interweave it into the story in a way that makes it important, and even critical to the story and the other characters around her.

This story, as with all the others, brings life and flavor to the many locations he uses for scenes, always with an eye to detail without overloading the reader/listener. This is an urban fantasy series, but unlike the rest of the hugely diluted shush that makes up the majority of urban fantasy these days, this one stands out. It has many of the attributes you find in this genre, but manages to deliver with the feel of an Amerind vision quest, in many ways.

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Title: Immortal Progeny

Subtitle: Fragile Gods, Book 1

Author: Philippa Ballantine

Narrator: Philippa Ballantine

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-08-17

Publisher: Imagine That! Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Dark Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

For generations the world of Rahvas has been awash in holy war between its many temples.

Priests and priestesses have built towering monsters to destroy one another and prove their deity the One True God. But those temples also made two mistakes. When three little girls came out of the void where Gods are born, they mistake them for humans and let them live.

Separated, Rowan, Vervain, and Amaranth have lived out very different lives. One lived as a temple acolyte, another as meat for the creation of progeny, while the third learns the magic of the atheists.

As the sisters' power unfolds and they learn the truth of who they are, the temples, and all those that fight for them, will find a new war on their doorstep.

Members Reviews:

Dark new world and determined heroines

Wow. Fans of N.K. Jemison will love this story. Ballantine brings you rich world-building, multi-faceted backgrounds and motivations for both primary and secondary characters, and plot twists like thorny vines you don't see coming until you are already wrapped in their deadly hold.

At the edge of the God Void, clerics and pilgrims assemble hoping to welcome new gods, fractured from the once one true god, as they emerge into the world cloaked in human form. When they find three young girls, small and dirty, the doubtful crowd divides the sisters to live very different lives. Rowan is adopted by a cleric who raises her in service to her goddess, training to defeat the armies of the other gods until they can claim to be the one true god. In this struggle the religious factions raise creatures stitched together from humans and animals to be their foot-soldiers. Amaranth is sold to the pits, where the destitute and the followers of defeated gods are sold for spare body parts. She has no memory of life before the pits and has been repeatedly harvested, leaving her with one arm and weakened except for one peculiar talent. Vervain was raised by a heretic cult who prize reason over religion and fights to protect the free peoples from the ravages of theist warfare. When the young women reach adulthood and begin to discover not just who, but what they are, the world will never be the same.

This is the first in what is projected to be a four-part series and I can't wait to see what is in store.

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Title: Making of an Empress

Subtitle: Realm of Hulsteria, Book 1

Author: Frank David

Narrator: Jack Nolan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-08-17

Publisher: Frank David

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Dark Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Happy Endings aren't always guaranteed.

Making of an Empress is the story of Stelaphina, a woman who would command an empire. It is the story of self-discovery. It is a story about the fragile nature of relationships. A story of love, betrayal, intrigue, and magic. A story that will follow the path from princess to empress, from innocence to maturity, from a foolish girl surrounded by admirers to an enlightened woman surrounded by no one.

Happy endings aren't always guaranteed in fairytales.

Members Reviews:

Love, hate, mystery, shock and a touch of magic!

I received an advanced copy of this book.

Making of an Empress weaves an intricate story of change and enlightenmentâ.in leadership, society and most importantly family. Frank David brings to life a cast of memorable characters that will keep you engaged, surprised and wanting more.

... reader but all of the book so far is excellent. I really enjoy reading it and plan to ...

I am a very slow reader but all of the book so far is excellent. I really enjoy reading it and plan to recommend the book to everyone I can. You are a very good writer and should continue to write. I will purchase your next book for sure.

Awesome!!

Not big reader but this book I couldn't put down once I started!!!!! Awesome!!!

Great characters

I love the characters in this novel becuae I could easily relate to them. The plot was amazing, I was halfway through the book and good not put it down. The novel was worth the missed beauty sleep.

Loved this book!

I could not put it down. Creative writing by an excellent new author. I look forward to reading what's next by him.

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Title: High Fantasy

Subtitle: The Feedback Loop, Volume 3

Author: Harmon Cooper

Narrator: Jeff Hays

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-01-17

Publisher: Boycott Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 25 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Dark Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

The action-packed third book in the Feedback Loop Series!

Quantum Hughes and the Dream Team dive to Tritania, a JRPG fantasy Proxima World filled with dragons, orcs, floating continents, and magic. With the clock ticking, and his problems in the real world growing, including his legal troubles and his blossoming relationship with Frances Euphoria, Quantum is forced to make a decision that could change his life forever.

The stakes are higher than they've ever been. Steam, The Loop, Tritania, and the real world - four worlds collide in the third installment of The Feedback Loop Series.

Members Reviews:

Fab continuation of the series.

If you could sum up High Fantasy in three words, what would they be?

Entertaining. Thrilling. Unputdownable.

What other book might you compare High Fantasy to and why?

Way of the Shaman. Ready Player One. All these books are in LitRPG genre and are similarly entertaining.

What about Jeff Hayss performance did you like?

Jeff does brilliant voice acting in all his works, this book is no exception. Listening to books narrated by him are like listening to an audiobook with full-cast of narrators.

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

The book had gripped my interest from the beginning and I couldn't put it down.

Any additional comments?

I received this audiobook for free from the author / narrator / publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

Harmon Cooper has done it again.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

In my opinion these books keep getting better and better. The dark humor and unbelievability of what goes on keeps you wanting more. I'm not sure if I would shoot Quantum on sight or give him a bro hug.

Once again the performance was great.

such a great ending on this one

i knew it was going to happen. but really didn't want it to.

I'm a little dissapointed because I thought this was the last book. also excited it isnt.

I'll be waiting for thr next one. for now I'm off to Harmons other recently released lit rpg. also narrated by Hays!

Dive into a gaming fantasy world to find answers

Which character as performed by Jeff Hays was your favorite?

Jeff returns to continue with the series as narrator. Cool! I've grown to know the voices he's assigned the characters and enjoy the vast cast he can voice in a book with this many characters that speak. Totally mind blowing! It's great to hear. He also has Quantum's personality locked down, along with all the characters we've grown to enjoy. Another amazing job in vocals and audio.

Any additional comments?

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Quantum likes a challenge, like trying to attack and kill with unconventional weapons in the loop. lol. Him and Aiden have a great friendship. I have enjoyed Aiden, aka Morning Assassin from the first book. I'm glad we get to carry on with many of the secondary characters that are created for in games. You wouldn't think they would have personalities, but goodness do they have them. And Quantum's interaction with them brings them to life.

Frances isn't as highly present in this story as previous one. But she still knows how to play Quantum in what needs to be done.

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Title: Brimstone

Author: Cherie Priest

Narrator: Suzanne Freeman, P. J. Ochlan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 05-30-17

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Dark Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

A new dark historical fantasy from the "supremely gifted" Cherie Priest, author of Mapelcroft and Boneshaker.

In the trenches of Europe during the Great War, Tomás Cordero operated a weapon more devastating than any gun: a flame projector that doused the enemy in liquid fire. Having left the battlefield a shattered man, he comes home to find yet more tragedy - for in his absence, his wife has died of the flu. Haunted by memories of the woman he loved and the atrocities he perpetrated, Tomás dreams of fire and finds himself setting match to flame when awake....

Alice Dartle is a talented clairvoyant living among others who share her gifts in the community of Cassadaga, Florida. She too dreams of fire, knowing her nightmares are connected to the shell-shocked war veteran and widower. And she believes she can bring peace to him and his wife's spirit. But the inferno that threatens to consume Tomás and Alice was set ablaze centuries ago by someone whose hatred transcended death itself....

Members Reviews:

In the end Love vs. Spiteful Evil

Overall I enjoyed this story. It was a little slow in building at times, yet remained entertaining. I particularly liked some of the secondary characters and, with the ending, it can be seen why the author took so long to create such a picture with the characters and events involved. Wraps up nicely.

The narration was top quality. The only annoyance was that when the two main characters finally met, the separate narrators used their own voice for the other characters, which I'd become accustomed to, so it sounded a bit off.

Tomás was a character that I did not care for much through most of the story, but by the end, again, the writer had developed him in such a manner that one could understand his drive and motivation.

If I had to give this novel an overall theme it would be: Love can overcome great evil.

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Title: The Curse Merchant

Subtitle: Dark Choir Series, Book 1

Author: J. P. Sloan

Narrator: Neil Hellegers

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-23-17

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Dark Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Dorian Lake spent years cornering the Baltimore hex-crafting market, using his skills at the hermetic arts to exact karmic justice for those whom the system has failed.

He keeps his magic clean and free of soul-corrupting Netherwork, thus avoiding both the karmic blow-back of his practice and the notice of the Presidium, a powerful cabal of practitioners that polices the esoteric arts in America. However, when an unscrupulous Netherworker interferes with both his business and his personal life, Dorian's disarming charisma and hermetic savvy may not be enough to keep his soul out of jeopardy.

His rival, a soul monger named Neil Osterhaus, wouldn't be such a problem were it not for Carmen, Dorian's captivating ex-lover. After two years' absence Carmen arrives at Dorian's doorstep with a problem: she sold her soul to Osterhaus, and has only two weeks to buy it back. Hoping to win back Carmen's affections, Dorian must find a replacement soul without tainting his own.

As Dorian descends into the shadows of Baltimore's underworld, he must decide how low he is willing to stoop in order to save Carmen from eternal damnation...with the Presidium watching, waiting for him to cross the line.

Members Reviews:

A great idea that makes for a compelling novel

What if you could hire someone to help you get ahead in your business or get even with an unfaithful lover? What if that person used some potions, spells and a bit of magic? Dorian Lake sells hexes to help people with their various problems, and hes quite good at it. He has always vowed to avoid the dark arts, instead pulling on a persons own karmic propensities for success or love, just magnifying what is already there. There are few negative consequences to these simple charms.

Dorians enigmatic teacher had warned him of the dangers of netherwork, the dark arts, which scared him so thoroughly, he wont even open the rare volumes of spells locked in its dark cage. When his ex-girlfriend begs him for help in getting her soul back from an unscrupulous netherworker, he must face his fears or watch her face certain damnation.

Dorian Lake is a complicated man, both charming and haunted. He cant remember so many things in his life, almost like he lost two years. Hes descended into depression and drink and the results are not helping him at all. He moves through life in a fog even when he is forced to get back to work to help his former lover, and that work is going to get him into a lot of trouble.

The Curse Merchant is a thoroughly entertaining story, both realistic and magical. Political figures and businessmen use hex workers to further their careers. Some have even sold their souls to the get very special gifts that come with it. J.P. Sloan has created a completely normal world with magic in the background, sort of like buying a special tip for a winning stock or buying a charm to make one more attractive to the opposite sex. Its just there, available to anyone who will pay for it, but little discussed openly. It is an interesting premise that works well in the world he has created.

The story is performed by Neil Hellegers. His slow dark delivery is haunting in its delivery. He is one of those distinctive performers who seems to have been born to read horror and the occult. He adds so much to the story, it is difficult to separate him from it. A dark mood permeates the tale and Dorians depression.

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Title: King of the Bastards

Author: Brian Keene, Steven L. Shrewsbury

Narrator: Doug Greene

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-12-17

Publisher: Beacon Audiobooks

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Dark Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Part sword and sorcery, part extreme horror, King of the Bastards is a wild adventure across seas, beaches, and mountains full of horrifying monstrosities, dark magic, and demonic entities.

Rogan has been many things in his life as an adventurer - a barbarian, a thief, a buccaneer, a rogue, a lover, a reaver, and most recently, a king. Now, this prehistoric bane of wizards and tyrants finds himself without a kingdom, lost in a terrifying new world, and fighting for his life against pirates, zombies, and the demonic entity known as Meeble. And even if he defeats his foes, Rogan must still find a way to return home, regain his throne, save his loved ones, and remind everyone why he's the king of the bastards.

Members Reviews:

Unabashed Pulp fantasy goodness!

I picked this up on a whim, liking the idea that someone wrote an unabashed old school pulp fantasy. I wasn't disappointed! This reads like an old RE Howard Conan book, only one where Conan had his kingdom, tired of the throne and passed his kingdom on to his heir to rule while he want back out and had more adventures. All this takes place in a pre Hyperborea Eath, so some of the countries and places will sound similar. If that sounds intriguing, this is the book for you. While on a fishing trip off one of his old ally states, in a bireme of all things, his ship is attacked by a tentacled horror, Pirates, and then zombies after the ship is destroyed. Before the ship sank, though, Rogan is told by the lead pirate he was sent by Logan's unknown bastard son, and he has conquered his kingdon and imprisoned the rightful king, and are raping and pillaging across his kingdom. They end up on a beach in unfamiliar territoy and discovver a tribe of natives. The native, and a group of Amazons who happen to be staying with the natives, agree to help them get home if they get rid of the evil necromancer and his demon on the top of the local mountain. Well, needs must, so if off to slay the wizard. What follows is a wild trip to the mountain, with the inevetible comingling with the Amazons, with hilarious results.The climb up the mountain is crazy, and the fight after involving magic, strange science and even a dash of time travel is just gonzo fun. This being pulp fiction, you can probably figure out how it ends. It is a lot of fun right through to the end.

The characters are all larger than life Conan archetypes. Rogan is big, powerful and an epic warrior, even pushing 60. His nephew and aide is also an epic warrior. The Amazons are all beautiful, even with the one breast missing (traditional Amazons) and great warriors, all while being wildcats in bed. This is certainly not a PC kind of title. Its much more old school, and I think it is an underserved market in the current marketplace. While they may be over the top, they are entertaining. The settings are well thought out and described, and fit the story well. The plot is fast paced, and relies on a lot of action to keep things moving.You just dont see this kind of book written too much anymore, sadly.

Doug Greene's narration was solid, keeping the story moving and giving the characters their own voices. Very good effort on his part.

If you are into the kind of fantasy RE Howard was writing, this is something you may want to check out. I know I am looking forward to any sequels.

awful narrator.

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Title: Heaven Can Wait

Subtitle: A Quincy Harker, Demon Hunter Novella

Author: John G. Hartness

Narrator: James Foster

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 32 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-04-17

Publisher: John G Hartness

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 54 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Dark Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

It's raining demons in Atlanta, and Quincy Harker and the Shadow Council are humanity's last great hope for survival.

The demon Orobas has a plan to destroy the world, and only Harker and his team of legacy folk heroes can stop him. Standing against the rising tide of darkness are Harker, the immortal magic-wielding son of Jonathan Harker and Mina Murray, Detective Rebecca Gail Flynn of the Charlotte Police Department, and Harker's uncle Luke, who most people know better as Vlad Dracula. Alongside them fight the descendants of legends - the mysterious Adam, Dr. Watson's great-grandson Jack, Jo Henry, descended from the famous steel driver John Henry, and Gabby Van Helsing, whose ancestor was Luke's greatest rival.

This band of humans and monsters have to save the world from Orobas, and whatever terrible force is lurking behind him.

It's Hell on Earth, so Heaven Can Wait.

Members Reviews:

Love Harker and his crew!

Dracula, demon hunter, urban fantasy, angels, madness, snark-fest, series

If you're offended by dockside language or the mechanics of demon slaying, this series is not for you. If you appreciate excellent snarks, movie quotes, and gawdawful puns, you'll love this series as much as I do. Each book is about novella length, much more manageable than so many of the ultralong ones out there. The publisher's blurb gives clues and more, so no spoilers here. It really made my afternoon a good one!

James Foster gives an excellent performance as narrator!

Another brilliant addition

This world John G. Harness creates, which lightly builds on previous books in the series, spared nothing of the author's brilliant plot twists and an ending that has left me dancing with impatience for the next in the series. Coupled with perfect narration by James Foster this bloody, adventure-filled novella, rife with wit and wisdom, is my favorite.

AWESOME!

Excellent addition to this series, James Foster was amazing as usual Cannot wait for the next one!

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Title: Doctor Who - The Companion Chronicles - The Mahogany Murderers

Author: Andy Lane

Narrator: Christopher Benjamin, Trevor Baxter

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-20-17

Publisher: Big Finish Productions

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Doctor Who

Publisher's Summary:

Professor George Litefoot: the eminent pathologist who advises the police in some of their grisliest cases. Henry Gordon Jago: the master of ceremonies at the Alhambra Theatre. These are two very different men from contrasting strata in society who became firm friends and collaborators after their adventure with the Doctor and Leela battling the evil Weng-Chiang.

Some years later, Jago and Litefoot have defeated dangerous denizens of the daemonic darkness together. They have stood side by side against threats to the British Empire. But when a body is found on the banks of the River Thames and Litefoot's post mortum reveals that it is actually a highly detailed wooden mannequin, their most dangerous adventure begins. Dr Tulp has masterminded a deadly scheme, Jack Yeovil and his murderous gang plan to live forever, and only Jago and Litefoot can stop them....

Members Reviews:

Why, don't that take the biscuit!

Thirty-two years ago, fans of Dr. Who tuned into the episode "The Talons of Weng Chiang" and met two of the best-concieved guest characters in the history of the series: Professor Gordon Litefoot, the police pathologist, and Henry Gordon Jago, manager of the Palace Theatre. These men could scarcely have been cut from more different cloth: Litefoot was a cerebral gentleman of impeccable Victorian manners, alone but not lonely; Jago was a blustering, cigar-chewing huckster, surrounded by people yet somehow seeming desperately in need of a friend. Not only did they make fitting temporary companions for the Doctor, they had such a superb chemistry with each other that when the final credits rolled, the audience - at least this part of the audience - couldn't help but wonder, "What do you suppose happened to those two after the Doctor left?"

Cut ahead several decades. Some genius in the BBC decides that A) the various Doctors had many wonderfully written companions and guest characters over the years, B) many of those actors are still alive, C) the nostalgia for the "original" Dr. Who series is undiminished, D) on a radio, nobody's age shows, so why not bring it all back in this format? Presto chango, "The Companion Chronicles" is born. Recorded as radio plays, these episodes pick up the thread of these characters' lives, cheerfully ignoring the fact that 30 or even 40 years have passed since they were last heard from. And indeed, when I first heard Trevor Baxter reprise Prof. Litefoot's wonderfully upper-crust British accents over my earphones, it may as well have been 1977 all over again, right down to the old-school "Dr. Who" theme music at the beginning.

Without giving away any secrets, I can tell you this: "The Mahogany Murders" takes place an unspecified time after the end of "The Talons of Weng-Chiang." Litefoot and Jago have indeed become friends, or, as Litefoot puts it, "comrades-in-arms", who spend some of their off-hours fighting crime in Victorian London. But when a wooden "corpse" is found in the Thames that quite literally walks out of Litefoot's autopsy room, the unlikely duo realize they are once again facing a villain who belongs more to the realms of H.G. Welles than Arthur Conan Doyle - but this time without the Doctor to help them.

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Title: The Seven

Subtitle: The Vagrant Trilogy

Author: Peter Newman

Narrator: Jot Davies

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-20-17

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 24 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Dark Fantasy

Publisher's Summary:

Years have passed since the Vagrant journeyed to the Shining City, Vesper in arm and Gamma's sword in hand.

Since then the world has changed. Vesper, following the footsteps of her father, journeyed to the breach and closed the tear between worlds, protecting the last of humanity but also trapping the infernal horde and all those that fell to its corruptions - willing or otherwise.

In this new age, it is Vesper who leads the charge towards unity and peace, with seemingly nothing standing between the world and a bright new future.

That is until eyes open.

And The Seven awaken.

Critic Reviews:

"For fans of classic science-fiction literature, this is a must-read." (SciFi Now)

"Come visit this brilliantly imaginative land of winged swords and broken solar cells." (SFX)

"An exciting new writer - sharp, compelling and original." (Mark Lawrence)

Members Reviews:

An Ending Of Things

It must be said that in this trilogy, two things have to be readily accepted. The first, is Jot Davies. In The Vagrant, it is likely that the listener will benefit from the 1.15 or even 1.20 speeds to stay involved. Jot is a fantastic Narrator, as is evident from the outset, but the second adjustment one has to initially work for, is the reason for this speed change.

Narratives and novels rarely come in the present tense. the Second person point of view takes time to grow accustomed to.

Now!

The opening of this novel. when the plot takes its first step forward. Is gut wrenching. unexpected, almost uncalled for events take shape, and feature characters we're unsure of. There is pain, and confusion, and uncertainty, and Jot Davies takes us through the now-familiar Peter Newman style once again.

Gem is infuriating. Vesper is frustrating. Their daughter is an adorable pain, who is a welcome addition in lieu of the usual goat sidekick. It must be said that to enforce the moods and tensions of the others, she is a driving part of the story.

The Vagrant is the ROCK that this story rests on. Amidst the uncertainty, the worry, the flow of doubts that the tale brings, he has become the island in the stream. Certain, sure, willful. He has gone from the silent hero, to the scared father, to the doubtful man; and now he is the perfect protagonist. His actions are pure satisfaction, and his views are understood and unquestioned. Now that his personal development has come far enough, Newman has been able to use him as the moral axis around which our other protagonists can be moved.

You root for him. You feel for him. And you judge every other character through his lens.

His granddaughter, though a human sidekick, talks as little as his old goat, and yet still they paint a vivid picture of characters such as Gem and Delta, Vesper and the others.

The Seven are wondrous to read about. As is their creator. Though one can realise the value of a vague history, it is those very vagaries that leave one with the incessant itch to read more.

I would pick up and tear through any novel that hinted at the explanation of the suns, or the breach, or the world before the Seven slept for a millennia.

Peter Newman has successfully avoided the pitfalls of world-building, and brought us enough to tease our imaginations, without removing an iota of wonder from our experience. With no questions, what would be left to ponder?

The Infernals, like the humans and the Seven, are shown with depth and grace.