Get Best Sellers Audiobooks in Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic Top Rated

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Title: The Elfin Ship

Subtitle: Balumnia, Book 1

Author: James P. Blaylock

Narrator: Malk Williams

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 04-23-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 23 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Trading with the elves used to be so simple. Every year Master Cheeser Jonathan Bing would send his very best cheeses downriver to traders who would eventually return with Elfin wonders for the people of Twombly Town. But no more.

First the trading post at Willowood Station was mysteriously destroyed. Then a magical elfin airship began making forays overhead; Jonathan knew something was definitely amiss. So he set off downriver to deliver the cheeses himself, accompanied by the amazing Professor Wurzle, the irrepressible Dooly, and his faithful dog Ahab.

It would have been a pleasant trip, if not for the weeping skeleton, mad goblins, magic coins, an evil dwarf, a cloak of invisibility - and a watch that stopped time. However, the return trip would not be so simple.

This, the first volume in a trilogy, tells the story of Master Cheeser Jonathan Bing who sends his best cheeses downriver each year to the elves, in exchange for elfin treasures for the people of Twombly Town. When things go wrong, Jonathan has to set out to deliver the cheeses himself.

Critic Reviews:

"A magical world, magically presented...having journeyed there, you will not wish to leave, nor ever to forget." (Philip K. Dick)

Members Reviews:

Charming, light-hearted, funny fantasy

Orignally posted at Fantasy Literature.

Audible has recently put several of James P. Blaylocks novels in audio format, so Im giving a few of them a try. The Elfin Ship, first published in 1982, is the first book in Blaylocks BALUMNIA trilogy about a whimsical fantasy world filled with elves, goblins, dwarves, wizards, and (because its Blaylock), a few steampunk elements such as submarines and airships.

In The Elfin Ship we meet Jonathan Bing, a cheesemaker who lives in a quaint little village with his dog Ahab. Its just before Christmas, a time when Bing should be selling his famous cheeses to neighboring towns. However, something is afoot in the outside world and trade is drying up. Not only is Bings business in danger, but all of the villagers will have a dreary holiday if they are unable to buy their traditional toys and treats. Somebody must be sent to investigate whats happening outside the village and its obvious that Master Cheeser Bing is just the right person to go. Bing is reluctant hes just an ordinary stay-at-home kind of guy but hes single and his lifestyle depends on successful trade relations. So, accompanied by his dog Ahab, Professor Wurzle, and a simple boy named Dooly, Bing sets out on a quest that he hopes will uncover the mystery and save his villages Christmas. Along the way they meet strange folks, have frightening adventures, encounter magical items, and discover secrets.

The Elfin Ship has an appealing setting. Twombly Town, Bings comfy village, feels like the shire its a warm friendly place where everyone knows each other and life is sweet. When Bing and his friends leave for their quest, I was eager and ready for an adventure, but by the time the characters have been hazarding the wilds for a while, I found myself understanding why they were anxious to return to their friends and the comforts of Twombly Town. I liked this homey feel.

The characters are also likable. The Master Cheeser and the Professor are good people who are clever and witty. Dooly is sweet and theres more to him than meets the eye.

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Title: Steles of the Sky

Subtitle: Eternal Sky, Book 3

Author: Elizabeth Bear

Narrator: Celeste Ciulla

Format: Unabridged

Length: 19 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-08-14

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 20 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Re Temur, legitimate heir to his grandfathers Khaganate, has finally raised his banner and declared himself at war with his usurping uncle. With his companions - the Wizard Samarkar, the Cho-tse Hrahima, and the silent monk Brother Hsiung - he must make his way to Dragon Lake to gather in his army of followers. But Temurs enemies are not idle; the leader of the Nameless Assassins, who has shattered the peace of the Steppe, has struck at Temurs uncle already. To the south, in the Rasan empire, plague rages. To the east, the great city of Asmaracanda has burned, and the Uthman Caliph is deposed. All the world seems to be on fire, and who knows if even the beloved son of the Eternal Sky can save it?

Members Reviews:

Good story, poor reading

Would you listen to Steles of the Sky again? Why?

No, because the performance wasn't great and I already know how the book ends. I've got lots of other books I can re-listen to.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the scope. I liked the characters. They had the sort of purity of purpose and iconic qualities that you expect from epic fantasy, but were still rounded and well-built.

What didnt you like about Celeste Ciullas performance?

She would inexplicably pause in the middle of sentences and phrases. It was as though she was reading just a few words at a time, speaking them, then going back for the next handful of words.

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

I think I chuckled at a couple points. I'm not prone to crying at books, so that's actually doing pretty good on my personal scale.

Any additional comments?

I used whispersync and swapped back and forth between reading and listening, sometimes several times a day. As a mono-lingual English speaker, most of the character names in this series were really unfamiliar. The audiobook helped a lot with getting it where I could picture the pronunciation in my head as I read. However, that also meant there were times when I had to go back to the book and figure out just who a character was because I would never have guessed a particular pronunciation.

That made for a really cool/interesting/different experience.

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Title: Shards of Time

Subtitle: Nightrunner, Book 7

Author: Lynn Flewelling

Narrator: Adam Danoff

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-01-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 149 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Acclaimed author Lynn Flewelling brings her beloved Nightrunners series to a close - at least for now - with a thrilling novel of murder, mystery, and magic.The governor of the sacred island of Korous and his mistress have been killed inside a locked and guarded room. The sole witnesses to the crime - guards who broke down the doors, hearing the screams from within - have gone mad with terror, babbling about ghosts...and things worse than ghosts. Dispatched to Korous by the queen, master spies Alec and Seregil find all the excitement and danger they could want - and more. For an ancient evil has been awakened there, a great power that will not rest until it has escaped its otherworldly prison and taken revenge on all that lives. And only those like Alec - who have died and returned to life - can step between the worlds and confront the killer...even if it means a second and all too permanent death.

Members Reviews:

Deeply enjoyable installment in a great series

The final installment in the Nighrunner series, Shards of Time explores yet another new part of the world-setting and takes us on a fascinating and convoluted journey. The few remaining loose ends from the previous six books are tied up nicely, but this book chiefly stands alone, almost like an exploration of what might be done with the characters now that much of the main story has been told.

That said, this largely stand-alone story is delectable and very engaging. All of our favorite characters are in fine form... and grave danger.

Adam Danoff is as good as ever, still the perfect voice for our young, frank heroes.

The Story Comes Full Circle!

Any additional comments?

I really loved how Flewelling brought the series full circle. The characters have all had realistic growth over the 7 books and now we get to see them settle into their lives. Good plot line and good resolution!

Just Blah

Loved the original books in the series. Each new edition (especially with current narrator) seems less and less substantive in scope. This one is particularly on the less epic end of the scale. Basically a fantasy/ghost based mystery. The narrator continues to offer so little that even what story there is disappoints even more. The 3 main characters have very little vocal differentiation so you're sometime not quiet sure which of the 3 are speaking.

Another excellent adventure!

A well written, well narrated journey through the supernatural with our favorite Foursome back at it again!

Wow

Lynn has outdone herself with this one. Can't imagine what she has in store for our boys.

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Title: The Wrath of a Shipless Pirate

Subtitle: The Godlanders War, Book 2

Author: Aaron Pogue

Narrator: Luke Daniels

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-11-14

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 235 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Betrayed and left for dead, Corin Hugh emerges victorious from a mind-bending adventure in the distant past with a powerful thirst for vengeance - and strange new powers. He soon sees the perfect opportunity to right the wrong that he suffered and save an innocent victim. The focus of his wrath is Ethan Blake, the sly traitor who incited Corin's men to betray him. But Corin must move fast because Blake has resumed his former position among the mighty - and seemingly invincible - tyrant Vestossis. Aiding Corin in his quest is the lovely and mysterious druid Aemilia, who somehow seems to know Corin's very soul. Together, the two unlikely heroes must join forces and, ultimately, learn to trust one another as they struggle against earthly tyranny, capricious gods, and time itself in an epic battle for freedom and good.

Members Reviews:

Even better than the first book!

This sequel to "The Dreams of a Dying God" is tighter, richer and deeper than its predecessor. It was very enjoyable. It's a great ride that just reminds me of great adventure movies from the golden age of Hollywood. And this book would make a fun movie.

One of my favorite aspects of Corin is that he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals (even murder) but he always tries to defend the innocent and downtrodden.

This book has the same reader as the first book but he is better here, especially when portraying other than the main character. It's almost like the light went on when reading this one and he does a great job.

I liked the first book in this series but this one is better in every way. After reading the first, I wanted to read this one. After this one, I MUST read the next one!

Aaron Poque has brilliant style.

Luke Daniels brings the story to life! Adventure awaits the reader. Poque writes a good mix of charming rogue and wayward hero in the making.

Not as great as the first but still enjoyable

I enjoyed this book, seeing Corin reestablish himself in his world. But I feel like a lot is left unexplored and he is setting a bad precedent of impulsive poorly thought through decisions.

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Title: The Dreams of a Dying God

Subtitle: The Godlanders War, Book 1

Author: Aaron Pogue

Narrator: Luke Daniels

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-11-14

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 457 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Book One of The Goldanders War trilogy. Previously published as Oberons Dreams.

Even for a charismatic pirate, three years is a long time to chase after an unimaginable treasure hidden in the ruins of an ancient city. But when the fabled riches turn out to be virtually worthless, the outraged crew mutinies and leaves their former captain for dead.

He is rescued by a mysterious king and transported back to a time of dwarves, druids, and fairies. Enchanting as it is, though, his only wish is to return home and find justice - but only the king has the power to return him...for a price.

Aided by a new and motley group of mystical creatures and misfits, he sets out on his quest, ultimately getting caught up in a war he wants nothing to do with - and in the process changing the course of history itself.

The Dreams of a Dying God is an action-packed, richly imagined adventure fantasy from the author of The Dragonprince trilogy.

Members Reviews:

It wasn't that bad, but I didn't finish listening

I must be getting overly picky. It's not that this book was terrible, it's just that it wasn't that good, and I have a lot of books with a lot more potential in my library.

I used to think that a great narration could save any book, but that no longer seems to be the case. Luke Daniels does a good job as always... but it was perhaps too good. I thought the main character was an arrogant jackass, and Daniels made him even more so.

I had a hard time putting my finger on what bothered me about this book, and the best description I can come up with is that it was watery. The dialogue sloshed back and forth with empty banter, and the language was over-the-top flowery. I realize this was an attempt at world building and style, but it came off as awkward and unnatural. The characters were also thin and stereotypical.

I made it halfway through the book before I decided to switch to something else. I may someday go back and give it another chance, or maybe I'll buy the Kindle version so I can skim through the parts that make me roll my eyes. It's an interesting world and interesting storyline, but where some books and narrations merge together to create something great, this one just barely made it to mediocre.

The real thrill is the ending

I see one of the most highly ranked reviews - the listener did not even finish the story. I can see where they come from in the beginning. There is a bit of stereotyping, and it sometimes feels like you're waiting for the whole point of it all, with not much hint as to if there is a point at all.

Not finishing this listen is a mistake though. The whole world of questions and aimless loose ends gets neatly tied together once the big picture is explained. And by the end of the book, you realize this series aspires to much more than it leads on in the first half. When I finished, I instantly bought the next books in the series.

Maybe it struggles to be entirely captivating in the beginning. But there is no question I did eventually get hooked, and I really enjoyed what I got out of it after everything was said and done. So I'm not saying you can't find fault, but it is definitely a 5 stars and recommendation from me.

Interesting Hero, Imaginary Story

I really enjoyed Corin's character in this story. He was an interesting smartass that kept his head through a very convoluted adventure.

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Title: Instruments of War

Subtitle: The Warlock Sagas, Volume One

Author: Larry Correia

Narrator: Gabra Zackman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-04-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 217 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Makeda , Supreme Archdomina of House Balaash, is known throughout the Iron Kingdoms for her leadership of the mighty Skorne Empire, but it was not always so Before the coming of the Skorne Empire into the west, Makeda was little more than the second child of a great house, but through her will, determination, and adherence to the code of hoksune, she rose above all others.

For the first time the secrets of both Makeda and her people are revealed in the tale of their epic struggle for honor and survival in Instruments of War. A novella of the Iron Kingdoms.

Members Reviews:

Not like his first two series

Larry Correia is my favorite author, but this book isn't my cup of tea. That said, it is exciting, peppered with a bit of very dry humor, and vivid. The characters are consistent, and their motivations clear. I used to love this sword and sorcery kind of fantasy, but it's not my thing anymore. If you love the Monster Hunter series or the Grimnoir series (I have listened to them multiple times) this is nothing like them. I hate to be negative about my main man Correia, but the narrator wasn't awesome either. Her voice and delivery lacked vitality. I recommend the book if you are a fan of the genre or play Warmachine.

Pirates meets WarMachine, what's not to love?

Great story, well written and portrayed characters, great use of the world. A good experience for fans of fantasy, steam punk, and pirates.

Solid understanding for the Skorne

was great to understand the caste system and how skorne operates as a society at large

Excellent!

I have no idea what the Warmachine game stuff is all about that most of the other reviewers mentioned (apparently it's the universe this book originates from). I'm a fan of the author, though, and this book did not disappoint.

Better than I hoped

Any additional comments?

When it started I thought for sure the book would follow the same scattered storytelling format of "The Butcher of Khardov: The Warcaster Chronicles, Vol. Two." Luckily, Larry Correia kept the flash backs to a minimum and told a fairly epic story in a short time, glossing over un-necessary parts so that a quick, pulp-like story could be told.

I even found myself rooting for Makeda from time to time, which is hard since she is one of the bad guys in the Iron Kingdoms and comes from a despicable society.

Here's hoping a Trollblood-centric novel from the Hordes side of the Iron Kingdoms comes out and it is as well-written as this was. (Though a longer wouldn't be bad if the story needs it.) :)

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Title: The Realm Shift

Subtitle: Realm Shift Trilogy, Book 1

Author: James Somers

Narrator: J. T. Johnson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-21-13

Publisher: James Somers

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 11 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

The strangest thing about Ethan's first encounter with a demon was not that he could see it, but that the demon could not see him....Hunted by these malevolent spirits and the Warlord allied to them, Ethan struggles to stay alive in the midst of a growing rebellion within his homeland. As war erupts, he must flee to the white walled city of Emmanuel in order to fulfill the long held prophecy of Shaddai's Deliverer or die in the attempt. At Every turn, enemies, both seen and unseen, conspire to kill Ethan before he realizes and unleashes the awesome power of the Realm Shift.

Members Reviews:

Excellent Christian Fantasy!

This was a great Christian Fantasy! From the great character depth to exciting action, this one was very well done! The narration here was also excellent!

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Title: Romulus Buckle & the Engines of War

Subtitle: The Chronicles of the Pneumatic, Book 2

Author: Richard Ellis Preston

Narrator: Luke Daniels

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-19-13

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 213 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

The frozen wasteland of Snow World - known as Southern California before an alien invasion decimated civilization - is home to warring steampunk clans. Crankshafts, Imperials, Tinskins, Brineboilers, and many more all battle one another for precious supplies, against ravenous mutant beasts for basic survival, and with the mysterious Founders for their very freedom.

Through this ruined world soars the Pneumatic Zeppelin, captained by the daring Romulus Buckle. In the wake of a nearly suicidal assault on the Founders' prison city to rescue key military leaders, both the steam-powered airship and its crew are bruised and battered. Yet there's little time for rest or repairs: Founders raids threaten to shatter the fragile alliance Buckle has risked everything to forge among the clans.

Even as he musters what seems a futile defense in the face of inevitable war, Buckle learns that the most mysterious clan of all is holding his long-lost sister in a secret base - and that she holds the ultimate key to victory over the Founders. But rescuing her means abandoning his allies and praying they survive long enough for there to be an alliance to return to.

Members Reviews:

Really Enjoying This Fun Series!

It's series like this one that make me fall in love with steampunk all over again. Romulus Buckle and the Engines of War continues the series, providing plenty of action/adventure, introducing new characters, and giving us more information on the dystopian Los Angeles world in which this is set. I'm reminded of great seafaring tales like Treasure island and Horatio Hornblower - with the action and adventure in the air rather than on the sea.

In this second book, Romulus sets out to discover who really attacked the Tehachapi stronghold - was it the Imperials or did the Founders have a hand in the action instead? For the land is in turmoil: rumors abound that the Founders are going to go all out in war - and the Crankshafts will need all the allies they can get. That is, unless one ally ends up being the daughter of Buckle's Imperial enemy. And along the way he is going to learn that all of the Crankshaft orphans have terrible secrets - including Romulus' sister Elizabeth. Cue krakens, sabretooth tigers, blizzards, air ship battles, explosions, and more!

There's a lot of male wish fulfillment here, as Buckle grapples with not two but now three nubile women on his ship as Valkyrie, daughter of the Imperial clean leader, is forced to join his crew. But that doesn't bother me in a book where the women give as good as they take. For once, every woman is on equal footing with their male counterparts and I just love that about the book. It's a book that is agreeable to both women and men (especially considering we have both male and female POVs).

While the first book was nearly non stop action, the second book takes its time to set up more world building, including intriguing hints about all the Crankshafts. We're also given a glimpse of more clans, their leaders, and some great foreshadowing to come. Each of those clans are really fun - from the Aztec inspired 'snakeheads' to the pseudoGerman Imperials.

There really is so much inventiveness in this series.

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Title: The Dragonswarm

Subtitle: The Dragonprice Trilogy, Book 2

Author: Aaron Pogue

Narrator: Cameron Beierle

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-16-13

Publisher: Books In Motion

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 82 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

The Kingdom of the Sarianne teeters on the brink. While its tyrant king plays out his petty vendettas, rebellion foments on the edges of his domain. Politics and power struggles gamble civilization on the tides of war. Yet war is not the greatest threat to civilization. A far older enemy rises. The dragons are waking and these fiends of Chaos will swarm across the world of men, razing it to bedrock, just as they have done in ages past. But this time, the world of men has a champion in Daven Carrickson.

Once a beggar and still a fugitive from the king's justice, Daven is also a hero with unrivaled powers. A brush with one of the deadly dragons left him forever bonded to the beast and able to tap into the ever-shifting maelstrom of Chaos that roils beneath man's fragile reality. It is a dangerous connection, one that threatens to consume him. Can he pay even that ultimate price if it means the salvation of humanity?

Members Reviews:

great book

this book started slow. I had trouble remembering what happened in the previous book. It didn't pick up, it jumped off a mountain. Great story, can't wait for the next.

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Title: Emperor of Thorns

Subtitle: The Broken Empire, Book 3

Author: Mark Lawrence

Narrator: Joe Jameson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 4 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-03-13

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 147 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Lawrence brings the Broken Empire series to its devastating conclusion.

The path to the throne is broken - only the broken can walk it. The world is cracked and time has run through, leaving us clutching at the end days. These are the days that have waited for us all our lives. These are my days. I will stand before the Hundred and they will listen. I will take the throne no matter who stands against me, living or dead, and if I must be the last emperor then I will make of it such an ending.

This is where the wise man turns away. This is where the holy kneel and call on God. These are the last miles, my brothers. Don't look to me to save you. Run if you have the wit. Pray if you have the soul. Stand your ground if courage is yours. But don't follow me. Follow me, and I will break your heart.

Critic Reviews:

"Dark and relentless, Prince of Thorns will pull you under and drown you in story. A two-in-the-morning page turner. Absolutely stunning... jaw-dropping" (Robin Hobb)

Members Reviews:

Verry good

Was a little short on action in the end but, it was a superb ending to the series..

A good, dark and original story.

I just wish there was more, but then again I feel as though it finished just the way it was supposed to. Definitely recommended, it's well worth listening to.

A disappointing ending to a great saga.

I can't say that I enjoyed the final chapter of the Broken Empire trilogy. While I found the first two books absolutely fantastic, this third one falls completely short of the expectations I had.

It feels like the author is beating around the bush most of the time and then dumps a rather quick and unsatisfying ending based around a twist I saw coming from a mile away.

I devoured the first two books, but this one took me forever to complete. Again a great performance by Joe Jameson, but he alone cannot fix the disappointment that was this book.

Good listen but disappointing ending

Any additional comments?

The story follows from the previous books. Sometimes the flipping back between the present and the past seems excessive. Most of the loose ends are tied together. The ending was broadcast well in advance. It didn't quite happen as I would have expected (which was that Jorg's convictions were manipulating reality to produce the dead king, especially since the guilt of hanging in the thorn bush and not saving his brother/mother is an underlying issue throughout the series). In the end the actual ending was a bit deficient. and the equality of dream and reality doesn't quite explain how the link between conviction and reality is 'fixed' at the end.

In any case the book is worth listening to, especially after the other books.

Surprisingly good

Series started poorly. The book overly and uncomfortably and too realistically focused on the brutality and misery of defenceless children and random murder. However by the end of the series it all made a point. This series is definitely above average and worth the read. Perhaps this author will be worth future consideration in any new series.