Get Most Popular Full Audiobooks in Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

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Title: Child of the Prophecy

Subtitle: Sevenwaters, Book 3

Author: Juliet Marillier

Narrator: Heather O'Neill

Format: Unabridged

Length: 22 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-27-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 422 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Magic is fading... and the ways of Man are driving the Old Ones to the West, beyond the ken of humankind. The ancient groves are being destroyed, and if nothing is done, Ireland will lose its essential mystic core. The prophecies of long ago have foretold a way to prevent this horror, and it is the Sevenwaters clan that the spirits of Eire look to for salvation. They are a family bound into the lifeblood of the land, and their promise to preserve the magic has been the cause of great joy to them... as well as great sorrow.

It is up to Fianne, daughter of Niamh, the lost sister of Sevenwaters, to solve the riddles of power. A shy child of a reclusive sorcerer, she finds that her way is hard: She is the granddaughter of the wicked sorceress Oonagh, who has emerged from the shadows and seeks to destroy all that Sevenwaters has striven for. Oonagh will use Fianne most cruelly to accomplish her ends, and stops at nothing to see her will done. Will Fianne be strong enough to battle this evil and save those she has come to love?

Members Reviews:

Continued great writing, jarring change...

In narration.

Each of these books has had a different narrator. I cannot emphasize enough the need for continuity when producing a series in audio. It's really jarring when the narrator 'mispronounces' the names of people or places which we've become accustomed to.

Still, Juliet Marillier's writing holds my attention. I love this series.

sooo dark a story...

i must admit i am barely through half of this book. with the first two books i could not wait for the next, this one i'm not so sure about. i'm apprehensive about the dark, unsettling feeling i get as i listen.

i do not care for books that have so intensely manipulative main characters, that use their own dark evilness as the force behind their desire. there is not enough 'good' in this book so far to out way the unease that grips me as i listen. although i keep listening in hopes that the light will soon overcome the darkness.

regardless of how well written or how talented the author, i do not want books that leave me unsettled in my spirit. there is enough of that in the world without intentionally taking it in through fiction.

there are things about this book that disturb me, though you do get glimpses of hope, and almost certainly you think you know that in the end 'right' will surpass 'wrong', and all will be well at the end.

now, about what i've read so far...i can't believe after the first two books, that the main female character, although young, is so naive to the point of stupid. infact, i feel angry at the author for making her this way. and the way no one tells anybody else what is going on, always to the detriment of family and loved ones is beyond belief! i hate 'stupid' ! so many secrets, so many lies and deceptions. with such history of how this does not work for them, you'd think they'd learn by now.

i can't believe the author doesn't smarten up her characters a little. the story would be so much better if those with 'powers' were to communicate or use these powers to get where they're going with a little more intelligence.

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Title: The Chaos Curse

Subtitle: Forgotten Realms The Cleric Quintet, Book 5

Author: R. A. Salvatore

Narrator: Victor Bevine

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-27-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 450 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

The prequel series to The Ghost King comes to an explosive end! Cadderly journeys home to the Edificant Library, hoping to rebuild his shattered life - but the chaos curse has one last surprise in store for him. Failure means the loss of his beloved Danica, success might usher in a new era for the followers of Denier.

Members Reviews:

Choppy and too quickly resolved

This was an anti-climactic ending to the series. Not at all what I was expecting. Too short and tried to fit in too many stories. I love Salvatore, but this was not one of his best.

Great series

Where does The Chaos Curse rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

This is another great book by R.A Salvator

Any additional comments?

At the end of this book u find out that Cadderly is building his own place .. Now if u read a certain book by R A Salvator u will find out how it turned out and how him and danaca end up..

Awesome story.

This is perhaps the best story i've ever heard. I found myself at times smiling, laughing, scowling, clenching fists, hoping, praying and yelling in my mine, trying to warn the heroes. And at times tearing up feeling real sorrow over heroes meeting their end. This story will catch up in it in a way, you've never known before. Both R. A. Salvatore and Victor Bavine tell a tail that truly transports you to another reality and you're richer for it.

classic!

very nice audio book. cadderly is one of my favorite hero! reader's voice is nice and the story is great!

Best of the five

I thought this was a great book, especially depicting a cleric. I was a little disappointed in the ending, but not enough to spoil the book.

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Title: Witch Wraith

Subtitle: The Dark Legacy of Shannara, Book 3

Author: Terry Brooks

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 41 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-16-13

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 625 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

From New York Times best-selling author Terry Brooks comes the final thrilling novel in a brand-new trilogy: The Dark Legacy of Shannara!

For centuries the Four Lands enjoyed freedom from its demon-haunted past, protected by magic-enhanced borders from the dark dimension known as the Forbidding and the profound evil imprisoned there. But now the unthinkable is happening: The ancient wards securing the barrier between order and mayhem have begun to erode - and generations of bloodthirsty, monstrous creatures, fueled by a rage thousands of years in the making, are poised to spill forth, seeking revenge for what was done to them.

Young Elf Arling Elessedil possesses the enchanted means to close the breach and once more seal the denizens of the Forbidding in their prison. But when she falls into the hands of the powerful Federations diabolical Prime Minister, her efforts may be doomed. Only her determined sister, Aphen, who bears the Elfstones and commands their magic, has any hope of saving Arling from the hideous fate her captor has in store. Meanwhile, Railing Ohmsford - desperate to save his imprisoned brother - seeks to discover if his famed but ill-fated ancestor Grianne is still alive and willing to help him save the world... no matter the odds or the consequences.

Members Reviews:

Great closing to a great series.

What did you love best about Witch Wraith?

This book was a great ending to a wonderful series, well, this particular trilogy, and you will not be disappointed. I have read many Terry Brooks books and even within this trilogy this one was pretty good.

What does Rosalyn Landor bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

She did a great job with changing characters and was pleasant to listen to.

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

No, sorry, I can't cry. Tear ducts were removed when I joined the Army. :P

Another Brooks favorite.

Would you consider the audio edition of Witch Wraith to be better than the print version?

Very much enjoyed Landors narration.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Aphen. True to the Druid hardships, life, gifts and spirit.

What about Rosalyn Landors performance did you like?

The ease in which she became each character.

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

I played it every moment I could! Beginning to end.

Any additional comments?

Very much a Terry Brooks fan and now a Rosalyn Landor fan.

Slow at first .....

Would you consider the audio edition of Witch Wraith to be better than the print version?

Yes, the print version was just moving too slow for me.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Yes, a review at the beginning of the book would have been helpful.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes, narration was good, lots of description

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

Not really.

Any additional comments?

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy Terry Brooks books. This story was just a little slow for me. I started with the book and stopped. I had to start again with the audio and once it got going it really took off. Thats why I can give it a 4 overall.

Book series was great, love the voice actress!

My husband and I had read almost everyone of Terrys books, this series was ok. I didnt like the deaths and you can guess what will happen next, most of the time.

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Title: The Magic of Recluce

Subtitle: Saga of Recluce, Book 1

Author: L. E. Modesitt Jr.

Narrator: Kirby Heyborne

Format: Unabridged

Length: 19 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-01-13

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1484 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Young Lerris is dissatisfied with his life and trade, and yearns to find a place in the world better suited to his skills and temperament. But in Recluce a change in circumstances means taking one of two options: permanent exile from Recluce or braving the dangergeld, a complex, rule-laden wanderjahr in the lands beyond Recluce, with the aim of learning how the world works and what his place in it might be. Many do not survive. Lerris chooses the dangergeld.

When Lerris is sent into intensive training for his quest, it soon becomes clear that he has a natural talent for magic. And he will need magic in the lands beyond, where the power of the Chaos Wizards reigns unchecked. Though it goes against all of his instincts, Lerris must learn to use his powers in an orderly way before his wanderjahr, or fall prey to Chaos.

Members Reviews:

Epic Fantasy

I read the first L. E. Modesitt's Recluse series when it first came out in the early 1990's since then15 additional titles have been added to the series.

If you enjoy Epic Fantasy over many long novels, then this series is for you (this novel alone is over 19 hours long).

The book is Narrated by Kirby Heyborne who does an excellent job of trying to read an difficult novel. Anyone who has listened to Lynsay Sands Argeneau vampire series will be recognise his name.

The audio issue is that the book has many written "sound effects" which when read one can partially ignore, but the narrator cannot do this in an unabbridged version. Although Kirby does a reasonable job with the "sound effects" they tend to destroy the flow a bit in the Audio version. The ideal audio version should have actual sound effects, but that would have mad it too costly to produce.

L. E. Modesitt's world and character building is excellent. The main character wears on you a bit as he seems fixed in his "eveything is boring" mode and his need to be spoon fed information at least at first . . . but slowly he learns and grows.

Even with the comments above i would highly recommend this book and the Recluse series.

I gave Kirby Heyborne's perforce 5 because i did not feel it was fair to lower his score because of the authors tendency to throw in sound effects every where eg clop, clop clop for horses. If i remember correctly sound effects were in italics in the printed version.

In the book the White (Chaos) wizards are the "bad guys" and the Island of Recluce is the home of the Black (Order) wizards. Anyone on Recluce that does not embrace Order is exiled or give a chance to learn to embrace Order by receiving a little training and then going on a dangergeld, a complex, rule-laden quest in the lands beyond Recluce . . . but all is not that cut and dry . . .

The Magic of Recluce follows the adventures of Lerris and several of the dangergeld group he trained with, trying to complete the dangergeld or at least come to terms with their exile

Slow....not quite epic

I found this book really slow and almost void of adventure. It was a good listen, but largely because I was always thinking, 'OK, now it is going to get interesting'. Being the first in a series, it is often tough for an author to lay down all of the ground work for the world, the history and the characters and then throw in a few things to make it interesting.

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Title: The Well of Shades

Subtitle: Bridei Chronicles, Book 3

Author: Juliet Marillier

Narrator: Michael Page

Format: Unabridged

Length: 21 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-13-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 270 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Juliet Marillier continues the epic fantasy begun with The Dark Mirror, which Interzone called: "A fascinating evocation of life in Pictish England and an emotional roller coaster of a story." King Bridei is a man with a mission. His wish to unite his kingdom seems almost within his grasp but there are forces working to undo his dream. He sends Faolan, his most trusted advisor (who is also a master assassin and spymaster) out into the world to ferret out the truth of who is friend and who is foe. Along the way Faolan will uncover many truths. Some may hold the key to Bridei's future. But more important, they may unlock the secrets that Faolan has held deep within his soul for decades. And offer him the chance of redemption.

Members Reviews:

Book 3 of Trilogy the best of all

The third book of this trilogy is an enjoyable, fantastic experience. It's a book that envelopes the listener into the story. The second book was good too. But I fear that some people won't get to either book 2 and 3 due to book 1, which was just okay.

Because there is a lot of "review" of previous back story written into books 2 and 3, a reader that isn't obsessed with reading the complete trilogy might do better just to skip book 1.

Strangely, with other author's trilogies, usually the first book is really good and the others will not be as interesting, but with this series, the writing got tighter, the plot more intricate, and the characters and story line deeper and more complex. It's a great story.

A bit of an "ick" factor for me about 2/3rds of the way into the storyline with the choice of the character Ella, and I started to wonder if this series was being written by a man . . .

I still wish there was a little bit more fine tuning in the description of the environment, physical character appearances or changes, and use of sensory descriptions to make the listener (reader) feel the story, but books 2 and 3 did improve on that in comparison to book 1.

Juliet Marillier, fast becoming a favorite author

really enjoyed this trilogy! very well written story, and Michael Page did a wonderful job narrating.

Best of the series.

I enjoyed all three of the books but think that this was definitely the best one.

As in the case of the seven waters series I am very sad to see this one come to an end.

Wish there were more.

A new all time favorite!

Any additional comments?

This trilogy has turned out to be one of my all time favorite tales ever told. Each book was better than the last and the ending could not have been more perfect. I fell in love with the characters, felt as if I really knew them, and was brought to tears by their joys and sorrows. What a beautiful journey these books take you on! I will be listening to them again and again over the years.

The narrator did an ok job with this book but his male voices for the younger men made them sound 50 or 60 years old.

a very good story well read and performed

a good story of the rewards and trials of keeping faith, of love. This the third and final book of the series, end wells. Overall a very good and entertaining read. would recommend the whole trilogy.

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Title: Stormdancer

Subtitle: The Lotus War, Book One

Author: Jay Kristoff

Narrator: Jennifer Ikeda

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-16-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 533 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

The first in an epic new fantasy series, introducing an unforgettable new heroine and a stunningly original dystopian steampunk world with a flavor of feudal Japan.

A Dying Land

The Shima Imperium verges on the brink of environmental collapse; an island nation once rich in tradition and myth, now decimated by clockwork industrialization and the machine-worshipers of the Lotus Guild. The skies are red as blood, the land is choked with toxic pollution, and the great spirit animals that once roamed its wilds have departed forever.

An Impossible Quest

The hunters of Shima's imperial court are charged by their Shogun to capture a thunder tiger - a legendary creature, half-eagle, half-tiger. But any fool knows the beasts have been extinct for more than a century, and the price of failing the Shogun is death.

A Hidden Gift

Yukiko is a child of the Fox clan, possessed of a talent that if discovered, would see her executed by the Lotus Guild. Accompanying her father on the Shoguns hunt, she finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in Shimas last wilderness, with only a furious, crippled thunder tiger for company. Even though she can hear his thoughts, even though she saved his life, all she knows for certain is hed rather see her dead than help her. But together, the pair will form an indomitable friendship, and rise to challenge the might of an empire.

Members Reviews:

Good first book, good listen

I read this book in print before buying the audio version, and enjoyed it immensely. Granted, it's not perfect, as it is the author's first book, but it was entertaining. Yes, the story does start to drag a bit about 3/4 of the way through, but not so much that I lost interest. Yes, the author does borrow elements from Chinese culture, not just Japanese. Yes, the author does perhaps use elements of the language incorrectly. But remember that this is a fantasy story, and as such does not need to be grounded in reality.

Jennifer Ikeda does an excellent job of the narration. At first, I was a bit concerned about her not being able to differentiate between characters well, but manages that well as I was never confused about who was speaking. She conveys their emotions just as well, and I think she is the perfect voice for Yukiko.

Overall, it's not perfect. But it was definitely worth the listen. It kept me absorbed and entertained, and I look forward to Book Two.

I think you should buy it and give it a chance.

I'll Have The Katanas With A Side Of Steampunk!

I've been away for a couple months due to a VERY hectic travel schedule, but I'm back to do a number of reviews, and I'll begin here.

Whenever a good writer, both new or seasoned, takes up the challenging task of creating a genre'-bending scifi and quasi-fantasy novel or series, and does so successfully, it's a beauty to behold. But, it CAN also be a MESS. We're talking dangerous waters. Slippery slopes. Career-ruining mistakes. We've all read and listened to such disasters.

Not worries here. This is a great listen, and it's not only designed well, it's WRITTEN well. Be prepared to be absorbed in this enjoyable listen, and overlook the minor errors to get the most out of the experience.

It's often so easy to look at an audiobook cover, title or brief description, and write off the author and his or her work as a "typical genre'" read/listen.

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Title: Myth Directions

Subtitle: Myth Adventures, Book 3

Author: Robert Asprin

Narrator: Noah Michael Levine

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-15-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 418 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

The beautiful Tanda wants the Trophy - and it's up to Skeeve to get it for her. The problem is, getting it will take more than luck. It will take all Skeeve's unproven magical talents, a scaly but clever Pervect, and a charming demon not above a little interdimensional thievery.

Members Reviews:

Great fun to listen to, Great for commute

We listen to these books during morning and afternoon commute. They are cute funny and we love the references at the start of each chapter.

great all around

highly recommended great story and the guy reading it is just wonderful at voices both my son and i loved it

Just, wow.

So amazing! I absolutely loved it! Third book in two days! Love the humour. Fantastic!

loved it!

It's awesome. The whole family enjoyed it. The reader was excellent and engaging. Must read.

Just as wonderful as the others!

Fantastic and fun as usual! If you are grinning at this series yet....well, its not for you! Witty and wondrous!

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Title: Another Fine Myth

Subtitle: Myth Adventures, Book 1

Author: Robert Asprin

Narrator: Noah Michael Levine

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-15-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 996 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Start at the beginning, in Another Fine Myth, as Skeeve, an apprentice wizard, meets the demon Aahz. Though it's not love, or even like at first sight they form a connection - saving their lives - between them. Follow them in Myth Conceptions, as Skeeve and Aahz test their talent when they decide to take on an entire army themselves and continue on in Myth Directions. Then Skeeve finds himself alone with his own apprentice applicant, a king, in Hit or Myth and must deal with a medieval Mob! In Myth-ing Persons living up to one's reputation can be murder. Can a Character Assassin who tries to discredit the team in Little Myth Marker break up the team for good?

Members Reviews:

Don't myth these adventures!

Out of all the books I read as a teen in the 80's, this is the one I was happiest to see to make it to audible. The wait has been long but worth it. If you ever read Stainless Steel Rat, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Disc World, or Xanth books, you will probably like this one, too. It is set along the lines of medieval times but bounces around many dimensions. The magic of this series is the trouble Aahz and Skeeve manage to get themselves into and out of. There is a lot of word play that is main source of the comedy and interaction. The part I always like best was all the weird and strange worlds and people that Aahz and Skeeve come across. Aahz is a little one dimensional, set in his ways and often falls back on his 'situational ethics'. Skeeve is little more well rounded as he comes into his own, showing a range of emotions and the goodness of his heart. How Skeeve could have ever became a thief, is beyond me, as he always feels guilt towards those he feels he has wronged.

The narrator does a good job, but I always imagined Skeeve with a little younger sounding voice, but after listening for a bit, that was soon forgotten. He gives all the main characters a unique voice that make listening enjoyable and easy to follow along.

So Much Fun!!

Noah Michael Levine was a new to me narrator and he was wonderful for this book I would definitely listen to him againin fact I will listen to him again because I plan on listening to this whole series! But I would listen to him narrate other books too. He has a great range of voices, inflections and accents even though one character does sound like Sean Connery I didnt care this narrator is the perfect fit for this book!

Oh this was so much fun! These books had been recommended to me years ago and have been languishing away on my TBR list since then, when I saw on audible that they were finally available on audio I jumped at the chance to give them a try, and now have another series to listen to 18 books I could go broke but this one was so much fun I must listen to more!

I loved all the characters in this book, I appreciated that the author let readers get to know them as they got to know each other it was a great bonding experience with the characters. I enjoyed the humor and frivolity and also the great story.

Skeeve is a magicians apprentice, when his master is killed he ends up being an apprentice to a demon named Aahz as they bounce between dimensions to try to get Aahz back to his own dimension and restore his magical abilities and get revenge for Skeeves masters death. Along the way they meet so many great characters.

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Title: The Line of Illeniel

Subtitle: Mageborn, Book 2

Author: Michael G. Manning

Narrator: Todd McLaren

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-25-13

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 779 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Mordecai has discovered his heritage and must take up the mantle of a lord of the realm, while figuring out what it really means to be a mage of the line of Illeniel. He is beset on both sides by allies and enemies trying to control or destroy his future. Gods and kings both seek to manipulate him for their own ends, and no matter what he chooses his loved ones will suffer. Will he risk destroying his love with a bond that might be her death, or face the madness that comes to wizards who embrace power without restraint?

Members Reviews:

Good Read

The characters are evolving nicely. They are becoming a likable bunch that makes you want to root for the underdog.

Very good

simple but we'll crafted. Read it or listen, worth the time for me.. Even though it is obviously a middle book in series, it had a beginning and end that was satisfying.

This was an amazing book. Couldn't stop listening!

Absolutely loved it! I usually only listen to my audiobooks while driving but this was the first book I had to take inside lol. It was absolutely amazing!

Better than the first

Thank god every 5 minutes there wasn't a thought from the heretic in this book that part of the first book almost made me not want to finish it but it was good but this one was definitely better

just plan good

I'm enjoying this series very much. a complete story that leaves you wanting more. moving on to book 3.

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Title: The King's Blood

Subtitle: The Dagger and the Coin, Book 2

Author: Daniel Abraham

Narrator: Pete Bradbury

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-06-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1259 votes

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Fantasy: Epic

Publisher's Summary:

Acclaimed author Daniel Abrahams works have been nominated for the Hugo Award and the World Fantasy Award. In this compelling follow-up to The Dragons Path, Geder Palliako enjoys high social standing as protector to the crown prince of Antea - but a looming war threatens to change his way of life. Meanwhile, Cithrin bel Sarcour is counting her blessings: long under close surveillance, she hopes a battle will be the opportunity she needs to regain her freedom.

Members Reviews:

The Best Kept Secret in Epic Fantasy Continues

The priests have spiders in their blood.

They worship a goddess that has spend centuries in hiding, a spider who blesses them with the power to divine whether or not someone is lying, as well as the ability to speak truth. When you hear them, you believe despite the circumstances, or whether you have evidence to the contrary, you believe. And so what the priests say comes to pass. They are prophets, and theyre creating self-fulfilling prophecies. Probably.

Probably is whats important. Because what the priests are speaking isnt actually the truth. Its a belief made of sincerity, certainty, and absolute conviction. Even if its wrong.

If you havent checked out Daniel Abrahams The Dagger and the Coin series, you need to do that ASAP, starting with The Dragons Path. Its epic fantasy, and it does what it says on the tin its full of all the stuff we love about epic fantasy an incredible cast of characters, magic (albeit a very subtle magic), fantastical creatures, adventure, romance, and most surprisingly banking. And yet, it grapples with big ideas like forced belief and fundamentalism.

If youre looking for B&B (Battles & Badasses), theres some of that but the books are generally more subtle, and instead focus on whats really special about this series: the characters. Whether its ex-soldiers Marcus and Yardem waxing philosophical and theological while collecting a debt (like shades of Jules and Vincent from Pulp Fiction) or banking ingenue Cithrin meeting up with her old friends from an acting troupe, the characters feel like friends you havent seen in years, but when you reunite with them, its like no times gone by.

Not all of them are heroic some are monstrous, whether in actions or philosophy, but Abraham doesnt let us forget theyre humans too, and gets us to empathize with them far easier than we should. Dawson Kalliams class-warfare attitudes are despicable, yet the genuine affection he showers on his wife and children is endearing. Geder Palliako was bullied before his unpredictable rise to power, and so when he uses his newly gained positions to keep people from lying ot his face and taking advantage of him, we understand, despite his awful and barbaric actions.

The Dagger and the Coin is one of the best kept secrets in epic fantasy. Unfortunately, the audiobooks arent released until about 9 months or so after the print and eBooks come out (which seems to happen as often as not for Recorded Books)or maybe thats a good thing? Like The Dragons Path, I ended up reading this book, and then listening to it once the audio came out, right in time for The Tyrants Law (3 of this 5 book series). There are two reasons for this: 1) Daniel Abrahams series is just that good (I expect to revisit these books and characters many, many more times, and 2) Pete Bradburys narration gives an added gravity to the story thats phenomenal.